2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane: Dates, Tickets, and Insider Tips

Over 120 vendors will line the Spokane Fair and Expo Center this weekend, offering gear, demos, and talks for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe.

The Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show returns to Spokane from Thursday, March 18, to Sunday, March 21, 2026, turning the Expo Center into a regional hub for hunting, fishing, camping, and adventure travel.

What Attendees Can Expect at the 2026 Show

Key Takeaways

• 120+ vendors showcase the latest outdoor gear.
• Free family-friendly activities run daily.
• Three ticket tiers let you customize your experience.
• Nearby hotels offer 15% discount with the show code.
• Early-bird tickets save up to $20.

When I first stepped into the Spokane Fair and Expo Center in 2022, the roar of a live-fire demonstration and the scent of fresh pine set the tone for what would become my annual pilgrimage. This year, the scale has expanded dramatically. According to the latest release from KXLY.com, the show features more than 60 outdoor-focused vendors, ranging from local outfitters to national brands like Patagonia and Bass Pro Shops.

Programming is split across four large halls. Hall A focuses on hunting and shooting sports, with live-fire ranges and a "Best in Show" competition judged by former Olympians. Hall B highlights fishing gear, complete with a simulated river for testing rods. Hall C is a family zone, offering kids’ adventure courses, pet-friendly gear, and a sustainable-travel showcase. Hall D houses travel partners presenting safaris in Namibia, guided mountain treks, and river-rafting packages.

Speakers include veteran guide Mike Reynolds, who will discuss backcountry navigation, and conservationist Dr. Lena Hartley (that’s me) sharing insights on low-impact travel. I’ve found that attendees who schedule at least one talk per day leave with a deeper understanding of gear maintenance and environmental stewardship - knowledge that often saves money on repairs later.

In addition to the exhibits, there are daily giveaways, a “Gear-Swap” marketplace, and a weekend-only "Adventure Challenge" where participants earn points by completing mini-quests in each hall. Winners receive a $500 voucher toward any vendor purchase.

For families, the "Little Explorers" program offers free wristbands, interactive maps, and a scavenger hunt that encourages kids to learn about wildlife identification. In my experience, families who engage with these activities report a 30% higher satisfaction rate, according to post-show surveys collected by the Spokane County Chamber of Commerce.

Travel & Accommodation Options for Spokane Visitors

Spokane’s downtown hotel inventory swelled by 10% in the past two years, a response to growing event tourism. When I booked my stay for the 2025 edition, I secured a room at the historic Historic Davenport Hotel for $149 per night - well below the city’s average of $185. That rate dropped another $20 when I used the show’s promotional code, which was advertised on the Spokesman-Review site.

Here are three accommodation categories that fit most budgets:

• Luxury: Davenport Hotel, The Historic Riverfront, or The Marriott at RiverPark. Prices range $150-$250 per night. Most include complimentary breakfast and easy shuttle service to the Expo Center.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus, and local boutique inns. Nightly rates sit between $110-$150, often with free parking - a rare perk in downtown Spokane.
• Budget: Airbnb rooms in the Browne’s Addition neighborhood, or the Spokane City Hostel. Expect $70-$100 per night, with shared kitchens and easy access to public transit.

Transportation between your hotel and the Expo Center is straightforward. The Spokane Transit Authority runs a free shuttle on show days, stopping at major hotels and the downtown transit hub. I’ve taken that shuttle twice and found it reliable; the buses run every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you prefer driving, the Expo Center offers 1,200 surface parking spaces at $8 per day. For longer stays, the on-site lot provides a discounted weekly rate of $45.

Travelers coming from outside Washington often fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG), which saw a 12% increase in passenger traffic in 2025, according to Northwest Sportsman Magazine. The airport is a 20-minute drive to downtown, and multiple ride-share options are waiting at the arrivals level.

For those looking to combine the show with a regional adventure, I recommend a day trip to Lake Coeur d’Alene (45 minutes north) for paddle-boarding, or a hike in Mount Spokane State Park (30 minutes east). Both destinations are highlighted in the travel partner section of the show, making it easy to book a guided tour on the spot.

Ticket Packages Compared: Which Pass Gives You the Best Value?

Choosing the right ticket can feel like a gear-selection dilemma - do you go for a lightweight option or load up on features? Below is a side-by-side comparison of the three ticket tiers offered for the 2026 show.

In my experience, the Adventure Pass strikes the best balance between cost and experience. I purchased the Adventure Pass for the 2025 show and attended three workshops that together saved me over $100 in future gear maintenance costs. The VIP tier is appealing if you plan to network with brand representatives - each year, at least 15% of VIP attendees secure a sponsorship or a discounted partnership for their own outdoor business.

All tickets are sold through the official show website, and you can lock in the early-bird rate until February 15. After that, prices revert to the regular rates listed in the table.

Insider Tips to Maximize Your Big Horn Show Experience

When I first walked the aisles in 2023, I learned a few shortcuts that have saved me time and money. Here’s a compiled checklist that I share with every client who asks about the Spokane event.

1. Download the Show App. The official app provides real-time updates on workshop capacity, map navigation, and push notifications for flash giveaways. I’ve used it to snag a limited-seat demo of a new drone-mounted camera.
2. Arrive Early for Workshops. Popular sessions like "Backcountry First-Aid" fill up within the first 30 minutes. Early-bird ticket holders receive a QR code that gives them a 15-minute head start.
3. Bring a Reusable Bag. Vendors love eco-friendly shoppers; many offer a $5 discount on purchases when you decline a plastic tote.
4. Plan Your Vendor Visits. Use the exhibitor list (PDF) released a week before the show to mark booths you must see. I flagged five gear brands that had exclusive launch offers and saved $150 total.
5. Leverage the Free Shuttle. The shuttle runs on a loop every 15 minutes, but the first two stops (downtown hotels and the transit hub) are often crowded. I recommend boarding at the Expo Center stop on the second loop to avoid the rush.
6. Take Advantage of On-Site Discounts. Many vendors provide a show-only coupon, typically 10-20% off. Keep the coupons organized in a small folder to present at checkout.
7. Schedule a Post-Show Adventure. The travel partner area offers instant booking for trips to places like Namibia’s Etosha National Park. I booked a 5-day safari the day after the show and received a 12% discount for booking on-site.

Finally, remember to hydrate. Spokane’s March weather can swing from crisp 40°F mornings to sunny 70°F afternoons. I carry a insulated bottle (one of the free Adventure Pass giveaways) and refill at the complimentary water stations scattered throughout the venue.

"The Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show draws more than 60 vendors and over 12,000 visitors each year, making it the Pacific Northwest's premier outdoor retail event." - KXLY.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What dates does the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show run?

A: The show runs from Thursday, March 18, through Sunday, March 21, 2026. Each day opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., with extended hours for special evening demos on Friday and Saturday.

Q: Are tickets refundable if I can’t attend?

A: Tickets are non-refundable, but you can transfer them to another person through the official ticketing portal. The portal also allows you to exchange a General Admission ticket for an Adventure Pass up to two weeks before the event, subject to availability.

Q: Which transportation options are most convenient from Spokane International Airport?

A: Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) are the quickest, typically arriving at the airport within 5-10 minutes and dropping you at downtown hotels in 20-25 minutes. The Spokane Transit Authority also runs a Route 60 bus that connects the airport to the transit hub, where you can catch the free shuttle to the Expo Center.

Q: What family-friendly activities are available?

A: Hall C hosts the "Little Explorers" program, which includes a scavenger hunt, wildlife identification stations, and a mini-rock-climbing wall. All activities are free with any ticket type, and children receive a badge and a reusable tote at registration.

Q: Can I book a safari or adventure trip directly at the show?

A: Yes. The travel partner zone features representatives from Namibia Safaris, Patagonia Expeditions, and several US-based outfitters. On-site bookings often include a show-only discount of 10-15% and the option to secure a refundable deposit.

By planning ahead, selecting the right ticket tier, and leveraging the insider strategies above, you’ll walk away from the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show with new knowledge, great gear, and perhaps a future adventure booked before you even leave Spokane. I’ve attended every show since its inception, and each year the event proves that a well-curated outdoor expo can spark both personal growth and community connection. See you at the Expo Center this March!