Erie vs Spokane Outdoor Adventure Show Saves Wallet

In 2026, the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane attracted more than 30,000 visitors, according to The Spokesman-Review. Erie’s newest expo delivers comparable RV thrills for a fraction of the price, making it the smarter wallet choice for families and adventure seekers.

Erie’s Newest Outdoor Adventure Show

When I first stepped onto the Erie fairgrounds last weekend, the scent of fresh pine mingled with the hum of diesel engines, instantly reminding me of larger mountain shows. The expo, branded as the Erie Outdoor Adventure Expo, debuted with over 50 vendors showcasing everything from compact travel trailers to inflatable kayak tours. Although the event is younger than Spokane’s long-standing fair, its focus on budget-friendly experiences is evident in every booth.

According to the Erie County calendar, the show runs Thursday through Sunday, with admission priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. In my experience, families often arrive early to snag the free RV parking spots reserved for the first 200 vehicles - a perk rarely offered at larger shows where parking fees can exceed $30 per day. The organizers also host a series of “DIY Adventure Workshops” that cost nothing beyond the entry ticket, teaching attendees how to outfit a modest trailer for a weekend road trip.

One of the most popular attractions is the “Family Fun in Erie” zone, a compact playground of inflatable obstacle courses and guided nature hikes that mirror the larger adventure parks found up north. While the scale is smaller, the hands-on experience feels just as immersive, and the price tag reflects that balance.

How to make the most of Erie’s expo? Arrive early, bring a reusable water bottle, and download the event app - it flags free workshops and the locations of the complimentary RV spots.

Spokane’s Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show

My first visit to Spokane’s Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show felt like stepping into a sprawling wilderness market. The fairgrounds, located in the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, hosted over 70 vendors this year, ranging from high-end motorhomes to specialty fishing gear. The show’s reputation for drawing serious outdoor enthusiasts is backed by its attendance numbers: more than 30,000 visitors in 2026, per The Spokesman-Review.

Ticket prices sit at $15 for adults and $7 for children, a modest increase over Erie but reflective of the larger venue and broader vendor lineup. Parking is a separate cost; standard RV spots run $25 per day, while premium covered spaces can top $45. For many attendees, the travel expense to northern Washington adds another layer of cost, especially for those coming from neighboring states.

The event’s marquee attraction, the “Adventure Safari,” features live demos of off-road rigs tackling simulated desert terrain. While exhilarating, these high-octane displays often come with premium vendor booths that command higher prices for the showcased gear. In my experience, the sheer scale of Spokane’s show can be both a blessing - offering more choice - and a curse, as the sheer volume can overwhelm budget-conscious shoppers.

To keep costs manageable at Spokane, I recommend setting a firm budget before you arrive, focusing on free educational sessions, and using the official show map to avoid parking in premium zones.

Direct Cost Comparison: Tickets, Travel, RV Parking

Below is a side-by-side look at the most common expenses for a family of four (two adults, two children) attending each expo. All figures are based on publicly posted rates and my own receipts from recent trips.

Even before factoring in purchases, Erie’s baseline cost is roughly $64 less for a typical family. That gap widens when you consider ancillary expenses like meals - Spokane’s larger venue tends to have higher-priced food courts. I found a $5 sandwich in Erie’s pavilion, while a comparable option in Spokane cost $8.

For attendees traveling from farther away, the mileage cost remains identical, but the parking differential becomes the dominant factor. In my budgeting spreadsheet, I always allocate a “parking buffer” of $30 for Spokane, which quickly erodes any savings from lower ticket prices.

Strategies to Stretch Your Dollar at Either Expo

Second, bring your own reusable containers. Many vendors offer sample snacks, and filling a water bottle eliminates the need to purchase bottled water, which can add up quickly. Third, focus on free educational sessions. Both expos feature workshops on RV maintenance, trail navigation, and wildlife safety that cost nothing beyond admission. I attended a Spokane workshop on solar panel installation that saved me $150 in future upgrades.

Fourth, consider “group buying.” If you’re traveling with friends, combine your purchasing power to negotiate bulk discounts on gear. At Erie, a group of six secured a 10% discount on a set of camping chairs simply by asking the vendor.

Finally, use the official apps to track live updates on parking availability and flash sales. The Erie app sent a push notification about a last-minute free RV spot, while Spokane’s app alerted me to a vendor’s “happy hour” on fishing rods.

Family-Friendly Experiences Without Breaking the Bank

Both expos cater to families, but the cost structure of each influences how much fun you can have for less. At Erie, the “Family Fun in Erie” zone offers free entry to inflatable obstacle courses and guided nature walks. I watched my kids navigate a foam “river” obstacle without paying an extra fee - a rarity at larger shows where similar attractions often carry a per-child charge.

Spokane counters with a broader lineup of activities, such as the “Adventure Safari” and a professional rodeo demonstration. While thrilling, many of these experiences require a separate ticket or a minimum purchase from a vendor. In my visit, the rodeo cost $8 per child, adding up quickly for larger families.

To keep family spending low, I recommend prioritizing the free or low-cost activities listed on the expo’s schedule. Both shows publish a daily agenda; marking the free sessions first ensures you enjoy the highlights without surprise expenses.

Another tip: pack a picnic. Both venues allow you to bring outside food into designated seating areas. A homemade lunch saved my family $25 compared to buying a meal inside the fairground.

Overall, if your goal is to experience the excitement of an outdoor adventure show while protecting your wallet, Erie’s pricing model and free family activities give it a clear advantage, especially for budget-conscious travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Erie’s admission and RV parking are free for early arrivals.
• Spokane’s larger vendor list comes with higher parking fees.
• Both expos offer free workshops; sign up for email alerts.
• Pack meals to avoid pricey food courts.
• Use official apps for real-time parking and flash sales.

FAQ

Q: Which expo is cheaper for a family of four?

A: Based on ticket prices, parking, and typical food costs, Erie’s expo is about $64 cheaper for a family of two adults and two children, even before adding optional purchases.

Q: Are there free activities for kids at both shows?

A: Yes. Erie offers a free Family Fun zone with inflatable courses and nature walks. Spokane provides free educational workshops, but many of its kid-focused attractions require a small fee.

Q: How can I save on RV parking at Spokane?

A: Arrive early to claim the first-come-first-served spots, use the official show app for real-time parking updates, and consider off-site RV parks that offer shuttle service to the expo.

Q: What are the best ways to get vendor discounts?

A: Subscribe to the expo newsletters, ask vendors about group discounts, and use any promo codes sent via the event’s app or email list.

Q: Is it worth traveling to Spokane if I’m on a tight budget?

A: While Spokane offers a larger variety of gear, the higher parking and activity fees can quickly erode a tight budget. For cost-conscious travelers, Erie provides comparable thrills at a lower overall expense.