Now in the Northwest: Your August Guide to Can’t-Miss Festivals & Fairs
Jul 22, 2026, 5:48 PM
Northwest Travel Life
Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.
Summer isn’t over yet. In fact, August might be one of the Northwest’s best months to hit the road. County fairs, rodeos and Scottish games fill small towns with local traditions, while mural festivals, air shows and maritime celebrations bring big energy to city streets. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for a reason to explore somewhere new, these events offer a memorable way to experience the Northwest.
WASHINGTON
Seafair Weekend Festival | Aug. 1-3 | Bellevue
“Established in 1950, Seafair Weekend is the culmination of the Seafair Festival—a summer-long celebration of Seattle’s maritime heritage and vibrant community spirit. Traditionally held over the first weekend of August, the festival attracts thousands of spectators with its dynamic lineup of events.”
Learn more at visitbellevue.com/events/annual-events/seafair-festival.
Spokane Scottish Highland Games | Aug. 1 | Spokane
“Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of Scottish culture, music, athletics, dancing, and family fun. Explore clan tents, Celtic vendors, demonstrations, and live entertainment throughout the day. With affordable admission and free parking, the Spokane Scottish Highland Games is an event you don’t want to miss!”
Learn more at spokanehighlandgames.net.
Pierce County Fair | Aug. 13-16 | Graham
A community tradition since 1947, this county fair has all the traditional things: livestock and 4-H exhibits, market auctions, carnival rides, food and live music. The entertainment is a full-day, multi-day schedule of comedians, up-and-coming bands and headliner shows including Lynyrd Skynard.
Learn more at piercecountyfair.com.
Noisy Waters Mural Festival | Aug. 14-16 | Bellingham
“For three days, muralists paint original works on 8’×8’ panels while the public watches the process unfold. By Sunday, the community votes and three artists earn commissions to paint permanent murals across Bellingham’s public spaces. The artists you see painting at Noisy Waters aren’t just competing—they’re shaping Bellingham’s visual landscape.”
Learn more at noisywatersmuralfest.com.
OREGON
Deschutes County Fair | July 29-Aug 1 | Redmond
“With championship Rodeo, top name concerts, animals, carnival rides, cotton candy and corn dogs, along with shopping, exhibits, and food; this is the one event you do not miss!”
Learn more at expo.deschutes.org/p/fair.
Junction City Scandinavian Festival | Aug. 5-8 | Junction City
“The Scandinavian Festival is hosted by the Scandinavian Cultural Foundation of Junction City (SCF). It was established in 1961 and has become a signature event for the local area. The Festival is free for visitors and is always the second Thursday-Sunday in August. During the event, many local nonprofits participate as vendors, so you can support the community with your visit!”free, and various performances are featured throughout all four days.
Learn more at junctioncityscandia.org.
PDX Adult Soapbox Derby | Aug. 15 | Portland
“The big Portland SoapBox Derby returns this August! Participants ride down Mt Tabor in hot dogs, ears of corn, muppet cars, and more while a huge Portland crowd cheers them on. Who’s ready to ride down Mt Tabor? And if your participated in the race before, tell us what it was like! Inquiring minds want to know.”
Learn more at soapboxracer.org.
Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival | Aug. 6-9 | Fort Hall
“The Shoshone-Bannock Festival in Fort Hall Idaho is a top-rated powwow complete with traditional Native American dancing, singing and arts and crafts. Thousands of Native Americans from all over North America compete in singing and dance competitions featuring some of the top dancers and drum groups in North America.”
Learn more at shobanfestival.com.
Sandpoint Rodeo | Aug. 6-7 | Sandpoint
“2 nights of action packed fun in Sandpoint Idaho. Gates open at 6, show starts at 7:30. Get your tickets early at Bonner County Fairgrounds website.”
Learn more at sandpointbonnercountyrodeo.com.
MONTANA
Yellowstone International Air Show | Aug. 22-23 | Billings
“Everything under the Big Sky. The Yellowstone International Air Show is a two-day spectacle of aviation and patriotism—headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels celebrating 80 years & America 250th.”
Learn more at yellowstoneairshow.com.
Summer SLAM Festival | Aug. 8-9 | Bozeman
“Bluebelly Junction proudly announces a SLAM Festival appearance on Sunday, August 6th at 4pm. Join us in Bogert Park as we celebrate local artist, musicians, cuisine, and community.”
Learn more at slamfestivals.org/summer-festival.html.
WYOMING
Mountain Man Days | Aug. 8-9 | Savery
“Join us for Mountain Man Days, a celebration of Wyoming’s rich mountain heritage, frontier traditions, and the enduring spirit of those who explored, worked, and lived among the mountains. This special event offers a unique opportunity to experience history through hands-on workshops, demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and stories that bring the past to life.”
Learn more at littlesnakerivermuseum.com.
Wyoming BBQ and Bluegrass Festival | Aug. 14-15 | Worland
“Each year, the 3rd weekend in August, over 25 BBQ teams compete at our festival in Worland, Wyo. for prizes totaling $15,000! This event draws nearly 2000 spectators with events including a 5k, live music, pancake breakfast, BBQ competition and more.”
Learn more at wyobbqandbluegrass.com.
To see more events like this, check out our Calendar
