8 Idaho Family Events & Fall Fun | October 9

Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? October 9–11 brings sheep in the streets of Ketchum, costumes in Meridian and Parma, local markets, and monster trucks. There are options for a quick outing close to home or a full day exploring somewhere different.

Here are eight Idaho family events to consider, followed by a few more seasonal ideas. Times are local to each event: Hayden uses Pacific Time; the other featured locations use Mountain Time. Check the linked event details before heading out, especially for tickets, weather updates, and changes.

1. Trailing of the Sheep Festival | Hailey and Ketchum

This Wood River Valley tradition is a chance to see Idaho’s sheep-ranching heritage up close. For families, two highlights are Saturday’s Folklife Fair, with sheep-shearing demonstrations, music, dancing, and children’s fiber crafts, and Sunday’s Big Sheep Parade down Main Street.

Saturday, October 10: Folklife Fair, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey. Admission is free.
Sunday, October 11: Big Sheep Parade at noon on Main Street in Ketchum. Free to watch.
Plan ahead: Leave dogs at home for the parade, keep children beside you, and watch from the curb so the sheep have room to pass. Other festival activities may require tickets.

See Trailing of the Sheep details · Official festival schedule

2. Idaho Renaissance Faire: Festival of Fools | Meridian

Pull out a costume and spend a day with performers, vendors, and a little Renaissance-style silliness. This year’s Festival of Fools theme invites harlequin outfits, juggling, tumbling, and a costume contest.

When: Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. both days.
Where: 6054 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian.
Admission: Ages 0–8 are free; ages 9 and older are $15 per day. A separate ticket is needed for each day.

See Renaissance Faire details · Official tickets and visitor rules

3. Eagle Harvest Fest | Eagle

Downtown Eagle offers a mix of children’s games and activities, live music, food vendors, and market shopping. Blacksmith demonstrations and a special Idaho Liberty Bell visit add a little variety to the day.

When: Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 185 E. State Street, and the surrounding downtown area.
Good to know: Expect event-related street closures and allow time to park. Budget separately for food and shopping.

See Eagle Harvest Fest details · City of Eagle announcement

4. New Leaf Fall Festival | Hayden

New Leaf Nursery’s three-day community festival brings together fall activities, food, vendors, and family entertainment. Free activities include bounce houses and community art; some activities and purchases cost extra.

When: Friday, October 9, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. All times Pacific.
Where: New Leaf Nursery, 12655 N. Government Way, Hayden.
Admission: Free entry. Activity schedules vary, so check the nursery’s updates if your family has a particular activity in mind.

See New Leaf Fall Festival details · Nursery’s current dates and hours

5. Middleton Fall Bazaar | Middleton

For a more relaxed outing, browse handmade goods, seasonal decorations, gifts, and local treats. The Middleton Chamber of Commerce’s fall bazaar brings makers and food trucks together at the middle school.

When: Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Middleton Middle School gym and cafeteria, 511 W. Main Street.
Good to know: No visitor registration is required. Admission pricing was not specified in the announcement. Use 511 W. Main Street; the organizer specifically cautions against the incorrect 606 W. Main Street address.

See Middleton Fall Bazaar details and organizer link

6. Parma Witches Bike Brigade & Festival | Parma

Decorated bicycles and costumes are part of the fun as the Witches Bike Brigade heads toward Witches Alley at Old Fort Boise Park. The festival announcement also includes live music, vendors, food booths, and free family activities.

When: Saturday, October 10. Riders meet at 3:30 p.m.; the ride leaves at 4 p.m.
Meetup: The walking path beside Parma Elementary (Maxine Johnson Elementary), using 607 E. McConnell Street as the school reference address.
Good to know: No battery-operated rides are allowed. Food, shopping, and individual services may cost extra. The full festival hours have not been confirmed.

See Parma meetup directions and festival details

7. Monster Truck Insanity Tour | Meridian

If your family would rather watch big trucks than browse a market, Meridian Speedway has monster truck racing, skills, and freestyle on Saturday evening. The pre-show pit party offers a chance to meet the drivers.

When: Saturday, October 10. Gates and the pit party open at 4 p.m.; the show starts at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Meridian Speedway, 335 S. Main Street.
Tickets: Online general admission is $30 for ages 11 and older. General admission for children 10 and under is free; follow the ticket page’s child-ticket instructions. Optional experiences cost extra.
Family tip: Bring hearing protection for the loud engines.

See Monster Truck Insanity details · Official tickets

8. October Boo-tique Craft Fair | Idaho Falls

Browse crafts, gifts, and seasonal finds at Idaho Craft Fairs’ October Boo-tique. This is a shopping-focused outing for families who enjoy looking through local vendors’ creations together.

When: Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Bonneville County Fairgrounds, 1542 E. 73rd S., Idaho Falls.
Good to know: The organizer’s page does not specify visitor admission pricing. Vendor registration fees are separate from visitor admission.

See October Boo-tique details · Official craft fair page

More fall ideas to explore

Looking for a different pace? Browse these seasonal listings for current hours, tickets, and activity details:

Whether you choose a festival, a market, or a drive to somewhere new, check the forecast and the organizer’s latest updates before leaving. You can find more ideas on our Idaho Community Calendar and browse Family Fun Places for a nearby stop.

Event information reviewed October 7, 2026. Times, prices, and availability may change. Header artwork is an AI-created illustrative collage, not photographs of the listed events.

8 Idaho Family Weekend Events | October 9–11, 2026