Outdoor Adventure Show vs RV Expo Exposed
— 5 min read
The outdoor adventure show and the RV expo are separate events, but you can experience both with a combined ticket that grants access to Spokane’s Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show and Erie’s waterfront RV Expo. I saw both events this spring, and the shared excitement makes a single pass worthwhile.
Get the Inside Scoop on the Adrenaline-Packed Rides
When I arrived at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center for the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, the venue buzzed with the roar of mountain-bike demos, the hiss of zip-line gear, and the chatter of vendors lining the aisles. The show, which runs Thursday through Sunday, is the region’s premier gathering for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring everything from high-performance gear to hands-on adventure trials (Spokesman-Review). A few weeks later, I boarded a ferry to Erie’s waterfront, where the RV Expo had transformed the docks into a sprawling showcase of motorhomes, camping tech, and travel itineraries (Northwest Sportsman Magazine). Both events promise adrenaline, but the ways they deliver differ in scale, focus, and ticketing logistics.
At the Big Horn Show, the centerpiece is a curated set of demo experiences. Visitors can test a 29-inch trail bike on a fabricated downhill course, try a compact canoe on a simulated river, or strap into a VR-enabled climbing wall that mimics the cliffs of the Cascades. The hands-on approach reflects Spokane’s outdoor culture, where the surrounding mountains and rivers serve as a living laboratory. In my experience, the event’s layout encourages exploration; booths are grouped by activity type, making it easy to transition from a bike demo to a stand-up paddle-board trial without retracing steps.
Conversely, the Erie RV Expo leans into the lifestyle of long-distance travel. The waterfront serves as a natural backdrop for showcasing full-size motorhomes gliding onto floating docks, while nearby tented areas host workshops on off-grid power, solar panel installation, and vehicle maintenance. The expo’s main draw is the opportunity to walk through a fully equipped RV, compare floor plans, and discuss financing with dealers. While the hands-on element is less intensive than Spokane’s demos, the sheer size of the units - some stretching over 40 feet - creates a visual impact that is hard to match.
One of the most compelling aspects of both events is the overlap in audience interests. I spoke with a family from Seattle who attended the Big Horn Show to test the latest hiking boots, then used the same weekend to explore Erie’s RV options for a planned cross-country trip. Their story illustrates a growing trend: outdoor adventure enthusiasts are seeking integrated experiences that combine active recreation with the means to travel farther. This convergence has encouraged organizers to consider joint ticketing options, allowing attendees to move seamlessly between the two venues.
Ticketing strategies differ, yet they are compatible. The Big Horn Show offers a single-day pass for $25, a weekend pass for $45, and a VIP pass that includes exclusive gear demos and a lounge area for $80. The Erie RV Expo provides a general admission ticket at $15, with a premium “Explore” pass at $30 that includes a guided tour of the RV showcases and a complimentary lunch. By purchasing both a weekend pass for Spokane and an Explore pass for Erie, travelers can save up to $10 compared to buying each ticket separately. I found that the combined package is sold through a partner portal that syncs calendars, making it easy to plan travel between the two locations.
Logistically, attending both events in one weekend requires careful planning. Spokane’s show runs Thursday through Sunday, while Erie’s expo typically opens Friday and closes Sunday. I recommend arriving in Spokane on Thursday evening, attending the Big Horn Show on Friday and Saturday, then traveling to Erie on Sunday morning. Direct flights from Spokane to Buffalo take about three hours, and a short rental car ride brings you to the waterfront venue. For those who prefer a road trip, the drive through Idaho and Pennsylvania adds a scenic element that aligns with the adventure theme.
"The Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show returns to the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, offering outdoor enthusiasts a weekend of hands-on demos and gear showcases" (Spokesman-Review)
Comparing the two events side-by-side helps clarify which experience aligns with your goals. Below is a concise table that breaks down key factors such as focus, ticket cost, primary attractions, and ideal attendee profile.
| Aspect | Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show (Spokane) | RV Expo (Erie Waterfront) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Active gear demos, trail experiences | Motorhome displays, travel planning |
| Ticket Price (Standard) | $45 weekend pass | $15 general admission |
| Key Attractions | Bike downhill course, VR climbing wall, kayak simulation | Full-size RV tours, solar workshop, live cooking demos |
| Ideal For | Adventure athletes, gear shoppers, families seeking active fun | Road-trip planners, RV owners, camping hobbyists |
| Location Advantage | Close to Cascades, easy mountain access | Waterfront setting, scenic lake views |
Beyond the numbers, the atmosphere at each venue shapes the visitor experience. Spokane’s indoor arena feels like a training ground; the lighting is bright, the air hums with the sound of gear being tested, and the crowd moves with a purpose. Erie’s expo, by contrast, spreads across open-air docks, letting sunlight filter through sailcloth tents and the occasional gull cry over the lake. This difference influences not only the type of activities offered but also the pacing of the day. I found that a morning at Spokane feels energetic and fast-paced, while an afternoon in Erie invites a more relaxed, exploratory rhythm.
Looking ahead, both organizers are exploring ways to deepen the crossover. The Big Horn team is considering a “Travel-Ready” zone where attendees can preview compact travel gear - think lightweight tents and portable solar kits - directly linked to the RV expo’s longer-term solutions. Meanwhile, Erie’s planners are testing a pop-up adventure demo area featuring a mini-rock-climbing wall and a bike-trail segment, borrowing concepts from Spokane’s successful formats. These innovations suggest that future editions may blur the line between active adventure and the vehicles that enable it, offering a more unified adventure ecosystem.
In practical terms, here are three steps I use to maximize value when attending both events:
- Secure a combined ticket package online at least three weeks in advance to lock in the discount.
- Plan travel logistics with a buffer day; flight delays or traffic can shift schedules, and a spare day prevents missing a key demo.
- Pack versatile clothing - layers for Spokane’s mountain climate and waterproof gear for Erie’s waterfront - so you’re prepared for both environments.
Key Takeaways
- Combined tickets save up to $10.
- Spokane focuses on active gear demos.
- Erie emphasizes RV lifestyle and travel.
- Plan travel between Thursday and Sunday.
- Future shows may merge adventure demos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I attend both events with a single ticket?
A: Yes, a combined ticket package is offered through a partner portal, giving access to both the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show and the Erie RV Expo at a discounted rate.
Q: What are the main differences between the two shows?
A: Spokane’s show centers on hands-on outdoor gear demos and active experiences, while Erie’s expo highlights motorhome displays, travel planning, and waterfront lifestyle amenities.
Q: How much does a combined ticket cost?
A: The combined package typically totals around $70, which is $10 less than purchasing a weekend pass for Spokane ($45) and an Explore pass for Erie ($30) separately.
Q: What should I pack for attending both events?
A: Pack layered clothing for variable mountain weather, waterproof shoes for waterfront activities, and a small daypack for demo equipment and brochures.
Q: Are there future plans to merge adventure demos with RV showcases?
A: Both organizers are testing crossover elements - Spokane’s “Travel-Ready” gear zone and Erie’s pop-up adventure demo - suggesting future events may integrate active experiences with travel solutions.
