Pocatello, Idaho’s Largest Environmental Fair Returns Downtown with Free Food, Plants, and Family Activities
POCATELLO, Idaho — The city of Pocatello is set to host its annual Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair this Saturday, drawing families, students, and community members to downtown for what organizers describe as the largest environmental fair in southeastern Idaho. The event is free and open to the public.
The fair serves as Pocatello’s community celebration of Earth Day, which falls officially on April 22. Organized through the city, the event aims to bring residents together to celebrate the Portneuf Valley, learn about local environmental resources, and enjoy a full day of outdoor activities.
Fair Coordinator Brenna Olson said the event offers a meaningful pause from everyday life. “In our busy day-to-day lives, it’s easy to forget just how much we rely on the environment we live in. The Environmental Fair is a chance to slow down, have fun, and reconnect with the place we call home,” Olson said in a statement ahead of the fair.
What Attendees Can Expect
The fair will feature more than 80 exhibitor booths showcasing a mix of longtime community partners and new participants. Visitors can pick up free plants and seeds for their gardens, with J.R. Simplot’s Don Plant providing a complimentary tomato or pepper plant to attendees while supplies last. Guests can also plant a chia pet at the event.
A dedicated Kids Area will offer younger attendees a scavenger hunt, interactive bee hotels, and hands-on opportunities to learn about water conservation — a timely topic given the challenges Southeast Idaho faces heading into the warmer months. East Idaho’s warmest winter on record has raised serious concerns about water availability this summer, making community awareness about conservation particularly relevant this year. The Idaho Museum of Natural History Mobile Museum will also be on hand, giving families a chance to explore natural science up close.
Children have the opportunity to win prizes through three separate contests held throughout the day.
Free food will be served throughout the event. Lamb Weston will provide fries, the city of Pocatello will serve hot dogs, and the Idaho State University Chemistry Club will offer liquid nitrogen ice cream — sure to be a crowd favorite among younger attendees.
Live Music and Community Connection
Local entertainment will round out the day, with live performances from several Pocatello-area bands including Wild Idaho and Druids, Heathens, and Saints.
Olson emphasized that the fair is about more than a single day of activities — it’s about fostering lasting community pride and personal responsibility for the land residents call home.
“New and familiar organizations come each year, making it a great chance to connect with the local community, learn simple ways to live more sustainably, and even pick up free plants and seeds for your garden. Whether you’re there to learn, relax, or just enjoy a Saturday downtown, there’s something for everyone,” Olson said.
Olson added that the communal nature of the event helps residents develop a shared sense of stewardship. “By celebrating the Portneuf Valley and learning more about its resources, its challenges, and its potential, people leave appreciating how special this land is and feeling inspired to care for it. When you’re learning alongside your neighbors, it creates a shared sense of pride and responsibility,” she said.
With spring in full swing and Pocatello’s event calendar picking up — Chukars baseball season tickets also went on sale this week — the Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair offers families another reason to get outside and engage with their community before the summer heat arrives.
What Comes Next
The Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair takes place this Saturday in downtown Pocatello. The event is free to attend and open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of free plant giveaways, which are available while supplies last. For more statewide community events and Idaho news, visit idahonews.co or the Idaho News Network.