Knights clashing with swords, bards filling the air with music, and costumed attendees bringing fantasy characters to life — the fourth annual Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair has returned to the Bannock County Event Center in Pocatello, drawing crowds of enthusiastic fans through its final day this Sunday.
The three-day event, which kicked off Friday and runs through Sunday at 5 p.m., celebrates all things fantasy — from medieval combat to elaborate costuming. Photographer Kyle Riley documented the fair Saturday, capturing a vivid cross-section of what has become one of Southeast Idaho’s more distinctive annual community gatherings.
Swords, Bards, and Vendor Booths
Live sword-fighting demonstrations have been among the fair’s most popular draws, with knights staging duels for spectators of all ages. Beyond watching, attendees can also get hands-on experience through fencing lessons offered throughout the weekend. Armor preparation demonstrations give visitors a closer look at the craftsmanship behind medieval combat gear.
Bard performances round out the entertainment, while vendor booths offer fantasy-themed goods and merchandise across the Bannock County Event Center grounds. The combination of interactive experiences and live performances gives the fair a depth that goes beyond typical convention formats.
Loyal Fans Raise the Bar on Costumes Each Year
Co-owner Deneb Edwards noted that the event has cultivated a devoted following over its four years, with returning attendees pushing the creative standard higher each time. “The patrons that show up in costume, some of them have been coming for years, and every year their costumes get better and better and better,” Edwards said.
That growing commitment from the community speaks to what organizers have built since the fair’s founding — a space where Idaho residents who embrace fantasy, history, and creative expression can gather in a welcoming environment. The costumes on display ranged from intricately crafted suits of armor to elaborately detailed fantasy characters drawn from literature, film, and original imagination.
For Pocatello, a city that has shown consistent enthusiasm for community events and local celebrations — including the upcoming 2026 Fourth of July festivities, which recently gained Prime Towing and Recovery as a sponsor — the Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair represents another thread in the broader fabric of community engagement that defines Bannock County.
What Comes Next
The Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair wraps up Sunday evening at 5 p.m. at the Bannock County Event Center. Those interested in attending the fair’s final hours can expect the full slate of demonstrations, vendor activity, and costumed performers through closing. With four successful years now under its belt and an apparently growing and more dedicated attendee base, the event appears well-positioned to continue as an annual fixture on Pocatello’s community calendar. Organizers have not yet announced dates for a fifth annual installment, but the momentum built through this year’s turnout suggests the fair will return in 2027.