Going to a Western Idaho Fair concert? Here’s how to avoid long lines, get good seats

If you’re planning to attend one of the grandstand concerts at this year’s Western Idaho Fair, accept your fate.

You’re gonna wait in line. At least for a minute or two.

“When everything’s free, there’s going to be a line no matter what,” Fair Director Bob Batista says.

In fact, this year could have longer lines than usual because of a shortage of workers.

If you’re clever, you can minimize the thumb twiddling. Follow these tips for a more efficient experience at Granger Smith (Monday), Nelly (Tuesday), Chicago (Wednesday), Jon Pardi (Thursday) or Seether (Friday).

1. Buy tickets beforehand: Grandstand concerts are free with paid fair admission. Go to idahofair.com. Heck, do it in the parking lot using your mobile phone. Bingo! You just skipped a line. Tickets are $10 adult, $9 senior 62 and older, $8 child 6 to 11. Kids 5 and under get in free.

2. Get in line early. (Or don’t?): Concert gates open at 6 p.m. But lines for popular shows often start forming by early afternoon. So arrive ahead of time “if you want a good seat,” Batista says.

Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. All seats and standing areas are first-come, first-served. But, remember, fans come and go all evening. “Seriously, if you’re just wanting to come in and walk and hear a couple of songs, then you don’t have to be here bright and early,” Batista says. “But if you’re a die-hard fan, you gotta be early.”

The fair also has created additional standing room by opening up the paddock area and widening the area by the stage. Video screens have been added for better visibility, too.

Insider tip: Chicago is expected to be the most popular show this year. “But all of the concerts have lots of buzz this year,” fair spokesperson Becki Woodbury says. “We anticipate crowds at all the concerts.”

3. Consider parking and entering on the Glenwood Street side: The parking lot and carnival gate on the north side can be a wise choice if you’re hoping to encounter smaller crowds and shorter entry lines. Why? It’s farther from the ICCU Grandstand concerts.

4. Don’t leave right after the show: Unless, of course, you enjoy navigating crowds and traffic. Zillions of Boise folks try to exit the fair immediately after the concerts end. Take your time. Hop a quick carnival ride after the show. Or grab another bite to eat. Oh, wait, hold on — is that a freakin’ line at the Pronto Pup stand?