Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

What Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center does

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a government-owned, non-profit event facility operated by Deschutes County in partnership with the Deschutes County Fair Association (a 501c3), located on a 320+ acre campus at 3800 SW Airport Way in Redmond, Oregon, adjacent to Redmond Municipal Airport. The venue aggregates more than 200,000 square feet of flexible event space across the First Interstate Bank Center (a 279,000 sq ft arena with 4,000 permanent seats scalable to 12,000+), the Three Sisters Conference Center (33,736+ sq ft across three halls), the Coastal Pavilion, a Livestock Complex with 400 stalls, an Arena Complex, Center Circle Park, and extensive outdoor spaces. The facility also operates a 105-site year-round full-service RV park. The portfolio of recurring events includes the annual Wilco Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo (106th edition in 2026, attracting 170,000+ attendees), an NPRA Championship Rodeo, a Free Summer Concert Series, a demolition derby, carnival programming, and 250+ annual events that collectively draw nearly 1 million visitors.

The underlying technology stack is built on third-party SaaS rather than proprietary systems: Saffire/SaffireTix powers ticketing, Firefly Reservations handles RV park bookings, TripleSeat processes facility rental inquiries, and Eventeny manages vendor applications. The venue's revenue model is a diversified mix across six streams — event ticket sales (transaction fees), facility rentals (one-time licenses), RV park operations (nightly recurring), corporate sponsorships (tiered packages with Wilco, Indian Head Casino, Kendall Toyota of Bend, and others), vendor booth fees and commission-based food-truck revenue (0–25% take rate), and in-house catering/concessions. Customer segments span general public consumers (families and regional visitors), corporate and event planners, wedding/social clients, food and commercial vendors, and RV park guests, with channel strategy combining direct-to-consumer ticket sales, online self-serve booking, and field-driven enterprise sponsorship sales. The organization is staffed by 11–50 employees (approximately 20+ named staff) under Expo Director Jeff Curtis, governed by a Fair Board with monthly public meetings, and operates without any private equity, venture capital, or external investor ownership.

Name

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

Legal name

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center

Website

https://expo.deschutes.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a government-owned, 320+ acre event facility in Redmond, Oregon, hosting 250+ events annually including the 106-year-old Fair & Rodeo, NPRA rodeo, concert series, and conferences, serving nearly 1 million visitors and consumers, corporate event planners, vendors, and RV park guests.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Event Venue & Facilities

NAICS

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA), General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA), Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO), Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities (MPAKAEAM)

Keywords

• Event venue rental
• Fair and rodeo
• Conference facilities
• RV park accommodations
• Concert and entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Redmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from selling admission tickets to the annual Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo (annual event attracting 170,000+ attendees), concerts in the Free Summer Concert Series, NPRA Rodeo events, demolition derby, carnival rides, and other special events.
2. Venue/Facility Rentals: Income from renting indoor and outdoor spaces to event producers, corporate clients, wedding parties, community organizations, and trade shows. Includes First Interstate Bank Center, conference halls, livestock complex, arena complex, and outdoor spaces.
3. RV Park Operations: Revenue from 105 full-service RV sites offering electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer hookups. Nightly rates ranging from $42-$62 plus tax. Open year-round with staff available 7 days a week.
4. Sponsorship Revenue: Corporate sponsorships including title sponsors (Wilco for Fair & Rodeo), presenting sponsors (Indian Head Casino), concert series sponsors (Kendall Toyota of Bend, Mike's Fence Center), and event-specific sponsors for rodeo, demolition derby, and speakeasy.
5. Vendor Booth Fees: Revenue from food vendors and commercial vendors (nearly 80 indoor vendors and 200+ outdoor vendors) during the annual fair. Food vendor applications closed February 2nd for 2026. Year-round food truck commission structure: 0% for sales up to $500, 15% for $501-$1,000, 25% for $1,001+.
6. Catering and Concessions: In-house catering and concessions services for events. Concessions Coordinator manages food and beverage operations. No booth fee for year-round food trucks, only commission per day on sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center operates a 320+ acre multi-venue event complex in Redmond, Oregon that hosts the annual Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, a Free Summer Concert Series, and provides facility rentals, an on-site RV park, vendor and sponsorship programs, and food services. It offers indoor and outdoor event spaces including conference centers, arenas, a livestock complex, and pavilions that can be reserved for conferences, weddings, trade shows, rodeos, concerts, and consumer exhibitions.

Product overview

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a premier event facility spanning over 320 acres in Redmond, Oregon, offering more than 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The venue operates as a unified platform-plus-venues model, featuring the First Interstate Bank Center (main arena), Three Sisters Conference Center (conference halls), Coastal Pavilion (climate-controlled exhibition space), Livestock Complex, Arena Complex, Center Circle Park, and extensive Outdoor Spaces. The facility provides comprehensive event hosting including an on-site RV park (105 sites), in-house catering capabilities, and hosts over 250 events annually. The annual highlight is the Wilco Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo (106th edition in 2026), featuring NPRA rodeo, free summer concert series, carnival rides, demolition derby, commercial vendors, food vendors, and 4-H/FFA exhibits. The venue also offers premium experiences through the Gold Buckle Club VIP program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 250 unique events hosted annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• WilcoflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Wilco is the Title Sponsor of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. This is the primary naming sponsor for the annual fair and rodeo event, providing significant marketing support and brand association with the 106-year-old event.
• Kendall Toyota of BendcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Kendall Toyota of Bend is the Title Sponsor of the Kendall Toyota of Bend Free Summer Concert Series, featuring major country and pop artists during the annual fair.
• Mike's Fence CentercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Mike's Fence Center is the Presenting Sponsor of the Free Summer Concert Series at the fair, supporting free admission concerts featuring national touring artists.
• Indian Head CasinoflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Indian Head Casino is the Presenting Sponsor of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. Provides significant sponsorship investment for the premier annual event attracting 170,000+ attendees.
• Coastal Farm and RanchcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Coastal Farm and Ranch is the Title Sponsor of the Deschutes County Fair NPRA Rodeo, supporting championship rodeo events featuring NPRA athletes.
• ABBAS Well Drilling and Pump ServiceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025ABBAS Well Drilling and Pump Service is the Presenting Sponsor of the NPRA Rodeo, supporting professional rodeo competition at the annual fair.
• Wild Ride BrewingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Wild Ride Brewing is the Title Sponsor of the Demolition Derby, supporting the loudest and most exciting motorsports event at the fair with over $15,000 in prize money.
• All Seasons Towing & RecoveryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025All Seasons Towing & Recovery is the Presenting Sponsor of the Demolition Derby, supporting the high-octane demolition derby competition.
• Gompers DistilleryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gompers Distillery is the Title Sponsor of the 2025 Fair & Rodeo Speakeasy event, supporting evening entertainment programming.
• Black Goat WineryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Black Goat Winery is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Fair & Rodeo Speakeasy, supporting adult entertainment at the fair.
• Eagle Crest ResortcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred lodging partner offering 15-35% discount to fair and expo visitors. Spans 1,700 acres with rooms, suites, townhomes, condominiums, and vacation homes. Features three golf courses, five pools, three sports centers, and day spa. Located near the expo center in Redmond, Oregon.
• First Interstate BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst Interstate Bank is the naming sponsor of the First Interstate Bank Center, the premier multi-event arena at the expo complex. The 279,000 sq ft arena with 4,000 permanent seats serves as the primary venue for rodeos, concerts, and trade shows.
• Davis Shows NWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDavis Shows NW provides carnival attractions for the fair, offering nearly 40 carnival attractions including rides, games, and family entertainment. Operates double the carnival with FAMILYVILLE family-friendly rides area for young children.
• Deschutes County Fair AssociationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Deschutes County Fair Association (DCFA) is a 501c3 non-profit that works with Deschutes County on the production of the annual fair and rodeo. Recruits and is responsible for the Deschutes County Rodeo Queen program. Directors include Cary Penhallow (President), Gary Frazee (Vice President), Patty Brietbach (Secretary), Shannon Reynolds (Treasurer), and others focusing on camping, shuttles, vendors, security, 4-H/FFA liaison, and rodeo.
• Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe venue is directly adjacent to Redmond Municipal Airport, which offers daily non-stop flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Seattle via American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta Air, and United Express.
• Justy's Specialty Foods & CateringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJusty's Specialty Foods & Catering provides hosted refreshments for Gold Buckle Club VIP entries, supporting premium rodeo VIP experience.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Saffire (ticketing/payments): Ticketing and e-commerce platform used by the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center for online ticket sales, vendor management, and event listings. Adjacent technology enabler for the venue's direct-to-consumer distribution.
• Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM): Adjacent regional airport serving Redmond/Central Oregon with nonstop service to major hubs (DEN, LAX, SEA, PHX, SFO, SLC, PDX). Strategic infrastructure partner that drives accessibility/destination appeal for the Expo Center.

Direct peers

• Washington State Fair (Puyallup): One of the largest fairs in the Pacific Northwest, held in Puyallup, WA, with rodeo, concerts, carnival, and exhibition halls. Comparable in operating model (publicly managed fairgrounds complex) and mix of rodeo/concert/vendor revenue streams in the same PNW region.
• National Western Complex (Denver): Denver's historic stock show and expo complex hosting the National Western Stock Show, rodeo, horse shows, and trade events. Comparable livestock/rodeo-centric fairground and expo venue with multi-building campus and year-round event hosting.
• California State Fair (Cal Expo): Cal Expo in Sacramento hosts the annual California State Fair with livestock, concerts, food vendors, and motorsports on a 350-acre campus. Highly comparable multi-venue fairground serving a similar mix of general public, vendors, corporate, and rodeo clients.
• Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center: Oregon's largest state fair, hosted annually in Salem with livestock, rodeo, concerts, and vendor marketplaces. Directly comparable as a county/state-run fairground complex hosting a multi-day fair & rodeo, livestock shows, and major concert series.

Broad incumbents

• State Fair of Texas (Big Tex): The largest annual state fair in the US, held at Fair Park in Dallas with a 277-acre campus, multi-venue arena, livestock, concerts, and auto show. Comparable scaled multi-building fairground with diversified revenue streams (although at materially larger scale).

Regional players

• Evergreen State Fairgrounds (Monroe, WA): Regional fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington, hosting the Evergreen State Fair with rodeo, livestock, vendors, and concert series. Comparable PNW fairground operator with similar customer base and event mix.
• Lane Events Center (Eugene): A multi-purpose fair and event venue in Lane County, Oregon, hosting fairs, rodeos, trade shows, and concerts in the same Oregon market. Comparable operating scale and regional fairground positioning.
• Jackson County Expo (The Expo): Rogue Valley fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, hosting the Jackson County Fair, rodeo, concerts, and facility rentals on a multi-venue campus. Comparable Oregon regional fairground with similar operational structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9tLtzsR4fkqQ-m03vnsO7g
• Facebookfacebook.com/deschutesfairexpo
• Instagraminstagram.com/dcexpo
• Xx.com/dcfairexpo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center