2026 CAT-FM Home & Garden Show Unveils Full Event Lineup With DIY Workshops, Live Demos, Expert Sessions & Major Exhibitor Highlights
The 2026 CAT-FM Home & Garden Show is finally locked in for March 20–22, and if you live anywhere near Lewiston, you’ve probably already heard people talking about it. I’ve been following the updates closely, and this year’s show stands out for one simple reason: it’s the only full home-and-garden event in the region where you can walk in, explore real solutions, meet local businesses, and get quick answers for your home projects — all under one roof at the Nez Perce County Fair Pavilion.
For anyone planning upgrades, small fixes, or even a fresh start with their yard, this isn’t one of those “just for browsing” events. It’s designed to help you shop smarter, compare options, and talk directly with the people who’ll actually work on your home. With vendors setting up as early as March 18 and the show running through the weekend, it’s shaping up to be one of the most practical community events of the year.
Essential Event Details: Dates, Location, and Schedule
Let’s get straight to the practical stuff — the dates, times, and where you’ll need to be. If you want to make the most of the show, this is the first thing to lock in.
Event Dates and Daily Timings:
- Friday, March 20: 2 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday, March 21: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday, March 22: 10 AM – 2 PM
I always recommend checking the official page before you go, just to make sure nothing has changed — you can find all the latest details here.
Location:
- Nez Perce County Fair Pavilion, Lewiston, ID
Knowing the exact location helps you plan travel, parking, and which day to visit depending on your schedule.
What You’ll Find Inside the Show
This is the fun part — why I personally get excited about home and garden shows. It’s not just about looking at things; it’s about finding practical solutions for your space and meeting the people who can make them happen.
Variety of Exhibitors and What They Offer:
- Home Improvement Vendors: Remodeling, flooring, roofing, paint, fixtures — you can compare multiple options in one place.
- Garden & Outdoor Exhibitors: Landscaping ideas, seeds, tools, outdoor living inspiration.
- Eco-Friendly & Modern Living Solutions: Energy-efficient upgrades, smart-home gadgets, and sustainable products.
- Quote-Gathering Opportunities: Meet vendors directly, ask questions, and gather estimates — it’s the fastest way to plan your projects without guesswork.
For me, the biggest draw is walking away with real ideas and contacts that I can act on, not just inspiration photos. You’ll save time, avoid confusion, and get a better sense of what’s actually possible for your home or garden this year.
Why the 2026 Show Is Bigger Than Past Years
I’ve noticed a real shift in the way home and garden events are happening, and the 2026 CAT-FM Show is riding that wave. This isn’t just a repeat of last year — there’s more variety, smarter planning, and bigger opportunities to get what you need.
Market Trends Driving the Show:
- Growing interest in DIY projects and home upgrades.
- Backyard makeovers and outdoor living spaces are top priorities for homeowners.
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions are increasingly in demand
Why Businesses Are Showing Up Stronger:
- More vendors than before across multiple categories.
- Special promotions and deals that weren’t available in past editions.
- Increased focus on interactive displays and one-on-one consultations.
What You Can Expect That Others Don’t Mention:
- New vendor categories that give fresh ideas for your projects.
- Easier ways to compare products and services in one visit.
- Direct access to contractors for questions, quotes, and advice.
For me, this makes the show a place where you can leave with concrete plans, not just inspiration photos. You’ll feel like your weekend was productive, not just another browsing trip.
For Vendors: A Clear, Step-by-Step Registration Guide
If you’re thinking about exhibiting, you want to get every detail right. Missing a setup time or registration step can cost you valuable exposure.
Vendor Setup Schedule:
- March 18: 8 AM – 6 PM
- March 19: 8 AM – 6 PM
- March 20: 7 AM – 1 PM (no vehicles inside the building)
Cleanup Times:
- March 23: 3 PM – 8 PM
- March 24: 8 AM – 5 PM
How to Get the Official Registration Form:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (208) 305-1007
- Download the form and instructions from Idaho State Tax Commission’s official guide.
(Following the state’s step-by-step instructions ensures you meet all legal requirements and avoid last-minute issues.)
Required Idaho State Tax Registration (Mandatory for ALL Participants)
If you’re planning to exhibit, you might be tempted to skip the tax registration thinking “I’m not selling anything.” Trust me, that’s a mistake — Idaho requires all participants to register, even if you aren’t making sales. Getting this step wrong can create last-minute headaches, so it’s worth doing it right from the start.
Exact Step-by-Step Process for Tax Registration:
- Go to tax.idaho.gov/tsp
- Choose Seller WITH Event ID
- Enter Event ID: 361299968
- Complete your information on the form
- Select the appropriate permit option
- Submit your application
- Check your email (Inbox, Junk, Spam) for confirmation
If you want a detailed guide with screenshots and explanations, Idaho’s official tax guide makes it easy to follow.
Common Mistakes Vendors Make:
- Forgetting to include the Event ID
- Selecting the wrong permit option
- Not checking spam/junk for confirmation
- Assuming “not selling” removes the requirement
Following these steps ensures you won’t run into compliance problems and gives you one less thing to stress about during setup.
Who Should Attend (and What They’ll Gain)
Now let’s talk about you, the visitor. Whether you’re a homeowner, a gardening enthusiast, or a first-time buyer, there’s something practical for everyone here.
For Homeowners:
- Get fresh renovation ideas for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. If you’re weighing big decisions like remodeling or relocating, the show can give you perspective — and you can read our detailed guide on how to decide what’s best for your home.
- Compare multiple cost-saving options from real vendors
- Meet professionals who can answer your questions directly
For Garden Enthusiasts:
- Seasonal tips for planting, landscaping, and outdoor projects
- Hands-on demos and advice for your yard or patio
- Ideas for upgrading your outdoor living space without guesswork
For First-Time Buyers:
- Inspiration for interior design and budget-friendly upgrades
- Access to vendors who can guide you through planning and estimates
- Learn how to prioritize projects without overspending
For me, the best part about attending is that you leave with actionable ideas and contacts — not just photos. It’s the kind of experience that actually moves your projects forward.
Visitor Prep Guide: How to Get the Most Out of the Show
Before you even step foot inside the pavilion, a little preparation can make a huge difference. Here’s how I approach it so I don’t leave feeling like I missed something.
Make a Home & Garden Checklist:
- List your home improvement or garden projects. As you make your home and garden checklist before arriving, you might want to avoid projects that end up wasting time or money — we’ve detailed 11 home projects experts say might be a waste of money.
- Note your priorities: upgrades vs. small fixes
- Decide which vendors you want to visit first
How to Talk to Vendors and Ask the Right Questions:
- Installation timelines: make sure they align with your schedule
- Warranties and guarantees: clarify coverage upfront
- Material quality: check samples, ask for specifics
- Quotes and payment plans: gather multiple options to compare later
What to Bring:
- Room measurements for accurate planning
- Photos of spaces you want to improve
- Budget notes to keep your spending realistic
By doing this, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and real ideas, not just brochures and business cards.
Final Event Prep: Your 2026 Action Plan
Here’s my simple 5-step plan that helps me get the most value from a home and garden show:
- Mark your calendar with show dates and times
- Make your improvement list to stay focused. Once you’ve shortlisted vendors and planned your visit, you can also jumpstart your projects — check out 13 step-by-step home improvement projects you can start now.
- Shortlist vendors you want to meet first
- Plan your visit schedule to avoid peak crowds
- Compare quotes after the show and follow up with the best options
You can even save this checklist for your weekend — it keeps everything actionable and stress-free.
Responsible Event Reminders
Parking, Crowds, and Timing Tips:
- Arrive early if you want the quietest experience
- Check parking in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling
- Give yourself enough time to visit priority booths
Tax Compliance Reminders for Vendors:
- Double-check Idaho State Tax registration before arrival
- Keep your permit and confirmation handy
If You’re Considering Exhibiting: Should You Join the 2026 Show?
Benefits for Local and Regional Businesses:
- Connect directly with homeowners and gardeners
- Show off new products or seasonal offerings
- Gather leads for future projects
ROI Potential:
- Past shows indicate strong engagement — attendees are ready to hire and buy
- For general small-business ROI statistics, see the Small Business Administration: sba.gov/
- Exhibiting here can be a cost-effective way to generate leads compared to online ads
Why This One Event Can Transform Your 2026 Home Projects
The 2026 CAT-FM Home & Garden Show isn’t just another weekend event — it’s a chance to see ideas in action, ask the right questions, and make real progress on your home or garden plans. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, DIY enthusiast, or seasoned renovator, walking in prepared lets you walk out with clarity and options that save time, money, and stress.
I’d love to hear from you: what’s the first project you’re planning to tackle after visiting the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or head over to Build Like New to explore more guides and tips for planning your home projects smartly.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official sources and event listings as of December 2025. Dates, times, vendors, and registration requirements may change, so please verify details with the organizers before attending or exhibiting.
