38th Early Bird Sports Expo, 28-31 Jan 2027 at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, PA: 100+ outdoor, hunting, fishing and archery vendors, free parking, $7 admission.
Dates
28–31 Jan 2027
City / country
Bloomsburg, United States
Venue
Bloomsburg Fairgrounds
Time
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Early Bird Sports Expo opens the Northeast Pennsylvania outdoor season for its 38th year, running 28-31 January 2027 at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. Three indoor buildings fill with hunting and fishing outfitters, archery dealers, taxidermists, campers, boaters, outdoor cooks and regional conservation groups.
The show is built for families and serious sportsmen alike: two archery competitions, a hunter safety course, seminars and demonstrations run alongside the exhibits. Admission is $7 for adults, with children 12 and under free, and parking is free.
Doors open Thursday afternoon and run through Sunday afternoon, giving buyers and day-trippers a relaxed, walkable show where vendors still answer questions in person.
TL;DR
The Early Bird is where regional hunters, anglers and campers compare gear before the spring season. You can handle bows and rods, talk to outfitters about trips, book a guided hunt and let children try archery and a BB gun shoot in one indoor, weather-proof venue. The $7 adult ticket, free parking and free entry for under-13s make it a low-cost family day out.
Vendors get four days of face-to-face selling to a self-selected outdoor audience in a compact three-building footprint. Booths are affordable for small guide services and craft makers, and the show's family atmosphere produces long conversations rather than badge scans. Local repeat buyers, archery clubs and conservation groups create cross-traffic, while the late-January date catches customers just as they plan spring trips and licence purchases.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 W Third Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, United States
Entrances & gates
Gate 2 - exhibit buildings
Use the 900 W Main Street entrance for the indoor exhibit halls.
Main entrance
Main gate at 980 W Main Street; follow signs for event parking.
Free parking on the fairgrounds; arrive via Gate 2 or the main entrance and follow stewards.
Food options
Building A - Midway Cafe, Building B - Gross's French Fries and Hot Sausage, Building C - local food stands
On-site diningParking: Free on-site parking across the fairgrounds, with stewards directing cars near the exhibit buildings and main gate.
Gate: Exhibit buildings are served from Gate 2 at 900 W Main Street; the main entrance is at 980 W Main Street.
Attend
Event days & opening times
General admission (13 and over)
Paid at the door.
Children 12 and under
Always free.
Senior citizens (Friday only)
Reduced admission all day Friday.
Military (every day)
Reduced admission with valid military ID.
Four-day pass
Only 50 available; door purchase only, no presale.
Ticket info
Badge collection
No badge is issued; admission is sold at the door and a hand stamp or ticket covers re-entry.
Ticket notes
Cash is advised. A convenience fee applies to card transactions. Parking is free. Pets are not permitted; service dogs only.
Who runs the show
Early Bird Sports Expo - Jarrett & Jenna Swartz
Owners and promoters
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Exhibitors: 100
Edition #: 37
This edition
2027
Visitors: 15,000
Exhibitors: 120
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
A four-day regional consumer show that turns a quiet Pennsylvania fairground into a working outdoor market each January. Its value is depth rather than volume: more than 100 vendors, repeat local buyers and a family audience that stays for hours. For a gear brand or guide service, the show builds spring pipeline close to home.
Audience quality
The audience is self-selected: Pennsylvania hunters, anglers, archers and camping families who already spend on the category. Many drive from across the state and from neighbouring states, and the archery shoots bring competitive entrants plus their families. Expect high intent and long conversations, but modest total footfall and a cash-first, small-ticket mix.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI is best judged on qualified conversations and spring bookings, not badge volume. A 9 sqm booth costs an estimated USD 1,800-2,700, so a handful of guided-trip deposits or a strong list of repeat retail customers can cover the outlay. Vendors selling low-ticket crafts or food do well on cash sales; national brands needing scale should treat it as a regional supplement, not a primary show.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Pennsylvania is one of America's largest hunting and fishing states, and the Early Bird is the region's first consumer outdoor show of the year. It gives rural outfitters and small gear brands direct access to licence buyers before spring seasons open, in a market where in-person advice still drives trip bookings and equipment upgrades.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Experiential and family-first outdoor retail
Regional shows are leaning into archery ranges, youth shooting booths and demonstrations so families can try gear rather than only look at it.
What it changes: Hands-on attractions lengthen dwell time and give exhibitors a reason to start a conversation with a first-time buyer.
Consolidation of small outdoor retailers
Independent tackle shops and archery pro shops face online price pressure and use winter consumer shows as their main face-to-face sales channel.
What it changes: A booth at a four-day regional show can replace several weekends of in-store promotions and builds a customer list for spring.
Outdoor participation beyond hunting
Camping, kayaking, outdoor cooking and trail skills are drawing younger and more family-oriented visitors into traditional sportsmen's events.
What it changes: Vendors selling camp kitchen kit, kayaks or craft food can reach a broader audience than a pure hunting show would deliver.
Buyers in the Mid-Atlantic can chain the Early Bird with Harrisburg's farm and outdoor shows and return for the Bloomsburg Fair in autumn.
Pennsylvania Farm Show
Harrisburg, United States
Dates are the expected January window and should be confirmed before booking.
websiteGreat American Outdoor Show
Harrisburg, United States
Nine-day NRA-run show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex; dates are the expected February window.
websiteBloomsburg Fair
Bloomsburg, United States
2027 dates printed on the Bloomsburg Fair site.
websiteLate January
Back-to-back weekend trips through Harrisburg and Bloomsburg.
Early February
A second Pennsylvania outdoor buying trip two weeks later.
Circuit dates other than Bloomsburg Fair are expected windows, not fetched organiser confirmations.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport
Largest nearby airport with connecting service.
about 50 miles
to venue
60-75 minutes via I-81 and I-80
by car
Williamsport Regional Airport
Smaller regional airport with limited scheduled service.
about 45 miles
to venue
60-70 minutes via US-15 and I-80
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–125 / night
Simple motels within 10-15 minutes of the fairgrounds; book early for show weekend.
USD 130–185 / night
Breakfast included and free parking; 10-20 minutes to Gate 2.
USD 190–275 / night
Larger rooms and on-site dining; 10-25 minutes by car.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi or rideshare
Supply is thin in Columbia County; pre-book or use a local taxi company.
Rental car
The most practical option for reaching the fairgrounds and nearby towns.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor / ESTA | Visitors who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents | $185.00 | ESTA usually minutes; B-1 interview can take weeks |
Visa-free travel is available to eligible Visa Waiver Program passports via ESTA; most other visitors need a B-1/B-2 visa.
The United States accepts ATA carnets for qualifying professional equipment and display goods.
Official visa pageWeather
Late January in Bloomsburg is cold: highs around 0-4 C (32-39 F) and lows around -7 to -3 C (19-27 F), with snow or freezing rain possible. Indoor halls are heated but queues and parking are outdoors.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage is good on the main carriers; wi-fi is not guaranteed across the exhibit buildings, so bring a hotspot for card payments.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Small-town, cash-friendly show
Many vendors are small businesses and may not accept cards; carry cash and expect a convenience fee on card admission.
Outdoors etiquette
This is a hunting and fishing community event. Ask before photographing vendors' mounts or firearms, and keep children supervised around archery and shooting demos.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: AVP - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International
Book 4-8 weeks ahead; connecting service through Philadelphia, Detroit or Charlotte is common.
Most European and several other Visa Waiver Program passport holders can travel on ESTA; other international visitors need a B-1/B-2 visa.
Estimated cost: USD 21 ESTA / USD 185 B-1 visa
Processing: ESTA minutes; visa interview weeks to months
Apply well before travel and carry a printed ESTA or visa confirmation.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rent a car at AVP or IPT; the drive is 60-75 minutes via I-81 and I-80.
Hotel → venue: Most Bloomsburg hotels are 10-20 minutes from the fairgrounds; follow signs to Gate 2 at 900 W Main Street.
Ride-hail: Rideshare supply is limited; local taxis are more reliable. Budget USD 10-25 per trip.
Public transit: No practical public transit to the fairgrounds; use a car, taxi or hotel shuttle if offered.
Parking: Free on-site parking across the fairgrounds; arrive early on Saturday for the closest spaces.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January
Temperature: -7 to 4 C (19-39 F)
Seasonality: Snow, sleet and freezing rain are possible; roads can be icy.
Packing: Warm boots, a waterproof outer layer, gloves and a power bank for the unheated walk between buildings.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Friday 29 January
Friday combines a full 10:00-20:00 day with lower weekend crowds and the senior admission rate, so you can talk to outfitters before Saturday's family rush.
Book hotel and confirm cancellation policy — Show weekend fills Bloomsburg's limited rooms.
Check show hours and plan which buildings to prioritise — Archery and seminars have fixed times.
Set a budget and list vendors or gear to compare — Carry cash for small vendors.
Check the weather and road conditions — January ice can slow the I-80 corridor.
Pack warm layers, cash and a phone power bank — Parking and queues are outdoors.
Arrive, park and collect tickets at the main entrance
980 W Main Street main entranceWork Building A for hunting and fishing outfitters
Building ALunch from the Building C food stands
Building CWatch the archery shoot and visit Building B gear vendors
Building BCompare quotes, book a trip and head home
Building A exitsRicketts Glen State Park
State Park and Waterfall Hike
About 45 minutes / 30 miles
Frozen waterfalls and forest trails make a spectacular winter half-day add-on.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Family Park and Campground
About 30 minutes / 20 miles
A classic Pennsylvania stop for families extending the trip, with covered bridges nearby.
Turkey Hill Brewing Company
Brewpub
Casual spot in Bloomsburg for vendor dinners and post-show debriefs.
Marley's Brewery and Grille
Brewery restaurant
Handy for exhibitor teams staying near the I-80 exit.
Regional consumer shows convert on personal follow-up, not volume. A 48-hour reply while the visitor is still planning spring trips outperforms a mass newsletter.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 180–300 / m²
Raw space
USD 120–200 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor manual or tariff was published; bands are local market estimates.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
USD 1800–2700 / booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 130–185 / night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 45–75 / day
visa
visitor · B-1
USD 185 / person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | USD 1800–2700 / booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 130–185 / night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 45–75 / day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions suggest whether to visit, exhibit or skip the Early Bird Sports Expo.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want to compare gear, book a guided trip or enter an archery shoot.
Best for
Outdoor consumers, families and archers shopping before spring
Min. budget
$200.00
Timeline
Book 3-6 weeks ahead
Risks
January weather can disrupt travel
Limited hotel rooms in Bloomsburg
exhibit
You sell direct to Pennsylvania sportsmen and want four days of face-to-face selling.
Best for
Outfitters, archery shops, gear brands and outdoor-lifestyle vendors
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
Book booth 60-90 days ahead
Risks
Small regional footfall compared with national shows
Cash-heavy audience may not buy big-ticket items on site
skip
Your product needs national reach, qualified trade buyers or an international audience.
Best for
National brands needing scale or international buyer meetings
Timeline
Reassess for 2028
Risks
Missing a low-cost regional consumer audience
Book with
Bloomsburg Fair Association
Owns and operates the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, the three-building venue for the expo.
Venue operator; not a show sponsor.
Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau
Regional tourism body for Columbia and Montour counties, useful for hotels and side trips.
Public tourism organisation; not a show partner.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
State agency for Pennsylvania's state parks and forests, including nearby Ricketts Glen.
Public agency resource; not a show sponsor.
National Shooting Sports Foundation
US trade association for the firearms and shooting-sports industry.
Industry body; no partnership with this show was confirmed.
Recommended providers
Official visa and ESTA guidance.
Book Bloomsburg or Danville with free cancellation.
Compare AVP connections; a rental car is needed from the airport.
National exposition contractor; confirm local availability and Gate 2 access.
Compare travel medical and cancellation cover.
Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau
Local trails, covered bridges and winter activities.
Offline-capable card payments and a simple customer list.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
3
Publishers
3
Date checked
Early Bird Sports Expo
Republican Herald
Bloomsburg Fair
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
