What the Montana State Fair Is
The Montana State Fair is the nine-day summer fair at Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls, mixing competitive exhibits and 4-H livestock with a PRCA rodeo, evening concerts, a carnival and food vendors. The 2026 fair ran Friday, July 24 through Saturday, August 1 under the theme "Red, White and Fair." The next fair is set for July 30 to August 7, 2027.
What's Inside the Fair
| Part of the fair | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Competitive exhibits | 21 departments open to youth through seniors, open class and special needs; ribbons, some premium money and sponsor awards. Results are posted at cascadecountymt.gov |
| Livestock and 4-H | 4-H livestock competitions and livestock shows, with barns for FFA animals, rabbits, poultry and ponies |
| Big Sky Pro Rodeo | PRCA rodeo, four nights at the end of the fair; in 2027 it is August 4 to 7 with a themed night each evening |
| Concerts and shows | 2026 headliners: Third Eye Blind (July 25), Kansas (July 26), Ian Munsick (July 27) and comedian John Crist (July 28) |
| Indian Relays | Hosted by the Little Shell Tribe on July 25 and 26, 2026 |
| Midway and food | Mighty Thomas Carnival, fair food vendors and nearly 100 commercial vendors in 2027 |
Who Can Enter the Competitive Exhibits
The fair's exhibit program is open to youth, adults, seniors, open class and special-needs entrants across its 21 departments. Entry is minimal for every class except youth. Check the fair's exhibitor information at montanastatefair.com for the current entry book and deadlines.
Costs (2025 Figures)
The most recent published prices, from the 2025 fair, were adults 18 to 59 at $10, seniors 60 and over and youth 6 to 17 at $7, and children 5 and under free. Carnival wristbands were $28 pre-sale and $36 on the day. Rodeo tickets were $20 general admission for adults, $12 for youth ages 3 to 12 at the box office, and $28 reserved. Rodeo and concert tickets were sold at tickets.goexpopark.com. Confirm 2026 and 2027 prices before you go.
Hours
In 2025 the fair opened at 5:00 p.m. to midnight on opening day, noon to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to midnight on weekends. A $7 lunch special ran Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where and Getting There
Montana ExpoPark, 400 3rd St NW, Great Falls, MT. Free limited parking is available through the Northwest Bypass entrance, and a second entrance is the 3rd Street NW purple gate. People movers run daily, and the information booth at the Central Park loop rents wheelchairs, strollers and wagons.
Questions
Is there a rodeo?
Yes, the PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo, four nights at the end of the fair in 2025 and again planned for 2027.
Can kids show livestock here?
Yes, the fair includes 4-H livestock competitions.
Who do I call?
Montana State Fair office: (406) 727-8900.
Official Links
- Montana State Fair listing
- 2026 fair announcement (KTVH)
- 2026 performers announced (KPAX)
- 2025 fair guide (The Electric)
- MSU Extension 2026 fair dates
Major Montana Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
Montana's big three are MontanaFair in August, the NILE in October and the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in May. All dates below are from the most recent published schedules, so confirm the current year.
MontanaFair
The Billings fair ran August 7-15 in 2026. The Junior Livestock Sale was Saturday, August 15 at 12:30 p.m. at the Expo. Entries go through an online ShoWorks system managed by MetraPark, and the Dept. A handbook holds the deadlines.
NILE
The NILE ran October 9-17, 2026 at MetraPark in Billings, with junior steer, lamb, goat and swine shows, the Junior Fed Sale on October 12 and rodeo performances. 2026 entries closed September 15, with a $50-per-head late fee after September 1.
Bucking Horse Sale
Miles City held its 75th Bucking Horse Sale May 14-17, 2026, with a parade, rodeo grand entries and wild horse races. It dates back to 1951.
Hauling in
Swine entering Montana need a health certificate issued within 10 days.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- KMON FFA Contests
FFA contests in meats, poultry, sales and agronomy held at Cascade and Great Falls on January 19 and 20, 2027.
Cascade, MT Official event details - Montana FFA State Convention
Annual state convention of Montana FFA with career and leadership development events, general sessions and workshops. The 2027 convention is on the calendar for March 22 to 26 in Great Falls.
- Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo
Finals of the Montana pro rodeo circuit in Great Falls, January 15 to 17, 2026. Held each year in winter.
Great Falls, MT Official event details - Cascade County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Friday, July 10, 2026 sale themed Raising the Steaks, with bidder registration at 4:30 p.m. and bidding at 5:30 p.m.; rabbits, chickens, lambs, goats, pigs and beef.
Great Falls, MT Official event details - Montana 4-H State Western Heritage Match
State 4-H Western Heritage shooting event held in Simms on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Simms, MT Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.