NILE Stock Show and Ranch Rodeo

What the NILE Stock Show Is

The Northern International Livestock Exposition, known as the NILE, is a week-long stock show and rodeo held each October at MetraPark in Billings. It is run by a non-profit that promotes the livestock industry, agricultural education and the western way of life, and it draws hundreds of exhibitors from the United States and Canada. The first event was held in 1967 at the Public Auction Yards in Billings, and the first full NILE followed in 1968. The 2026 show, the 59th annual NILE, ran October 9-17, 2026.

Shows, Sales and Contests

• Breed shows and sales: Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Simmental, Texas Longhorn and other breeds, plus an All Other Breeds show that takes crossbreds. The 2026 week also included the Club Calf Show, Jackpot and Heifer Futurity, a Commercial Heifer Pen Show, the NILE Merit Heifer Show and the Angus Select Female Sale.
• Junior fed market shows: steer, lamb, goat and swine shows for 4-H and FFA members, ending in the Junior Fed Sale.
• Horses: horse shows and the NILE Gold Buckle Select Horse Sale, where vetted weanlings, yearlings and performance horses are sold.
• Youth education: youth livestock and horse judging contests and three days of 4th Grade Ag Education.
• Rodeo: the NILE Ranch Rodeo and the Riggin Masters bareback event, with Supreme Show finals on the last day.

How the 2026 Week Ran

1. October 8Club calf, steer, lamb and goat move-ins began.
2. October 9-10Junior and open shows opened, along with the swine show (October 9) and the Club Calf Show; the Club Calf Sale was October 10 at 5 p.m.
3. October 12The Junior Fed Sale was held at 4 p.m.
4. October 15-16Angus shows, the Montana Angus NILE Futurity and the Angus Select Female Sale (October 16, 5:30 p.m.).
5. October 17Junior Supreme at 5:30 p.m. and Open Supreme at 6 p.m.; exhibitor access ended at 7 p.m.

Who Can Enter and Rules

The NILE is an invitational show, and management can extend or withhold invitations. All entries are made online at thenile.org with full payment; emailed, printed or handwritten entries are not processed. Exhibitors follow the NILE livestock rules, health, brand and import regulations, and the National Show Ring Code of Ethics.

• Certificates of Veterinary Inspection are required, including for in-state animals.
• Animals are checked in with brand inspectors and shown with a backtag.
• Performance-enhancing drugs are prohibited within five days of showing; violations can mean disqualification and forfeited premiums.
• No dogs are permitted on the grounds.
• A breed needs at least 20 head in the open show to receive premium payout.

Fees, Premiums and Deadlines

For 2026, online entries were due September 1, with a $50 per head late fee after that date. September 15 at 5 p.m. was the last day for late entries and for 50 percent cancellation refunds. Sample fees: Angus open class $65 per class, junior classes $55 per class, tie-out pen $90, RV hookup $60 per night, brand inspection $1 per head for cattle.

Breeding cattle premiums run from $50 to $100 for first place in a class, down to $25 for fourth. Grand Champions receive NILE jackets and Reserves receive NILE vests. The Open Supreme Female and Bull each received $3,000. Junior fed champions are paid separately: the 2026 Junior Fed Grand Champion Steer earned $2,000 and the Reserve $1,000, and Grand Champion Lamb, Goat or Swine earned $500.

Where

MetraPark, 308 6th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. Breeding cattle show in the Expo Center, lambs, goats and swine in the Montana Pavilion, and rodeo events in First Interstate Arena. Tickets are sold at metrapark.com. The livestock office was open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during show week.

Questions

Official Links

• 2026 NILE Premium Book: schedule, rules, fees and premiums
• 2026 Jr. Fed Livestock Show and Sale: junior rules, weigh-in and sale
• About the NILE: history and programs
• MetraPark NILE Stock Show page: venue, tickets and phone

Other Upcoming Events Nearby

• Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention and Trade Show
  Nov. 15, 2026 - Nov. 18, 2026 | Yellowstone County, Billings

  The 107th annual convention of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Billings, November 15 to 18, 2026.

  27 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101 | Organizer: Montana Farm Bureau Federation Official event details
• Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention and Trade Show
  Dec. 3, 2026 - Dec. 5, 2026 | Yellowstone County, Billings

  Montana Stockgrowers Association convention with trade show, Stockgrowers Colleges, policy sessions and a Grand Finale Banquet, December 3 to 5, 2026, at the DoubleTree and the Northern Hotel in Billings.

• Chase Hawks Rodeo
  Dec. 26, 2026 | Yellowstone County, Billings

  One-day rodeo in Billings on December 26, 2026, on the Montana pro rodeo calendar. Held each year around the holidays.

  Billings, MT Official event details
• Montana Wool Growers Association Annual Convention
  Expected around Dec. 3, 2026 - estimate, not yet announced | Yellowstone County, Billings

  Sheep industry convention of the Montana Wool Growers Association. Held each year; the most recent dates were December 4 to 7, 2025, in Billings.

  Billings, MT | Organizer: Montana Wool Growers Association Official event details
• MontanaFair 4-H and FFA Junior Livestock Shows
  Expected around Aug. 2, 2027 - estimate, not yet announced | Yellowstone County, Billings

  Two-week 4-H and FFA program at MontanaFair in Billings, from interview judging to horse, small animal, sheep, goat and livestock classes. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 3-15, 2026.

All Montana events by date

Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.