Montana's Biggest Stock Shows and Rodeos
Three events anchor the Montana calendar for junior exhibitors and rodeo fans: MontanaFair in Billings in August, the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) in Billings in October, and the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in May. Dates below are the most recent published; confirm the current year before you plan a trip or an entry.
MontanaFair, Billings
MontanaFair is the big state-level fair at MetraPark in Billings. MSU Extension's 2026 fair dates list shows the Billings fair running August 7-15. The Yellowstone County Extension office publishes the 2026 MontanaFair 4-H/FFA schedule, which gives a good picture of how the week works.
2026 schedule highlights
- August 3: interview judging begins, and exhibitors pick up packets from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Horses: check-in Thursday, August 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SuperBarn, with showmanship at 2 p.m. that day.
- Poultry and rabbits: check-in Friday, August 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Expo, with poultry showmanship Sunday, August 9.
- Sheep, goats and llama/alpaca: check-in Saturday, August 8, 5 to 7 p.m. Sheep showmanship was Tuesday, August 11 at 1 p.m.
- Beef and dairy cattle: check-in Sunday, August 9, 9 to 11 a.m. Dairy and beef showmanship followed the breeding beef show on Monday, August 10.
- Swine: check-in Wednesday, August 12, 5 to 8 a.m., with showmanship at 2 p.m.
Junior Livestock Sale
The Junior Livestock Sale was Saturday, August 15, 2026: preview at 11 a.m. at the Expo, buyer lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the Metra Exhibit Hall, animals ready at 12:15 p.m. and the sale at 12:30 p.m. Department N check-out was August 16.
Entering
The Yellowstone County 4-H MontanaFair page says entries are made online through the MontanaFair Online Entry System, which uses ShoWorks software managed by MetraPark. The entry office phone is 406-869-5200. The page links the 2026 Dept. A (Junior Livestock) Handbook, which holds the dates, deadlines and livestock requirements, so read it before you enter. If you have no computer or internet, the Yellowstone County Extension office, at 2320 3rd Ave N in Billings (406-256-2828), says it can schedule a time for you to enter online there.
NILE Stock Show and Rodeo, Billings
The Northern International Livestock Exposition is a non-profit stock show and rodeo held each October at MetraPark. MetraPark lists the 2026 NILE as October 9-17, with cattle shows and sales, horse shows, the Gold Buckle Select Horse Sale, a Ranch Rodeo, week-long rodeo performances, junior livestock shows, junior horse shows, youth livestock and horse judging contests and 4th Grade Ag Education days.
Junior market shows, 2026
The 2026 NILE Premium Book gave this junior market schedule:
- Steers: must be in place by 10 a.m. October 9, shown 9 a.m. October 10.
- Lambs: in place by 8 p.m. October 8, shown noon October 10.
- Goats: in place by 8 p.m. October 8, shown 2 p.m. October 11.
- Swine: in place by 10 a.m. October 9, shown 8 a.m. October 11.
The Junior Fed Sale was Monday, October 12 at 4 p.m., and rodeo performances were at 7 p.m. on October 16 and 17.
Entries and health rules
- Entries are made online at thenile.org. Emailed or handwritten entries are not processed.
- Entries were due by September 1; later entries carried a $50-per-head late fee if space allowed, with a final deadline of 5 p.m. Mountain time on September 15, 2026.
- Refunds of 50 percent of entry fees were available for written cancellations by September 15.
- Sale animals needed a visual ID tag in one ear and had to be listed on a separate health certificate from show animals.
- Swine health certificates had to be issued within 10 days before entering Montana, and microchips are not accepted as official ID for swine. Sheep and goats also needed a certificate within 10 days and official ID.
- Performance-enhancing drugs may not be given within 5 days of showing, and violations can mean disqualification and forfeited premiums.
Exhibitors are also responsible for cleaning stalls and pens before 7 p.m. each evening, with clean-up fees withheld from premiums.
Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, nicknamed "Cowboy Mardi Gras," held its 75th anniversary on May 14-17, 2026. It brings together saddle bronc riders, bucking stock and wild horse racers, and it dates back to 1951. The 2026 line-up included a Thursday concert kickoff, a trade show, horse racing, wild horse races, rodeo grand entries, mutton bustin', a Saturday Main Street parade and a street dance. It is a spectator event more than a junior show, but it is a staple of the Montana rodeo calendar.
Bringing Animals Into Montana
If you haul from out of state, the Montana Department of Livestock sets entry rules. For show and exhibition cattle, a health certificate must be issued within 30 days of entry and list the official ID, and animals tagged on or after November 5, 2024 need an 840 RFID tag. For swine, the certificate must be issued within 10 days before entry. Check the department site for your species before you load up.
Practical Tips
- Read the handbook or premium book first; the deadlines are in there.
- Book early, because entries close well before the show.
- Plan the whole week around check-in windows, some of which fall before dawn.
- Keep health papers and brand paperwork in one folder in the truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is MontanaFair?
In 2026 the Billings fair ran August 7-15. Check the Yellowstone County Extension page for the current year.
When is the NILE?
The 2026 NILE ran October 9-17 at MetraPark in Billings.
Is the Bucking Horse Sale a junior show?
No. It is a horse sale and rodeo-style event in Miles City, held in mid-May in 2026.
Montana Listings Covered by This Guide
- Chase Hawks Rodeo
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 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 - Montana State University Cowboys and Candlelight
The 29th annual Cowboys and Candlelight event in Bozeman, held February 15, 2026, on the Montana rodeo calendar.
Bozeman, MT Official event details - Montana State University Spring Rodeo
College rodeo hosted in Bozeman by Montana State University, April 9 to 12, 2026.
- MSU Northern Rodeo
College rodeo in Havre hosted by Montana State University Northern, April 17 and 18, 2026.
Havre, MT Official event details - Miles Community College Rodeo
College rodeo hosted by Miles Community College in Miles City, April 23 to 26, 2026, on the Montana rodeo calendar.
Miles City, MT Official event details - University of Montana Rodeo
College rodeo hosted in Missoula by the University of Montana, May 1 and 2, 2026, on the Montana rodeo calendar.
Missoula, MT Official event details - Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, which marked its 75th anniversary in 2026 with the sale opening May 14. Held each year in Miles City in mid-May; the most recent dates started May 14, 2026.
Miles City, MT Official event details - Montana High School Rodeo State Finals
State championship of the Montana High School Rodeo Association at Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell, June 8 to 13, 2026, with 16 events and a trip to nationals for qualifiers.
- Big Timber Rodeo at Sweet Grass Fest
Rodeo weekend at the Sweet Grass County Fairgrounds with a parade, car show and live music; it starts with a Friday evening rodeo. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26-27, 2026.
78 Fairgrounds Rd, Big Timber, MT 59011 | 406-252-1122 Official event details - Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo
The 97th annual Home of Champions Rodeo at the Red Lodge rodeo grounds, July 2 to 4, 2026, with professional cowboys and cowgirls and holiday parades.
101 Rodeo Dr, Red Lodge, MT | 406-446-1718 Official event details - Rodeo Roundup
Independence Day rodeo in the town of Roundup, July 3 and 4, 2026, on the Montana pro rodeo schedule.
Roundup, MT Official event details - Livingston Roundup Rodeo
Fourth of July rodeo at the Park County Fairgrounds in Livingston, July 1 to 4, 2026, one of Montana's largest, with parades and pro rodeo performances.
Livingston, MT Official event details - Livingston Classic PBR
Professional bull riding over two nights in Livingston during the Livingston Roundup week in July. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 10-11, 2026.
Livingston, MT Official event details - Central Montana Ram Pro Rodeo
Pro rodeo in Lewistown tied to the Central Montana Fair, on the Montana pro rodeo schedule for July 14 to 25, 2026.
Lewistown, MT Official event details - Dawson County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
Dawson County Fair and PRCA rodeo in Glendive, July 20-25, 2026, with 4-H beef and small-animal shows.
Glendive, MT Official event details - Big Sky Country State Fair
Gallatin County's summer fair at the fairgrounds in Bozeman. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 15 to 19, 2026.
- Rosebud-Treasure County Fair and Rodeo
PRCA-sanctioned fair and rodeo at the Forsyth fairgrounds, running since 1906 and among the oldest county fairs in Montana. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 15-18, 2026.
513 N 16th Ave, Forsyth, MT 59327 | 406-346-2144 | Organizer: Rosebud County Fair Official event details - Montana State Fair
Fair week in Great Falls (Jul 24-Aug 1, 2026) brings 4-H exhibits, junior livestock classes and community events to Cascade County. Held each year; the most recent dates were these.
- Richland County Fair PRCA Rodeo
PRCA rodeo during the Richland County Fair in Sidney, July 29 to August 1, 2026.
Sidney, MT Official event details - Richland County Fair and Rodeo
Century-old Sidney fair mixing PRCA rodeo, live entertainment, carnival rides and exhibits with chances to support local youth. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 29 to August 1, 2026.
2118 W. Holly St, Sidney, MT 59270 | 406-433-2801 Official event details - Madison County Fair and Rodeo
NRA-sanctioned rodeo performances on August 6 and 7 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 6-7, 2026.
Twin Bridges, MT Official event details - Broadwater County Rodeo and Fair
Townsend rodeo weekend with a kids rodeo August 6, NRA performances August 7-8 and an In Country rodeo August 9. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 6-9, 2026.
Townsend, MT Official event details - Bozeman Stampede
Three-night Bozeman Stampede rodeo at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in early August. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 6-8, 2026.
Bozeman, MT Official event details - MontanaFair
MontanaFair in Billings runs Aug 7-15, 2026, with exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were Aug 7-15, with 4-H and open class entries.
- National Veterans Rodeo
NRA veterans rodeo held in one day at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena. Held each year; the most recent date was August 1, 2026.
Helena, MT Official event details - Tri-County Fair Rodeo
NRA rodeo at the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Deer Lodge, run on August 14 and 15 during fair week. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 14-15, 2026.
Deer Lodge, MT Official event details - Wilsall Ranch Rodeo
One-day working ranch rodeo in Wilsall in the Shields Valley, held in mid-August. Held each year; the most recent date was August 16, 2026.
Wilsall, MT Official event details - Wibaux County Fair and Rodeo
Four-day fair in Wibaux with 4-H and open class exhibits, a rodeo, a demolition derby and a parade, and the 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale held before the derby. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 20-23, 2026.
7900 Highway 7, Wibaux, MT 59353 | 406-796-2486 | Organizer: MSU Extension Wibaux County Official event details - Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo
Late-summer NRA rodeo at Jefferson County Recreation Park in Boulder, held August 21-22 alongside the county fair. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 21-22, 2026.
Boulder, MT Official event details - Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo
Four days of rodeo, carnival rides, livestock shows, family activities, demonstrations, live music and food at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Held each year; the most recent dates were September 2-5, 2026.
- Sanders County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
Plains fair with open class livestock judging, a live concert, three nights of PRCA rodeo, a demolition derby, carnival rides and a parade. Held each year; the most recent dates were September 3-6, 2026.
Plains, MT Official event details - Montanas Biggest Weekend PRCA Rodeo
PRCA rodeo in Dillon billed as Montana's Biggest Weekend and run as part of Beaverhead County Fair week (the Dillon Jaycee Rodeo weekend). Held each year; the most recent dates were September 5-6, 2026.
Dillon, MT Official event details - Helmville Rodeo
NRA rodeo at the Helmville Rodeo Grounds, a small-town Labor Day weekend event in the Blackfoot valley. Held each year; the most recent dates were September 6-7, 2026.
Helmville, MT Official event details - NILE Stock Show and Ranch Rodeo
Northern International Livestock Exposition: a week-long stock show with livestock sales, horse shows, youth judging contests, 4th grade ag education days and a ranch rodeo at MetraPark, held each October.
- NILE Billings Riggin Masters
Riggin Masters competition in Billings tied to the NILE week, on the Montana pro rodeo schedule for October 16 and 17, 2026.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.