Western Montana Fair at Missoula Fairgrounds

The Western Montana Fair is bringing you two unforgettable weekends of excitement: Machine vs. Muscle! Kicking things off with Machine, July 31 – August 2, packed with Lords of Dirt, incredible car shows, a luxury bike show, and all things mechanical. The fair returns with Muscle, August 4 – August 8, featuring rodeo action, livestock shows, and animal events.

With 8 exciting days of food, carnival rides, arena events, and nonstop fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

When the sun starts to set, the music turns up. Every night at 7:00 pm, enjoy FREE live music featuring a stacked lineup of local bands. Grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and discover your new favorite artist!

SATURDAY | AUGUST 8

4-H & FFA Livestock Sale – 8:00 am

The 4-H and FFA livestock sale is where 4-H and FFA youth who are participating in market animal projects sell their project animal. The proceeds of each sale go to the individual 4-H and FFA members. Many of these young people put their sale earnings toward college, in addition to using the money to offset the costs of raising their animals and purchase a new market animal for the next year. When you purchase a 4-H or FFA animal at the sale, you are getting a high-quality product. Market animals are raised individually in the best conditions and on the best feed available. Many options are available that do not require you to buy an entire project animal. Click here to learn more.

Fur & Feather Silent Auction – Closes 6:00 pm

Take home a feathered or furry champion! The Fur & Feather Silent Auction offers a unique opportunity to purchase outstanding poultry and rabbit exhibits showcased by talented Open Class and 4-H exhibitors. Whether you’re an experienced breeder, a hobbyist, or simply looking to support local youth and agriculture, this auction is a fun way to bring home a quality animal while celebrating the hard work and dedication of our exhibitors. Browse the entries throughout the week, place your bids, and you just might leave the Fair with a new feathered or furry addition to your family.

FREE Activities – All Day

Stop by the Free Activity Tables for a mix of art, learning, and hands-on fun for all ages! The Clay Studio of Missoula will offer a Paint-a-Clay Magnet activity where participants can decorate ceramic slab magnets with tempera paint to take home right away, with a suggested donation to support their nonprofit outreach. Missoula ADA will feature engaging accessibility activities along with their interactive Dax Robot, the Missoula Public Library Bookmobile will offer bracelet making and hands-on activities for kids, and the Clark Fork Coalition will host River Trivia in a Jeopardy-style game where participants can test their knowledge about local rivers and win prizes.

---

Saturday’s Shows, Exhibits & Events

8:00 am

4-H/FFA Market Livestock Sale (Livestock Pavilion)

10:00 am

Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium Opens
– walk-ins welcome, tickets also available online (G.W. Marks Exploration Center)

12:00 pm – FAIR & CARNIVAL OPENS

Carnival Opens
Food & Amusement Vendors Open
Exhibition Buildings Open
Rocky Mountain Gardens Open

SHiNE Dance Fitness Demonstration (Historic Plaza)

12:30 pm

DAR’s Young Artist Studio: Black and White (Commercial Building)

1:00 pm

Animal Wonders Presentation (Historic Plaza)

1:30 pm

FREE Insect Predator Feeding
(Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium Byron Weber Classroom, G.W. Marks Exploration Center)

2:00 pm

Animal Wonders Presentation (Historic Plaza)

3:00 pm

Modern Swing Dancing with Mountains Dancing (Historic Plaza)

4:00 pm

Garden City Salsa Performances and Beginner Friendly Dance Class (Historic Plaza)
4-H/FFA Round Robin Showmanship Judging (Livestock Pavilion)

4:30 pm

DAR’s Young Artist Studio: Black and White (Commercial Building)

5:00 pm

Championship Taekwondo Demonstration (Historic Plaza)
Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium closes

6:00 pm

Gates open for Missoula Stampede Rodeo (Clouse Bauer Arena)
Rocky Mountain Gardens closes
Fur & Feather Silent Auction closes

7:00 pm – PRCA RODEO

Epic Steel presents the Missoula Stampede

Saturday’s rodeo is our salute to the heroes who make our community strong. Wear your red, white, and blue as we honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military and celebrate local legend Jim Sadler for his enduring impact on the Western Montana Fair. After the opening ceremonies, experience the excitement of PRCA rodeo as the nation’s top competitors battle for victory in an unforgettable night of western action. (Clouse Bauer Arena)

7:00 pm – FREE LIVE MUSIC

FREE Live Music by Brass and Soul Collective (Starlink Stage)

10:00 pm

2026 Western Montana Fair Closes.
Save the dates for the 2027 Western Montana Fair – August 6 through 14.

Complete Western Montana Fair Schedule

FREE Admission – All Day, Every Day

Thanks to the generosity of Western Montana Fair sponsors, come and go at your leisure several times a day, every day, no charge. Click here for tips and guidelines on how to maximize your visits including where to park on the newly renovated Fairgrounds.

Related Events

• 

  Western Montana Fair at Missoula Fairgrounds

  July 31 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• 

  Western Montana Fair at Missoula Fairgrounds

  August 1 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• 

  1st Annual Classic Car Show at The Jack Saloon

  August 1 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm