The Western Montana Fair is bringing you two unforgettable weekends of excitement to the Missoula Fairgrounds: 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; each day of the Fair is open from 12:00 pm Noon to 10:00 pm
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!
FRIDAY | JULY 31
Ride to the Fair Day – Get $5
Ride to the Fair Day is Friday, July 31 presented by Missoula in Motion and Mountain Line. Bike or bus to the Fair on July 31 and get $5 in Fair Food bucks. Available for the first 100 people. Missoula in Motion will be offering free bike valet from 12:00 pm Noon to 9:00 pm. Please bike/walk through the South Ave. entrance (at Fairway) and receive all these perks on Ride to the Fair Day.
FREE Activities – All Day
Step into the world of craftsmanship and creativity with the talented Carousel for Missoula Woodcarvers on the first floor of the Commercial Building. Watch skilled artisans bring a beautiful wooden carousel horse to life through live carving demonstrations and learn about the artistry behind these timeless treasures. Young fairgoers and adults alike can get creative by designing their own mini wooden carousel horse to take home as a special Fair keepsake. This free, hands-on activity is a fun way to experience local artistry, ask questions, and create a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Western Montana Fair Car Show – West Lawn
Classic chrome, modern muscle, custom builds, and timeless favorites come together on the West Lawn for the Western Montana Fair Car Show. Stroll among an incredible collection of vehicles, meet the owners, swap stories, and admire the craftsmanship that makes every ride unique. Be sure to arrive early—these beauties cruise out at dusk before the evening arena shows begin, making this a must-see daytime attraction you won’t want to miss.
Motorcycle Showcase – Commercial Building
For one weekend only, the historic Commercial Building roars to life with the Montgomery Distillery Motorcycle Showcase. Inspired by the distillery’s popular Spirits & Spokes events, this special exhibit features an impressive collection of vintage classics, custom builds, and modern machines from riders across Western Montana. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, this is a must-see stop during the “Machines” Weekend of the Western Montana Fair.
Friday’s Shows, Exhibits & Events
10:00 am
Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium Opens – walk-ins welcome, tickets also available online (G.W. Marks Exploration Center)
12:00 pm Noon – FAIR & CARNIVAL OPENS
Carnival Opens
Food & Amusement Vendors Open
Exhibitions Open (Commercial Building, Floriculture, Culinary) (Exploration Center & Livestock Exhibitions open on Tuesday August 4)
Live Chainsaw Art by Carving Out a Living (Historic Plaza)
2:00 pm
Live Chainsaw Art by Carving Out a Living (Historic Plaza)
3:00 pm
Live Chainsaw Art by Carving Out a Living (Historic Plaza)
4:00 pm
Olympic Fencing Demonstration with Missoula Sport Fencing (Historic Plaza)
Lords of Dirt Preliminary Racing Ends (Clouse Bauer Arena)
5:00 pm
Djebe Bara Dance and Drum Performance (Historic Plaza)
Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium closes
6:00 pm
Gates Open for Lords of Dirt (Clouse Bauer Arena)
Rocky Mountain Gardens close
7:00 pm – LORDS OF DIRT + FMX + $4000 Cash to Fans
The championship is on the line as the fastest riders battle for the Lords of Dirt Finals—and you can win right alongside them! Grab a Fortune & Fury: Fan Draw race card for just $20 (cash) before the green flag drops. Your card enters you in every cash drawing of the night, with prizes growing larger after each race. When your matching racer wins, you earn bonus chances to take home the cash. Don’t just watch the excitement—be part of it. Pick up your race card on your way into the grandstands and cheer your rider to victory! (Clouse Bauer Arena)
7:00 pm – FREE LIVE MUSIC
FREE Live Music by The Jaden DeckerBand (Starlink Stage)
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