What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Missoula Fairgrounds

Name: Missoula Fairgrounds
Address: 1101 South Avenue W, Missoula, MT, 59801, US
Telephone: +14067213247
Price range: $

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Missoula Fairgrounds

The predecessor of the Missoula County Fairgrounds/Western Montana Fair was the Western Montana Agricultural, Mechanical and Mineral Association, Inc.

The mission of the Missoula County Fairgrounds is to promote agriculture, education, culture, recreation, community connection and to reflect the beauty of Western Montana. It was incorporated at the Missoula County Courthouse in November 1874. In 1875, a committee selected a site and drew up by-laws for the fair association. A fair site was selected within the eastern half of what is now 39th Str

eet, Russell Street, South Avenue and Paxson Street. By April 1876, a one-mile race track, 60 feet wide, was constructed at a cost of $400. In 1886 the Missoula Fair and Racing Association was formed, with the goal of reviving the fair. A new site was sought over to hold the annual event. In 1888 a new site was purchased one and a half miles northwest of Missoula and south of the Northern Pacific tracks. A speed line ran to the edge of the fairgrounds to unload stock. This new site, which was owned by the federal government, would be used until 1914. The county used its prisoners to help build a road to the new facility. Although the fair has had several different “homes” it has settled here at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. In 1911, the County Commissioners discussed the purchase of grounds for a permanent site for the fair. It wasn’t until 1913 that the current fairgrounds was purchased for a mere $16,000.

06/18/2026

This week we are sharing some Fair history from the 60s!

Agriculture remained at the heart of the Fair, with livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, homemaking competitions, and community exhibits bringing people together. The grandstands had only recently been rebuilt, and families filled the Fairgrounds to make new memories while continuing old traditions.

The Fair has grown over the decades, but its purpose has remained the same: bringing our community together.

Do you have memories of the Western Montana Fair from the 1960s? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

If you’re interested in a more detailed history of the Missoula County Fairgrounds, visit our History page at missoulafair.com/history to explore a timeline.

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade, showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair

06/17/2026

Safe to say we’re SOOOOO excited for the biggest Western Montana Fair yet!

For the first time ever, the Western Montana Fair is expanding to two weekends. That means more nights under the carnival lights, more concerts, more adrenaline, and more memories you’ll be talking about long after summer ends.

July 31–August 2 Lords of Dirt returns with three nights of high-speed action 🏁

August 4–August 8 The Missoula Stampede takes over with five days of rodeo excitement 🐴

Every day
• FREE Fair admission
• FREE live music every night starting at 7 PM
• Carnival rides, fair food, exhibits, and something new every time you visit

06/15/2026

Dust off your boots and stay awhile.
On Sunday, August 2, the The Idle Ranch Hands bring their authentic honky-tonk sound to the Western Montana Fair as part of our FREE nightly concert series.
Spend the evening enjoying live music starting at 7 PM, dance until your legs are sore, and make memories that will last long after the Fair is over.

06/12/2026

Zootown is here and so are we!
But some entrances will be closed JUNE 15 - 17
Make sure to enter from Russell St or Stephens Ave ☀️

We will be out of the office JUNE 18-19 🎶

06/11/2026

This week we are sharing some Fair history from the 50s!

After the 1941 fire, the fairgrounds were rebuilt with modern grandstands and facilities.

The Fair made its long-awaited return in 1954 after more than a decade without one. Since then, it has been held annually, becoming one of Missoula’s oldest traditions!

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade, showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

06/10/2026

Meet Karly!

This is her fourth year in 4-H, and one of her favorite Western Montana Fair memories is attending the 4-H dance with friends.

This year, she’s excited to bring her horse, Copper, and her chicken, Rous to the Fair!

Watch until the end to see Karly’s finished Pen Portrait photos.

What is your favorite Fair memory?

A special thank you to for his wonderful photography and for sponsoring!

06/09/2026

You’re stuck on a 12-hour flight... but this one is headed straight to the Western Montana Fair!
Which seat are you choosing? 👀

Drop your seat number in the comments!

The Western Montana Fair returns July 31 - August 8 🎡

06/08/2026

Some of the best Western Montana Fair memories happen after sunset.

Join us for FREE live music starting at 7PM every night and discover a new favorite artist along the way.

On Saturday August 1st, catch the Tanner Laws Band for some high-energy country music!

Enjoy great music, thrilling rides, delicious food, and all the energy of a summer night in Missoula.

06/04/2026

This week we are sharing some Fair history from the 40s!

A devastating fire engulfed the wooden grandstands and barns during the Fair. Thousands of spectators evacuated safely, but the blaze destroyed livestock barns, stables, hog pens, the race paddock, and even a Native American tepee village exhibit. The fire marked a turning point in fairgrounds history, leading to later reconstruction and safety improvements.
The destruction of the grandstand, combined with America’s entry into World War II on December 7, 1941, brought the Fair to an end for several years.

During World War II, the fairgrounds became a hub for community programs supporting the war effort. Residents attended demonstrations on Victory Gardens, livestock production, and home canning techniques to preserve vegetables, fruits, and meats. These programs helped reduce local food shortages and allowed more commercial supplies to be sent to soldiers overseas, showing how the fairgrounds served the community beyond entertainment.

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade, showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

06/03/2026

Meet Levi!
When asked about his favorite Western Montana Fair memory, Levi didn’t hesitate. Last year, he sold his steer for the highest price per pound at the auction!
This year, he’s back preparing a steer, sheep, and archery projects for the Fair. Like many 4-H exhibitors, a lot of his favorite Fair memories come from spending time with his animals, working hard on his projects, and making memories with friends.
Watch until the end to see Levi’s finished Pen Portrait photos and a glimpse of Potato and Virginia!
A special thank you to for his wonderful photography and for sponsoring!

Address

1101 South Avenue W
Missoula, MT
59801

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14067213247

Website

http://www.missoulafairgrounds.com/, https://linktr.ee/missoulafairgrounds

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