Montana State Fair takes place every summer at the Montana ExpoPark fairground in Great Falls. The nine-day event boasts the best in Montana art, animals, horticulture, and culinary expertise, with amazing Art Deco-era architecture as a backdrop. The fair attracts tens of thousands of attendees yearly with exciting carnival rides, educational exhibitions, and food vendors. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler passing through, the fair offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Schedule

The gates open on Friday, July 26 from 5 pm until midnight. On weekend, fairgoers can enjoy the attractions from noon until midnight. For those visiting on weekdays, the fair operates from noon to 11 pm.

Admission and Parking

Montana State Fair admission varies according to the age groups. Adults aged 18 to 59 can enter for $9, while children aged five and under enjoy complimentary admission. Seniors aged 60 and older, as well as youth aged 6 to 17, can access the fair for a discounted rate of $6. Additionally, pre-sale carnival wristbands are priced at $25 each, granting unlimited rides during the 12-5 pm or 6 pm-12 am slots, valid for any day of the fair from July 26 to August 3, 2024. Parking is made convenient with limited complimentary spaces accessible via the NorthWest Bypass entrance.

Concerts

On Monday evening, July 29, at 7:30 pm, the iconic rock band BUSH takes the stage, bringing with them decades of chart-topping hits like "Glycerine" and "Machinehead." The following night, Tuesday, July 30, at 7:30 pm, country music legend Trace Adkins delivers a memorable performance with his dynamic baritone and timeless hits, showcasing a career spanning over 25 years.

On Thursday afternoon, August 1, at 4 pm, Tape Face, the master of silent comedy, enchants the crowd with his ingenious blend of physical comedy and boundless imagination, transforming ordinary objects into sources of laughter. Friday night, August 2, at 9 pm, welcomes comedy superstar Jeff Dunham, whose ventriloquism prowess and hilarious characters have earned him global acclaim. Finally, on Saturday, August 3, at 9 pm, Newsboys, accompanied by special guest Jordan Janzen, close the festivities with their uplifting Christian rock anthems and boundless energy.

Carnival

Mighty Thomas Carnival offers to explore the whimsical Beach Party, a vibrant two-level funhouse with quirky obstacles and a spinning barrel evoking crashing waves. Ascend the Star Tower for a serene yet thrilling 90-foot chair swing ride enveloped in mesmerizing LED displays. For the daring, Black Out promises an adrenaline rush as riders are launched high into the air, spinning in a full-circle descent from heights of up to 80 feet.

Horse Racing

Horse racing enthusiasts can witness the pulse-pounding excitement of the Great Falls Turf Club Race across six race days. The dates for high-speed thrills are July 13 & 14, July 20 & 21, and July 27 & 28.

Big Sky Pro Rodeo

For a taste of the Wild West, the Big Sky Pro Rodeo, held alongside the 91st Montana State Fair from July 31 to August 3, is a must-see. Over four nights, the rodeo showcases seven major rodeo events, each with its own unique theme and activities tailored for the whole family. General Admission Adult tickets are available for $18, Reserved Seating for $26, and General Admission Youth tickets (ages 3-12) can be purchased exclusively at the Box Office for $10.

Additional Activities

In addition to its entertainment, the Montana State Fair hosts over 200 indoor and outdoor commercial vendor booths, offering a wide array of products, merchandise, and an extensive selection of food concessionaires. The fair's competitive exhibits showcase the talents of individuals from across the region, featuring departments dedicated to horticulture, farming, art, and more. Winning entries receive prestigious awards, highlighting participants' exceptional skills and creativity.