The Best Summer County Fairs In Montana

County fair season is fast approaching this summer in Montana. Dating back to the 19th century, county fairs in Montana used to be a way for rural communities to showcase the latest farming technology. Still, these fairs have since transitioned to celebrate community and rural life in the Great Plains. As opposed to larger state fairs, county fairs work to incorporate all aspects of the community through fundraising to give back locally, allowing a platform for local businesses, and putting on different events to include everyone in the community. With rodeos, family-friendly competitions, and carnivals full of live entertainment, games, rides, and midway treats, here are the county fairs in Montana you won’t want to miss.

The Lewis and Clark County Fair, Helena

The Lewis and Clark County Fair in Helena is a summer highlight packed with family fun, Montana rodeo, and farming history. Held during the Last Chance Stampede each July, the fair features a thrilling PRCA rodeo, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, tasty fair food, live concerts, and a lively downtown parade. Visitors can explore vendor booths, enjoy games and contests, and experience local talent and entertainment across the fairgrounds. With free gate admission, scenic picnic areas, and events for all ages, it’s a perfect mix of tradition and excitement. It offers a welcoming, festive atmosphere that celebrates the best of Montana’s community spirit.

Big Sky Country State Fair, Bozeman

Are you looking for food and fun under the Montana sky? Then look no further than the Big Sky Country State Fair in Bozeman. Running annually in mid-July, this fair promises five days of high-energy shows, music, and community celebration. Held at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, the fair features a vibrant mix of carnival rides, 4-H barns, various food vendors, rodeo events, and nightly concerts. Headliners include Chris Janson, Trampled by Turtles, and Ja Rule, offering a diverse concert lineup.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a Biergarten with free line dancing lessons. Special accommodations like Sensory Sensitivity Sunday allow access to the same fun with less noise to keep the fair as inclusive as possible. With something for everyone, the fair blends Montana's small-town togetherness with big-time entertainment under the summer sky.

Montana State Fair, Great Falls

The Montana State Fair in Great Falls is a nine‑day celebration (usually late July to early August) at ExpoPark filled with carnival rides, Fair food, live music, Pro Rodeo, horse racing, 4‑H livestock and creative exhibits, nearly 100 vendors, comedy, and family entertainment. Guests can expect the whole fair experience with thrills of carnival rides, agricultural showcases, arts, and live music and entertainment accessible on the main stage. Unique food offerings like fried Oreos, Viking meatballs, and Cow Pies help add to the local flavor. First hosted in Great Falls in 1931 (moving from Helena), this fair has been running annually for over 90 years.

Broadwater County Fair and Rodeo, Townsend

The Broadwater County Fair & Rodeo blends classic Western culture with family fun. Visitors can enjoy professional and local NRA rodeos, a spirited kids rodeo, 4‑H livestock shows, an art & crafts exhibit, live music, food vendors to get your classic fair fix, and kids' entertainment like a petting zoo. The Broadwater County Fair and Rodeo highlight Montana’s ranching heritage through barrel racing, team roping, goat tying, and even mini‑bull riding for local youth who want to get involved. Purple Night raises awareness and funds against domestic violence. By wearing purple, guests of the fair can enter raffles while supporting a great cause. Admission and parking are free to encourage local involvement and visitors, making the fair accessible for everyone to join.

Eastern Montana Fair, Miles City

Be a part of history at the Eastern Montana Fair in Miles City. Dating back to all the way to 1924, the Eastern Montana Fair is rooted in western history. The fair runs for three days every August and offers a classic mix of rodeo thrills, live music, and family fun. The fair starts with PRCA Rodeo events featuring bronc and bull riding, team roping, and the crowd-favorite Wild Cow Milking Contest. This August, country legends Sawyer Brown Band are headlining the fair concert. The fair also includes unique entertainment like the annual demolition derby in the grandstand and a petting zoo for little ones to get involved in. Many community-focused competitions exist to find the best locally grown vegetables and locally baked cakes. With deep roots in Montana tradition, the Eastern Montana Fair is a summer highlight for locals and visitors alike.

Montana county fairs are a vibrant celebration of community spirit and tradition blended into fun under the open skies. These fairs bring people together to share in the excitement of classic western rodeos, livestock shows, and friendly community competition. Whether cheering on a neighbor in a poetry contest or dancing to live music as the sun sets over the prairie, a deep sense of connection and pride fills the air. This blend of community fun and tradition makes Montana county fairs not just events, but annual cherished gatherings that strengthen community bonds and celebrate life under the Big Sky.