Montana State Fair
The Montana State Fair brings summer energy to Great Falls each year with concerts, rodeo events, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits all in one place. It's one of the biggest annual gatherings in central Montana, drawing visitors from across the region. Many travelers turn it into a road trip, using RV rentals to stay close to the fairgrounds while also exploring rivers, trails, and open landscapes around the city. RV travel works well here because hotels fill quickly during fair week, and having your own space makes it easier to enjoy long days of events without worrying about commuting or availability.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Top activities at the Montana State Fair include the Big Sky Pro Rodeo, which features competitions sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the carnival, which features the 90-foot-tall Star Tower ride, and the horse racing events. Competitive exhibits will also be on display, and entertainment will be available on the main grounds, featuring acts by illusionists, musicians, comedians, and more.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities at the Montana State Fair, including many food and drink concessions in the carnival area. Other amenities include ATMs, wheelchairs and stroller/wagon rentals, people movers, police and medical assistance, and free showers.
LOCATION
The Montana State Fair takes place at ExpoPark, located at 400 3rd Street NW, Great Falls, MT 59404. The venue is easily accessible from major interstates and highways.
FAQs About RVing to the Montana State Fair
Can you bring an RV to the Montana State Fair?
While there is no on-site campground for the Montana State Fair, many attendees travel by RV and stay at nearby campgrounds. You can park your rig and drive to the venue each day or use rideshares.
How early should I reserve an RV campground site?
Reserve your campground site several months in advance if possible. RV parks near Great Falls fill quickly during major summer events.
What is the weather like during the fair?
Expect warm daytime temperatures in Great Falls. At night, you may need a light jacket as temperatures drop after sunset.
Is parking difficult during the Montana State Fair?
Parking can become crowded during fairs, concerts, and rodeos. Arriving early helps you find a more convenient spot.
LINEUP
• July 25: Third Eye Blind • July 26: Kansas • July 27: Ian Munsick • July 28: John Crist (Comedian) Check the official site for any updates in the lineup.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Staying in an RV during the fair gives you flexibility that traditional lodging can't match. You can settle in once, avoid peak traffic near the fairgrounds, and come and go as the event schedule fits your day. While there is no on-site RV campground at the Montana State Fair, there are plenty of options close by. Great Falls has a mix of RV parks and nearby camping areas that keep you close enough for quick access yet far enough to enjoy quieter evenings after the crowds have gone. Summer in Great Falls is generally warm during the day with cooler nights, so RV travelers often appreciate having full hookups for air conditioning and steady power during their stay.
Where to Camp Near the Montana State Fair
• Great Falls KOA Holiday: This is the closest RV park to the fair. It offers full hookups, pull-through sites, and big-rig-friendly spaces. It's one of the most convenient places to stay for fair attendees. • Great Falls RV Park: This is a large in-city RV park with full hookups, laundry, Wi-Fi, and walkable access to food and services. This is a good backup if KOA fills too early. • Prewett Creek RV Park: It is located about 26 miles from the venue, in Cascade. The campground offers full hookups, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and picnic tables.
RV Rental Tips for the Montana State Fair
If you're searching for RV rentals near Great Falls, booking early is recommended because summer travel demand increases during the Montana State Fair. • Class B RVs are easier to maneuver around Great Falls and nearby attractions. • Class C RVs work well for families attending multiple days of fair events. • Traffic near Montana ExpoPark becomes heavier during concert and rodeo events. • Pack for changing temperatures since Montana evenings can cool down quickly after sunset.
WHERE TO STAY
If you would prefer, you can stay at a nearby hotel instead of a campground for the Montana State Fair. • SpringHill Suites Great Falls is a great hotel to choose if you’d like to be within a short drive to the fair. This hotel is just 5 miles from Great Falls International Airport and offers an indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. • Staybridge Suites Great Falls is also close to the fairgrounds, and it is on the Missouri River. Features of this hotel include kitchens in all rooms, an airport shuttle, and a pool and hot tub area. • Central Motel sits beside West Side Kiwanis Park, and it has free Wi-Fi and parking for guests. Extended stays are available, too.
HOW TO GET THERE
• To reach the Montana ExpoPark from Great Falls International Airport, take I-15 North. Continue on I-15 North for 2.2 miles, then take exit 280 toward US-87 North. Turn right onto I-15BL, then keep right to continue onto Central Avenue West. After 0.8 miles, turn left onto 6th Street NW, and the fair will be on the right. • From Helena: Take I-15 North for about 90 miles toward Great Falls. Use Exit 280 and follow Central Avenue West to Montana ExpoPark. • From Billings: Take I-90 West to US-87 North toward Great Falls. Continue through Lewistown and follow signs into Great Falls toward Montana ExpoPark. • From Missoula: Take I-90 East to US-87 North near Helena, then connect to I-15 North toward Great Falls. Follow the local signs to Montana ExpoPark.
PARKING
Parking for the Montana State Fair is free. However, the spaces are limited and fill up quickly. You can only access parking areas from the Northwest Bypass entrance.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets for the fair cost $10 for adults (18-69). Seniors over 60 pay $7, and children under 5 may enter for free. Children ages 6 to 17 may enter for $7. You can also buy a 10-pack of bonus tickets for $70. Tickets will be on sale until July 24th at 6:00 p.m. If you want to attend the concerts, you will need to buy tickets. They include general admission for the night and start at $61.35. Party Pit costs start at $77.52.
WRAP UP
The Montana State Fair is an exciting event featuring rodeos, horse races, live music, and more. Stay at the fair or nearby in your RV to make sure you don’t miss a day of entertainment. Plus, when you stay in your RV, you’ll be able to cook a meal when the concession lines become too long. For more updates about the Montana State Fair, check out the Montana ExpoPark’s Facebook page.
Five-Day RV Itinerary for the Montana State Fair
• Day One: Arrive in Great Falls and get settled into your RV campground. Take time to set up, rest, and stock up on essentials if needed. In the evening, head downtown for a casual dinner and take a first look at the city's local shops and atmosphere. • Day Two: Spend your evening at the Montana State Fair. The gates open at 5:00 p.m. on opening day. Through the weekdays, the gates open at 12 p.m. and close at 11 p.m. On the weekends, the gates open at 12 p.m. and close at midnight. Enjoy the Mighty Thomas Carnival rides and all the delicious food. • Day Three: Plan this as your rodeo and signature day. Watch the rodeo in the afternoon or evening, depending on the schedule. Explore the exhibits and pick up some merch and rider signatures to remember the fun. Return to your RV for rest; make sure to get plenty of sleep for the long day ahead. • Day Four: Take a break from the fair during the day and enjoy the sights and sounds of Great Falls. Visit the CM Russell Museum or Gibson Park. You could also take a Walking Tour of Great Falls. Return to the fair at night to watch a concert and enjoy more fun. • Day Five: Enjoy a slow morning at the campground, getting things packed away for the trip home. If time allows, make one more trip to the fair, arriving around noon to avoid the larger crowds that come after 5:00 p.m. Plan extra time for your trip home so you won't have to rush.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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