The 91st annual Montana State Fair will be held in 2022 in Great Falls, Montana, and is the largest single gathering of Montanans held in the state each year.
Montana is a spectacular state with stunning natural beauty (especially Glacier National Park!). I wanted to learn more about this major cultural event that brings thousands of people to Great Falls over the nine-day event.
This article is in a Q&A format that details information not only about when the Montana State Fair is but all of the details you need if you plan to attend.
When Is The Montana State Fair?
The next Montana State Fair will be held July 29 – August 6, 2022.
Where Will It Be Held?
The venue for the State Fair is Montana ExpoPark. The 133-acre grounds contain 35 buildings, a horseracing track, grandstands, an Exhibition Hall, livestock facilities, and the Four Seasons Arena. The Park is located at 400 3rd Street NW in Great Falls.
What Are The Opening Hours?
The fair is open from noon to midnight on weekends and from noon to 11 p.m. on weekdays.
How Much Is Admission/Tickets?
Admission prices are given for the 2021 event:
- Adults: ages 18 to 59 – $8
- Seniors: ages 60 and older – $5
- Youth: ages 6 to 17 – $5
- Children: ages 5 and under are free
- Lunch Special: $4 (Monday – Friday from 11 am to 2 pm)
There is complimentary free parking at the NorthWest Bypass entrance.
Last year the Fair attendance was 160,000 people. You can avoid the ticket lines by purchasing yours online. Visit GoExpoPark for current ticket pricing. General admission tickets do not include concerts, carnival rides, or rodeo events if applicable.
Will There Be a Rodeo?
The Big Sky Pro Rodeo offers exciting rodeo action for several days during the Fair (in 2021 there were 4 days of events). Last year the rodeo performances began nightly at 7 p.m. and featured a different theme.
Check the Fair website for details on when the rodeo action will take place.
Here were the 2021 ticket prices:
- General Admission Adult: ages 12+ – $13.00
- General Admission Youth: Ages 3 to 12 – $7.00
- Reserved Seating: is only available at the box office for $21.00
Purchase Big Sky Pro Rodeo tickets online.
Will There Be Carnival Rides?
For 27 years the Mighty Thomas Carnival has been offering great carnival rides and tantalizing food at the Montana State Fair. They will once again be bringing some of their crowd-pleasing favorites.
Discounted carnival wristbands can be pre-purchased before 6 p.m. on July 29. You will receive a voucher good for any day of the 2022 Fair to be redeemed at the Mighty Thomas Carnival Ticket Booth. Wristbands can be purchased at the Montana ExpoPark Box Office or online.
What Kind of Music Acts Will Perform?
The Montana State Fair books some of the best names in country and rock music. Check the Fair website for announcements on the 2022 lineup. Last year the headliners included country music duo Big and Rich, ventriloquist Terry Fator (winner of season 2’s America’s Got Talent competition), and Travis Tritt.
2021 ticket prices ranged from $22 – $54 depending on the featured performer. You can purchase your concert tickets online.
There is also free entertainment on two stages with musical performances ranging from blues to swing, country to Christian.
What Agricultural Events and Exhibits Will Be Held?
What’s a Fair without exciting agricultural competitions? This year will be no different, with exhibitors competing for blue ribbons for their entries. From livestock exhibits to flowers and arts and crafts, there is plenty to explore at the Fair. Last year there were over 300 exhibitors.
What Other Kinds of Entertainment Will There Be?
Horse racing will be back again at this year’s Montana State Fair. The Great Falls Turf Club will have multiple days of races. Visit their website for more information on the races, including dates, post times and ticket prices.
What Is There To Eat?
There will be plenty of tasty treats available to fairgoers from the many vendors on site. This is the largest food fair in the state!
How Do I Get More Information?
For more information about the 2022 Montana State Fair, please visit the Montana State Fair page online.
The Montana State Fair has been a great agriculture celebration since the 1930s. It features carnival rides, exhibitions, food, and entertainment for the young and old!