August sees the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo arrive in Kalispell with three whole days of solid entertainment and fun including PRCA rodeo action, a large-scale concert, carnival rides, and of course traditional fair food.
This is one of the highlights of the summer for the many who attend this historically traditional gathering every year.
Guide to the Northwest Fair & Rodeo
When and Why Did the Festival First Start?
The Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is a long-standing annual tradition that began with a small band of Flathead residents.
The fair has now been running for over a hundred years, bringing together one of the best and most long-standing rodeos in the state with other traditional aspects of the region in Kalispell every year.
What Kinds of Activities and Entertainment are featured?
The PRCA rodeo action encompasses everything from bull, steer, bareback, and saddle bronc riding to team roping and barrel racing activities. The Grandstand Shows feature full nights of entertainment catering to a range of interests, and attendees can also witness the Livestock Show and Sale.
There are typically more than 100 commercial booths at the fair, including hand-crafted exhibits showcasing the interests and skills of regional artists. The commercial booths both in the Grandstand building and outdoors are open between 11 am and 9 pm.
Prices and Tickets
Admission is, typically, $8.00 for adults (anyone over 13 years of age) $5.00 for seniors (over-65s), and children (6-12)—kids 5 and under get free admission. Parking will set you back $5 per vehicle.
Carnival rides are offered on a pay-one-price discount ticket by way of an all-day wristband for $25. These are usually available in the first couple of weeks of August at Whitefish Credit Union locations, the CHS store, and at the Fair Office.
Reserved seating and a ‘Concert Party Pit’ are available but the price is the same for all ages with the exclusion of children aged 2 or under. Children aged 6 to 12 years old get discounted seats only in the General Admission sections.
Where is the Venue for the Event?
The Flathead County Fairgrounds is the prime location for this and many other culturally and historically-tinged events in the region.
The fairground location operates seasonally between May and October, and the Fair office is open for tickets and camping registration from Monday-Friday between 8 am and 5 pm.
The office is located on the north end of the fairgrounds across from the Expo building opposite Idaho Street.
Details:
- Address: Flathead County Fairgrounds, 265 N. Meridian Rd, Kalispell, 59901
- Phone: 406-758-5810
- Dates & Times: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily except Sunday which operates from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Website: https://www.nwmtfair.com/