Missoula Fairgrounds

Missoula Fairgrounds The predecessor of the Missoula County Fairgrounds/Western Montana Fair was the Western Montana Agricultural, Mechanical and Mineral Association, Inc.

The mission of the Missoula County Fairgrounds is to promote agriculture, education, culture, recreation, community connection and to reflect the beauty of Western Montana. It was incorporated at the Missoula County Courthouse in November 1874. In 1875, a committee selected a site and drew up by-laws for the fair association. A fair site was selected within the eastern half of what is now 39th Str

eet, Russell Street, South Avenue and Paxson Street. By April 1876, a one-mile race track, 60 feet wide, was constructed at a cost of $400. In 1886 the Missoula Fair and Racing Association was formed, with the goal of reviving the fair. A new site was sought over to hold the annual event. In 1888 a new site was purchased one and a half miles northwest of Missoula and south of the Northern Pacific tracks. A speed line ran to the edge of the fairgrounds to unload stock. This new site, which was owned by the federal government, would be used until 1914. The county used its prisoners to help build a road to the new facility. Although the fair has had several different “homes” it has settled here at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. In 1911, the County Commissioners discussed the purchase of grounds for a permanent site for the fair. It wasn’t until 1913 that the current fairgrounds was purchased for a mere $16,000.

This week we are sharing some Fair history from the 40s!A devastating fire engulfed the wooden grandstands and barns dur...
06/04/2026

This week we are sharing some Fair history from the 40s!

A devastating fire engulfed the wooden grandstands and barns during the Fair. Thousands of spectators evacuated safely, but the blaze destroyed livestock barns, stables, hog pens, the race paddock, and even a Native American tepee village exhibit. The fire marked a turning point in fairgrounds history, leading to later reconstruction and safety improvements.
The destruction of the grandstand, combined with America’s entry into World War II on December 7, 1941, brought the Fair to an end for several years.

During World War II, the fairgrounds became a hub for community programs supporting the war effort. Residents attended demonstrations on Victory Gardens, livestock production, and home canning techniques to preserve vegetables, fruits, and meats. These programs helped reduce local food shortages and allowed more commercial supplies to be sent to soldiers overseas, showing how the fairgrounds served the community beyond entertainment.

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade, showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

06/03/2026

Meet Levi!
When asked about his favorite Western Montana Fair memory, Levi didn’t hesitate. Last year, he sold his steer for the highest price per pound at the auction!
This year, he’s back preparing a steer, sheep, and archery projects for the Fair. Like many 4-H exhibitors, a lot of his favorite Fair memories come from spending time with his animals, working hard on his projects, and making memories with friends.
Watch until the end to see Levi’s finished Pen Portrait photos and a glimpse of Potato and Virginia!
A special thank you to for his wonderful photography and for sponsoring!

The 1930s brought the great depression and during that time the Fair was only held in 1930, 1933, and 1935–1937. Even th...
05/28/2026

The 1930s brought the great depression and during that time the Fair was only held in 1930, 1933, and 1935–1937. Even through difficult years, the Fair remained an important place for the community to come together through entertainment, agriculture, and shared experiences.

At the 1937 Fair, admission was just 50¢ for adults and 25¢ for children which would be about $11 and $5.50 today. Visitors could catch six horse races and even watch dancing Arabian horses perform 🐎

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade, showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

The gate admission to the 1920 Western Montana Fair was 75 cents, which is roughly $12 in today’s money, making it more ...
05/21/2026

The gate admission to the 1920 Western Montana Fair was 75 cents, which is roughly $12 in today’s money, making it more expensive than today’s free admission Fair! 🎡

In 1924 a riderless horse crossed the finish line first during the horse race but was later disqualified 🐎

One of the most unusual attractions was an alligator on display in an outdoor tank. During a cold snap, the reptile nearly froze in the Montana weather. Workers rushed it into the Fair Office and packed its tank with hot water bottles. Amazingly, the alligator survived. 🐊

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair!

In 1913, Missoula County purchased land on South Avenue for $16,000. Interestingly, the site had previously been used as...
05/14/2026

In 1913, Missoula County purchased land on South Avenue for $16,000. Interestingly, the site had previously been used as one of the city’s early airfields.

The first Missoula Stampede Rodeo was held in 1915, just after the fairgrounds opened. The event celebrated Montana’s strong ranching traditions and quickly became a highlight of the Fair. Cowpokes from across Montana and neighboring states came to compete in events like bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, and roping. Crowds packed into the early grandstands to watch the action.

In 1915, an extension of the streetcar line was laid to the fairgrounds, making it easier for people across Missoula to travel to the Fair and rodeo events.

In 1915 the Commercial Building was built as the largest structure on the fairgrounds, housing agricultural exhibits, vendors, and displays.

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

This photo from 1905 shows the original fairgrounds, located where the present-day KOA campground now sits in Missoula. ...
05/07/2026

This photo from 1905 shows the original fairgrounds, located where the present-day KOA campground now sits in Missoula. The very first Fair was held here in 1876, marking the beginning of a tradition that has brought the community together for nearly 150 years!

Each Thursday, we’ll be sharing a piece of history from a different decade showcasing the past of the Missoula County Fairgrounds and the Western Montana Fair 🎡

Check out the full timeline on our history page, missoulafair.com/history

It all starts here 🌎The ground we share is the foundation of every fair, every event, and every memory made at the Misso...
04/22/2026

It all starts here 🌎

The ground we share is the foundation of every fair, every event, and every memory made at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

We’re working to protect the space that brings our community together. With an over 80% waste diversion rate, the Western Montana Fair is on a path toward zero waste.

We couldn’t do it without our incredible Green Team and

Today and every day, we’re grateful for the land that makes it all possible.

04/17/2026

The dirt’s flying and the gates are opening 🤠
UM Spring Rodeo hits the Missoula County Fairgrounds May 1–2 at 7 PM

Don’t miss the ride 🐂 grab your tickets on GrizTix

04/02/2026

POV: You’re a Mission Match-Up raffle ticket 🎟️ Who will be the winner be? Calls coming soon!

Thank you everyone who came by and entered to win one of these incredible prizes

04/01/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who made Mission Match-Up possible.
To the nonprofits, volunteers, partners, and every community member who walked through the doors, thank you for making this event so full of energy, kindness, and connection. Your presence, enthusiasm, and willingness to come together for our community made the entire evening feel so special.
From the moment guests arrived, the room was filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and so many smiling faces. It was incredible to see people meeting organizations, learning about ways to get involved, and finding causes that truly resonated with them.
When our community comes together, amazing things happen. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Mission Match-Up such a success and such a memorable night.
We loved seeing so many smiling faces and can’t wait to continue building these connections together!

Address

1101 South Avenue W
Missoula, MT
59801

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14067213247

Website

https://linktr.ee/missoulafairgrounds

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