Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo opens Aug. 12

The 2026 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 12-16 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. In addition to a family-friendly carnival on the midway and thousands of exhibits on display throughout the grounds, the fair will feature a performance by country star Walker Hayes, three nights of PRCA Rodeo action and a monster truck race.  

Tickets for all events can be purchased online at nwmtfair.com or at the fair office. 

Known for chart-topping hits including "Fancy Like," "AA" and "You Broke Up with Me," Hayes has become one of country music's most recognizable performers, earning a reputation for energetic live shows and a blend of country and pop influences. 

Reserved seating tickets are $75 and party pit tickets are $85. General admission tickets are $45. Children aged 5 and under are admitted to the general admission area free of charge. All tickets purchased prior to arriving at the fair include admission to the grounds. Gates will open at 7 p.m., and Hayes will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. 

Rodeo Montana brings three nights of PRCA action to the Flathead County Fairgrounds Aug. 13 to 15. Presented by Three Rivers Bank of Montana and featuring award-winning stock contractor Cervi Rodeo, the event will showcase many of the sport's top competitors. 

Reserved seating tickets for the rodeo are $40, and general admission tickets for everyone over the age of 12 are $35. General admission tickets for children aged 6 to 12 are $20, and children aged 5 and under are admitted to the general admission area free of charge. 

The fair concludes Sunday, Aug. 16, with the Malicious Monster Truck Show, presented by Straight Up Racing. Performances are scheduled for 1 and 5 p.m. 

Each 90-minute show features nonstop monster truck action, including high-flying jumps, roaring engines and crushing obstacles. There is no intermission, allowing fans to enjoy continuous entertainment throughout each performance. 

Reserved seating tickets are $25 and general admission tickets are $15. Children aged 5 and younger are admitted free with general admission seating. 

A limited number of discounted “Pay-One-Price” tickets for the carnival are available for purchase at all Whitefish Credit Union branches and the Flathead County Fairgrounds until 5 p.m. on Aug. 10 while supplies last. Purchased in advance, the tickets cost $30 each and can be exchanged at carnival ticket booths for a wristband that allows one person unlimited rides on most attractions for one day. The tickets can be used any one day of the carnival from Aug. 12 to 16 and are the lowest priced way to experience the rides. Wristbands will also be available at all carnival ticket booths during the fair, but the price will be higher than the discounted tickets. 

Admission onto the fairgrounds is a separate fee at the gate and costs $8 for adults and teens, $5 for seniors aged 65 and over, and $5 for children aged six to 12. Children aged 5 and under are admitted free of charge. 

Fairgoers can save money by purchasing admission tickets until Aug. 14 or while supplies last at any Whitefish Credit Union branch in Kalispell, Columbia Falls or Whitefish during normal banking hours. Advance admission tickets are $5 per person, regardless of age. 

Thursday, Aug. 13 is Senior/Kids Day at the fair. Seniors age 65 and over and children aged 12 and under are admitted onto the fairgrounds free of charge that day. 

For more information about the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo or to purchase event tickets, visit nwmtfair.com or call 406-758-5810.