MontanaFair 2026 Returns to MetraPark in Billings
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The annual MontanaFair returns to the MetraPark grounds in Billings, Montana, on August 7-15, 2026, highlighting Western culture and agricultural exhibits.
Western heritage and summer entertainment are drawing visitors to Yellowstone County. The annual MontanaFair returns to the MetraPark grounds in Billings, Montana, from August 7 to 15, 2026. As the region's largest summer event, the nine-day fair is expected to attract approximately 250,000 guests.
The program includes professional rodeo competitions, agricultural exhibitions, and the Mighty Thomas Carnival, alongside live music events featuring artists such as YUNGBLUD and TobyMac at the First Interstate Arena.
Fair Schedule and Daily Arena Programs
Coordinating visits to the multi-day fair requires tracking gate hours, ticketing tiers, and event locations. The following table provides the daily schedule, featured concerts, rodeo programs, admission pricing, operating hours, and parking access points.
| Fair Event Date (2026) | Featured Arena Program / Concert | Special Performance / Rodeo Event | Ground Ticket & Gate Pricing | Daily Operating Hours | Primary Transit / Parking Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, August 7 | YUNGBLUD (8:00 PM) | Opening Carnival & Vendor Gates | Adult: $12 / Child & Senior: $8 | 4:00 PM – Midnight | MetraPark Parking / Transit Shuttle |
| Sat & Sun, Aug 8–9 | Hairball (7:00 PM Sat) / TobyMac (6:00 PM Sun) | AgFluencer Draft Horse Expos | Adult: $12 / Child & Senior: $8 | Noon – Midnight | MetraPark Parking / Transit Shuttle |
| Mon–Wed, Aug 10–12 | Agriculture Shows & Livestock Sales | Jeff Martin Magician / Family Shows | Adult: $12 / Child & Senior: $8 | Noon – Midnight | MetraPark Parking / Transit Shuttle |
| Thu–Sat, Aug 13–15 | Rodeo Billings PRCA Pro Rodeo (7:00 PM) | NILE bull riding & barrel racing | Included in Rodeo Ticket | Noon – Midnight | MetraPark Parking / Transit Shuttle |
MontanaFair operational schedules and gate ticketing guidelines compiled in coordination with the Montana Office of Tourism and Yellowstone County MetraPark authorities.
Traveler Logistics and Billings Transit Guide
From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this is to take advantage of Billings MET Transit bus route 4, which runs directly from the downtown transit center to MetraPark, bypassing the congested vehicle queues at the main Main Street gate. Checking ticket details in advance helps ensure smooth gate entry.
To plan your visit:
- MET Transit Bus Lines: MET Route 4 serves MetraPark hourly. Contactless bus fares can be paid on board, offering an alternative to on-site vehicle parking.
- Gate Admission Rates: General admission is $12 for adults and $8 for seniors (65+) and children (6-12). Children aged five and under enter free.
- Pepsi Concert Series Pass: Travelers planning to attend multiple concerts can purchase the $79 series pass, which includes tickets to YUNGBLUD, Hairball, and TobyMac, along with gate admission for all three days.
- Cashless Operations: Vendor booths, food stalls, and carnival ticket kiosks operate on a cashless basis. Bring major debit or credit cards for transactions on the fairgrounds.
Agricultural Heritage and Western Sports
Beyond the carnival rides and music stages, the fair remains connected to Montana's rural economy. The agricultural schedule features 4-H and FFA competitions, livestock exhibitions, and the Patrick K. Goggins Junior Livestock Sale. Additionally, the AgFluencer Series Draft Horse Expos highlight regional farming heritage.
The event concludes with Rodeo Billings from August 13 to 15 at the Outdoor Arena. Produced by NILE, the PRCA Pro Rodeo brings cowboys and cowgirls together to compete in bull riding, bareback riding, and barrel racing. The rodeo serves as a qualifying event for the National Finals Rodeo, drawing competitors from across the Western United States.
Related Travel Guides
This article is for informational purposes. Flight routes, passenger regulations, visa rules, and transit advisories are subject to change by airlines and aviation authorities. Readers are advised to verify schedules and travel documentation with relevant carriers and border agencies before departure.
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