There are a few things that make August in Billings feel complete, and MontanaFair is definitely one of them.
The lights, the food, the midway, the livestock barns and that first view of the Ferris wheel when you pull into MetraPark. Whether you go every year or have not been in a while, MontanaFair is one of those Billings traditions that brings a little bit of everything together in one place.
The 2026 MontanaFair runs August 7 through August 15 at MetraPark, and this year’s schedule is packed. Here is what to know before you go.
MontanaFair 2026 Dates, Hours and Admission
Location: MetraPark, 308 6th Avenue North, Billings, Montana 59101
Dates: Friday, August 7 through Saturday, August 15, 2026
Fair hours are:
- Friday, August 7: 4 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday, August 8 through Saturday, August 15: Noon to midnight
- Shopping vendors close at 10 p.m.
Regular gate admission is:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors age 65 and older: $8
- Kids ages 6 through 12: $8
- Kids age 5 and younger: Free
- Qualified Service to America workers with ID: $8
The regular Service to America rate applies to active military personnel, veterans, emergency responders and healthcare professionals. There are also several special admission days during the fair, so keep reading before choosing your day.
The 2026 Pepsi Concert Series
The first weekend starts big with three concerts inside First Interstate Arena:
- YUNGBLUD with special guest Brigitte Calls Me Baby on Friday, August 7 at 8 p.m.
- Hairball on Saturday, August 8 at 7 p.m.
- TobyMac on Sunday, August 9 at 6 p.m.
Tickets are sold through the official MontanaFair ticket links. The fair is also advertising a $79 Pepsi Concert Series Pass that includes one general-admission ticket to each of the three concerts plus fair admission for August 7 through 9.
If one of these shows is on your list, I would purchase through the official site and double-check availability before making your plans.
Rodeo Billings Returns for Three Nights
Rodeo Billings returns to the MetraPark Outdoor Arena for its second year at MontanaFair. The PRCA Pro Rodeo is scheduled for August 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. each night.
Produced by NILE, the rodeo will feature professional cowboys and cowgirls, bucking horses, bulls and three full evenings of competition. Fair gate admission is included with a rodeo ticket, which makes it easy to spend some time walking the grounds before heading into the arena.
Carnival Rides and Midway Specials
Thomas Carnival will fill the midway all nine days with rides, games and plenty of late-summer fair energy.
The official 2026 carnival specials include:
- Friday, August 7: $35 ride wristbands, with a $5 discount available from the Hot 101.9 crew at the Heenan & Cook booth near the front gates
- Saturday, August 8: All rides are four credits each from noon to 3 p.m.
- Monday, August 10: $25 all-day ride wristbands, sold from noon to 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 11: $32 all-day ride wristbands, available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 12: $27 all-day ride wristbands, available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, August 13: $32 all-day ride wristbands, available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m.
- Friday, August 14: $32 all-day ride wristbands, available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, August 15: All rides are four credits each from noon to 3 p.m.
An anytime ride wristband is also listed at $42. Carnival promotions can have specific purchase windows, so check the official carnival page before you head out.
Free Admission and Special Days
If you are choosing the best day for your group, these verified 2026 admission specials are worth noting:
Seniors Day: Monday, August 10
Guests age 65 and older receive free gate admission all day.
Wendy’s Kids Day: Wednesday, August 12
Kids age 12 and younger receive free gate admission from noon to 5 p.m.
Teen Day: Thursday, August 13
Teens ages 13 through 18 receive free gate admission from noon to 5 p.m. A valid student ID or driver’s license is required.
Service to America Day: Friday, August 14
Veterans and first responders receive free gate admission all day.
More to See Around the Fair
The concerts and rodeo may be the headliners, but some of the best parts of MontanaFair happen while you are simply walking the grounds.
The official schedule includes daily performances from Magician Jeff Martin, The Rocketman, the Great American Duck Races, The Junebugs, and Catherine Loyer & Strawberry Roan. You will also find a full schedule of 4-H and FFA events, including horse, rabbit, poultry, goat, cattle, sheep, swine, llama and alpaca activities throughout the week.
I always think it is worth making time for the exhibit buildings and livestock areas. They are such a big part of what a fair is really about, and they give you a little break from the midway crowds too.
A Few Tips Before You Go
- Check the schedule that morning. MontanaFair has a full day-by-day calendar online, and event details can change.
- Plan for August weather. Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. If you are spending several hours there, a little preparation makes a big difference.
- Arrive early for your must-see event. Concert and rodeo evenings will naturally bring more traffic around MetraPark.
- Know your parking options. General parking remains free. A premium north-lot space may be added to an event ticket for $10, subject to availability. The fair also runs a tram between key parking and grounds locations throughout the day.
- Leave room for fair food. This is not the day to make other dinner plans. Pick your favorite, split a few things and enjoy it.
Make a Day of It
MontanaFair is one of those events that feels like Billings. It is busy, a little nostalgic, full of familiar faces and always worth at least one walk through the midway after the sun goes down.
Choose the day that fits your crew, grab your tickets through the official site and enjoy one of the biggest traditions of a Billings summer.
Before you go, visit the official MontanaFair website for the latest daily schedule, ticket availability and any last-minute updates.
***Fact-check date: August 4, 2026. All event details were verified against the official MontanaFair website. Because live event schedules can change, readers should confirm details on the official site before attending.
