Montana State Fair
Sunshine and fun await at the Montana State Fair. Plan your summer holiday today and point your RV in the direction of Great Falls, Montana.
Event information
The Montana State Fair has been a highly anticipated event for a number of years, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to Great Falls, Montana. Each year, the fair is held at Montana ExpoPark, a spacious 133-acre park-like setting with a myriad of buildings, lawn areas, a grandstand, race track, and livestock facilities.
If it’s not the beauty of ExpoPark at 400 3rd St. NW and Great Falls that bring you to the area, then it’s surely the Montana State Fair itself. The fair is home to vendors, exhibits, competitions, displays, and more. Whether you’re young, old, or young at heart, this state fair is a must-attend event.
Because it’s a nine-day event, it’s also one that will let you bring your RV out of hibernation to make it a holiday experience. While there is no onsite camping at the fair, there are plenty of camping opportunities within a mere few miles of the grounds. The central location also means you’ll have plenty to do outside of the fairgrounds as well. Why not make the Montana State Fair your summer holiday destination?
With entertainment, rides for the kids, and plenty of shopping opportunities, this annual fair is not one you’ll want to miss. Start planning your RV trip today.
Tickets
Skip the lines and buy your tickets to the Montana State Fair in advance. Pricing varies for children, youth, adults, and seniors. You can buy your tickets individually or within package deals to save money. Visit www.goexpopark.com for current ticket pricing.
Admission pricing does not include carnival rides, concert tickets, or rodeo tickets if applicable. Large, headline event pricing is separate.
Explore Montana State Fair RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Montana ExpoPark is central to two main highways: I-15 and Havre. Both of these highways provide easy access and navigation from any start point. However, given that it will be summertime, you may need to allow extra time for travel. There will be congestion in places that require your patience and care.
Parking areas
There are five access points to the ExpoPark, which are noted by the colors orange, yellow, red, purple, and blue. If you get to the fairgrounds early, you can enjoy convenient parking in the NorthWest Bypass entrance (blue). Otherwise, paid parking is available at the orange and yellow entrances.
Day RV parking may be tricky, so consider the benefits of setting up your RV at your booked accommodation facility and utilize public transport services such as a bus or a shared ride service.
Public Transportation
Navigating 133 acres on foot can wear out any able-bodied person, which is why public transport around the grounds is an option. There will be two people movers on site to make your visit to the Montana State Fair a more comfortable one. Offsite, there are regular bus routes, and you may also utilize private ride services.
Where to stay
Onsite
Due to space restrictions, camping is not something the Montana State Fair offers. That doesn’t mean you’re not welcome nearby in your RV. Weeks or months in advance, you can book accommodation at a nearby camping ground within a few miles of the fairgrounds. You are not short of options.
Nearby
The central location of Montana ExpoPark means everything is close and convenient to the fairgrounds, including accommodation. Whether you want all the service hookups of a resort or park, or you don’t mind relying on self-containment at a state facility, there’s bound to be something to suit you and your family’s needs nearby.
Getting around
Getting around the Montana State Fair is a breeze. You can make use of the two people movers that travel throughout the day, or take advantage of the opportunity to get some exercise. Alternatively, there are wheelchairs, strollers, and wagon rentals by the main gates.
What to pack
Clothing
The Montana State Fair is held in the middle of summer, which means you’re not likely to need a lot of wet weather gear. Pack shorts, t-shirts, and other light, breathable layers. Don’t forget your sunhat, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear as well. There would be no harm in packing a sweatshirt and a pair of trousers for night use in this northern location.
Gear
As you will not be staying on site, you can leave much of your gear in your RV. You’ll be less likely to tire if your backpack has the bare essentials in it. Leave your camping and cooking equipment behind, and even coolers and chairs as well. The State Fair has everything you need, including an ATM for withdrawing cash for vendor purchases.
Health & Safety
Montana likes to put on a show in summer, which means you’re going to want to prepare yourself for intense heat. Bring plenty of water, any prescription medication you require for the duration of your trip, and even bug spray and sunscreen. If the sun is getting to you, take a break in the shade, drink some water, and enjoy the action going on around you. You can also take advantage of the free showers near the livestock pavilion.
Where to eat
Cooking
Unless you’re involved in one of the cooking competitions, there will only be an opportunity to cook back at your RV. Abide by the rules of the facility owner, such as gas quantities you can retain and whether open fires are okay or not. If you need to stock up on any ingredients, there is a food market within one mile of the fairgrounds for your convenience.
Restaurants
The wider community of Great Falls loves seeing thousands of people descend upon the township for the fair. Therefore, there are dozens of establishments ready and waiting to take your food order. Bar food is a mere few miles from the fairgrounds, while family-friendly establishments are even closer than that. Whatever your preference, you’re not short of cuisine options to tantalize your taste buds.
Vendors
Nothing says “fair” quite like cotton candy and a corn dog, so don’t miss out at the Montana State Fair. Check out each of the vendor sites to see what’s on offer. Some accept both cash and credit, while others are cash only. Make use of the ATM on the grounds to ensure you have the correct payment type.
Safety
Security
If you find yourself in need of emergency help, always dial 9-11. There will also be police patrolling the fairgrounds and in the Fire Hall behind the Family Living Center. Security may also be at the gates with random bag searching. Leave all your weapons, fireworks, firearms, and dangerous goods at home.
Weather
If you wanted to achieve that sun-kissed look this summer, then all the conditions may be in your favor during the Montana State Fair. Past weather data suggests that it’s the best time of year to put on shorts and a t-shirt. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen to protect your skin and to make you as comfortable as possible. At night, temperatures can drop. While you might be airing out your RV during the day, you’ll be sealing it up tight at night!
Medical
In a medical emergency, dial 9-11. For minor injuries, make your way to the Mercantile Building where there are a first aid site and medical staff to help. The local medical facility is within a three-mile drive of the fairgrounds, and a pharmacy within four miles. It’s clear to see that help is close at hand at the Montana State Fair.
