THURSDAY | AUGUST 8
FREE Admission, All Day, Every Day
Thanks to the generosity of Western Montana Fair sponsors, come and go at your leisure several times a day, every day, no charge. Click here for tips and guidelines on how to maximize your visits including where to park on the newly renovated Fairgrounds.
FREE Lasso the Moon Activities, All Day, Thursday
Lasso the Moon this year at the Western Montana Fair with FREE activities focused on The science, math and cutting edge technologies that are shaping our TOMORROW, today:
Enjoy some farm crafts using flowers and soil with the COMMUNITY FOOD & AGRICULTURE COALITION! Committed to empowering beginning farmers and ranchers, conserving farmland, and enhancing local food access for all Montanans, this non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable food and agriculture practices. Through education and support, like their Bike to Barns event, they champion farmers, ranchers, and the communities they serve, weaving together a resilient system for generations to come. (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Join ALPINE ARTISANS for an informative booth showcasing some talents of over 200 artists within their organization! As they unite to capture the unique energy and spirit of natural Montana, their mission is to promote and preserve the arts in the Seeley, Swan, and Blackfoot valleys of Western Montana. Discover how they support artists, provide arts education, and foster outreach and information sharing. Don't miss out on learning more about the Norman Maclean Festival and other exciting upcoming events. (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Explore the vibrant world of fiber arts with BIG SKY FIBER ARTS GUILD and MISSOULA WEAVERS GUILD! These dynamic organizations actively embrace the rich cultural traditions and value of classic fiber arts like spinning, weaving, and knitting. Get immersed in engaging demonstrations and educational displays, to witness the intricate techniques firsthand. And be sure to seize the chance to purchase some exquisite treasures to take home! (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fairway Plaza)
Enter the realm of endless adventure and excitement at MUSE COMICS & GAMES! This vibrant small business offers a treasure trove of comics and games catering to collectors and hobbyists alike. Dive into the captivating world of Magic the Gathering with an extensive collection provided, along with tools and guidance for gameplay. Join in fun, camaraderie, and the thrill of learning a new game. (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Join OPEN AIR for drawing and other paper crafts! This nonprofit organization connects artists with culturally and ecologically significant locations in Montana through its Artist-in-Residence program. They provide innovative opportunities for artists to draw inspiration from diverse landscapes while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship. (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Get ready to race with the BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA! Dive into the action with Scouts, all while fulfilling the organization's mission to prepare the youth of America for life's challenges with character-building experiences and leadership skills. Use Legos to create custom pinewood derby cars and race to the finish on the pinewood derby track! (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Discover the secrets of rocket mass heaters, stoves, permaculture, and more at WHEATON LABS! This Missoula property is dedicated to homesteading and permaculture practices, showcasing their expertise for all to learn from and enjoy. View live demonstrations of yarn spinning, knitting, garment-making, and a rocket device! (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)
Thursday’s Shows, Exhibits & Events
9AM
Gates open for Rodeo Slack Competition - FREE Admission (Clouse Bauer Arena)
11AM
Exhibit halls, fair, and fair office opens
12PM
Demonstration by Missoula Robotics Team (Historic Plaza)
Carnival Opens (Carnival Lot)
Butterfly House & Insectarium Opens - viewable by RESERVATION ONLY (Click to make reservations here)
12:30PM
Story Time: How the Moon is Made of Cheese - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)
1PM
Performance by MPower Voices (Historic Plaza)
1:30PM
Story Time: Good Trick Walking Stick (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Byron Weber Rm.)
2PM
Performance by Mountains Dancing (Historic Plaza)
2:30PM
Being Bear Smart (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)
Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)
Story Time: How the Moon is Made of Cheese - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)
3PM
Basketball Demonstration by the Missoula Diamondbacks Special Olympics Team (Historic Plaza)
Athletes and Volunteers will work together to perfect their passing, dribbling, and shooting as they gear up for the upcoming Special Olympics Basketball Season. Join in on the fun!
3:30PM
Biocontrol of Noxious Weeds - Melissa Maggio (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)
Story Time: Good Trick Walking Stick (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Byron Weber Rm.)
Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)
4PM
Demonstration by Championship Taekwondo (Historic Plaza)
4:30PM
Local Author, Gretchin Watkins, reads “The Journey of Hydrous: One Fairy’s Adventure Through the Water Cycle” (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)
Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)
5PM
Floral Headpiece Demonstration by Farm Hand Farm (Historic Plaza)
Container Wars — Succulents (Fairway Plaza)
5:30PM
Gates Open for Missoula Stampede Rodeo (Clouse Bauer Arena)
Cooking Demonstration - Anthony Shaw & Tres Bonne (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)
Montana DNRC Seedling Nursery Presentation (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)
7PM
Butterfly House & Insectarium Closes (Reservation required - register online here) (G.W. Marks Exploration Center)
Tough Enough To Wear Pink hosted by Time Rental for the Missoula Stampede Rodeo presented by Epic Steel (Clouse Bauer Arena)
9PM
FREE Live Music by Flash Panda (Fairway Plaza)
10PM
Buildings, barns, and carnival close
