Fair weekend is here, Missoula. The Western Montana Fair is rolling into its final two days, the Paddleheads are defending their home turf, and downtown is throwing its monthly First Friday art walk. Between the rodeo arena, the river market, and a rare book expert flying in from the Library of Congress, you have some great options for the next few days.
Here is the full rundown
Missoula (Downtown, Fairgrounds & Westside)
Friday, Aug. 7
- Western Montana Fair & Rodeo (Friday, Aug. 7, Gates at Noon): The fair wraps up its "Muscle" week at the Missoula County Fairgrounds (1101 South Ave. W.). Admission is free to walk the midway, eat fair food, and see the 4-H animals. The Missoula Stampede PRCA Rodeo kicks off in the main arena at 7:00 p.m. (ticket required), and there is free live music on the Community Showcase Stage all evening.
- First Friday at the Library (Friday, Aug. 7, 5–7 p.m.): The Missoula Public Library (455 E. Main St.) is hosting the Chief of Rare Books from the Library of Congress on Level Four. It's a fantastic chance to hear from the person who minds America's most historical texts.
- First Friday Downtown (Friday, Aug. 7, 5–8 p.m.): Galleries and shops are open across downtown Missoula, including a special event hosted by the Missoula Symphony. If you want to walk around early, the Downtown Art & History audio tours are 50% off all day.
- Missoula Paddleheads vs. Ogden Raptors (Friday, Aug. 7, 6:35 p.m.): Head to Ogren Park at Allegiance Field (700 Cregg Ln.) for the first of a three-game weekend stand. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Sole Mates Run/Walk (Friday, Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m.): Meet up at Caras Park for a casual, social group run and walk along the river trail.
- CatVideoFest 2026 at The Roxy (Friday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., & 7 p.m.): The Roxy Theater (718 S. Higgins Ave.) is putting the internet's best cat videos on the big screen to benefit local shelter cats. Catch any of the four Friday showtimes.
- Church of Christ Rummage Sale (Friday, Aug. 7, 8 a.m.): A massive community sale kicking off early Friday morning at the Missoula Church of Christ (3014 W. Sussex Ave.).
Saturday, Aug. 8
- Clark Fork River Market (Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.): Peak-season produce, ranchers, and bakers set up under the Higgins Bridge. Get there early for the best selection.
- Western Montana Fair Finale (Saturday, Aug. 8, Gates at Noon): Your absolute last chance to hit the carnival rides and get a deep-fried ear of corn. The Missoula Stampede rodeo finale caps off the entire fair week at 7:00 p.m.
- Paddleheads Fireworks Night (Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:05 p.m.): It is Host Family Appreciation Night at Ogren Park. Stick around after the final out for a massive fireworks show over the river.
- Library Kids Events (Saturday, Aug. 8): Missoula Public Library is hosting a Young Kids Dance Party (11:00 a.m.), Story Time (11:30 a.m.), a Stop Animation Workshop for Kids (1–3 p.m.), and Saturday Tiny Tales (3:00 p.m.).
Sunday, Aug. 9
- Paddleheads Kids Free Sunday (Sunday, Aug. 9, 2:05 p.m.): The series finale against Ogden wraps up at Ogren Park, and all kids get in for free.
Lolo, Bitterroot & South
- Victor Days (Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.): Head south to Victor for their community celebration. The parade rolls down Main Street at 11:00 a.m., followed by a classic truck show that runs until 3:00 p.m.
- Yoga at Big Sky Lavender Farms (Saturday, Aug. 8, 9–10 a.m.): Start your morning flowing right in the middle of the lavender rows out in Florence (21845 Five Wounds Way).
- Garden Gala at the Daly Mansion (Saturday, Aug. 8, 4–7 p.m.): A scenic afternoon gathering on the historic grounds in Hamilton.
- Karaoke at The Jack Saloon (Friday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.): Grab a mic and a beer at Lolo's iconic cabin bar.
- Blue Mountain Observatory Open House (Saturday, Aug. 8, 10:30 p.m.–1 a.m.): UM astronomers are pointing the massive telescope at the summer sky. Drive up Blue Mountain Road in Lolo, dress warmly, and bring a headlamp with a red filter to protect everyone's night vision.
Bonner & Blackfoot River
- Jesse Welles: Red Tour 2026 (Sunday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m.): The folk-rock songwriter of the moment takes the stage alongside Ratboys at the KettleHouse Amphitheater (605 Cold Smoke Ln., Bonner).
Seeley-Swan Valley
- Seeley Market (Sunday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.): Vendors and locals gather at The Foundation Building in Seeley Lake.
- SLCF Annual Banquet (Sunday, Aug. 9, 4 p.m.): The Seeley Lake Community Foundation's big yearly gathering takes over the Double Arrow Homestead Commons.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars. Next week brings Zootown Swing at Caras Park (Aug. 10), Dirty Heads with Rome at KettleHouse (Aug. 10), the return of Out to Lunch at Caras Park (Aug. 12), and a massive two-night run of LCD Soundsystem at KettleHouse (Aug. 12–13). Later in the week, look for the Daisy Chain Fest at Caras (Aug. 13–16), STS9 at KettleHouse (Aug. 14), and the Missoula Pet Fest (Aug. 15).
That’s all for this week, Missoula. Get out there, have a great weekend, and we’ll see you back here next Friday.
