Big Sky Country State Fair Bozeman

July 17–21, 2024

There is nothing more special than being able to share experiences of wonder as a family and to build memories together around fun. This summer, Montana families of all ages can do just that at the Big Sky Country State Fair July 17–21, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. There will be thrilling shows, engaging exhibitions, adorable animals, dance lessons, carnival rides and so much more. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday).

There are some new amenities at the fair this year that will make for a more relaxed experience. Enjoy the new cooling stations located around the grounds where you can take a rest under the trees with water misters, fill up your bottle at the water refill stations or take a load off under the new Food Row shade canopies or all-ages Biergarten. There will also be a free park and ride if you don’t want to deal with parking at the fair.

The shows included with admission this year are Tyzen the comedy hypnotist, Off-Axis the BMX stunt group, Shenaniguns the wild west comedy show, Silver Starlets the acrobats, PowerHouse! a percussive dance troupe and Professor Smart, the wild scientist. The petting zoo is back with their adorable animals and barnyard races. New this year is an interactive Wizards Challenge –a medieval enchanted fantasy world of wizards and dragons in which you explore the magic and wonder of science. As always, the barns are full of livestock if you want to see and learn about some hardworking animals that are a part of 4-H and FFA projects. Please note the barns close at 9 p.m. daily and are closed all day on Sunday, July 21. If the spirit of competition is what you’re after, there are many opportunities. Enter one of the fair’s creative competitions like photography, culinary arts, horticulture, creative fine arts, textiles or quilting. There are also classes for all ages so it’s a great way to get creative as a family. Friday afternoon there will be a Country Swing Dance competition (with prizes for multiple ages categories) open to anyone who wants to enter. Finally, young bucks looking for a taste of the rodeo life can enter the Barnyard Brawl with a chicken chase and mutton busting for younger kids and the calf scramble for older kids.

Food is always a staple of a good fair experience and many of your favorites are back this year including the honey-dipped corn dogs, old-fashioned ice cream and tri tip sandwiches… but there will also be some trucks you haven’t seen and are sure to love. New this year, there will be a closing night BBQ from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday with an open dance floor and music for the whole family. Don’t worry about cooking dinner, enjoy one more day of summer as a family and grab some killer BBQ at the fair under the new big Biergarten tent right after the Barnyard Brawl. This event is for families!

This year’s headlining music acts are Ludacris with DJ Infamous and Childish Major on Wednesday, July 17; Hairball on Thursday, July 18; and Joe Nichols on Friday, July 19.

Summer is a time to make memories as a family so be sure to bring your family down to the Big Sky Country State Fair this July 17–21.

To learn more about any of these acts or features, see the schedule and get your tickets, head to 406StateFair.com.