Rodeos:
A Montana Tradition

To experience a piece of authentic Montana and a hankering good time, head to a local rodeo in one of our Western Montana communities. As a spectator you can reminisce of times long ago and the tradition of the cowboy that lives on in Montana. You'll feel the raw emotion and marvel at the athleticism and passion in every event. So grab your cowboy hat, get your boots on and saddle up.

Region 1

Lincoln County Fair

Eureka

Lincoln offers the 'Old West' at its best with an open rodeo. Excellent for participants and spectators. This has been an annual event for over 50 years! A tradition at its finest. Usually held in July.

Getting Here:

West on Highway 200 from Lincoln on north side of the Highway.

The Bull Thing

Eureka, MT

The Bull Thing is the big attraction at the Lincoln County Fair. This event is strictly bull riding and the big purse draws top bull riders by invitation from all over Montana, the U.S. and Canada. Usually takes place in August.

Getting Here:

Highway 93 North to Eureka. 60 miles from Whitefish, 7 miles from the Canadian border, 70 miles from Libby.

Tobacco Valley Rodeo

Eureka, MT

This is a great rodeo in a fun northwestern Montana community. All the main rodeo events are offered to contestants along with mutton 'bustin' (sheep riding) and two junior events. Good U.S. and Canadian contestants join in the fun, which usually includes some entertaining surprises. Concessions open at the grounds. Usually takes place in July

Getting Here:

From Whitefish, take Highway 93 north for 50 miles to Eureka. Drive through Eureka on Highway 93, take Osloski Road (Mountain Sentry Realty on left) drive about 0.75 mile on right to the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Watch for signs. South on Highway 93 from Canada, 7 miles and from Libby on Highway 37, 70 miles.

Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo

Kalispell, MT

The Northwest Montana Fair Pro Rodeo Queen and Princess contest takes place during the course of the week along with the Little Miss Rodeo contest. Thursday is Senior Citizen & Kids Day when Adults over 60 and Children 13 & under are admitted onto the grounds free of charge. Usually takes place in August.

Getting Here:

Flathead County Fairgrounds, located west on Highway 2, turn north on Meridian road at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo

Polson, MT
  • Phone: 406-883-1100
  • Web:

Exciting Pro Rodeo action held in the Polson Rodeo Arena with spectacular views facing the beautiful Mission Mountains and Flathead River. JS Rodeo Company will be furnishing their stock for lots of thrills and spills! Usually takes place in Late June.

Getting Here:

The Polson Fairgrounds is located just past the Polson Bridge as you head north on Highway 93, Regatta Road is the first left. Flathead Lake is on the right side of Highway 93.

Region 2

NCHA Cutting Horse Show/ Bitterroot Valley Cutting

Hamilton, MT

The nationally sanctioned Cutting Horse Competition is for all levels of horse and rider and is held in a beautiful ranch setting in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. Come and experience the thrill of highly intelligent, athletic horses and riders testing their skills against wily cattle. Fishing, shopping, hiking and fine dining available in nearby Hamilton where you are sure to have a good time. Usually takes place around late June.

Getting Here:

Located on a ranch approximately 5 miles south of Hamilton on Highway 93. Easy to find, it is located on the west side of Highway 93 and has a big overhead sign 'Never Sweat Ranch' and a big Cutting Horse sign is displayed also.

Ravalli County Fair

Hamilton, MT

Ravalli County is nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountain Ranges, offering visitors spectacular panoramic views.

The Ravalli County Fair is over 108 years old. The fair is the largest event in Ravalli County and offers something for everyone. Keeping the old style country fair atmosphere is a priority. The fair is held every year, starting on the Wednesday before Labor Day and ending on Sunday.

Getting Here:

Located at Fairgrounds Road and Highway 93. Turn east onto Fairgrounds Road from Highway 93, go over railroad tracks, and bingo! The fairgrounds!

Senior Pro Rodeo

Hamilton, MT

The Bitterroot welcomes cowboys from across the country and several other countries. They may be seniors but they don't need rockin' chairs. Event includes bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, ribbon roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping and steer wrestling. Watch the Ladies Breakaway new for Nation Senior Pro Rodeo Association. Takes place around late June.

Getting Here:

Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Hamilton is located approximately 40 miles south of Missoula on US Highway 93. From Highway 93 in Hamilton, turn east on Fairgrounds Road. Turn left on Old Corvallis Road and follow signs to parking area.

State High School Rodeo Finals

Missoula, MT

The State High School Rodeo Finals puts the best 350 participants against the best stock for an action packed rodeo. There are six rodeos culminating on Sunday where the top 18 competitors compete for the year end finals rodeo. This rodeo moves very quickly and usually takes 2 1/2 hours to complete. There are 16 events represented, including the Queen contest and the Cutting Contest. It usually takes place in June.

Getting Here:

The State High School Rodeo will be in Missoula at the Western Montana Fairgrounds.

Western Montana Fair and Rodeo

Missoula, MT

Celebrate summer at Missoula's annual fair and rodeo, which features 4-H exhibits, art exhibits, cooking, 4-H livestock sale, a demolition derby, free stage acts, commercial displays, country-western concert and Christian concert. There is a rodeo Thursday through Saturday with performances by the Charlie Russell Riders each night. It usually takes place late July, early August.

Getting Here:

Western Montana Fair and Rodeo is held at the fairgrounds off South Avenue and Brooks, 93 south.

Region 3

Hot Springs Homesteader Days Celebration

Hot Springs, MT

The Hot Springs annual Homesteader Days Celebration is the Founder's Day Celebration for Hot Springs and Camas, honoring the original homesteaders and settlers of the area. It started on the anniversary of the grand opening of the Camas Hot Spring bathhouse in 1949 and is always the second weekend in June. This annual family fun weekend will include something for everyone. An auction will be held on Saturday as well as street games, the first rodeo performance, kiddie parade, quilt show, arts in the park, live music on Main Street, an antique car show, 3K and 6K runs, food booths and many other types of craftsmen selling their products. Following the rodeo on Saturday night, there will be a street dance. On Sunday, the grand parade will be staged along with more music and the final rodeo performance. The Pow Wow will be held at the High School gym. A local service organization will provide breakfast on Sunday morning. Hotel rooms are available and camping is also allowed.

Getting Here:

In Hot Springs, off of Highway 28 between Plains and Elmo. The celebration will take place at various locations including Main Street, City Park and rodeo grounds.

Kootenai River Rodeo

Libby, MT

This Professional Cowboy Association rodeo includes these events: Women's Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc, Saddle Bronc, Tie Down Roping, and Team Roping and Steer Wrestling. Usually takes place in July.

Getting Here:

J. Neils Memorial Park, Highway 37 in Libby.

Sanders County Fair and Rodeo

Plains, MT

An old fashioned country fair, one you'd see in a Norman Rockwell painting. There is no charge to enter the fairgrounds. Agricultural exhibits abound with locals displaying their talents, green thumbs and individuality. PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and Bull Riding; arena cross motorcycle event for the young-at-heart (or those of us reliving our youth); for the 'crash'em, 'bash'em types - the largest demolition derby in the northwest; plus a carnival for the 'kid' in us all. Usually during Labor Day weekend.

Getting Here:

To get to the Sanders County Fair Grounds, after entering Plains on Highway 200, turn at the second railroad crossing and follow Willis Street to the Clark Fork river bridge. The fairgrounds are across the bridge on the right.

Mineral County Fair & Rodeo

Superior, MT
  • Phone: 406-649-6400
  • Web:

Mineral County (Superior) provides an old-fashioned country fair with lots of cowboy spirit and homespun charm. There is no charge to enter the fairgrounds. Agricultural exhibits abound with locals displaying their talents, green thumbs, and individuality. Our photography and quilt shows alone are worth the trip. Evening rodeos for westerners, plus shows and livestock competition for the 'kid' in us all. Usually takes place around early August.

Getting Here:

Take I-90 to Superior Exit 47 and follow 4th Avenue to the fairgrounds.

Superior Lions Club Rodeo

Superior, MT
  • Phone: 406-822-3096
  • Web:

Superior hosts the Mineral County Fair and Lions Club go for the Gold Rodeo. Fun for all includes food booths, games, talent shows, exhibits and a rodeo. Each night is rounded out with live music until midnight. Hope to see you all there! Usually takes place around early August.

Getting Here:

Superior Lions Club Rodeo is located off I-90 using exit 47. Mineral County has a light plane airport at Superior.