WEDNESDAY | AUGUST 7

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, Wednesday

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:

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)

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 key takeaways with CLIMATE SMART MISSOULA and the CITY OF MISSOULA’S CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILY BRANCH! Learn more about incentives for clean energy, efficiency, and electrification, as well as essential information on staying safe during heat waves and heavy smoke. Explore Missoula's policies and related projects while learning about ways to participate in catalyzing climate leadership and building a resilient, equitable future for the greater Missoula community. Get excited to take action and build resiliency by addressing challenges that can bring the community together. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fairway Plaza)

Get connected with MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MCAT with a host of media making equipment and a space for all to explore and get creative! With MCAT’s variety of media equipment, attendees can try out Virtual Reality tours and change their voice with the Recording Studio. Learn more about the Library’s summer programs and services by decorating bookmarks and making buttons. (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)

Explore activities and demonstrations like nailing, hammering, wall-building, and more. with HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MISSOULA. They champion strength, stability, and community through affordable housing solutions, ensuring families have a place to call home. With a focus on resilience and support, they’re committed to building more affordable homes and fostering a sense of belonging. (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)

Make slime in a bag with YOUTH DYNAMICS and learn about this non-profit’s services for young people! Funded by Medicaid, Youth Dynamics seeks to provide comprehensive medical and behavioral health care with programs, services, and fun activities for all their program’s participants! Stop by their table to learn more about their programs and play a bean bag toss with staff and mentors! (11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Vendor’s Row)

Wednesday’s Shows, Exhibits & Events

11AM

Open Class Sheep Judging (Barn)

Exhibit halls, fair, and fair office opens

12PM

Performance by Sentinel Cheer (Historic Plaza)

Demonstration by Zoo City Zymurgists (Historic Plaza)

Carnival Opens (Carnival Lot)

Butterfly House & Insectarium Opens - viewable by RESERVATION ONLY (register online here) (G.W. Marks Exploration Center)

1PM

Performance by Dueling Dragons Taekwondo (Historic Plaza)

Demonstration by Zoo City Zymurgists (Historic Plaza)

Open Class Beef Judging (Barn)

1:30PM

Predator Feeding (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)

Eat the Moon - Charcuterie Cheese Boards (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)

2PM

Performance by School of Irish Dance (Historic Plaza)

Demonstration by Zoo City Zymurgists (Historic Plaza)

2:30PM

Soil Health Basics (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)

Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)

3PM

Theremin by Sean Howard (Historic Plaza)

Demonstration by Zoo City Zymurgists (Historic Plaza)

3:30PM

Backyard Pollinator Conservation - Marirose Kuhlman (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)

Eat the Moon - Cheese Fondue (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)

Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)

4PM

Performance by Mountains Dancing (Historic Plaza)

Demonstration by Zoo City Zymurgists (Historic Plaza)

4:30PM

Predator Feeding (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Balsam Root Rm.)

Public Garden Tour (Rocky Mountain Gardens)

5PM

Oumar Keita & Friends West African Dance Demonstration (Historic Plaza)

Container Wars — Perrenials (Fairway Plaza)

5:30PM

Gates Open for Missoula Stampede: Bulls, Broncs, & Busters (Clouse Bauer Arena)

Cooking Demonstration (G.W. Marks Exploration Center, Honeyberry Rm.)

7PM

Bulls, Broncs & Busters hosted by High Mountain Forestry & Equipment for the Missoula Stampede presented by Epic Steel (Clouse Bauer Arena)

Butterfly House & Insectarium Closes (Reservation required - register online here) (G.W. Marks Exploration Center)

9PM

FREE Live Music by The Timber Rattlers (Fairway Plaza)

10PM

Buildings, barn, and carnival close