Missoula enters one of its busiest civic seasons as city and county leaders debate FY2027 budgets, Stage II fire restrictions take effect, and commissioners prepare to decide the future of the Miller Creek feral horse herd.
Looking for events in Missoula this weekend? Top highlights for August 7–9, 2026, include the final days of the Western Montana Fair and rodeo, downtown First Friday art walks, Paddleheads baseball, and stargazing at the Blue Mountain Observatory.
River City Roots Festival takes over downtown Missoula with two days of free music, while Alison Krauss, The Red Clay Strays and NEEDTOBREATHE headline a packed Aug. 21–23 weekend.
The Western Montana Fair returns to Missoula July 31 through Aug. 8 with free admission, carnival rides, rodeo events, motorsports, nightly concerts, livestock shows, local food, and family activities. Here's what to know before one of Missoula's biggest summer traditions begins.
