Western Montana Fair Parking – Dos & Don’ts

As thousands will flock to the Missoula County Fairgrounds for the 2022 Western Montana Fair from August 10th - 14th, it's likely going to be a fun, family-friendly four days. However, since most of us travel by some kind of gas powered (or electric, whatever) vehicle, Russell St in Missoula is likely going to be nowhere near this empty until Monday August 15th:

Here are some dos & don'ts for parking while the fair is in town. Things we don't want:

1. We don't want your car to get ticketed/towed
2. We don't want your parking to impede local business / fair traffic

Yellow Lines = NO PARKING

This ought to be common knowledge, but sadly some people somehow are under the impression that they are exempt from the rules to which the rest of us must adhere. Yellow lines on the curb mean you can temporarily be there to load or unload your vehicle, but you cannot park there.

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If you see a concrete-colored curb, it is safe to park there.

Public Parking

This is the entrance to the parking lot available to the public during the Western Montana Fair. It is on the north side of Russell St (facing Mt. Sentinel) and costs $7 cash only.

Parking Lots To Avoid

The Missoula YMCA lot is close to the fairgrounds on Russell St, and fair parking is not allowed on their lot.

Russell Elementary School is also close to the fair on Russell St, and parking is not allowed on school grounds.

This is a pretty clear indication that you're not going to be able to park your car in this lot. Other businesses along Russell St will have similar signs.

A Giant Lot For Fair Parking

First Christian Church will continue to provide parking during fair season as they have for many years, and will let you park in their lot for $7/day. Space, while there's a lot of it (hehe) is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don't Park In Front Of The Bus Stop

If you thought parking in front of the bus stop was a great idea, it sooooo is not. Hey, speaking of the bus...

Free Mountain Line Bus Service

Missoula's Mountain Line offers free bus service to the fairgrounds. HERE is a breakdown of routes and times.