As summer continues to race past us, there are still plenty of opportunities to partake in some traditional warm weather activities – most notably the festivals that crop up throughout the region. Though this summary is not all-inclusive, it comprises some of my very favorite recommendations for making the most of this much anticipated time of year. The Red Ants Pants Music Festival runs from July 27th – July 30th just a few miles outside of White Sulphur Springs. The event began in 2011 and has now grown to the point of requiring 80 staff and 250 volunteers to bring the celebration to life. The festival is in part a fundraiser for the non-profit Red Ants Pants Foundation supporting the local rural community. Some of this year's headliners include The Bellamy Brothers, Lucinda Williams and the Turnpike Troubadours. Besides the jam-packed music schedule, there are activities, demonstrations, arts, crafts and more. (www.redantspantsmusicfestival.com ) Livingston is hosting the 4th annual "Hoot" again this year on historic downtown Main Street. Due to overwhelming support by many local businesses and grants, it remains free to the public. This year Jon Cleary and The Quebe Sisters will entertain the masses with music while local non-profits and businesses provide food, beverages, and fun for the kids. The event kicks off at 4pm on August 3rd, and the music continues until 10pm. (www.livingstonhoot.com ) One of Bozeman's iconic summer activities is the Sweet Pea Festival, which is always held the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August at Lindley Park. This summer's event, falling on August 4th through 6th, marks the 40th festival with the mission of "promoting and cultivating the arts." Music, dance, opera and theatre performances, workshops, a flower show, and an outstanding assemblage of arts and crafts vendors help comprise the long-standing event. Though the park is the main location, downtown happenings such as The Bite of Bozeman on Wednesday the 2nd and the children's run, Sweet Pea run and parade on Saturday the 5th make sure this event provides entertainment for all. (www.sweetpeafestival.org ) SLAM – Support Local Artists and Musicians – holds a summer festival annually. This year, it will occur on August 5th and 6th at Bogert Park. The family friendly event will feature artists, cooks, musicians, dancers and authors. The goal of SLAM is to recognize and enrich the art community and to feature and promote local artists. The event is free to the public due to generous event sponsors. Artist demonstrations are a big hit to the festival attendees as well as watching performances and purchasing lovely artwork, jewelry and pottery. (www.slamfestivals.org ) The 7th Annual ERA Agents of Hope Carnival is slated for August 12th at Bogert Park. This family event provides old fashioned carnival fun and is also a fundraiser for the Montana Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You can expect to find carnival games such as a dart game, skee-ball, a dunk tank and inflatables. Cotton candy and popcorn will be flowing, kids can have their faces painted, and there will be a photo booth to capture it all. Admission is free, and games and rides are available at a nominal amount. All activities garner tickets to be redeemed at the famous prize booth. Big Sky offers up Music in the Mountains each Thursday evening through August at the Big Sky Town Center. The musical entertainment is a "suitable for all ages" affair, which is free to the public with local food and beverage vendors on hand to complete the evening. Additionally, the 7th annual Big Sky Classical Music Festival will be held August 11th – 13th with performances at both the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and the Center Stage at the Big Sky Town Center. Their website states the event "is essential to raising cultural awareness and promoting classical music in Montana and beyond." (www.bigskyarts.org ) On Labor Day weekend, September 1st and 2nd, you can head down to Ennis to enjoy the 15th annual "Ennis-on-the-Madison Fly Fishing Festival" sponsored by the Madison River Foundation. Seminars, clinics, competitions and all things fly fishing comprise this festival and keep people coming back each year. (www.madisonriverfoundation.org ) Add to this mix the area's farmers markets, local fairs, and musical performances at our eateries and breweries, and you won't have to travel far to be fully entertained during the glorious summer days and nights in Southwest Montana.