Community News

“Good things come to those who wait” and “time flies when you’re having fun” both appear to exemplify the seemingly shortest season of the year in Southwest Montana – better known as summer – which we wait forever so patiently, and then it is gone in a flash. As soon as we get into the swing of long nights and warm weather, we are trying to fit in every last chance for fun.  Fortunately, the end of July and all of the month of August do not disappoint with options to get out and enjoy the weather. So, three cheers for “saving the best for last” and hopefully you can take advantage of some of the local festivals and entertainment.

If you haven’t gone in the past, this year would be a good time to check out the Red Ants Pants Music Festival July 28th – July 31st taking place just a couple of miles outside of White Sulphur Springs. For most months of the year, the Jackson Ranch serves as a typical cow pasture, but since 2011, the music festival takes over as a concert venue and campground. 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 Corb Lund, Wynonna & the Big Noise, and The Lone Bellow. Other activities include hay wagon rides, a beard and mustache competition, a fashion show, and even yoga in the mornings. (www.redantspantsmusicfestival.com)

Livingston is hosting their 3rd annual “Hoot” this year on historic downtown Main Street. The event is sponsored by many local businesses and grants, and it is, therefore, free to the public. This year Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell will entertain the masses with music while local non-profits and businesses provide food, beverages, and fun for the kids. It is certainly an evening of family fun kicking off at 4 pm on August 4th and takes “street dance” to a whole new level. (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 – meaning this year it runs from August 5th through 7th. Since 1978, the mission of “promoting and cultivating the arts” has been going strong in Bozeman. Music, dance, opera and theatre performances, workshops, a flower show, and an outstanding group 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 4th and the children’s run, Sweet Pea run, and parade on Saturday the 6th make sure this event provides entertainment for all. (www.sweetpeafestival.org)

SLAM – Support Local Artists and Musicians – also holds a summer festival annually. This year, it will occur on August 6th and 7th 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 6th Annual ERA Agents of Hope Carnival is slated for August 13th 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, skeet 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 25th 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 6th annual Big Sky Classical Music Festival will be held August 12th – 14th with performances at both the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and the Center Stage at the Big Sky Town Center. (www.bigskyarts.org)

On Labor Day weekend, September 2nd and 3rd, you can head down to Ennis to enjoy the 14th annual “Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival” hosted by the Madison River Foundation.  Seminars, clinics, competitions, and all things fly fishing comprise this festival. If the exhibitions, food, and music aren’t enough to keep people coming back each year, the chance to win a brand new ClackaCraft drift boat and trailer via raffle might be. (www.madisonriverfoundation.org)

Whatever activities are on your calendar to round out the remainder of summer, we should be grateful that the opportunities are countless no matter what our personal preferences.