Summer is almost within reach and things are FINALLY getting back to a sense of normalcy! After going through a year of staying home and entertaining ourselves, Montana has opened back up, and we all have some catching up to do. Here are some of the events we missed the most from COVID-cancellations last year across southwest Montana. Plus, get FREE access to the ULTIMATE SW Montana Summer Events Google calendar that we will be keeping up to date with new events all summer long as information is released!
Big Sky
Big Sky Artisan Festival | Saturday, July 3rd | The annual Big Sky Artisan Festival is back for this summer and will take place in the Big Sky Town Center Plaza. The festival is held each summer to feature Montana's talented local artisans.
Big Sky Farmers Market | Wednesdays, June-August @ 5-8 pm | The 2021 Big Sky Farmers Market will run from Fire Pit Park, down Town Center Ave, and into the Town Center Plaza. The Market features fresh produce, herbs, plants and flowers, baked goods, woodworking, log furniture, antler art, photography and fine art, jewelry, and clothing. There will be several food vendors to tempt your taste buds and activities to keep the kids entertained.
Big Sky PBR | July 16th-24th @ 7 pm | Built from the sagebrush up, the seven-time award-winning Big Sky PBR has grown into “Big Sky’s Biggest Week” – a week of community events including three nights of action-packed Touring Pro Division PBR bull riding, fundraisers, vendor village, and more.
Music in the Mountains | Thursdays, July-September @ 6 pm | For more than a decade, Music in the Mountains has been Montana’s finest free outdoor concert series, featuring the best up and coming touring musicians in the country as well as established, well-known artists. Our state-of-the-art venue provides the perfect backdrop for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy incredible live music under the Big Sky.
Bozeman
Museum of the Rockies The Vikings Begin | May 29th - September 19th | The Vikings Begin will feature boat burial artifacts, helmets, swords, jewelry, glass vessels, bowls, and more. The collection of artifacts comes from the Gustavianum Uppsala University Museum in Sweden and is making its first-ever tour of the United States.
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks | June 16th-19th and June 23rd-26th @ 6 pm | In mid-May, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks begins rehearsals and construction for two highly mobile, professional productions that will tour communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, and eastern Idaho. This summer's feated productions are A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Cymbeline!
Sweet Pea Festival Week | August 3rd-8th | Back to celebrate the 44th annual art festival, The Sweet Pea Festival is a three-day festival of the arts held the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August. Weekend entertainment comes in many forms – music of all genres, performances by local theatre and dance troupes, workshops, family-friendly entertainment and activities, a flower show, a beer, and wine garden featuring Montana microbrews, and over 100 arts and crafts vendors to stroll through and purchase unique gifts for yourself, family, and friends.
Bozeman Stampede Rodeo | August 5th-7th @ 7 pm | The Bozeman Stampede is a non-profit local PRCA rodeo in Bozeman, MT. This three-day event contains all your favorite rodeo action and benefits local youth Ag organizations.
Art Walk | July 9th, August 13th, and September 10th @ 4-8 pm | The businesses and galleries generally feature artists’ openings and receptions during the event. Over 40 galleries and businesses participate in this fun cultural experience downtown.
Music on Main | Thursdays, July 22nd - August 12th @ 6:30-8:30 pm | The Downtown Bozeman Association is proud to present the 21st Annual Music on Main summer concert series this summer in Historic Downtown Bozeman. Bring the kids from 6:30 PM to 8 PM for kid’s activities hosted by local non-profits. Grab a bite to eat from one of our many rotating food vendors, step into a few of the downtown stores that stay open late, and of course enjoy outstanding live music from popular local and nationally recognized bands.
Bozeman Farmer’s Market | Tuesdays, June 15th - September 7th @ 5-8 pm | This will be the 19th year that we have hosted a Market in Bozeman. We take great pride in our ability to show up for the community every Tuesday evening at the Bozeman Farmers’ Market. So Spring, you’re up. Get here and do your fresh start thing. The Bozeman Farmer's Market is a place for families and friends to gather, socialize, support local, and share in a fun-filled community environment!
Gallatin Farmer’s Market | Saturdays, June 19th - September 11th @ 9 am - 12 pm | With fifty years and over five hundred markets hosted by the organization, the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market (GVFM) continues to support Montana’s local farmers and artisans with its summer and holiday markets in 2021. This upcoming season, the GVFM wants to celebrate all those who have supported and continue to support the market and its loyal vendors.
Big Sky Country State Fair | July 21st-25th | Need a dose of fun? Indulge in your favorite fair foods, experience the thrill of the carnival, and take in live entertainment! The Fair will feature several fun-filled and animal-packed activities in the Morrison-Maierle Pardners Corral: Freckle Farm petting zoo with pony rides and turkey races; Reptile Adventures; Extreme Dogs; Cutest Show on Earth; Kids Pedal Pull; Tyzen – Master Hypnotist, competitive exhibits, and workshops; blacksmithing demos and more!
BZN International Film Festival | September 9th-12th | Back for their 4th year, join BZN International Film Festival for a four-day event hosted at the Emerson Center for the Arts!
Ennis
TAP Into Ennis: Craft Beer and Spirits Festival | June 5th @ 12-6 pm | After spending a day in the beautiful Madison Valley take a break in Downtown Ennis featuring brews, spirits, wines, food, and music!
4th of July Rodeo and Parade | Parade @ 10 am Rodeo @ 7 pm | Ennis' annual 4th of July festivities kick off with a parade down their main street with BBQs, classic car shows, and a rodeo!
Madison Valley Arts Festival | July 31st @ 10 am - 5 pm | This fun, free event will host 54 juried artist booths and there will be live entertainment by the Tune Tanglers, delicious food from the Lil Hogpit, free rock painting for the kids, and an art raffle!
Ennis Farmer’s Market | Saturdays, Now - October 15th @ 9 am - 12 pm | Our Mission is to bring community members together and educate one another on where our food comes from and why it is so incredibly important!
Livingston
Livingston Roundup Rodeo | July 2nd - 4th | The Livingston Roundup Rodeo has been a popular local event in this area since 1924. The rodeo draws 10,000 spectators yearly to its arena located within the majestic mountain ranges on the banks of the mighty Yellowstone River.
Livingston Farmer’s Market | Wednesdays, June 2nd - September 15th @ 4:30-7:30 pm | Offering prepared food vendors, locally brewed beer, arts and crafts, baked goods, and farm and ranch products featuring the freshest, healthiest food our region has to offer, the market generates nearly $250,000 for the local economy each year. We are proud to be a part of the network of farmers markets across the state connecting communities with local, nutrient-dense farm and ranch products.
Livingston Classic PBR | July 17th @ 5:30 pm | The Livingston Classic PBR is the premier sporting event in Livingston, MT. With a sell-out crowd each year to witness the best bulls and bull riders in the world, this is the event you don’t want to miss! This year will be no less. Featuring the top 35 bull riders in the world, 60,000 pounds of bucking bulls.
Gardiner Upper-Yellowstone Roundup | June 18th-19th @ 6 pm | Come enjoy the real west and visit Yellowstone at the same time! Join our annual NRA rodeo fun! Purchase tickets at the gate! Heart-stopping rodeo action with the members of the Northern Rodeo Association. Come experience the REAL WEST!
2021 Wilsall Rodeo | June 19th @ 6 pm & 20th @ 2 pm | 2 Day NRA Rodeo, featuring all of the classic rodeo events, plus a parade, fireman's breakfast, and street dance.
Across Southwest Montana
Headwaters Country Jam | August 19th-21st | Headwaters is a three-day country music festival featuring 20+ bands on two stages, surrounded by Montana's awe-inspiring landscape.
Rockin’ the Rivers | August 12th-14th | Bringing together such an amazing collection of talented and influential rock groups with the absolutely stunning Montana landscape, this festival has become one of the country's must-attend rock shows.
Red Ants Pants Music Festival | July 22nd-25th | The folk music festival was founded and is produced by Red Ants Pants owner Sarah Calhoun 2011, and is designed to bring people together.
