Fourth of July in Montana's Yellowstone Country 2024!

We’re gearing up for the Fourth of July celebrations, and let me tell you, it’s looking to be a great one! Across Montana’s Yellowstone Country, the Fourth of July brings communities out in droves with parades, rodeos, live music, BBQs and fireworks.

Big Sky

Big Sky kicks off with a Fourth of July 5K fun run, followed by a BBQ and Music in the Mountains, a free outdoor concert series. This week features The Tiny Band and emerging artist DJ Chedda. There are rotating food and vendor trucks, so bring your lounge chair and your boogie shoes and enjoy the evening!

 

West Yellowstone

In West Yellowstone, the festivities are an all-day affair starting with a Farmers Market, then Pie on the Porch at the historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge, a Buffalo Chip Chuck (things get real Western around here), parade, free live music in the park, the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo and a fantastic fireworks display.

Bozeman

Bozeman will celebrate with the Valley View Rodeo, followed by a fireworks show at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds at 10 p.m. The fireworks should be visible from most anywhere in town, and there are a lot of city parks nearby - perfect for picnic or takeout from one of Bozeman's delicious restaurants.

 

Livingston

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Livingston Roundup Rodeo and Parade, an event so famous it sells out well in advance. As part of the celebration, they’ve added another day to the rodeo and some free slack performances! Slack is still part of the competition, but some categories have more competitors than time allows during nightly performances — so slack serves as an overflow.

 

Cooke City and Silver Gate

Tucked up in Cooke City and Silver Gate, the celebration is a true community affair, including a parade, a heartwarming community picnic and fundraiser and a spectacular fireworks show set with a mountain backdrop. If you’re headed that way, I suggest spending the day exploring Yellowstone National Park then cozying up in one of the two quaint towns for the night, before heading over the Beartooth Highway!

Red Lodge

If you wanted to make this loop, but in reverse, you could opt for the Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo, parades, (yes, multiple) rodeo, and fireworks show each night from July 2-4.  If you arrive early in the week, the PRCA Extreme Bulls competition takes place July 1, and Red Lodge is a lovely place to peruse the shops and restaurants. (Don't miss the Montana Candy Emporium!)

Of course, many people (myself included) prefer the quiet of camping, and we’ve got plenty of that in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. You may want to explore our itineraries page, for ideas to get you off the beaten path!

We welcome you into our small-town celebrations, and hope to see you there!