Summer Festival Season is Here!
Livingston Festival of the Arts, Photo Courtesy Livingston Depot
Festival season is here! Across the region, communities find reason to gather and celebrate, particularly during the warm months. Whether its music, art, theater, food or libations, you’ll enjoy a warm Montana welcome, and experience the camaraderie our towns are known for.
The Spring Rendezvous Brewfest kicks off the festivities next Saturday, May 10, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. Brewers from across the state gather to raise a glass to one another’s newest creations, and they invite you to join them. There will be live music from the Lazy Owl String Band, Matt Wallin & His Nervous Breakdown and local food purveyors.
During the 1880s and 1890s, Big Timber was one of the nation’s largest shippers of wool and wool products, and by 1900, there were over 6 million heads of sheep in the area. Today, the Crazy Mountain Fiber Fest celebrates this heritage with classes and demonstrations on various fiber arts. Plus, they have art vendors, food trucks and other exhibits from May 30 to 31. You can read more about the fiber arts in Big Timber on our blog. Sweet Grass Fest follows shortly after June 27-28 with parade, rodeo, car show, vendors, and live music!
Montana Renaissance Festival, Photo courtesy Montana Renaissance Festival
The Montana Renaissance Festival takes place June 7-8 in Red Lodge. I have not personally attended, but word on the street is that it’s a grand time full of period dress, live music, comedy, Games of Skill, demonstrations, food, arts and crafts, and special events like a costume contest and a Queen’s Tea.
Also in Red Lodge, The Red Lodge Music Festival, June 14-22, Red Lodge Songwriter Festival June 19-21, and Red Lodge Summer Fest, Aug 1-2.
On the other end of the region, Savor Big Sky, a food, wine and spirits festival, takes place June 26-29 at Big Sky Resort. Lone Peak is a stunning backdrop as world-renowned chefs, wineries, breweries and spirits purveyors bring you their finest flavors. Enjoy local ingredients, events like Trailhead Tasting, brunches, live music and a 5-course farm-to-table dinner. The Big Sky Artisan Festival on July 19 is another one you won’t want to miss.
Savor Big Sky, Photo courtesy Big Sky Resort
The Livingston Depot’s Festival of the Arts coincides with the Fourth of July festivities, July 2-4. Over 100 juried artists and craftspeople showcase their work in the historic Depot. Plus, there is a parade, fireworks, and, if you’re quick to purchase tickets, the Livingston Roundup Rodeo.
In Bozeman, Sweet Pea Festival and Summer SLAM Fest take place the first weekend in August. Both festivals are a celebration of the arts, with SLAM Fest focusing specifically on local artists. Live music, food, libations, vendors and live performances all add to the weekend.
The Forget Me Knot Fest in Cooke City, from August 15 to 16, brings live music, art and food together in the mountains. You won’t find a more intimate setting with Pilot and Index towering in the background.
In West Yellowstone, the Wretched Mess Fest, Sept. 5-6, is a community festival celebrating art, music and fly fishing!
Also in September, the Manhattan Potato Festival: Starch Trek 2025, The Vegetation Generation. (Trust us, it doesn’t get more local than this!) Followed by the Belgrade Fall Festival, Sept 27.
See you this summer!