May

---

Miles City Jaycee Bucking Horse Sale	Miles City-mid-May Miles City Chamber 901 Main, P.O. Box 127 Miles City, MT 59301 406-232-2890
Auction of rodeo stock for the Northwest's upcoming rodeo season. Rodeo, wild horse races and street dance Friday and Saturday night. Three days. Admission charged.

Stumptown Days	Central Ave., Whitefish-Mid-May Whitefish Downtown Association 131 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-9199 or 406-862-4438
Three days of live music, food and fun in downtown Whitefish.

Western Art Roundup and Quick-Draw Art Auction

Miles City-May through June Custer County Art Center P.O. Box 1284, Waterplant Rd. Miles City, MT 59301 406-232-0635

Artists from Montana and surrounding states celebrate the West through paintings, photographs and sculptures. The Quick-Draw is held Saturday in Riverside Park following the Bucking Horse Sale. A parade accompanies the 3rd weekend in May activities. Artists have half an hour to create a work of art that is auctioned immediately. Music is provided, admission is free. Barbecue lunches are available in the park.

Whitewater Festival	Swan River, Bigfork-Mid-May Bigfork Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 237, Bigfork, MT 59911 406-837-5888
Kayak triathlon, farmers' market, races on famous class five Wild Mile Dam to village on the Swan River.

June

---

Bitterroot Festival of American West	Darby-3rd weekend in June Darby, MT 59829 406-821-4770
Western stunt show; Bob Munden, World's Fastest Gun; Frontier Army of the Dakotas; Festival of Western Song; tales; music and art. Jackpot Team Roping and Open Team Penning. Admission for adults is $5 a day, seniors and kids $2.50, kids under 6 free.

Breakout Blue Grass Festival	Deer Lodge-Late June 412 Main St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722 406-846-2895
A one-day blue grass festival featuring 4+ bands on stage, concessions, food, crafts and more! Free admission.

Custer's Last Stand Reenactment and Little Bighorn Days

Hardin-Weekend closest to June 25 Hardin Area Chamber of Commerce 21 E. 4th St., Hardin, MT 59034 406-665-1672 or 800-366-8538

Custer's Last Stand Reenactment is performed on an open prairie near the actual battle site. Over 200 reenactors relive the clash between Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh Cavalry and Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and their men. The Reenactment is held during Little Bighorn Days, a weekend of activities which includes rodeos, parades, 1876 Military Ball and an arts and crafts fair. Admission is charged to some events.

The Glacier Institute	Glacier National Park and Big Creek Outdoor Education Center-Mid-June to early September Lex Blood, The Glacier Institute P.O. Box 7457, Kalispell, MT 59904 406-755-1211
The wilderness setting of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest is ideal for groups. The Institute offers any combination of field trips, lectures, and accommodations to satisfy your needs.

Hot Air Balloon Rally	Miles City-3rd weekend in June Miles City Chamber of Commerce 901 Main St., Miles City, MT 59301 406-232-2890 Fax 406-232-6914
The balloon rally attracts balloonists from several states. Burners illuminate the brightly colored balloons for an evening balloon glow. A progressive party, a poker run and a tailgate party are sponsored by the balloon committee, for the sponsors and the balloonists. Lots of fun.

Lewis and Clark Festival

Great Falls-Last weekend in June Lewis & Clark Interpretive Association P.O. Box 2848, Great Falls, MT 59403 406-452-5661

From the black powder salute opening to the float trip on the Missouri, festival goers experience life in the time of Lewis and Clark. The encampment with meat cooking on the fire, men working on animal skin clothes, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer lets the visitors feel they've become members of the 1805 expedition. Educational seminar, children's day camp, nature walk and special historical exhibit complete the weekend activities. Admission charged for some events.

Missoula SummerFest

Missoula-June through August Downtown Association 101 E. Main St., Missoula, MT 59802 406-543-4238

SummerFest includes such diverse programs as the free Out to Lunch at Caras Park performance series Wednesdays from 11:30am-1:30pm, free Missoula Band concerts on the lawn at Bonner Park Wednesday nights, Taste of Missoula, Microbrew Fests, the Hellgate Rendezvous Art and Craft Fair, Missoula Children's Theatre, Montana Chamber Orchestra, children's film festival, bicycle and foot races, weekly Farmer's Market downtown and special events and programs at various locations throughout Missoula. Admission charged to some events.

Montana Traditional Jazz Festival

Helena-June 25-29, 1997; June 22-26, 1998 c/o Don West P.O. Box 856, Helena, 59624 406-449-7969 or 800-851-9980

New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz bands from throughout the country and Canada perform in six locations around Helena. Shuttle service is provided between jazz venues. Events include all-star concerts, Jazz Mass at St. Helena Cathedral, gospel service in the park, picnic, barbecues, arts and crafts fair and listening and dancing to the best jazz anywhere. The American Bus Association voted this festival one of the top 100 events in North America for two consecutive years. Admission charged. Arts and crafts show free.

Pioneer Days and Dirty Shame Show

Scobey-Last weekend in June c/o Edgar Richardson P.O. Box 133, Scobey, MT 59263 406-487-5965 or 406-487-5502

Pioneer Town consists of more than 50 buildings dating back to the early 1900s, situated on 20 acres on the west edge of Scobey. Pioneer Days is a two-day celebration that includes an antique car and tractor parade, pancake and sausage breakfast, concession stands and the highlight of the weekend, the Dirty Shame Variety Show. The show is performed by local talent and plays to packed houses. Admission charged to show and activities on grounds.

Red Lodge Music Festival	Red Lodge-Early June Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 998, Red Lodge, MT 59068 406-446-1718 or 446-1905
Twenty-five professional musicians from across the country gather for nine days of symphony, jazz and chamber performances.

Summer Celebration	Fort Benton-Last weekend in June c/o Connie Jenkins P.O. Box 279, Fort Benton, MT 59442 406-622-3351 or 406-622-5166 Fax 406-622-3657
Three-day event featuring Art on the Levee, parade, fun run/walk, entertainment and other activities for all ages. Admission free.

Territorial Days	Deer Lodge-3rd weekend in June c/o Harry Helton, Chamber of Commerce 1171 Main St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722 406-846-2094 Fax 406-846-1943
Parade, classic car and street rod show, Jaywalker Jamboree (Main St. closed to traffic), concessions, pig barbecue, craft and flea market, dance/concert, softball tournament. Concert is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.

July

---

 

American Legion Rodeo	Choteau-July 4 Choteau Chamber of Commerce American Legion, Choteau, MT 59422 406-466-5316
An outstanding annual rodeo that features many of the top athletes from the U.S. and Canada. The weekend also features a parade and a big name outdoor concert sponsored by the Jaycees. Admission charged for some events.

Arts in the Park	Depot Center, Kalispell-Late July Hockaday Center for the Arts 2nd Ave. E. at 3rd St., Kalispell, MT 59901 406-755-5268
A quality, juried arts and crafts show held in the center of town in Depot Park. Food concessions available.

Art in Washoe Park	Anaconda-3rd weekend in July, July 18, 19, 20 1997 401 E. Commercial, Anaconda, MT 59711 406-563-2422
Washoe Park nestles under beautiful Mount Haggin. Sponsored by Copper Village Museum and Art Center, 75 juried arts and crafts booths, along with 15 ethnic food booths and beverage bars, offer wares. Well-known professional entertainment is featured both days. Special children's games and booths are a treat for the little ones.

Bannack Days	Dillon-3rd weekend in July| Bannack State Park 4200 Bannack Rd., Dillon, MT 59725 406-834-3413
Two days of period demonstrations and activities on the dusty streets and weathered boardwalks of Bannack. Muzzle-loading activities, pioneer craft and skill demonstrations, music, food, gold panning, buggy rides and more. Admission charged to state park. Groups of 30 or more must apply for a special use permit.

CowboyCharlie Russell's Musical Celebration of Montana! A Historical Outdoor Musical

Missoula-July and August Deny Staggs c/o The Montana Outdoor Theatre Project 639 Howell, Missoula, MT 59802 406-549-6527

Visit the historic Fort Missoula to see Cowboy, set in a rustic outdoor ampitheater. Montana's own Charlie Russell shares the spirit of the West as he paints the picture of days gone by. Full of rowdy wranglers, dance hall gals and native rituals, this wonderful musical provides action, song and great fun for the whole family. The beautiful city of Missoula is located almost exactly between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks on I-90 and US 93 and is a great midway stop for any vacation package. Group rates are available.

4th of July Extravaganza	Flathead Lake, Lakeside-July 4 Lakeside, Somers Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 177, Lakeside, MT 59922 406-844-3715
Giant fireworks display over Flathead Lake.

4th of July Extravaganza

Laurel-July 3 and 4 Laurel Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 395, Laurel, MT 59044 406-628-8105

Laurel goes all out for the 4th of July. Activities include a Legion baseball tournament starting on the 3rd. A street dance follows with live music, beer and wine coolers sponsored by Laurel Jaycees. The Fourth starts at 6am with a pancake breakfast served in Fireman's Park, a kiddie parade at 10am and Laurel Chamber of Commerce's parade at 11am. The Laurel Volunteer Firemen sponsor a barbecue in Thompson Park which includes games, food and swimming. In the evening, the firemen put on the largest fireworks display in the area.

4th of July Celebration

Missoula-July 4 Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Building 322, Fort Missoula Missoula, MT 59801

Opening ceremonies at this annual celebration include a historical oration and American Legion drill team performance. Demonstrations and displays throughout the day feature fire and rescue teams, fire engines, antique machines, cannon firing, model railroads, fire lookout tower, one-room schoolhouse, book sale and food booths. A broad spectrum of stage performances such as classical guitar, clogging, square dancing, karate displays, choir and more are presented every half hour. Admission $1 per person.

Hellgate Rendezvous Arts and Crafts Show	Missoula-2nd weekend in July P.O. Box 1053, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-2212
Held on the Missoula County Courthouse lawn. Arts, crafts and food with more than 90 participants from five states. Free admission.

Home of Champions Rodeo

Red Lodge-July 2-4 P.O. Box 1030, Red Lodge, MT 59068 406-446-1687

Billed as one of the great rodeos in America by National Geographic, the Home of Champions draws more than 400 of the country's top cowboys and cowgirls who compete for a purse of $30,000. Each day features a parade at noon and a PRCA-sponsored rodeo in the evening. Besides the usual events, the rodeo features the crowd-pleasing wild horse race and children's sheep riding. Admission charged for rodeo.

International Choral Festival	Missoula-July c/o Al Pontrelli or Ann Boone International Choral Festival Missoula, MT 59801 406-728-4071
One of a kind festival of song including choral groups from countries all around the world including former "Iron Curtain" countries.

Last Chance Stampede and Fair	Helena-Last week in July c/o Fritz Smith 2045 Smith Rd., Helena, MT 59601 406-442-0185
This five-day event includes a fair, carnival, nightly rodeo, livestock sale and auction, farm and home exhibits and demolition derby. PCRA Rodeo Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Demolition Derby Sunday afternoon. Admission charged, group rates available.

Libby Logger Days	Libby-Mid-July Libby Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 704, Libby, MT 59923 406-293-4167 Fax 406-293-3222
Four-day celebration including Montana Lumberjack Championships, carnival, Bull of the Woods competition, youth sawing events, parade, pancake breakfast, river raft race, coronation of Logger Days Queen. One admission price for all activities.

Livingston Roundup Rodeo	Livingston-July 2, 3 and 4th Livingston Chamber of Commerce 212 W. Park, Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-0850 Fax 406-222-0852
Three nights of rodeo with a parade, Livingston's famous "Indian hold-ups" and fireworks. PRCA rodeo draws 400-450 cowboys and cowgirls competing for $35,000 purse. Admission charged.

Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament	Glasgow-2nd weekend in July Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture P.O. Box 832, Glasgow, MT 59230 406-228-2222 Fax 406-228-2244
Contest open to 200, two-person teams. Weigh-in activities Friday and Saturday. Public Fish Fry at Kiwanis Park Friday evening includes entertainment. Admission charged for Fish Fry. Youth Derby Saturday morning.

Montana State Old-Time Fiddlers Contest	Polson-4th Friday and Saturday of July Polson Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 677, Polson, MT 59860 406-883-5969
Two-day statewide contest to determine the top old-time fiddlers in various age categories. Admission charged.

North American Indian Days	Browning-Early July Blackfeet Tribe P.O. Box 850, Browning, MT 59417
Indians from all over the country attend this four-day event. The celebration features Indian dancing, contest dancing, hand games, a rodeo, feasts and a parade. Admission charged to the rodeo.

Red Lodge Arts and Crafts Show	Red Lodge-Late July P.O. Box 1053 Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-2212
Watch for signs. Arts, crafts and food, with over 75 artists from the western states. Free admission.

Red Lodge Mountain Man Rendezvous	Red Lodge-Last weekend in July Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 988, Red Lodge, MT 59068 406-446-1718
The 10-day Rendezvous is an authentic 1830s encampment on the edge of Red Lodge on Rock Creek that recreates life in the area during the fur trade era. Traders in camp sell authentic, historical goods. Adult and children's games and entertainment of the period and symposiums on topics such as backwoods skills are also featured. Admission charged.

State Fair	Great Falls-Starts last Saturday of July P.O. Box 1888, Great Falls, MT 59403 406-727-8900
Nine-day fair; horse racing, PRCA rodeo, professional entertainment, special events; livestock, domestic, arts and crafts exhibits. Features Thomas Shows carnival. Admission charged.

Summer Amphitheater Concerts	Whitefish-Ongoing July-September The Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort P.O. Box 1400, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-2900 Fax 406-862-2955
In the past, concerts have featured the Doobie Brothers, Shawn Colvin, Robert Cray and other well known performers. Outdoor festival seating.

Summerfair

Billings-3rd weekend in July Yellowstone Art Center 401 N. 27th, Billings, MT 59101 406-256-6804

Summerfair, Montana's finest outdoor juried arts and crafts festival, features more than 100 artisans from across the country. Booths include watercolors, pottery, jewelry, blown glass, leather goods, willow furniture, wrought iron, wooden toys and accessories, weavings, photography and much more. Lively entertainment, ethnic and American foods, children's activities and craft demonstrations are part of this fun-filled event on the green at Rocky Mountain College. A benefit for the Yellowstone Art Center. Admission free.

Wild Horse Stampede	Wolf Point-2nd weekend in July Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 237, Wolf Point, MT 59201 406-653-2012
Three-day PRCA rodeo with a wild horse race as the special event of the rodeo; parades, street dance and carnival. This rodeo, which dates back to 1897, is considered the "granddaddy" of all Montana rodeos. Admission charged. Celebrating the 75th Stampede in 1998.

August

---

Antique Wooden Boat Show	Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor, Bigfork-Early August Marina Slip Owners Association 257 Eagle Bend Dr., Bigfork, MT 59911 406-837-2242
Over 30 boats from seven classifications including antique, classic, modern classic, contemporary classic, outboard, and non-power. Barbecue dinner on Friday, boat parade on Saturday, with seafood buffet and awards presentation in the evening, continuing festivities on Sunday. Admission charged.

Big SkyFest

Billings-Early August 344 Howard Ave., Billings, MT 59101 406-252-9355

Fantastic, magical, breathtaking. No script can provide the words that describe the sights and sounds of the Big Skyfest. It has it all! Concerts, balloon tour America races, exotic balloons, a parade, Meet the Pilots Barbecue, balloon rides, fireworks, the Children's Pavillion, the Skyline Glow, a midway, colorful mass ascensions, a chance to win two airline tickets and a beautiful closing ceremony. Admission charged to some events.

Crow Fair	Crow Agency-3rd weekend of August c/o Dale Old Horn or Joe Medicine Crow Big Horn College Crow Agency, MT 59022 406-638-2228
Six-day Northern Plains Indian celebration featuring Powwow, rodeo, parades, hand games, food and craft displays and world's largest tepee encampment (1500+). Admission charged for rodeo.

Festival of Arts	Electric Ave., Bigfork-Early August Bigfork Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 237, Bigfork, MT 59911 406-837-5888
Artisans display their work and musicians perform all along the main street.

Festival of Nations

Red Lodge-Starts 1st Saturday of August P.O. Box 1068, Red Lodge, MT 59068 406-446-1905

1997 marks the 47th celebration of the Festival of Nations. Each day of the nine-day festival features a different nationality with its own cooking, customs, arts and crafts displays and music. The festival is a nonprofit venture dedicated to the close relationship and enjoyment of people of all nationalities and to the preservation of customs, music, food and crafts of the Old World and of Montana. No admission charged.

Flathead Rendezvous Art and Crafts Show	Kalispell-Mid-August P.O. Box 1053, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-2212
Held at Depot Park. Arts, crafts, food and entertainment. More than 80 artists from five western states. Free admission.

Great Northern Fair	Havre-2nd weekend in August Great Northern Fair, US 2 W Havre, MT 59501 406-265-7121
Six days of fair including carnival rides, local exhibits, school exhibits and 4-H exhibits, craft exhibits. Two nights of NRA rodeo action. One-night events include show of named talent, junior rodeo action and Jaycee's Demo Derby. Admission charged to night show and rodeos.

Huckleberry Days and Bluegrass Festival	Whitefish-2nd week in August Whitefish Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1120, Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-3501 Fax 406-862-9494
Huckleberry Days is an annual three-day event with lots of family fun including arts and crafts, pet parade, pie-eating contest, huckleberry cookoff, treasure hunt, sidewalk sale, and a skateboarding event.

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering	Lewistown-3rd weekend in August P.O. Box 818, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-5436 Fax 406-538-5437
Poets from across the Big Sky state gather to share their talent. Performers include Montana greats Wally McRae and Paul Zarzyski. Western art and cowboy gear show, a museum-type display of outstanding cowboy gear and workshops featured throughout the weekend. A small fee for day events and larger fee for evening events.

Montana Fair and Racing at MetraPark	Billings-Mid-August MetraPark P.O. Box 2514, Billings, MT 59101 406-256-2400
The state's largest fair features eight days of animal events, free acts, exhibits, carnival, big name entertainers, professional rodeo and thoroughbred (pari-mutuel) horseracing. Racing continues each Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to mid-September. Group services include special seating, dining, tours and race wagering seminar. Admission charged.

Northwest Montana Fair	Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell-Mid-August Fair Board Office, County Fairgrounds 265 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901 406-758-5810
PRCA rodeo, grandstand entertainment, exhibits, animal judging and shows, horse competitions and racing, carnival rides, demolition derby, commercial displays, and more! Admission charged.

Powder River Wagontrain Cattle Drive	Broadus-1st full week in August Box 676, Broadus, MT 59317 406-436-2350 or 800-982-0710 Fax 406-436-2388
Six days and nights of realistic cattle drive with covered wagons and longhorn cattle. Native Montana cowboy and cowgirl wranglers share Western history and traditions. All ages accommodated. Alternative dates available for groups. $1,350 for adults and $925 for ages 16 and under.

Rocky Boy's Powwow	Rocky Boy's Agency-1st weekend in August 406-395-4478
Indians from all over the country attend this three-day event. The celebration features Indian dancing, contest dancing, drum contest, hand game tournament, youth rodeo, arts and crafts and Native American food.

Silver Bow Rendezvous Art and Crafts Show	Butte-Early August P.O. Box 1053 Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-2212
Held at Father Sheehan Park. Arts, crafts, food and entertainment with artists from five states. Free admission.

Sweet Grass County Horse Cutting Competition	Big Timber-Early August P.O. Box 989, Big Timber, MT 59011 406-932-4790
Horses, riders and trainers from all over the United States and Canada compete in the spectacular display of horsemanship. The cutting derives from the Old West contests of cutting a single cow from the herd and holding it away by practically dropping the reins and letting the horse do the work. Each year, celebrities such as Tom McGuane and Michael Keaton put their horses to the test.

Tri-County Fair	Deer Lodge-3rd weekend in August Powell County Courthouse Deer Lodge, Montana 59722 406-846-3680
Parade, barbecue, judging, rodeos, exhibits, food and merchandise concessions, demolition derby. Admission charged to some events.

United Peoples Powwow	Missoula-Early August Meadowlark Ventures P.O. Box 7218, Missoula, MT 59807 406-728-2180
This colorful, exciting celebration of tribal cultures and Western history is focused around a contemporary Indian powwow with ongoing dance contests, exhibition and honor dances and intertribal dances. Includes an art and culture festival.

Western Montana Fair and Horseracing	Missoula-Mid-August c/o Sam Yewusiak 1101 S. Ave. W., Missoula, MT 59801 406-721-FAIR Fax 406-728-7479
Annual county fair with five full days of activities including horseracing, commercial and educational exhibits, entertainment, demonstrations, 4-H events, carnival, three days of rodeo, demolition derby, bull-o-rama, nightly fireworks, food, fun and more. Held at the Missoula Fairgrounds.

World Champion Pack Horse Race	Big Timber-Early August Packhorse Association P.O. Box 1272, Big Timber, MT 59011 406-932-6121
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this original Montana event. Competition begins with timed "packing up," a very important part of the race and then racing on horseback across rough mountain terrain leading the pack horse. No admission to spectate

---

This site is a service of the Travel Montana, Department of Commerce.
Please send comments and suggestions to webmaster@visitmt.com.
All contents copyright 2006, Travel Montana. All rights reserved.
Please visit us again at http://montanagroups.com.