Summer in Western Montana is a season we treasure, where big blue skies, lots of sunshine and long daylight hours set the scene for an incredible events lineup. From rodeos and pow wows to concerts, car shows and small-town festivals, our summer events capture the spirit of the season. We’ve gathered a number of notable and local-favorite events to help you make the most of your 2025 Glacier Country itinerary.
AMERICAN INDIAN CELEBRATIONS
In Browning, also on the Blackfeet Reservation, experience one of the largest gatherings of North American tribes during the North American Indian Days, July 10 – 13. Events include a pow wow, parade, traditional and fancy dancing, drumming, customary stick games and a rodeo with the spectator-favorite Indian Relay.
Join the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation at the annual Standing Arrow Pow Wow in Elmo, July 18 – 20. Dancers, drummers, vendors and visitors come from far and wide for this traditional event. Also on the Flathead Reservation, attend the Arlee Espapqeyni Powwow Celebration, an annual ceremonial gathering from July 1 – 6. The event includes traditional dancing, drumming and dress.
Each pow wow is unique to the Tribal Nation holding it and offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures of American Indian tribes in Western Montana. While attending a pow wow in Montana, it’s important to be respectful. Please read more here.
RODEOS + FAIRS
Many of our communities host rodeos beginning in spring and continuing through fall. Experience this authentic western tradition, paying homage to our heritage with events based on the duties of working cowboys and cowgirls. Sometimes rodeos coincide with a local fair—think fun rides, livestock shows, carnival games and delicious fair food.
Brash Summer Series Rodeo, Columbia Falls, June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 25, 31;
Aug. 14, 21, 28; Sept. 6
Darby Rodeo, July 11 – 12, Aug. 22 – 23, Sept. 19 – 20
Bigfork Montana Rodeo, July 5 – 8
The Eureka Rodeo, July 25 – 26, Aug. 23
Kootenai River Stampede Rodeo, Libby, July 25 – 26
Western Montana Fair + Stampede Rodeo, Missoula, Aug. 5 – 10
Northwest Montana Fair + Rodeo, Kalispell, Aug. 12 – 17
Ravalli County Fair + Rockin’ RC NRA Rodeo, Hamilton, Aug. 27 – 30
Sanders County Fair and PRCA Rodeo, Plains, Aug. 27 – Aug. 31
MUSIC
Summer Concert Venues
Live music is the heartbeat of summer in Western Montana, and you’ll find it in unforgettable places. Catch a show at the KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner, where the stage backs up to the winding Blackfoot River, or groove to a big-name band in the laid-back lawn setting at Big Sky Brewing Co. Listen to tunes lakeside at Abayance Bay Marina, or take in a world-class performance at the Wachholz College Center in Kalispell. For a truly local vibe with some nostalgic, big-name acts, check out the eclectic outdoor concert scenes at Happy’s Inn, Home Ranch Bottoms or Northern Lights Saloon.
Weekly Concert Series
Explore the weekly concert series that rounds out Glacier Country’s summer music scene. In Kalispell, catch Picnic in the Park on Tuesday evenings with live music and local food vendors. On Wednesdays, listen to the Missoula City Band play in Bonner Park, or spend your Sundays in Bigfork for the Riverbend Concerts. During lunch on Tuesdays in Hamilton, stretch out on the Ravalli Country Museum lawn for Tuesday at Twelve. Or pair delicious food and great music at Missoula’s Caras Park on Wednesdays at Out to Lunch and Thursdays at Downtown ToNight.
Music Festivals + Events
From intimate community gatherings to multiday music experiences, Western Montana’s festival scene is as vibrant as its landscapes. Catch chart-topping headliners, symphonic performances under the stars, or toe-tapping bluegrass in a mountain meadow—there’s a summer soundtrack for everyone.
Whitefish Summer Concert Series, June 27 – 29; July 18 – 20; Aug. 15 –17
Shania Twain, Missoula, July 2
Zootown Festival, Missoula, July 4 – 5
Glacier Symphony at Rebecca Farm: The Great Outdoors, Kalispell, July 5 – 6
Under the Big Sky Festival, Whitefish, July 18 – 20
Hard Times Bluegrass Festival, Hamilton, July 25 – 27
Riverfront Blues Festival, Libby, Aug. 8 – 9
Bands in the Ballpark Music Festival, Corvallis, Aug. 9
Symphony in the Park, Missoula, Aug. 17
Whitefish Trail Hootenanny, Aug. 22
River City Roots Festival, Missoula, Aug. 22 – 23
NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EVENTS
Missoula Marathon, June 27 – 29
A marathon, half marathon, 5k races, kids marathon, and beer run.
David Thompson Days, Thompson Falls, June 27 – 29
A weekend of family fun celebrating the history of Thompson Falls.
Whitefish Woody Weekend XIII, June 28 – 29
An antique and classic boat show on Whitefish Lake.
Glacier Half Marathon, Browning, June 28
A half marathon along the picturesque eastern border of Glacier National Park.
Arts in the Park, Kalispell, July 18 – 20
An arts, crafts and music festival in historic Depot Park.
The Event at Rebecca Farm, Kalispell, July 16 – 20
One of the largest equine triathlons in North America.
Paddle Palooza, Polson, July 11 – 12
A two-day Flathead Lake event featuring paddle races, demos, clinics, food and live entertainment.
Good Old Days, St. Ignatius, July 11 – 13
A hometown celebration with fun and games, live music, a parade and more.
Montana Dragon Boat Festival, Polson, July 18
Colorful dragon boat races, live music and vendors on the shores of Flathead Lake.
Flathead Lake Festival of Art, Polson, July 19 – 20
A juried outdoor art festival featuring fine art, handmade goods, live music and food vendors.
Loon and Fish Festival, Seeley Lake, July 18 – 20
A community art show and sale with demonstrations, a loon talk, live music and more.
Columbia Falls Heritage Days, July 23 – 27
A celebration of Columbia Falls history, including a car show, fun run, music, barbecue and more.
Lewis and Clark Festival, Cut Bank, July 24 – 27
A community celebration with food, fun and more for the whole family.
Bitterroot Brewfest, Hamilton, July 26
A celebration of local brews, food and music in a historic setting.
Flathead Cherry Festival, Polson, July 26 – 27
A festival of all things “cherry” including artists, unique vendors and freshly baked treats.
Evergreen’s Show ‘N Shine Car Show, Kalispell, Aug. 2
Classic and custom cars, live music, food trucks and fun for the whole family.
Ronan Pioneer Days, Aug. 2 – 4
A community celebration with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 5k and 10k runs, a kiddie rodeo, parade, sports, and more.
Bigfork Festival of the Arts, Aug. 2
A fine selection of art from nationally and internationally recognized artists, plus crafts, food and music.
Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, Whitefish, Aug. 8 – 10
A festival of fine arts, food, huckleberry treats, fun runs and more.
Great Bear Festival, Kalispell, Aug. 16
A sampling of local and regional beers, hard ciders, sparkling waters and wines.
Huckleberry Festival, Trout Creek, Aug. 9 – 10
A festival featuring arts, crafts, and all things huckleberry.
Ignite the Nites Car Show, Libby, Aug. 14 – 16
Car cruise, show and burnout contest plus live music and prizes in downtown Libby.
Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, Hamilton, Aug. 16 – 17
A gathering to educate, celebrate and promote the Celtic heritage of the Bitterroot Valley.
Rumble in the Bay Car Show, Bigfork, Aug. 30 – 31
A car show featuring food, entertainment, a poker walk, 50/50 split the pot and more.
Clash of the Carvers, Libby, Sept. 4 – 7
A competition of the world’s finest chainsaw artists.
Flathead Celtic Festival, Kalispell, Sept. 12 – 13
A celebration of the music, dance, history, ancestry, language, food, crafts and athletics of Celtic culture.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
June 23, 2025
Related: American Indian, Arlee, Bigfork, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Blackfeet Nation, Bonner, Browning, Columbia Falls, Concerts/Music Festivals, Corvallis, Cut Bank, Darby, Elmo, Eureka, Events, Flathead Indian Reservation, Hamilton, Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Montana, Plains, Polebridge, Polson, Rexford, Rodeos, Ronan, Seeley Lake, St. Ignatius, Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, Vacation, Whitefish
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