Fourth of July in Western Montana delivers the spirit of a classic small-town celebration—parades, fireworks, live music and community gatherings. From weekend lake getaways and local music festivals to stopovers en route to Glacier National Park, Glacier Country offers a festive mix of patriotic fun and family-friendly events to make your holiday memorable.

Lakeside’s fireworks show is one of several over Flathead Lake. Photo: Trevon Baker Photography

FIREWORKS SAFETY

Plan to recreate responsibly, and ensure you understand local fireworks regulations before celebrating. While fireworks are allowed in some parts of Glacier Country, they’re prohibited within many city limits, campgrounds and public lands. Fire restrictions may also be in place during the summer months, limiting or banning the use of fireworks and campfires—so always check ahead.

If you’re in an area where personal fireworks are permitted, use extreme caution. Light them in a clear area away from dry grass, structures and other flammable materials. Keep water nearby and light only one at a time.

That said, we strongly advise against using personal fireworks due to the high risk of wildland fire. Western Montana is especially vulnerable to fire during the dry season. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe ways to enjoy the holiday—many communities host fireworks displays led by professionals, often with the support of local fire crews.

To help plan your celebration, here’s a roundup of parades, events and fireworks shows happening across the region.

Help keep Western Montana free from wildland fires.

KALISPELL’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE + ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Kalispell’s 4th of July Parade is a signature summer event in downtown Kalispell, followed by an Old Fashion Ice Cream Social at the Conrad Mansion. July 4, Kalispell

TROY’S OLD FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY

For more than 100 years, Troy has thrown a traditional 4th of July celebration, drawing more than 6,000 people to this town of just 950 residents. This free, family-friendly event includes a community breakfast, fireworks display, car show, fun run, parade, vendors, live music, a beer garden and more. Friday, July 4, Roosevelt Park

Troy’s celebration includes a car show. Photo: Troy Chamber of Commerce

ARLEE ESPAPQEYNI POWWOW CELEBRATION

Every year, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes come together in a ceremonial gathering to follow in the footprints of their elders. Experience a pow wow with traditional dancing, singing and drumming. Tuesday, July 1 – Sunday, July 6, Arlee.

The Arlee pow wow is one of the oldest powwows in the United States. Photo: Chad Harder

BIGFORK 4TH OF JULY PARADE 

Bigfork really knows how to throw a party, and this one is a Flathead Valley favorite. The 4th of July Parade through Bigfork begins at noon, and the craftsmanship put into the parade floats is not to be missed. Also enjoy the food trucks and live music before and after the parade, or start the morning with a sprint and join the 14 annual Freedom Run 5k. Friday, July 4

Please note: Bridge Street Bridge, which crosses the Swan River and connects downtown Bigfork to Montana Highway 35 (MT 35), is closed. There is, however, a free shuttle from highways 35 and 82 that offers easy access to downtown.

Watch the parade in downtown Bigfork. Photo: Bigfork Chamber of Commerce

SEELEY LAKE 4TH OF JULY

Seeley Lake kicks off their annual 4th of July celebration with a pancake breakfast, and events throughout the day include a pig roast, live music, a parade, fireworks, craft and food vendors and more. Friday, July 4

Fireworks mesmerize onlookers at Seeley Lake. Photo: Seeley Swan Pathfinder

4TH AT THE FORT CELEBRATION

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula’s 4th at the Fort Celebration includes live music, wagon rides, games for kids, craft and food vendors, food trucks, steam-engine sawmill demos, guided tours, model railroad displays and much, much more. Friday, July 4

Enjoy a wagon ride on the scenic grounds of Fort Missoula. Photo: HMFM

POLSON FIREWORKS + PARADE

Don’t miss the annual fireworks show on Flathead Lake at Polson’s Riverside Park on Thursday, July 3. Stay the night, then wake up for the lively downtown parade at noon. New this year, a mini parade for kids who roll in style will kick off the main parade. (Decorated bikes, wagons, strollers and scooters welcome.) Fireworks: Thursday, July 3/Parade & Events: Friday, July 4

Polson’s fireworks show—also over Flathead Lake—is on Thursday this year. Photo: Polson Chamber of Commerce

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

Many of our small communities’ volunteers and firefighters put on fireworks displays.

  • Lakeside 4th of July Fireworks Show is launched from a floating barge off the shore. Friday, July 4, Lakeside Harbor
  • Whitefish Fireworks Display is launched each year over Whitefish Lake. Join the celebration at Whitefish City Beach, grab dinner from a food vendor, then sit back and watch the show. Friday, July 4, Whitefish City Beach
  • The Missoula Paddleheads end their games July 3 and July 4 with a lively fireworks display. Tickets are required for game entry. Thursday, July 3, Friday, July 4, Missoula
  • The Hamilton Annual Fireworks Show can be viewed from the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Friday, July 4, Hamilton
  • Darby will host its first Darby 4th of July Celebration, which will include games, live music, and a fireworks show at the Darby Rodeo Grounds. Friday, July 4, Darby
The small town of Lakeside puts on a big fireworks show over Flathead Lake. Photo: Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce

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; help build an inclusive outdoors and practice fire safety.

June 30, 2025

Related: Arlee, Bigfork, Darby, Hamilton, Holidays, Kalispell, Lakeside, Missoula, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Polson, Recreate Responsibly, Seeley Lake, Thompson Falls, Troy, Vacation

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