Spring is in the air—the fresh mountain air—here in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Each year spring is full of activities and events that bring our communities together, outside and in, for some Western Montana fun. From farmers markets to rodeos, international film festivals to outdoor concerts in the park, our events calendar is full.

Get close to the action at the Bigfork Whitewater Festival. Photo: Mike Roessmann Photography

SPRING EVENTS

Plan your getaway around one of Western Montana’s spring events. Every year in late April, the International Wildlife Film Festival takes place at the retro Roxy Theater in Missoula. This eight-day juried event, now in its 47th year, brings together the world’s top wildlife filmmakers, producers, scientists and conservation leaders.

Spring runoff on the Swan River creates a beautiful and challenging class IV section of whitewater known as the “Wild Mile” outside Bigfork. The Bigfork Whitewater Festival draws kayakers from all over the world to race down this section of the Swan River every Memorial Day Weekend, where spectators can watch riverside from a nature trail.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic timber sports competition than Forestry Day at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. This competition, in late April, pays tribute to the bravery of loggers and honors Montana’s history. Excitement is palpable during the log rolling, pole climbing and axe throwing competitions. This event also includes antique logging equipment exhibits and demonstrations.

Wood chopping, pole climbing, axe throwing and cross-cut sawing are some of the competitions you’ll see at Forestry Day. Photo: Historical Museum at Fort Missoula

Whitefish Mountain Resort ends each ski season with a splash at the Whitefish Pond Skim. In early April, watch skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a human-made pond, avoiding zebra floaties and other obstacles. It’s outrageously entertaining.

For a small-town auction experience—known for bringing in several thousand people—attend the Annual Creston Auction & Country Fair at the beginning of April. Auction items range from Montana-made art, goods and wares, to farm and ranch equipment, and proceeds will go toward a replacement fire station.

Here’s a list of these and more spring events in Glacier Country:

Costumed skiers and snowboarders compete for cash at Whitefish Mountain Resort’s end-of-season Pond Skim. Photo: Whitefish Mountain Resort

FARMERS MARKETS

Did you know Glacier Country hosts some of the best farmers markets in the West? Our very popular outdoor community markets are a big part of Western Montana’s allure, and a late spring (through early fall) visit to Montana isn’t complete without a trip to one of these celebrated events. Get your fix of fresh produce, local meats, cheeses and honey, plus all manner of locally-made arts and crafts. You’ll also find food trucks, coffee carts and local musicians. These community gatherings offer a chance to support local growers and artisans, and they’re a great way to experience the heart and soul of our small towns.

Find a rainbow of fresh flowers, fruits and veggies at a local farmers market. Photo: Vagabond3

SPRING CONCERTS

You’ll find no shortage of live music in Western Montana, from a local musician bringing down the house in a legendary bar to a national act rocking a state-of-the-art stage for thousands. Ever been to a concert at an amphitheater on the banks of a famous river? Plan your spring getaway around one of the concerts in Western Montana listed below.

  • In Kalispell, visit the Wachholz College Center for local and national acts, plus a speakers series and National Geographic Live.
  • Take your pick of concerts from Logjam Presents at exceptional venues like The Wilma, Top Hat, the Adams Center, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and KettleHouse Amphitheater, Missoula + Bonner
  • Free concerts at Missoula’s Out to Lunch event every Wednesday beginning in June.
  • Free outdoor concerts at Missoula’s Downtown Tonight event every Thursday beginning in June.
  • Free outdoor concerts at Kalispell’s Picnic in the Park every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning in June.
  • Find more live music hot spots here.
This spring, The Wilma hosts Charlie Parr, The California Honeydrops, Terrapin Flyer and more. Photo: Neubauer Media Courtesy of Logjam Presents

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.

April 1, 2024

Related: About, Alberton, Arts and Culture, Bigfork, Bitterroot Valley, Bonner, Columbia Falls, Concerts/Music Festivals, Cut Bank, Darby, East Glacier Park, Eureka, Events, Family Fun, Farmers Market, Florence, Frenchtown, Hamilton, Hot Springs (town), Libby, Missoula, Montana, Polson, Ronan, Seeley Lake, Spring Fun, St. Ignatius, St. Regis, Stevensville, Trout Creek, Troy, Vacation, Whitefish

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