These 12 Unique Festivals In Montana Are Something Everyone Should Experience Once
By Jessica Wick|Updated on July 05, 2023(Originally published July 04, 2023)
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
It’s always festival time in Big Sky Country! We love to celebrate our seasons, our heritage, and our wonderful culture and rich history. But these aren’t just any ‘ole run-of-the-mill annual events in Montana. Full of excitement and quirkiness, these 12 unique festivals in Montana should be slated on your calendar at least once. But after you attend one, we bet you’ll hit a bunch every year!
1. Sweet Pea, Bozeman
Sweet Pea Festival, 424 E Main St #203b, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
The Sweet Pea Festival is a three-day event that is held the first weekend of August. With a children’s parade, Shakespeare in the Park, Chalk Walk, and many other forms of entertainment and food, there’s something for everyone at Sweet Pea.
Editor’s Note: After 35 successful years, Testy Festy has shuttered its doors. Too bad because it was one of the largest and most popular festivals in Montana. But don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do in the town of Clinton.
Cherry pie, cherry cooking contests, local vendors… this July festival in the beautiful town of Polson is fun for the whole family. It is not only oh-so-tasty but one of the best festivals in Montana too!
4. World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, 42 Garryowen Rd, Miles City, MT 59301, USA
The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is old-school, Wild West Montana at its finest. Held the third full weekend in May each year in the town of Miles City, this annual event is one of the most well-known Montana festivals. Bucking horse riding, bull riding, and other rodeo events are all part of the fun here.
Editor’s Note: After 16 successful years, the Evel Knievel Days Festival in Butte has made its final ride. The event celebrated the legendary career of hometown hero Evel Knievel and the mark he made in the motorcycle stunt riding world. However, if you're looking for other great things to do in Butte, check out some of its historic landmarks.
Huckleberries grow wild in some Montana regions, and for over 30 years, the Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival has celebrated this delicious fruit every August. A true Montana tradition, this is a festival not to be missed!
The annual Winter Carnival in the town of Red Lodge is full of fun and excitement. Held in March there is a torch light parade, fun costumes, fireworks, and other carnival-themed events.
Ranked by National Geographic as one of the world’s Top 10 Winter Carnivals this festival celebrates Ullr, the snow god, and his court. Held in Whitefish, the Whitefish Winter Carnival is definitely one of the best festivals in Montana. Food, entertainment, an amazing fireworks display, and lots of shenanigans are all a part of the annual fun.
9. Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment, Hardin
Almost 140 years ago, "Custer's Last Stand" became a historic event in our nation. This June festival in the town of Hardin commemorates this important yet sobering anniversary of the encampment of the Sioux Nation Native Americans along the banks of the Little Bighorn River where the famous Sitting Bull had placed his tribe’s camp. The annual reenactment is one of the most important historic traditions in Montana and is attended by thousands of people from across the state.
Held in June at Gibson Park in Great Falls, this festival is an opportunity to relive history through the pages of the daily journals Lewis and Clark kept, which are shared with visitors through presentations, ceremonies, exhibits, and events.
11. Montana Folk Festival, Butte
Montana Folk Festival, 66 W Park St, Butte, MT 59701, USA
Held in Butte, this free music festival comes to town every July. Celebrating the unique culture of folk music, the 3-day festival also encompasses delicious ethnic and festival foods, folklife demonstrations, a family fun area, workshops, and more that celebrate Montana’s unique heritage.
12. Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous, Lewistown
A four-day Montana cowboy poetry gathering in August is as fun as it sounds. Between the music, poems, and the Western Art & Gear Show, it’s worth making the trip to the beautiful town of Lewistown to experience it all. As festivals go, it is one of the most unique festivals in Montana.
Have you attended any of these Montana festivals? Which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that they are among the best festivals in Montana? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
If you’re looking for other cool things to do in Big Sky Country, there are lots of activities that are free!
While out and about, you may want to stay a few nights to lengthen your journey. If in Bozeman, consider the beautiful Element Bozeman Hotel.
If you’re still in the mood for more Big Sky adventures, take a look at this video:
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Festivals in Montana
Lysa Allman-Baldwin|July 21, 2022
Where can we find ghost towns in Montana?
Garnet is Montana’s best preserved ghost town and visitors will find several remnants of this former mining town.
The Granite Ghost Town State Park in Philipsburg is the home of an old mining camp from around 1872 that was once the world’s richest silver mine.
Virginia City was the state of Montana’s original capital, and from here can embark upon a train ride to nearby Nevada City, which is also an abandoned ghost town.
