Montana’s spectacular summer is packed with festivals that celebrate everything from rodeo culture and Native traditions to music, art and history. If you’re planning a visit, timing your trip around these top events in Montana is one of the best ways to experience “Big Sky Country” at its liveliest.
Below are some of the top summer festivals and events in Montana, along with links so you can make your plans now to explore the Treasure State this summer.
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Montana Renaissance Festival
Billings, Montana
June 7-8, 2026
For something whimsical, the Montana Renaissance Festival brings medieval flair to the bourgeoning city of Billings. Visitors can enjoy costumed performers, jousting, music, and interactive games. It’s a fun, immersive event for families and fantasy fans alike.
Huckleberry Days Arts Festival
Whitefish, Montana
July 3 – 5, 2026
Celebrating Montana’s famous wild huckleberries, Huckleberry Days combines food, art and local culture. Expect handmade crafts, live music, and plenty of huckleberry treats. It’s a sweet and distinctly local way to experience Montana summer during the popular 4th of July holiday!
Montana Folk Festival
Butte, Montana
July 10 -12, 2026
Hosted in historic Butte, the Montana Folk Festival attracts performers from around the world and offers multiple stages, workshops, and food vendors. It’s widely considered one of the top cultural festivals in the region and is a free, large-scale event celebrating global music, dance and cultural traditions.
The Event at Rebecca Farm
Kalispell, Montana
July 15 – 19, 2026
One of the largest equine competitions in the United States is also hosted in one of the most beautiful settings in Northwest Montana. Throughout the festival, spectators can watch some of the nation’s most elite equestrian riders compete in dressage, cross-country and show jumping events.
Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival
Whitefish, Montana
July 17 – 19, 2026
One of Montana’s fastest-growing summer events, the Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival blends live music, rodeo culture, and Western art. Held in July near Whitefish, it features dozens of artists across country, folk, and Americana genres and this year includes Chris Stapleton, Zack Top, Cody Jenks and a whole lot more talent PLUS food vendors and local crafts.
Red Ants Pants Music Festival
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
July 23 – 26, 2026
Hosted on a working ranch, this July event focuses on Americana, folk, and country music including headliners Ricky Scaggs, Kentucky Thunder and Molly Tuttle. Another bonus, the Festival annually supports rural communities and women’s leadership initiatives. It’s both a concert and a cultural gathering rooted in Montana’s agricultural heritage.
Bigfork Festival of the Arts
Bigfork, Montana
August 1, 2026
Whether are an art enthusiast or not, The Bigfork Festival of the Arts offers plenty of things to do and see on the edge of Flathead Lake. Over 100 artists display paintings, sculptures, jewelry and crafts – all of which can cover your shopping list for friends and family birthdays and holidays for the rest of the year. Make a day of it and enjoy local live entertainment and locally sourced food offerings.
Great Bear Festival
Kalispell, Montana
August 8, 2026
Annual family friendly festival put on by the Rotary Clubs in the Flathead Valley. Set on the grounds of the Wachholz Center and outdoor amphitheater, this fun afternoon with kids activities and beer, cider & wine tasting area is followed by an evening concert is a not-miss event.
Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo
Kalispell, Montana
August 12 – 16, 2026
With a promotional slogan: Raised On Freedom – Rooted in Montana’s Best, you can rest assured that every day of the festival provides a classic summer fair experience. With over 100 years of tradition, the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo comes alive each year featuring three nights of PRCA Rodeo action, two huge concerts, carnival rides and traditional fair food.
Virginia City Grand Victorian Balls
Virgina City, Montana
August 15, 2026
One of the most unique ways to experience the Treasure State’s 19th century heritage is Grand Victorian Balls in historic Virginia City. All are invited to dress in Victorian style , step back in time and join the residents and promenade through town then spend the evening dancing classic reels and waltzes under the guidance of a dance caller.
Crow Fair
August 22-23, 2026
Often called the “Tepee Capital of the World,” Crow Fair is one of the most significant Native American cultural events in America. Held each August, it features powwows, parades, rodeos and traditional competitions. Thousands of teepees line the Little Bighorn River, creating a powerful and immersive cultural experience.
LIVE IT. LOVE IT. MONTANA.
