BIGFORK
Bigfork Festival of the Arts, Aug. 1-2
For the 37th time, the streets of the town of Bigfork on Flathead Lake will once again be lined with art, food, music and crafts for the annual Festival of the Arts. Sunset magazine recently named Bigfork as one of the most picturesque towns in the Northwest, and the festival is the perfect time to see how right they were. The more than 6,000 people who show up every year for more than 140 art vendors from around the region can’t be wrong. More information is available at the event’s website, www.bigforkfestivalofthearts.com.
HAMILTON
"Nano: The Science of Small” exhibit, May 7-Aug. 1.
Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford
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Explore how the study of nanoscience is relevant to our ever-changing world. the museum will offer hands-on science activities for kids of all ages each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and science lectures for adults on some Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.brvhsmuseum.org
35th Annual Bitter Root Day, June 13
9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. This Bitter Root Day, the Museum is collaborating with Marie Torosian, director of the People’s Center, to bring in drummers, dancers, artisans and beading demonstrations. Torosian will also present information from the People’s Center Museum and will have a special raffle. This will mark our 3rd year for the increasingly popular “Create a Difference” Recycled Craft Competition and Exhibit, which includes a people’s choice style vote with a variety of prizes for the winners. The day’s festivities will include arts, crafts and produce from local and out of area vendors, children’s activities, food, and live music. Call 406-363-3338 for more information.
Daly Days, July 24-25
Hamilton’s annual heritage celebration, Daly Days is always held the last weekend of July. Sponsored by the Hamilton Downtown Association, the event takes over nearly all of town for two days. At the historic Daly Mansion, reenactments will show visitors facets of everyday life from a century ago. The streets of downtown play host to a vintage car show and sidewalk sales, taking advantage of the annual Bitterroot Brewfest that happens the same weekend. Carriage and pony rides carry participants around town. Visit www.hamiltondowntownassociation.com for more information.
Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, Aug. 15-16
Previously known at the Bitterroot Scottish-Irish Festival, Hamilton’s annual celebration of Celtic pride at the Daly Mansion has its roots in two of the towns most famous residents, the Scottish John Hamilton and Marcus Daly, an Irishman. The Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering will include traditional music and food as well as Celtic pipe and drum competitions and highland dancing. Celtic sports like the shot put and hammer toss round out the festivities. Visit www.bcgg.org for more information.
"The People of Fire and Ice" exhibit, Aug. 22-Nov. 10
Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford. Long before Yellowstone was a National Park, the region was utilized for its many resources and inhabited by humans. This exhibition explores the history and lore of humans in the Yellowstone area 11,000 years ago to today. Six humanities themes are explored throughout The People of Fire and Ice, including history, archaeology, anthropology, art history, folklore and jurisprudence.
KALISPELL
Arts in the Park, July 17-19
Northwest Montana’s largest and longest-running art show continues in its 47th year in downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park. The juried show includes high-quality jewelry, clothing, photography, paintings and pottery from around the nation, with more than 100 artists setting up their booths. Organizers also include interactive children’s activities, as well as bringing in food and local entertainment. The show is a benefit for Kalispell’s Hockaday Museum of Art. Visit www.hockadaymuseum.org for more.
The Event at Rebecca Farm, July 23-26
Every year in the beautiful Flathead Valley, Rebecca Farm in Kalispell holds the largest equestrian triathlon in the country, simply called The Event. With more than 600 competitors and watched by more than 20,000 spectators, the celebration is not to be missed. More information at www.rebeccafarm.org.
MISSOULA
Garden City Brewfest, May 2
Montana loves its craft beer, and the annual Garden City Brewfest shows it. More than 60 handcrafted beers will be available for the brew enthusiast to enjoy at the event that runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Caras Park in downtown Missoula. The Brewfest is the last event during Missoula Craft Beer week. The $12 admission includes a commemorative glass with a pair of beer tokens. www.missouladowntown.com.
Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight, June through August
Summers in Missoula aren’t complete without at least one visit to the weekly lunch and dinner food and music festivals in Caras Park. Downtown ToNight takes place every Thursday from June through August from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This year, for the 15th anniversary of Downtown ToNight, the Missoula Downtown Association has extended the festivities into the first two weeks of September as well. Out to Lunch is held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and has been going strong for 30 years. In addition to food vendors, both events feature live music from local bands and touring artists.
Last Best Solstice, June 21
Missoula artists welcome in the official start of summer by setting up their easel and canvas along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail in Missoula. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to watch local artists create one-of-a-kind drawings and paintings celebrating the Summer Solstice. Take advantage of the summer Saturday in Missoula to wander the three downtown public markets in between checking in on the artists’ progress. Following the demonstrations, the artwork is auctioned off to the public.
Celtic Festival Missoula, July 24-25
The annual celebration of Celtic culture returns in 2015 for another weekend of dancing, food and free music. Every year, the festival brings traditional performances as well as modern takes on Celtic traditions. This year’s bands will be headlined by The Tossers, The Screaming Orphans and returning favorite The Young Dubliners. Visit www.celticfestivalmissoula.com for more information.
River City Roots Festival, Aug. 28-29
The largest arts and music festival in the area takes place right in the middle of downtown Missoula. River City Roots Fest features live bands playing on a stage set up in the middle of the streets, including local and nationally touring groups. There is also a juried art show featuring painters, sculptors and photographers from around the region, with special children’s and family activities set up in nearby Caras Park.
POLSON
Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo, June 26-27
From bareback riding to barrel racing, there’s no shortage of action during two days of rodeo at the Polson Rodeo Arena. Add in steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping and live music on Friday for one exciting weekend, with the action starting each night at 8 p.m. following youth events. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
Flathead Lake 3-on-3 Hoop Shoot, July 24-26
The 23rd annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held in Polson on the last weekend in July. More than 300 teams are expected to participate in the competition, with all proceeds being donated back to the community. More information is available at www.flatheadlake3on3.com.
STEVENSVILLE
Creamery Picnic, Aug. 7-8
Some events are considered annual traditions. Few of them have the history of Stevensville’s Creamery Picnic, which will celebrate its 103rd year this Aug. 7-8. The event, which features a parade, barbeque contest, music and ice cream, takes place downtown and at Lewis and Clark Park. More information about the celebration, including it’s historic ties to Stevensville, can be found online at www.creamerypicnic.com or by calling the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773.
TROUT CREEK
Huckleberry Festival, Aug. 14-16
In 1981, the Montana State Legislature declared the town of Trout Creek to be the huckleberry capital of Montana. Every year the town, northwest of Thompson Falls celebrates one of Montana’s most iconic treats with a three-day event. On Aug. 14-16, the Huckleberry Festival returns for the 36th year, including more than 100 art, food, a parade and a variety of booths selling their huckleberry goods. Visit www.huckleberryfestival.com for more information.
