The Sweet Pea Festival takes place Aug. 7-9 in Bozeman. Events include musical performances, plays by Shakespeare in the Parks, and local arts and crafts. The celebration lasts all week, with events like Chalk on the Walk.
Courtesy photos
Dancers, musicians and family performers entertain across four stages at Lindley Park in Bozeman during the annual Sweet Pea Festival.
Courtesy photos
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Catch Shakespeare under the stars while devouring a sausage-stuffed potato, known affectionately as a “tater pig.”
That’s one way to enjoy the Sweet Pea Festival, said President Glenniss Indreland, but the annual art celebration’s offerings are nearly endless.
The family festival returns to Bozeman’s Lindley Park in August for its 38th year, showcasing music, art and entertainment and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors.
Started in 1978 by a group of self-described “hopeless optimists,” the festival maintains much of its playful spirit and events today.
The festival is August 7-9, Friday through Sunday, but the celebration ramps up with a week of activities along Main Street.
Hundreds will turn out to color the sidewalks in downtown Bozeman in chalk on Tuesday Aug. 4. Then comes the Bite of Bozeman, featuring local food and homegrown music. And throughout the week, visitors can stop by the Bozeman Public Library to view the festival’s juried art show.
The festival itself spreads music, dance, theater and storytelling across four stages around Lindley Park.
There’s also a flower show, children’s activities and, for the second year, a microbrew beer garden. Bozeman’s largest parade takes place on Saturday, as do the 5K, 10K and children’s runs. New this year, the Bozeman Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning.
Musical performances this year will include Shakey Graves and Turnpike Troubadours, with more to be announced.
It’s an eclectic collection that has something for everyone, Indreland said. The festival draws around 15,000 visitors each year.
Festival wristbands cost $20 at the gate for a three-day pass ($15 advance), or $10 at the gate for a one-day pass. Children ages 7-12 get in for $5 per day, and those 6 and younger are free.
The Sweet Pea Festival is a nonprofit enterprise, with excess revenue put toward its mission of cultivating the arts in the Bozeman area. More than 400 volunteers help put the festival together each year.
For more information, including a full schedule, or to buy advance tickets, visit sweetpeafestival.org.
The Sweet Pea Festival takes place Aug. 7-9 in Bozeman. Events include musical performances, plays by Shakespeare in the Parks, and local arts and crafts. The celebration lasts all week, with events like Chalk on the Walk.
