Why Montana’s Annual Festivals Are Unforgettable

Montana isn’t just about sweeping landscapes and outdoor adventure—its festival calendar is equally rich. From arts and music to heritage celebrations and cultural gatherings, the state offers events that appeal to tourists, families, locals, and enthusiasts alike. When you search for “annual events in Montana,” “must‐experience festivals in Montana” or “best festivals Montana 2025,” you’ll find festivals that span big cities, small towns, western heritage, music, art and more. What follows is a curated list of ten festivals that are currently operating, geographically diverse across Montana, and built to deliver a memorable experience along with shareable stories.

Sweet Pea Festival – Bozeman’s Three-Day Celebration of Arts & Community

Held each August in historic Lindley Park in Bozeman, the Sweet Pea Festival is a three-day community festival filled with live music, dance, theatre, visual arts, children’s activities, artisan vendors and local food. 
Why you should go

• Creative and arts-driven: It focuses on music, visual arts, theatre and family-friendly interactive zones. 

• Locally rooted: Founded in 1977 to spotlight the arts and community.

• Accessibility: Children 12 and under attend free, making it suitable for families. 
  Highlights

• Main stage performances of Americana, reggae, folk and rock. 

• Art show, artist marketplace and parade—Bringing “festival” and “community” together.
  Tip
  Arrive early for best spots at concerts; stay in downtown Bozeman for convenience; explore local galleries the next day.

Montana Folk Festival – Butte’s Free-Admission Multi-Stage Music & Culture Experience

Located in historic Uptown Butte, the Montana Folk Festival is one of the largest free outdoor music festivals in the Northwest. 
Why you should go

• Free admission means it’s accessible to everyone—from locals to visiting families.

• Diverse programming: Offers dozens of food vendors, crafts, multi-stage performances by 200+ musicians, dancers and craftspersons.

• Historic setting: Uptown Butte’s mining-era backdrop makes it more than just music—it’s immersion in place.
  Highlights

• Family stage for children, folklife area, marketplace and participatory dancing.
  Tip
  Schedule your stay in Butte for the festival weekend; bring comfortable shoes (lots of walking between stages), and consider arriving before midday for the best family-friendly rhythm.

Crow Fair – A Powerful Celebration of Native American Culture Near Billings

Held on tribal land near the Little Bighorn River just outside Billings, Crow Fair is a cultural landmark and one of the largest Northern Plains Native American gatherings annually. 
Why you should go

• Rich heritage: Established in 1904, the festival is rooted in Native American culture, arts, and community gathering. 

• Unique experience: Over 1,500 teepees, pow-wows, rodeo events and deep cultural narrative. 
  Highlights

• Rodeo by the Northern Plains Indian Rodeo Association, dance celebrations each evening, arts & crafts sales.

• A “family reunion under the Big Sky” feel—an authentic Montana experience beyond typical tourist fare.
  Tip
  Respect the cultural setting—attend with curiosity, ask respectfully before photographing, explore vendor booths for handcrafted jewelry and goods.

Big Sky Documentary Film Festival – Missoula’s International Documentary Film Showcase

Held each February in Missoula, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is a premier event for documentary film lovers—showcasing films from around the world. 
Why you should go

• Film-centric expertise: The festival features 100+ films each edition, filmmaker Q&A sessions, industry workshops. 

• Cool season pick: A winter event when Montana might otherwise be quiet for travel.
  Highlights

• Screenings at historic venues like The Wilma Theatre, networking sessions with filmmakers. 

• Opportunity to pair your travel with downtown Missoula culture—book a cozy stay, catch films by day, explore restaurants by night.
  Tip
  Buy your passes early, plan film sessions around your lodging and travel; February in Montana means winter conditions—dress warm.

Under the Big Sky Festival – Whitefish’s Summer Music Escape

The Under the Big Sky Festival near Whitefish offers a summer music experience in an alpine setting at Big Mountain Ranch. 
Why you should go

• Premier lineup: Known for national touring acts alongside regional favourites.

• Scenic venue: Whitefish, in northwest Montana, means you can combine the festival with a visit to nearby Glacier National Park.
  Highlights

• July event (in many cases) where music meets mountain air and Big Sky vistas.
  Tip
  Book lodging early—Whitefish gets busy. Take advantage of outdoor options (hiking, lake time) before or after the festival for a full Montana experience.

Western Art Week – Great Falls’ Premier Celebration of Western Art & Heritage

Held each March in Great Falls, Western Art Week is one of Montana’s standout art festivals, especially for collectors and culture lovers. 
Why you should go

• Dedicated to western art: original pieces, auctions, galleries, and events tied to Montana’s heritage.

• March timing offers an off-peak travel window—but high cultural value.
  Highlights

• The art auctions draw bidders and artists from around the world.

• A chance to dive into western visual storytelling, cultural preservation and artistic investment.
  Tip
  If you’re planning to buy art, come prepared with budget and knowledge of pieces. If not, just enjoy the exhibitions, talks and galleries as part of your Montana cultural tour.

Helena Highland Gathering – Celtic Roots Fest in Montana’s Capital

Held in July in Helena at the East Helena Rodeo Grounds, Helena Highland Gathering celebrates Celtic music, dance and heritage under Big Sky. 
Why you should go

• A niche festival with a rich cultural theme—Celtic tradition meets Montana setting.

• Suitable for families, heritage-enthusiasts, music lovers and people seeking something different.
  Highlights

• Live music, Irish dancers, cultural workshops and community energy in a Montana ranch/rodeo venue.
  Tip
  Combine this festival with a downtown Helena stay—tour the historic streets, enjoy local cuisine and then attend festival events.

Missoula River City Roots Fest – Missoula’s Summer Music & Community Celebration

Held annually in August in Missoula, this festival is a vibrant mix of live music, local food trucks, bike-friendly atmosphere and community energy. 
Why you should go

• Great for younger travelers and families—music, food, outdoor lifestyle in Missoula’s vibrant downtown.

• A chance to experience the “outdoor city” side of Montana with festival flair.
  Highlights

• Family-friendly entertainment, street-food style vendors, music on multiple stages.
  Tip
  Arrive by bicycle if possible (Missoula is bike-friendly), explore downtown during the festival downtime and do a riverwalk or local brewery stop.

An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival – Butte’s Celebration of Irish Culture & Montana Mining Heritage

Held annually in August in Uptown Butte, An Ri Ra blends Irish music, dance, culture and the mining-town heritage of Montana.
Why you should go

• A unique fusion: Celtic tradition set amid Montana mining history.

• Family friendly with lots of cultural programming, craft vendors and music.
  Highlights

• Live performances from Irish and U.S. artists, craft vendors, family zones, cultural workshops.
  Tip
  Combine this with a stay in Butte; explore mining heritage sites or the historic Uptown district before the festival begins each day.

Montana Brewers Fall Rendezvous – Missoula’s Autumn Craft-Beer & Foodie Festival

Held in Missoula each fall, the Brewers Fall Rendezvous is part of the fall event scene in western Montana—celebrating craft beer, culinary experiences and harvest season. 
Why you should go

• Combines the autumn season feel with Montana’s craft-beer scene and local food.

• Ideal for adults and couples looking for something beyond music, more relaxed and gourmet.
  Highlights

• Local breweries, fall harvest foods, community booths, an accessible vibe.
  Tip
  Stay in Missoula, book a mid-week to avoid weekend rates, include a brewery tour the day before or after the festival.

How to Plan Your Festival-Driven Montana Trip

Here are some practical tips to turn these top festival experiences into a memorable, well-balanced Montana travel itinerary:

Regional clustering

• For western Montana: Bozeman (Sweet Pea) + Missoula (Roots Fest, Brewers Fall) + Whitefish (Under the Big Sky) give you a valley/mountain mix.

• For central/eastern Montana: Butte (Montana Folk, An Ri Ra) + Helena (Highland Gathering) + Billings area (Crow Fair) cover heritage, culture and bigger gatherings.

• For off-season cultural travel: Great Falls (Western Art Week) or Missoula (Big Sky Documentary) offer fewer crowds and strong value.

Mix activity levels

• Combine high-energy festivals (music stages, dancing) with relaxed ones (art week, craft-beer rendezvous) so you don’t burn out.

• Families: Prioritize festivals with kid zones and accessible sites (Sweet Pea, Montana Folk).

• Couples or groups: Consider more niche festivals (Highland Gathering, Western Art Week).

Seasonal awareness

• Summer festivals (August, July) are peak—book lodging early.

• Spring and fall festivals may offer lower prices and fewer crowds—great if you want a quieter Montana escape.

• Weather matters: Mountain towns cool fast at night even in summer; fall festivals bring crisp air.

Travel logistics & lodging

• Stay near downtown for best access to festival zones.

• Consider shuttles or local transit if available, especially events in bigger towns (Missoula, Bozeman).

• For small towns, book lodging early—rooms fill fast around major festival dates.

What to pack

• Layers: Even summer evenings can be chilly in Montana.

• Good walking shoes: Most festival zones span large parks or downtown blocks.

• Day-bag with water, portable charger, sun protection.

• If attending music festivals, bring ear protection (for kids) and plan for meal breaks.

Final Thoughts: Your Festival Adventure Starts Here

Montana’s festival calendar is as rich and varied as its landscapes. Whether you’re into music and art (Sweet Pea, Under the Big Sky), culture and heritage (Crow Fair, An Ri Ra), or film and fine art (Big Sky Documentary, Western Art Week), there’s a festival that fits your travel style, season and interests.