Montana 2025 Calendar - List of Festivals and Big Events: Significance, Celebration
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Overview of Montana's Festivals and Events 2025
Montana, often called the "Treasure State," offers a rich tapestry of festivals and events that celebrate its culture, landscapes, and history. In 2025, visitors and residents can immerse themselves in everything from traditional rodeos and Native American celebrations to vibrant arts festivals and cozy holiday markets.
Winter kicks off with thrilling events like Whitefish Winter Carnival and Big Sky Skijoring, blending adventure with community fun. As spring arrives, cultural celebrations such as the Butte St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Helena Ales for Trails bring together locals and visitors for festivities steeped in heritage and charity.
Summer is the peak season for festivals, featuring iconic events like the Livingston Roundup Rodeo and the Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman. Fall adds a touch of tradition and nature with the Custer’s Fall Festival and the unique Montana Dragon Boat Festival on Flathead Lake.
The year wraps up with festive cheer in events like the Bozeman Christmas Stroll and the Missoula Parade of Lights, offering magical holiday experiences. No matter the season, Montana’s festivals highlight its strong sense of community, love for the arts, and breathtaking landscapes.
With detailed schedules, activities, and tips for each event, planning your journey through Montana’s 2025 festival calendar promises unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More
List of Festivals and Big Events in Montana - Calendar 2025
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| Festivals in Montana 2025 |
January: Winter Celebrations
Whitefish Winter Carnival
- Date: February 1–2, 2025
- Location: Whitefish, MT
- Significance: A long-standing tradition celebrating winter with a variety of activities for all ages.
- Activities: Parades, a penguin plunge into Whitefish Lake, snow sculptures, and live music.
- Tickets: Free admission; some activities may have a fee.
- How to Attend: Events are held throughout downtown Whitefish; parking is available in designated areas.
Big Sky Skijoring
- Date: January 25–26, 2025
- Location: Big Sky, MT
- Significance: Combining skiing and horseback riding, this event showcases a unique winter sport.
- Activities: Competitions where skiers are pulled by horses through a course with jumps and obstacles.
- Tickets: Free for spectators.
- How to Attend: Held at the Big Sky Town Center; ample parking is available.
February: Cultural Festivities
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
- Date: February 14–23, 2025
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Significance: The largest documentary film festival in the American West, showcasing over 150 films.
- Activities: Film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops with filmmakers.
- Tickets: Varies by event; festival passes available.
- How to Attend: Events held at various venues in Missoula; tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Montana Winter Fair
- Date: February 1–2, 2025
- Location: Lewistown, MT
- Significance: Celebrating Montana's agricultural heritage with a variety of events.
- Activities: Livestock shows, craft fairs, a chili cook-off, and educational workshops.
- Tickets: Free admission; some events may have a fee.
- How to Attend: Held at the Fergus County Fairgrounds; parking is available on-site.
March: Springtime Events
Butte St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Butte, MT
- Significance: Celebrating Irish heritage in a city with deep Irish roots.
- Activities: Parade featuring floats, marching bands, and cultural performances.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parade route runs through downtown Butte; arrive early for the best viewing spots.
Helena Ales for Trails
- Date: March 28, 2025
- Location: Helena, MT
- Significance: A fundraiser supporting local trail systems, featuring craft beer tastings.
- Activities: Sample beers from regional breweries, enjoy live music, and participate in raffles.
- Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 at the door.
- How to Attend: Held at the Helena Civic Center; tickets available online or at local outlets.
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April: Arts and Culture
Missoula International Wildlife Film Festival
- Date: April 19–25, 2025
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Significance: Showcasing films focused on wildlife and environmental conservation.
- Activities: Film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops with filmmakers and conservationists.
- Tickets: Varies by event; festival passes available.
- How to Attend: Events held at various venues in Missoula; tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Billings Artwalk
- Date: April 4, 2025
- Location: Billings, MT
- Significance: A self-guided tour of downtown art galleries and studios.
- Activities: Meet local artists, view exhibitions, and enjoy live music and refreshments.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Maps available at participating galleries; event runs from 5–9 PM.
May: Outdoor Adventures
Eureka Rendezvous Days
- Date: May 1–3, 2025
- Location: Eureka, MT
- Significance: Celebrating the region's history with a weekend of festivities.
- Activities: Parades, a car show, craft vendors, and live entertainment.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Events held throughout Eureka; parking available in designated areas.
Bitterroot River Clean-Up
- Date: May 16, 2025
- Location: Hamilton, MT
- Significance: Community effort to preserve the natural beauty of the Bitterroot River.
- Activities: Volunteers gather to clean up the riverbanks, followed by a community BBQ.
- Tickets: Free participation; registration required.
- How to Attend: Register online; meeting point
June: Summer Kickoff
Red Lodge Music Festival
- Date: June 2–10, 2025
- Location: Red Lodge, MT
- Significance: A celebration of music education and performance, bringing together talented musicians and students from across the region.
- Activities: Daily workshops, masterclasses, and public concerts featuring a mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
- Tickets: Concert tickets range from $10 to $20; workshops require pre-registration.
- How to Attend: Red Lodge is easily accessible by car, with parking available near event venues.
Livingston Roundup Rodeo
- Date: June 29 – July 1, 2025
- Location: Livingston, MT
- Significance: One of Montana’s most iconic rodeos, this event showcases the state’s deep-rooted cowboy culture.
- Activities: Rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, as well as parades and fireworks.
- Tickets: $15–$25 depending on seating; VIP passes available.
- How to Attend: Held at the Livingston Rodeo Grounds, with parking available on-site.
July: Independence Day and Summer Fun
Bigfork Festival of the Arts
- Date: July 5–6, 2025
- Location: Bigfork, MT
- Significance: A beloved arts festival featuring local and regional artists in a scenic lakeside town.
- Activities: Browse art booths showcasing paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts, enjoy live music, and savor local food.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking is available in downtown Bigfork, but arrive early as it gets crowded.
Flathead Cherry Festival
- Date: July 18–19, 2025
- Location: Polson, MT
- Significance: Celebrating Montana’s famous Flathead cherries with a weekend of food, fun, and family-friendly activities.
- Activities: Cherry pie-eating contests, cherry-themed crafts, cooking demos, and live music.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held in downtown Polson; parking is available in designated lots.
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August: Cultural and Agricultural Festivals
Montana State Fair
- Date: August 2–10, 2025
- Location: Great Falls, MT
- Significance: Montana’s largest fair, showcasing the state’s agricultural heritage and offering entertainment for all ages.
- Activities: Livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, live concerts, and local food vendors. Don’t miss the demolition derby and rodeo events!
- Tickets: $8 for adults; $5 for children under 12; carnival rides and concerts require additional tickets.
- How to Attend: Held at the Montana ExpoPark, with ample parking available on-site.
Sweet Pea Festival
- Date: August 9–11, 2025
- Location: Bozeman, MT
- Significance: A celebration of the arts and community, named after the sweet pea flower.
- Activities: Art booths, live performances, a children’s parade, and food trucks. Attendees can also participate in workshops and enjoy the beer and wine garden.
- Tickets: $20 for a weekend pass; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Held at Lindley Park in Bozeman; parking available in nearby lots.
September: Fall Colors and Heritage
Custer’s Fall Festival
- Date: September 13–14, 2025
- Location: Miles City, MT
- Significance: Honoring the history and culture of southeastern Montana with a weekend of festivities.
- Activities: Cowboy poetry readings, Native American performances, craft vendors, and local food booths.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Downtown Miles City provides ample parking for festival-goers.
Montana Dragon Boat Festival
- Date: September 21–22, 2025
- Location: Flathead Lake, MT
- Significance: A unique event celebrating teamwork and community spirit with dragon boat racing.
- Activities: Watch dragon boat races, enjoy live entertainment, and explore local craft and food vendors.
- Tickets: Free admission for spectators.
- How to Attend: Shuttle services run from designated parking areas to the race site.
October: Autumn Celebrations
McIntosh Apple Day
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Location: Hamilton, MT
- Significance: A celebration of the McIntosh apple harvest with food, crafts, and family activities.
- Activities: Apple cider pressing, an apple pie contest, hayrides, and live music. Local vendors sell handmade goods and seasonal treats.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held at Ravalli County Museum, with parking available nearby.
Helena Fall Art Walk
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Helena, MT
- Significance: Showcasing Helena’s vibrant arts scene with a self-guided tour of galleries and studios.
- Activities: Meet artists, view exhibitions, and enjoy refreshments at participating locations.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Maps are available at local galleries; the event runs from 5–9 PM.
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November: Thanksgiving and Seasonal Traditions
Great Falls Holiday Market
- Date: November 23–24, 2025
- Location: Great Falls, MT
- Significance: Kicking off the holiday season with a festive market featuring local crafts and gifts.
- Activities: Shop for handmade decorations, jewelry, and holiday treats. Enjoy live music and a visit from Santa Claus.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held at the Montana ExpoPark; parking available on-site.
Bozeman Christmas Stroll
- Date: November 30, 2025
- Location: Bozeman, MT
- Significance: A beloved tradition welcoming the holiday season with festive lights and community cheer.
- Activities: Caroling, hot cocoa stands, wagon rides, and a lighting ceremony. Local shops stay open late with holiday specials.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Downtown Bozeman offers street parking and municipal lots.
December: Holiday Festivities
Missoula Parade of Lights
- Date: December 7, 2025
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Significance: A magical holiday parade featuring floats, performances, and dazzling light displays.
- Activities: Enjoy the parade, visit Santa’s workshop, and explore downtown shops offering holiday specials.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking is available in downtown Missoula, but arrive early for a good spot.
Billings Festival of Trees
- Date: December 12–14, 2025
- Location: Billings, MT
- Significance: A festive fundraiser featuring beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and holiday decor.
- Activities: Attend the tree auction, enjoy live entertainment, and browse holiday crafts. Kids can visit Santa’s workshop for photos.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; free for children under 12.
- How to Attend: Held at the Billings Depot; tickets available online or at the event.
Conclusion
Montana’s 2025 festival calendar is a vibrant showcase of its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit. From thrilling rodeos and arts festivals to cozy holiday markets, there’s something for everyone in the Treasure State. Plan ahead, mark your calendar, and explore Montana’s unique events to create unforgettable memories.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Montana for festivals?
Summer and fall (June–October) are the most active seasons, with events like the Montana State Fair and Sweet Pea Festival offering exciting activities for all ages.
2. Are Montana’s festivals family-friendly?
Yes, many festivals, such as the Livingston Roundup Rodeo and McIntosh Apple Day, feature activities suitable for children and families.
3. Do I need tickets for Montana’s festivals?
While many events are free, some, like the Montana State Fair and Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, require tickets. Check event websites for details.
4. What should I pack for Montana festivals?
Pack layers, as Montana’s weather can change quickly. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are recommended for outdoor events.
5. Are pets allowed at Montana festivals?
Policies vary by event. Outdoor festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival may allow pets, while indoor events typically do not. Check ahead for specific guidelines.
For more information or personalized recommendations, feel free to ask!
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