Festivals and Fantasies of Montana
(Southwest) By Cynthia Logan
(Northwest) By Charles Finn
Southwest
When the long-awaited Summer finally graces Big Sky country, we really know how to celebrate. Farmers’ markets sprout, art walks appear, street music abounds and special arts and music festivals give Brazilian Carnival and Louisiana Mardi-Gras a run for their money. Come on out and join the Summer fun, Montana-style.
Shakespeare in the Parks : June 21 – July 1 Bozeman / Regional
Nationally recognized for excellence, the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Summer tour is an exciting tradition you don’t want to miss. The talented troupe travels throughout the area, stopping in over 20 cities, including Helena, Roundup, Billings, Lewistown, and Chico Hot Springs in the Paradise Valley. This year’s plays are “The Winter’s Tale” and “Love’s Labours Lost.” Bozeman performances begin at 8:00 p.m. in the MSU Grove ~ east of the Duck Pond on 11th Street. If weather is inclement, performances will take place at MSU’s Strand Union Theatre. Visit www2.montana.edu/shakespeare/schedule.html for a complete schedule, or phone 994-1220.
Summerfair: July 8-9 / Billings
Yellowstone Art Museum’s Summerfair, held in North Park, is the largest juried arts and crafts festival in the region. Browse over 100 artisans’ booths while children enjoy hands-on activities and entertainment. The “dunking booth” is for all ages! Arts include basketry, dolls, clothing, quilts, folk art, furniture, strained glass, jewelry, pottery, gourds, metal sculpture, furniture, leather goods, ceramics, paintings and drawings, photography, candles, woodworks, flowers, and more.The food court offers everything from fajitas to BBQ. Beer and wine are available. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for students and $5.00 for a family. Visit http://yellowstone.artmuseum.org for more information.
Summerfest: July 14-16 / Livingston
Held in Sacajawea Park near the Yellowstone River, this weekend promises to be one of Montana’s outstanding music festivals. Join Rob Quist and Great Northern, Ringling 5, Montana Rose, Sgt. Rock, The Max, Bop-A-Dips, Kanes River, and many more. In addition to the bands, there will be free swimming and craft activites for kids, arts booths, a tennis tournament, and basketball contests. Everyone will enjoy tasty food booth treats, and adults can hit the Libation Station. Adults - $10.00 per person, or three-day pass for $15.00; children 9-12, three-day pass for $5.00. Children under nine are admitted free. For more information, contact livingstonsummerfest@hotmail.com, or phone 222-8155.
Alive at Five: Wednesday nights / Helena
Downtown locations feature live music and local food vendors, with a Farmers’ Market beginning July 14. Please, no pets. For more information, check out downtownhelena.com or phone 406-447-1535.
Anaconda Art in the Park: July 14-16 / Anaconda
Art in Washoe Park is one of the best shows in Southwest Montana, with 75 juried arts and crafts booths from around the U.S. A concert, Bar-B-Q, and stage show add to the fun. Washoe is a beautiful park with a playground for kids. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music and a large choice of ethnic foods. Art in Washoe Park takes place on the north side of Anaconda at 401 East Commercial.
The Toast of the Town: July 21 / Bozeman
This annual fund-raiser for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is an elegant affair held in the MSU Grove east of the Duck Pond on 11th Street. Cocktails feature the “Flamingi” and other specialty drinks from The Mint Bar and Café, followed by a gourmet feast of passed hors d’oeuvres and a Shakespearean dinner buffet provided by Boodles’ fine dining. There are spectacular outdoor decorations, including signature pink flamingos, gorgeous flower arrangements, and “mystery bags” donated by local businesses. During the festivities there is an outdoor silent auction; an exclusive performance under magical stage lighting finishes the evening. Tickets are $60 a person.
Twin Bridges Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies: July 22, 23 / Madison County
Enjoy a parade of decorated boats, canoes, rafts and other craft on the Beaverhead River. There are also a roping competition, a farmer’s market, duck races, entertainment, and games. A Saturday night dance at the Blue Anchor Social Club starts things off on the right foot. The parade begins at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, followed by duck races. This event is held at the Madison County Fairgrounds and area rivers near the junction of Highways 287 and 41. Turn south towards Dillon on Highway 41.
High Plains Book Fest: July 22 - 25 / Billings
Sponsored by the Billings Cultural Partners and the YMCA Writer’s Voice, the 2006 (4th annual) High Plains Book Fest will be held in conjunction with the Clark On the Yellowstone National “Signature” Event. Well-known and beloved Montana author Ivan Doig will be the featured speaker. His reading will be at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at the Alberta Bair Theater (for tickets, call 406-256-6052). The Book Fest will include readings by numerous poets, fiction and non-fiction writers, panel discussions, and book sales. Activities are planned at the Western Heritage Center (2822 Montana Ave.), Parmly Billings Public Library (510 N. Broadway), and at other venues in downtown Billings. For more information call Corby Skinner at 406-294-2390 or visit www.downtownbillings.org.
Helena Artisan Dance Company’s “Celebration!”: July 27 - 30 / Helena
This is the tenth anniversary performance of Montana’s first professional ballet company, under the direction of nationally recognized dance teacher Sallyann Mulcahy. “Celebration!” features eclectic dance works in ballet and contemporary styles, reflecting the company’s history of dynamic power and emotional beauty. National and international dancers bring passion to the stage with outstanding classical and contemporary ballet. Performances at 8 p.m. at The Myrna Loy Center (located at 15 N. Ewing); matinees on July 30 and 31st at 2 p.m. Phone 406-443-0287 for more information.
Artful Event in the Rockies: July 29 / Red Lodge
Watch over 50 emerging artists from Montana and Wyoming at work in and around the historic Depot Gallery. Chat with them as they create; see how each artist makes his or her vision come to life. All art created during the day will be live-auctioned during the evening. A catered summer supper and libations are included in the evening events, along with a silent auction of more artists’ works. Support the renovation of the 117-year-old historic train depot and add to your art collection at the same time.
Phone 888-281-0625 for more information.
Sweet Pea Ball: July 29 / Bozeman
Held at the gorgeous Gallatin Gateway Inn, this event kicks off Bozeman’s Sweet Pea celebration and is always well attended. This year The Glen Johnston Swing Band, (featuring Jeni Fleming) will keep feet flying and skirts twirling.Tickets are $15 per person.
Sweet Pea A Festival of the Arts: August 4 - 6 / Bozeman
This three-day festival, held in Lindley Park, features music, dance, theater, a first-class crafts fair, a juried sweet pea flower award, a Children’s Run—and plenty of food, including the famous “Tater Tot” smothered in your choice of toppings and served to the sounds of the Chord Rustlers’ barbershop. Pre-fair activities include Chalk on the Walk August 1, the Bite of Bozeman August 2nd, and an Art Show Opening August 3.
Established in 1978, Sweet Pea was organized to celebrate, cultivate, and promote the arts in Bozeman. It has grown from a group of 17 organizers to 35 committees, 50 year-round Board members, and nearly 2,000 volunteers. Funded by admission button sales, profits are returned to the community as grants for arts, arts education, and special projects.
Fiddlers’ Picnic: August 4 - 6 / Livingston
Held annually for over 30 years, musicians from all over Montana and neighboring states and Canada come for this straight playing, no competition, “distinctly Montana” weekend event. The public is invited and hundreds come to listen to some of the best musicians around as they gather at Candace Payne’s farm (a.k.a. Mercer Ranch) for a weekend of music. Fiddles, banjos, and guitars combine to fill the air with sounds of old-time fiddle music. For more information, phone 406-223-5049.
Rockin’ the Rivers: August 11-13 / Three Forks
An extraordinary three-day outdoor concert / camping experience, Rockin’ the Rivers will be held at “The Bridge,” where the gradual slope of the land and the rolling hills create natural acoustics that are as close to perfect as any outdoor venue in the country. When the view of the surrounding mountains and the big sky of Montana are added, the experience is phenomenal. Great music, wonderful scenery and the spectacular night stars are a treat for the senses. This year’s bands include REO Speedwagon, The Guess Who, Starship, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Badfinger, El Loco, and many more. Advanced 3-day tickets are $100 (single day rates also available). Camping spaces are $60. Phone 866-285-0097 to reserve tickets or camping spaces, or to request more information.
Montana Irish Festival: August 11-13 / Uptown Butte
A spirited affair, this three-day celebration of all things Irish includes workshops, a golf scramble, 5 and 10K runs, and an outdoor Mass in Irish.The Cathie Ryan Band and The Prodigals offer dynamic musical entertainment. For details, visit www.mgcsonline.com.
Western Rendezvous of Art: - August 17 - 20 / Helena
Held at the Civic Center in “The Queen City of the Rockies” (also known as “The Best Little Art Town in America”), this world class art show and sale features members of the Northwest Rendezvous Group and their invited guest artists. The show includes a gallery art show, free seminars, a “Gates of the Mountains” boat tour, an artists’ reception & autograph party, a Quick Draw and auction at the historic Sieben Ranch, a gala awards banquet, and a set price art sale. The Rendezvous is sponsored by the City of Helena Civic Center Board and the Montana Historical Society. Check out www.westrendart.com/ for more information and a complete schedule of events.
Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering: August 18-20 / Lewistown
Experience a visual and oral history of the West at the 21st Annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering, with poetry readings every hour during the day, and highlighted poets and musical entertainment in the evenings.The gathering includes an art show, arts and crafts, a concert, and a free Western Art & Gear show. Night show tickets are $25.00 and $17.50. The event will be held at the Yogo Inn (211 East Main) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. all three days. For more information, phone 406-535-8278 or visit lac@midrivers.com.or http://www.lewistownartcenter.com.
Montana Wild West Fest: September 1-3 / Helena
Held annually over the Labor Day weekend, this celebration of Frontier History begins with a bang: The Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association North Mountain Regional Finals start things off Friday night. Saturday morning’s opening ceremonies officially kick off continuous entertainment on The Outpost Stage. The Western Trade Show will be in nearby Prairie Dog Town, where enthusiasts can purchase a wide variety of merchandise. Western art and displays will be set in surrounding exhibit buildings. Don’t miss the Living History Encampment, complete with frontier era wagons, shelters, artisans and displays. High noon will be an exciting time in Prairie Dog Town, when gunslingers and lawmen wage battle, six-guns blazing. Saturday night’s Frontier Ball will be held in the large barn with a live contra band. Ladies in hoop skirts and gents in period clothing will dance to old-time reels and jigs. The Wild West Show will be presented Sunday in the large arena —a rousing, colorful spectacle reminiscent of the old-fashioned Wild Bill Cody extravaganza. This three-day event will be held at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds.
Helena Indian Summer Art Market: - September 22, 23 / Helena
American Indian artists, clothing designers, silversmith jewelers, live music, demos and other exciting events highlight this annual event. An Artists’ reception will be held Friday evening. Admission is by cash donation to Wakina Sky Education / Cultural Program. Helena Indian Summer Art Market will be held in Helena at Caroll College. Call 449-0318 or visit http://www.wakinasky.org for additional information.
For a complete schedule of daily events throughout the summer, visit www.BoZone.com, www.NewWest.com, or www.visitmt.com.
Northwest
Summer, of course, means long daylight hours, warm evenings, Winter far enough away in both directions we can (almost) forget it exists. What better way to celebrate than pack up the kids, the car, and head out to one of the many music and arts & craft festivals.
Listed below are just a baker’s dozen of the hundreds of festivals being held in Northwest Montana this Summer. From bluegrass to choral, from fine art to fine furniture, you can’t go wrong. The only problem will be trying to get to them all.
Whitefish Arts Festival / Whitefish: June 30, July 1 & 2
The season kicks off over the Fourth of July weekend in the picturesque town of Whitefish with their 27th annual Whitefish Arts Festival. Held at Parkside Credit Union Park next to the Amtrak station, over 100 artists will be arriving from all over the U.S., including Pennsylvania, California, and of course Washington, Idaho, and Montana, with their unique sculptures, paintings, pottery, and more.
“We take pride in the fact that we have a little bit more of ‘higher art’ and a little less of the craft side of things,” says Brenda deNeui, Festival Coordinator. “There’s some of the crafty stuff too, but it’s not an arts & crafts show as much as it’s a fine arts festival.”
Not just high brow though, there’s something for everyone, so while wandering around make sure not to miss Whitefish’s world famous “noodle guy” as well as sampling some fresh squeezed lemonade. Fireworks light up the skies at night. For more information please call 406-862-5875, fax 406-862-3515, or visit http://www.whitefishartsfestival.org.
Bitterroot Valley Bluegrass Festival / Hamilton: July 7, 8, & 9
Growing up in southern Ohio, Larry Milless of Hamilton remembers back porch get-togethers with family, friends, and homemade bluegrass music. Built upon just that kind of memory, The Bitterroot Valley Bluegrass Festival in Hamilton has grown into the Bitterroot Valley’s biggest, best, and most enjoyable music festival of the Summer. Started in a hay field 17 years ago, it’s a non-alcoholic, family oriented event that draws hundreds to the growing town one hour south of Missoula.
This year performers will include Tennessee Gentlemen, John Reichman & The Jaybirds, Buncombe Turnpike, Hit & Run, Left Over Biscuits, and Kane’s River, among others.
As in previous years, festival attendees can bring their instruments, ask questions and, learn directly from the professionals at the very popular “Instrument Workshops” for banjos, guitars, fiddles, mandolins, and upright basses. Kids are also encouraged to bring their instruments to join in the Kids’ Music Program. For more information please call 406-381-0135, fax 406-363-2796, or visit http://www.bluegrassfestival.org
International Choral Festival / Missoula: – July 12 thru 16
Happening once every three years, this Festival has evolved from grassroots beginnings into a prestigious international event; it is one of the most cherished choral festivals worldwide. This year choirs will be coming from (no kidding) Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, India, Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, Wales, and Zambia, as well as from various points around the United States. And with venues spread out around The Garden City and each choir performing multiple times, fans (and participants) can catch them all.
“The idea behind the festival,” Peter Park, Executive Director for the festival, says, “is we want to promote international goodwill through music.”
For more information please call 406-721-7985 or e-mail choral@montana.com.
Arts in the Park, Hockaday Museum Art/ Kalispell: July 21, 22, & 23
This is Northwest Montana’s largest and longest running art and entertainment fair, a juried art show perfect for browsing and buying high quality jewelry, clothing, photography, paintings, pottery, glass, and other artwork. In its 38th year Kalispell’s Arts in the Park serves as the main fundraising event for the Hockaday Museum.
“It’s just such a fantastic show,” says Jeanna Nixon, Communications Director for the museum. “There are just so many artists and so much variety.” With the Flathead Valley booming and so many out of state artists with Summer homes in the area, Nixon says the festival, “Gives people the opportunity to see art work they might not be seeing locally or at other shows in the area.”
Held at Depot Park in downtown Kalispell, the festival will also spotlight performers from around the Northwest including folk singer, Stacey Board, from Salt Lake City, Utah, Steve Eckels, a classical guitarist from Kalispell, and the Whitefish Celtic band, Tra Le Gael, to name a few. For more information, phone: 406-755-5268, fax: 406-755-2023, visit http://www.hockadaymuseum.org, or e-mail: information@hockadaymuseum.org.
Northwest Polka Festival / Kalispell: July 21, 22 &23
Musicians all their lives, Al and Bonnie Lindberg were two of the originators of the very successful Big Horn Mountain Polka Festival in Sheridan, Wyoming for 14 years.
“When we moved up here four years ago from Colorado,” says Al Lindberg, “People started asking us about something like this and finally last year I gave into it and said we’d give it a try… And we had such a good turnout that before the second day started people started saying ‘You’re going to do this again, aren’t ya?’ So here we are with the second one.”
“We play all styles of music,” Lindberg says. “There are polkas and waltzes of course, but there’s also big band sounds, country, Latin, Cajun, and Hawaiian music. We play it all.”
Held in the Eagle’s Lodge ballroom, this is one event that is going to grow. For more information please call 406-883-6151 or e-mail bjl15@centurytel.net.
Montana State Fair / Great Falls: July 28 thru August 6
With eight big concerts, two carnivals, and 13,000 exhibits you’ll want to spend all the days (and the evenings too) at this year’s Montana State Fair in Great Falls.
“I just love it,” says Nancy Long, Great Falls resident. “It’s not so commercialized as those big city fairs. I’ve been to the Los Angeles County Fair and it’s all commercial. I love this fair. I went every day last year.”
And who can blame her? There’s cotton candy, the Ferris wheel, the livestock shows and 4-H exhibits, the rodeo. The list goes on and on and on and is truly a blue ribbon event. For more information please call 406-727-8900, fax 406-452-8955, visit http://www.montanastatefair.com or e-mail info@goexpopark.com.
Bigfork Festival of the Arts / Bigfork: August 5 & 6
120 venders, a great food court, everything from beads to candles to soaps to sculptures, Bigfork pulls out all the stops for its annual Festival of the Arts, now in its 28th year. The city closes down a four block area of downtown and fills it with the juried work of local and out of the area artists. There’s plenty of music too, and you might even see clogging, get caught up in karaoke, or have your face painted.
“I really enjoy it,” says Donna Lawson in her third year as the Co-Chair of the Festival. “It’s nice to meet new artists and it’s also nice to see and reacquaint with people who have been here before. It’s a family affair and I like that.”
Need one more incentive? August is cherry season in the Flathead Valley. For more information please call 406-837-5888, fax 406-837-5808 or visit http://www.bigforkfestivalofthearts.com.
Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration / Phillipsburg: August 4, 5 & 6
It started out as a “nice little jam”; people getting together, playing accordions, having a good time. But as is often the case one thing led to another, and in this case – happily – it led to the Rocky Mountain Accordion Celebration in Phillipsburg, now in its 15th year. Last year 29 accordions showed up and this year promises more. There are workshops, a “classical” accordion concert at the Opera House and even a zydeco band street dance. Once again Broadway is blocked off and people take to the streets in what has been voted one of the “Prettiest Painted Places” in America. And with two 30 x 40 foot tented portable dance floors, you’ll be sure to go home with some cornmeal on your soles. For more information please call 406-859-3236 (toll free: 888-680-1344), fax 406-859-3631, or e-mail sapphire@sapphire-gallery.com.
Country Music Rendezvous / Bull Lake: August 18, 19 & 20
Twenty-seven years ago the tiny community of Bull Lake on Highway 56 out of Troy in the extreme northwest corner of the state realized they needed a new fire truck – but how to come up with the funds? Well, it is Montana after all, and people do love country music, so…
Every year on the third weekend in August country music fans from around the U.S. make a pilgrimage to Bull Lake for what’s come to be called the Country Music Rendezvous, three days and three nights of hat tippin’, boot stompin’, gal twirlin’ country music. Held at the Halfway House Bar and Café, there’s a covered dance area outside and free camping is available.
B.J. Davis, just one of the local musicians who has been there from the start puts it this way. “It’s not a guns and power show, you know, not that kind of stuff. It’s about country music.”
Translation: If you like country, you’ll love this. For more information, please call 406-295-4358.
Phillipsburg’s Art and Jazz on Broadway / Phillipsburg: August 20
Montana isn’t just cowboys and country music, iconic boots, belt buckles, and hats, it’s also great jazz and fine art. As proof, Philipsburg’s Art and Jazz on Broadway epitomizes just how down home and yet classy Montana can be, all at the same time.
In its fourth year, this one-day festival is the perfect way to enjoy the finer things in life. With Broadway blocked off to traffic, the sounds of jazz float down the street where some of Montana’s best painters, sculptors, woodworkers, and artists display their talents.
“We try and provide the people who come with the very best of what’s available in Montana,” says Festival Coordinator, Liz Willett. And that would be Montana musicians, Montana artists, Montana microbrews, Montana made wines and cheeses – everything good about the state. For more information, please call 406-859-1212 or 406-546-3331, e-mail rocagrandemt@msn.com, or visit http://www.philipsburgmt.com.
Great Falls Blues and Brews / Great Falls: September 8
Ten years ago in Great Falls there was the usual amount of beer – that wasn’t the problem – but blues was hard to come by. Two men, Jack King and Bob Marsinek, runners training for a marathon, noted this. Every day they ran on the Riverside Trail and when they were done wanted to give something back to the community. They thought about holding a fund-raising night and since its inception the Great Falls Blues and Brews Festival has raised close to $300,000 for trail renovations and extensions.
“It’s got a reputation in Great Falls that it’s the best party of the year,” says Doug Wicks, President of the Recreational Trails Inc. in Great Falls.
This one-night event (which has seen the likes of Elvin Bishop) is held in the Civic Center and starts at 5:30 p.m. with music piped to the adjacent park where the beer garden is set up. For more information please call 406-788-3313 or 406-788-6197, e-mail trailsrus21@bresnan.net, or visit http://www.thetrail.org.
Havre’s Festival Days / Havre: September 15, 16 & 17
The biggest event on the Hi-Line, there’s the quilt show, the car show, the 48–hour softball tournament. There’s the craft fair, book fair, and (it is the High-Line after all) the demolition derby.
The highlight of this festival continues to be the parade, and this one with the added twist of having two parades inside it; the children’s pet and doll parades. For more information please call 406-265-4383, fax 406-265-7748, e-mail chamber@havremt.net or visit http://havremt.com.
Montana Festival of the Book / Missoula: September 29 & 30
Montana is well known as having an embarrassment of riches when it comes to quality writers, which is why each year the program schedule of Montana’s Festival of the Book in Missoula reads like a Who’s Who in western literature.
This year’s highlights will include both Ivan Doig and William Kittredge reading from their new novels, as well as Montana’s first ever Poet Laureate, Sandra Alcosser, leading a Montana poetry symposium with dozens of representatives from around the state.
“It’s a festival more for readers than writers,” says Kim Anderson, Festival Coordinator, “The topics and subjects are not geared toward how to write, but about the books people like to read.”
If you like to read, bookmark this one. There will be children’s book authors, novelists, poets, essayists, and journalists, all of them happy to sign a copy of their book you’re sure to want to buy. For more information please call 406–243–6022, (Toll-free in Montana: 800-624-6001) fax 406-243-4836, or visit http://www.bookfest-mt.org.
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