Looking for the coolest and best music festivals in Montana in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Montana Festivals that are guaranteed to impress.
Referred to as the “Treasure State,” Montana is renowned for its expanses of mountain peaks and forests untamed by mankind. It’s no wonder the populations of deer and elk manage to outnumber the humans! It is the home of the famous Yellowstone National Park, with scenic backdrops and lush greenery making it a one-of-a-kind destination to attend a music festival.
Also, be sure to read my guides for Glamping in Montana & Airbnbs in Montana for some fun and unique trip accommodations!
1) Red Ants Pants Music Festival
Credit: Gloria Goñi | @lapescadora
When: July 25-28, 2024
Where: Sulphur Springs, Montana
https://redantspantsmusicfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/redantspantsmusicfestival/
Run by volunteers homegrown in Montana, Red Ants Pants Music Festival celebrates the spirit of community in a grand ole’ cow pasture located in White Sulphur Springs. The non-profit was founded by a company that takes pride in pants and other products with the label “Made In The USA.” The organization is run by Sarah Calhoun and is committed to supporting working family ranches and farms, women’s leadership, and rural communities. The Red Ants Pants Music Festival proceeds to fund the Girl’s Leadership Program, timer skills workshops, and the organization’s community grants.
Red Ants Pants Music Festival is one of the best music festivals in Montana for listening to folk and indie music for fresh and unique vibes. The massive campground opens the doors for camping in the great outdoors of Montana within walkable access to local food vendors and blasting music at the Red Ants Pants Music Festival.
2) Rockin’ the Rivers Music Festival
Credit: Rockin’ the Rivers Music Festival
When: August 8-10, 2024
Where: Three Forks, Montana
https://www.rockintherivers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rockintheriversMT/
One of the top music festivals in Montana, Rockin’ the Rivers is the state’s original music festival that showcases the top talented influences in the rock genre.
It all started when a group of old Cowboys and Rockers came together and decided on a plan to share their love of music at the place that would soon be called “The Bridge.” The Rockin’ the Rivers festival lasts three days with passionate and skillful lineups spreading the love of rock and jams in the outdoors of captivating Montana. Camping is available for visitors. Vendors for food and refreshments at Rockin’ the Rivers festival are also set up on the grounds.
3) Magic City Blues Festival
Credit: Magic City Blues Festival Montana
When: August, 2024
Where: Billings, Montana
https://www.magiccityblues.com/
https://www.facebook.com/magiccityblues/
Easily one of the most popular music festivals in Montana, Magic City Blues has continued attracting music lovers from all over the United States for more than twenty years! Rain or shine, the Magic City Blues is live! The festival features local and nationally talented musicians in varying music genres to perform on the Magic City Blues’ two stages. From rock to the blues, festival-goers can expect to have the time of their lives at Magic City Blues.
4) Wildlands Festival
Credit: Wildlands Festival Montana
When: July 25-27, 2024
Where: Big Sky, Montana
https://www.wildlandsfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WildlandsFestival/
The largest river preservation event in the world, the Wildlands Festival brings people together to celebrate the beauty and love of nature and the untamed magnificence of the local area. Celebrating the allure of the wildlands of Montana, the Wildlands Festival is committed to showing up rain or shine. Top-class artists spread across generations of excellence get up on stage to perform their hearts out and share the mission of conservation. Lone Peak of the Madison Range strikes a breathtaking scene in the backdrop of the Wildlands Festival as folk and indie artists show off their skills on stage!
5) Under The Big Sky Fest
Credit: Under The Big Sky Fest
When: July 12-14, 2024
Where: Whitefish, Montana
https://www.underthebigskyfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/underthebigskyfestival/
Representing rock, alt-country, Americana, and folk, the Under The Big Sky Fest is bar far one of the best music festivals in Montana to experience! Under The Big Sky Fest satisfies a range of music tastes to spread the love of different genres of music in the prosperous landscapes of Montana. There are two performance stages, with lineups featuring trending, iconic, and up-and-coming artists. Festival goers can spread their wings and experience different American genres of music at Under The Big Sky Fest.
The festival keeps the fun coming with outdoor activities to participate in. There are also local food vendors to satiate your appetite and quench your thirst while savoring great music at Under The Big Sky Fest.
6) Headwaters Country Jam
Credit: Headwaters Country Jam Festival
When: July 25-27, 2024
Where: Three Forks, Montana
https://headwaterscountryjam.com/
https://www.facebook.com/headwaterscountryjam/
The biggest annual country music festival in Montana, Headwaters Country Jam, is surrounded by the rolling hills that naturally form a one-of-a-kind amphitheater near the Jefferson River.
On Headwaters Country Jam’s two stages, 20+ bands sing and play with the awe-inspiring backdrop of Montana’s untamed wilderness surrounding them. Rain or shine, festival goers can expect the celebration to keep coming and expect to have the time of their lives at one of the best music festivals in Montana! A campground is available at Headwaters Country Jam which requires a separate purchase from the festival tickets. Slip ‘n’ slides and lawn games are welcome for the fun and great spirits to continue for a memorable experience at Headwaters Country Jam.
7) Sweet Pea Festival
Credit: Sweet Pea Festival
When: August 2-4, 2024
Where: Bozeman, Montana
https://www.facebook.com/SweetPeaFestival/
Helping cultivate the arts through its volunteer-run organization, the Sweet Pea Festival is full of activity and entertainment! The Sweet Pea Festival begins with a performance by Montana Shakespeare in Lindley Park in Bozeman. The next day, a parade and children run winds and turn until finally landing in Lindley Park. Here, the festivities begin anew!
From flower shows, wine and beer gardens, workshops, local theatre, and dance troupes, the Sweet Pea Festival is flooded with culture, creativity, and inspiration. More than a hundred vendors sell their individually-distinct pieces of art while other entertainment and activities are prepped and ready for exploration.
8) Red Lodge Songwriter Festival
Credit: Red Lodge Songwriter Festival Montana
When: June 20-22, 2024
Where: Red Lodge, Montana
https://redlodgesongwriterfestival.org/
https://www.facebook.com/REDLODGESONGWRITERFESTIVAL/
Run by the non-profit organization Rocky Mountain Songwriter Festivals Inc., the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting, music education, and encouraging tourism in the local community. The organization incorporates local businesses, from restaurants, parks, and coffee shops, to add local culture and business to the event for a unique added touch of flavor.
During the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival, musicians and songwriters from Nashville, Montana, and across the country come to display their talent in the scenic mountains of Red Lodge in Montana. The festival hosts 25 live performances, a songwriting contest, and songwriters for a unique and diverse flare of entertainment to support musical education in public schools.
9) Montana Folk Festival
Credit: Montana Folk Festival
When: July 12-14, 2024
Where: Butte, Montana
https://montanafolkfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mtfolkfest/
Featuring numerous stages to host traditional performers in the United States, the Montana Folk Festival highlights the heritage of Montana in the Rocky Mountain-backdropped city of Butte. The city’s mining heritage is prominent. Many historic structures that date back to the late 19th century still stand today. The festival is held in the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States in Uptown Butte.
10) Jammin’ the Gulch
When: June, 2023 (TBC)
Where: Haugan, Montana
https://www.jamminthegulch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Jammin-the-Gulch-III/100077021740177/
Considered the best music festival in Western Montana, Jammin’ the Gulch features big names in the music industry, such as Eggy and Armchair Boogie.
Jammin’ the Gulch is committed to serving up good vibes with high-quality content in an engaging and rejuvenating atmosphere in the wilderness of Montana. The family-friendly festival shares the love of music in one of the most beautiful places in the United States – Montana! With a purchase of a ticket for Jammin’ the Gulch, camping is included! However, it is essential to note that spots are first come, first serve, and to come prepared as there is no power on site.
Am I missing any epic Montana music festivals?
Have you been to any cool festival or event in Montana, no matter how small that you think should be mentioned here? Let me know!
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