AUGUST already?! Fret not Bozeman, there’s still plenty of fun in the sun to be had before our first long winter’s night. August may be the last month of “summer,” but it’s also plumb full of great outdoor festivals everyone can enjoy! Here’s a look at what you can get out and revel in around the area.
The 2016 Sweet Pea Festival returns to the Bozeman area, Friday, August 5th through Sunday, August 7th as it celebrates its 39th year.
Sweet Pea is a three-day festival of the arts held the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every August. The Festival kicks off late Friday afternoon in Lindley Park with a performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. Saturday ramps up with a children’s run and parade that lead the community to the park where the festivities continue through 7pm on Sunday.
Weekend entertainment comes in many forms–music of all genres, performances by local theatre and dance troupes, workshops, family-friendly entertainment and activities, a flower show, a beer and wine garden featuring Montana microbrews, and over 100 arts and crafts vendors to stroll through and purchase unique gifts for yourself, family, and friends.
Visit sweetpeafestival.org/ for wristband and other information.
The 6th Annual SLAM Festival will take place at Bogert Park, Saturday, August 6th from 10am-7pm and Sunday, August 7th from 10am- 5pm. This event will showcase artists, musicians, dance performers, culinary artisans, brewers and distillers, and demonstrators from around the state of Montana. This event is free to attend and family friendly. Eco-friendly transportation is encouraged. A complimentary bicycle valet will also be available for you to take advantage of while you’re enjoying the festival so you don’t have to worry about the nightmare of parking! Montana has an outstanding creative community! Musicians, painters, jewelry makers, glass blowers, wordsmiths, and all others smitten with an artistic urge, showcase their talents and offer handmade inspired art for sale at SLAM. Learn more at slamfestivals.org/.
Magic City Blues is set to be the party of the summer! Eat, drink, and dance in the street on Montana Avenue in downtown Billings to six acts each night on two stages, Friday and Saturday, August 5th & 6th from 5pm to midnight.
Headliners include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Elle King, and Ziggy Marley! Every summer for fourteen years, Magic City Blues has attracted thousands and thousands of music fans from all across the country to Billings, the state’s largest city. Magic City Blues, an urban music festival in a rural state, is a signature event for the City of Billings and the State of Montana. The event features natural Montana hospitality, unique setting, fabulous lineups, and the appeal of The Last Best Place. Tickets and further information is available at magiccityblues.com/.
Rockin’ The Rivers returns to the Bridge near Three Forks, Friday, August 12th through Sunday, August 14th with a hair-raising slate of performances including Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Buckcherry, Loverboy, Ratt, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Firehouse, Survivor, and many more! Come celebrate with some of rock’s favorite legends and the hottest up-and-comers.
Stay to revel in the party that is uniquely Rockin’ the Rivers, Montana’s largest and most loved rockfest. For over 15 years, Rockin’ the Rivers has combined phenomenal music, great company, and unparalleled natural beauty to throw one of the most entertaining and largest music festivals in the Northwest. And the legacy will continue in 2016! Visit rockintherivers.com/ for more festival information and to purchase tickets.
Further information and event descriptions of these awesome outdoor festivals can be found throughout this issue of the BoZone. •
A Have FUN in August at fantastic Montana festivals!