Art and community meet as the Sweet Pea Festival returns to the Bozeman area for its 2025 event, Friday to Sunday, August 1st–3rd in celebration of its 48th year.
Sweet Pea is a three-day festival of the arts held the first weekend in August. The Festival kicks off late Friday afternoon in Lindley Park, ramping up on Saturday with a children’s run and parade that lead the community to the park where the festivities continue through Sunday evening. 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 countless arts and crafts vendors to stroll through and purchase unique gifts for yourself, family and friends.
The week leading up to the Festival offers additional fun-filled, community events. Artists of all skill levels converge on Main Street for ‘Chalk on the Walk’ Tuesday morning, followed by a Sweet Pea-sponsored Music on Main on Thursday night downtown. The Sweet Pea Art Show will be on display at the Bozeman Public Library as well.
And of course, one of the biggest draws of Sweet Pea is the live music! This year’s slate will include headlining performances by Brent Cobb, The White Buffalo, The Hip Abduction and TopHouse. Also appearing will be Fruition, Goldie Boutilier, The Fretliners, Wild Horses, Benn Busalacchi, North Fork Crossing and The Wildwoods.
Events leading up to Festival weekend are complimentary. Entry to those in Lindley Park requires the purchase of an admission wristband – Full Weekend Access wristbands are $60, or $40 per day, and free for kids 12 and under. These may be found at the box office, located in front of the Bozeman Public Library.
There’s so much dance, theatre, family entertainment, and other activities to discover! For a full schedule of events, vendor information and to purchase 2025 wristbands, visit www.sweetpeafestival.org.
Since 1977, Sweet Pea has brought Bozeman together through music, dance, visual arts, and community celebration. Inspired by the early 1900s Sweet Pea Carnivals, a group of local visionaries launched the festival to spotlight the arts and spark creative connection.
Now one of Montana’s premier arts festivals, Sweet Pea draws thousands annually and operates as a nonprofit powered by volunteers. Since 1986, all proceeds beyond festival costs are reinvested into the Bozeman community – supporting arts, education, and cultural programming.
Today, Sweet Pea is a beloved Bozeman tradition – still celebrating art, still volunteer-run, and still giving back. •
