‘Bite of Bozeman’ fills bellies ahead of Sweet Pea weekend
The Sweet Pea Festival returns to the Bozeman area for its 2019 event, Friday, August 2nd through Sunday, August 4th in celebration of its 42nd 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 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 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 over 100 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. On Wednesday evening, local restaurants line Main Street to offer up samples of their fare, while musicians entertain, during the ever popular ‘Bite of Bozeman.’ The Sweet Pea Art Show will be on display at the ERA Landmark Downtown Visitor’s Center as well. Admission to events leading up to Festival weekend is complimentary. Entry to the events in Lindley Park requires the purchase of an admission wristband. Full Weekend Access presale wristbands are $20, or $10 for kids.
Here’s a look at some event highlights that make Sweet Pea what it is! Sweet Pea’s Bite of Bozeman is a highlight of the annual festivities. This palate-friendly evening precedes the main event and will take place on Wednesday, July 31st from 5:30–8:30pm in Downtown Bozeman. Enjoy the food and drink offerings of over 40 area restaurants and food vendors. With entertainment on every corner, food choices galore, and the fun of dining among friends in the middle of Main Street, you’re sure to have a good time!
The Sweet Pea Parade is something all locals and returning visitors are familiar with. The procession is one the largest and most popular parades in the state of Montana, taking place this year on Saturday, August 3rd. The Sweet Pea Children’s Run at 10am will kick off the parade of colorful floats featuring this year’s theme, “Summertime.” The parade is free and open to the public, running along Main between 8th Ave. and Church.
And last, but definitely not least, one of the biggest draws of Sweet Pea is the live music! Here’s a look at the schedule of 2019’s performance slate. Big Sam’s Funky Nation will start things off on Friday, August 2nd at 6:30pm, before Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds bring down the house at 8pm. Saturday, August 3rd will see a slew of performances, starting with The Dead Yellers at 12:15pm, The Dusty Pockets at 1:45pm, and the Jon Stickley Trio at 3pm. Check out the Scott Pemberton Band at 6pm ahead of Leftover Salmon headlining at 8pm. Sunday, August 4th performances include The Powell Brothers at noon, Goodnight, Texas at 1:30pm, and Blitzen Trapper finishing things off at 3pm.
There’s SO much more dance, theatre, family entertainment, and other activities to discover! For further festival information and to purchase wristbands for the 2019 Sweet Pea Festival, visit www.sweetpeafestival.org. A list of regional ticket outlets can also be found on the website. •
