The seasonal panic is starting to set in as we inch closer to the autumnal equinox. Those who prefer the warm fall colors have surely surrendered to their favorite season also being the double-edged segue into Montana’s coldest. But there’s still some time during this short window that is summer in Montana to get outside and bask in the remaining sun-shiny days. Round up the crew and enjoy a few more backyard barbecues, a little outdoor recreation, or these event options, if we may be so bold.
The 90s pop, swagger rock and hip-hop of the Outer Vibe closes out this season’s Music on Main festivities in Downtown Bozeman. The final event will take place Thursday, Aug. 15th from 6:30–8:30pm. The event is FREE, open to the public and also features a “Kids’ Zone.”
Also on Thursdays, Music in the Mountains takes over Center Stage in Big Sky’s Town Center. The park opens at 6pm ahead of the music at 7:15pm. Indie folk band Mt. Joy will perform on Aug. 15th, followed by the “Bayou Americana” of Honey Island Swamp Band on Aug. 22nd, soulful blues rock of Ron Artis II and the Truth on Aug. 29th, and Pink Floyd tribute Pinky & the Floyd closing out the summer series on Sept. 5th. Food and beverage vendors are available at each of these FREE events.
The Music on the Green concert series showcases regional talent on select Sunday evenings on Bozeman Public Library’s Front Plaza from 5–7pm. Local stompgrass heroes Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs are next up on Aug. 18th, with roots rock jammers The Hooligans set for Sept. 15th. Pack a few blankets and a picnic! These family-friendly concerts are FREE for all to attend.
Enjoy a little outdoor theatre with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The traveling company will visit a number of parks and public spaces as it winds down its season. On Aug. 19th, experience “Merry Wives of Windsor” in Big Sky’s Town Center Park at 5:30pm. The production also heads to Lewis & Clark Park in Belgrade on Sept. 2nd at 5:30pm. Livingston’s Shane Center for the Arts hosts a staging of “Henry IV, Part I” on Aug. 31st at 6pm (bring chair – audience sits in parking lot). On Sept. 1st, MSU Family & Graduate Housing (off Garfield) welcomes the monarch at 3:30pm. And if you’re closer to Manhattan, pack an evening picnic and head to Altenbrand Park on Sept. 3rd at 6pm. All performances are FREE and open to the public.
The 2019 Montana Funk Fest descends on the Cannery District Patio on Saturday, Aug. 24th beginning at 3pm. Taste the audacious and delicious edge of Montana-brewed beer and kombucha from 13 statewide brewers before partying to the sounds of Sunflower State electro funk duo The Floozies. Music begins at 7pm. Delicious local food vendors will be available, as well as a full bar for those 21+ (with ID). Brew fest and concert tickets available individually or as a discounted combo admission through the Dean’s Zesty Booch website.
Also on Aug. 24th, Dry Hills Distillery will host its next outdoor concert in conjunction with its Running Iron Whiskey launch. The Women & Whiskey event will feature CMA Award-winning artist Deana Carter and Montana darling Stephanie Quayle. Jenny Tolman, a rising star in the Nashville music scene, will open the show. Doors at 5:30pm. Ticketing and further information can be found on the host’s website.
Farmers’ market season ain’t over yet! Our greater community is home to several local markets where you can find garden-fresh produce, awesome food, novelty items, live entertainment, family fun, and more! Bogert Farmers’ Market continues on Tuesday evenings, but during the Pavilion’s repair, has moved to Bozeman’s Lindley Park. Market hours are from 5–8pm through September 10th. Western Sustainability Exchange’s Livingston Farmers Market is held Wednesday nights from 4:30–7:30pm in Miles Park through September 18th. Also on Wednesdays, the Big Sky Farmers Market takes over Town Center Park from 5–8pm through September 25th. Amid its third annual summer series, Belgrade Community Market takes place in Lewis & Clark Park on Thursday evenings from 4–7pm through September 12th. Finally, the original Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market is held Saturday mornings from 9am–12pm through September 14th. The markets set up at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman.
Additional details about these and other sun-filled outdoor events can be found throughout this issue of The BoZone. •