It’s a barn-burning summer of live music beneath the pines at Pine Creek Lodge, the iconic outdoor music venue nestled in Montana’s Paradise Valley, just south of Livingston. Known for pairing nationally touring artists with one of the most scenic stages in the American West, Pine Creek will once again host a wide-ranging lineup of rock, Americana, jam, bluegrass, indie, and roots artists throughout the 2026 season.
Opening a new month are The Wallflowers on July 1st with opener Early James. For the past 30 years, the band has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful acts – a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades of their popular releases.
Cruz Contreras & the Black Lillies are set for July 2nd with The Two Tracks. The group blends Americana, roots rock, country, and soulful southern storytelling into a sound that is both heartfelt and electrifying. Led by Contreras’ expressive vocals and deeply personal songwriting, the band is known for dynamic live performances that balance gritty rock energy with rich harmonies and emotional depth.
The Fossils take the stage July 3rd. Known around town for their particular brand of boogie, the band guarantees a rockin’ good time. The members have been acquainted for years and are connected by their love of music.
Spend the Fourth with The Red Elvises featuring an opening set by Emma & the Ledge. With humorous lyrics and grooves that practically force you to dance, the Elvises’ “Siberian Surf Rock” is sure to entertain.
The Pickpockets introduce Bronwyn on July 5th. The Grammy-winning fiddler, vocalist and songwriter is a rising star in modern bluegrass. Blending virtuosic fiddle playing with expressive vocals and sharp songwriting, she’s become one of the genre’s most compelling new front-person voices, with her forthcoming album Rattlin’ Bones showcasing her step into the spotlight as a lead artist.
Fruition entertain on July 8th with the Coffis Brothers. Their soaring three-part harmonies and raucous guerilla performances have afforded the band a remarkable decade-spanning journey that has seen them emerge as a singular force in the world of Americana. Channeling the delicate, playful and honest focus on songcraft and vocal harmony of groups like The Beatles and CSNY, the band continues to create timeless and genuine folk, roots and rock n’ roll.
Timmy Skelly opens for Houndmouth July 9th–10th. The alt rock band formed in New Albany, Indiana, is known for their blend of country, blues and rock influences. They gained recognition for their energetic live shows and distinctive sound, which has been described as Americana-infused rock.
Tribute group 710 Ashbury performs on July 11th. The Helena four-piece lays down all your classic Grateful Dead favorites with every spirited performance. Committed to preserving the legacy of the popular genre-skewing rock band, 710 features a talented group of veteran Montana musicians.
Neal Francis returns with help from Lost Canyons on July 12th. The Chicago-based singer/songwriter and pianist channels the soul, funk and psychedelic groove of the late 1960s and ’70s into a modern, electrified sound. Known for his powerful vocals, vintage keyboard-driven arrangements, and high-energy live performances, he blends classic R&B swagger with jam-leaning improvisation.
Sponsored by Trust for Public Land, enjoy a special evening at the Lodge when Opera Montana Presents: A River Runs Through It on July 14th. Be one of the first to hear musical selections from the new opera paired with some of the iconic passages that inspired it. Following the presentation, stick around for live music from Stephanie Quayle and Emma & the Ledge. Also featuring Rick Bass & the Black Ram Guitar plus Jason Borger, flyfishing consultant and Brad Pitt’s double in the classic film.
Lucero follows an opening set by Thomas Dollbaum on July 15th. The Memphis-based rock band is by singer/songwriter Ben Nichols, known for fusing punk rock energy with Southern storytelling and country-soul textures. Over more than two decades, they’ve built a devoted following through raw, emotionally direct songs about working-class life, love and hard living, delivered with a gritty, road-worn sound.
July 16th sees the return of Andy Frasco & the U.N. with openers the Sleepless Elite. Incorporating elements of soul, funk and rock, as well as tones of roots and Americana, the band of performers creates a diverse sound and style. Frasco’s shows have been described as infectious, entertaining and feel-good. His performances are recognized as orchestrated chaos, inciting frenzied, undeniable good times, dancing and perhaps even a good old fashioned freak out.
The Last Revel follows Western Wallflower on July 17th. A threesome of powerfully talented multi-instrumentalists, the trio naturally blend the genres of folk, rockabilly, old time string-band and rock to create a sound equally original and timeless. They’re known to consistently deliver “bombastic live performances,” as well as delicate and haunting folk ballads.
Of Monsters and Men bring their “Mouse Parade” tour to Paradise July 18th–July 19th. The Icelandic indie folk/indie pop band is known for their sweeping, cinematic sound built around layered harmonies, driving percussion and emotionally charged songwriting. Rising to prominence with their breakout single “Little Talks,” the group blends folk-inspired storytelling with expansive, atmospheric production that often feels both intimate and anthemic.
Anders Osborne and Jackie Greene team up for a duo show on July 23rd.
Osborne is a Swedish New Orleans-based singer/songwriter and guitarist known for his soulful blend of blues, rock and Americana. His music pairs gritty guitar work with deeply introspective songwriting, shaped by decades of touring and the rich musical culture of the Big Easy.
Greene is an American singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for blending rock, folk, blues and Americana into a rootsy, soulful sound. With a sharp lyrical sensibility and versatile musicianship, he delivers songs that balance classic influence with a modern edge.
Denver’s Clay Street Unit performs July 24th. The project is rooted deep in homegrown southern country/folk and branches into the bluegrass sound that’s heard throughout the Appalachian hills. Their high energy, fresh take on the tradition of American folk and country music is sure to keep you moving.
Ismay warms up the crowd for Steve Earle on July 25th. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, author and activist is recognized for his politically charged lyrics and rugged blend of country, rock and folk. Emerging from the outlaw country tradition, he has built a decades-long career defined by sharp storytelling, social commentary and a raw, uncompromising sound.
Blue Öyster Cult takes the stage following Danny Bee on July 26th. The American rock band comes with an influential blend of hard rock, psychedelic rock and early heavy metal, marked by cryptic lyrics and a dark, atmospheric edge. Rising to prominence in the 1970s with songs like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Godzilla,” the band became known for its musicianship, intellectual songwriting, and cult following that endures across generations.
Back on July 29th are The Travelin’ McCourys. As the sons of bluegrass legend Del McCoury, Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob (banjo) continue their father’s work – a lifelong dedication to the power of bluegrass music to bring joy into people’s lives. And with a fiddler, bassist and guitarist on backup, the ensemble is loved and respected by the bluegrass faithful. But the band is now combining their sound with others to make something fresh and rejuvenating.
Nick Shoulders entertains on July 30th as part of his “Apocalypse, Never!” tour. Wielding an ethereal croon and masterful whistle crafted from a lifetime chasing lizards through the Ozark hills, the band is a living link to roots of country music with a penchant for the absurd. Combining his family’s deep ties to regional traditional singing with his years of playing to crowded street corners, Shoulders has sought to forge a hybridized form of raucously clever country music – born of forgotten rocky hollers and bred to confront the tensions of the 21st century South.
Futurebirds bring back-to-back nights with Deloyd Elze July 31st–August 1st. Visiting from Athens, Georgia, the band blends indie rock, Southern country, and psychedelic textures into a loose, harmony-rich sound. Their music often stretches into expansive, reverb-soaked arrangements that balance laid-back groove with soaring guitar work, built for both headphone listening and long, energetic live sets.
Looking to August 2nd, industry legend James McMurtry performs. Enjoy an evening of the musician’s sharply observed, narrative-driven songs that capture the grit, humor and complexity of everyday life. Blending folk, rock and Americana, his work is marked by vivid storytelling, understated arrangements, and a dry, unflinching lyrical voice that has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected writers in modern roots music.
And coming up, the summer series continues with a full spread of shows. Performing next are Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country on Aug. 5th, Larry Keel Experience with Buffalo Galaxy Aug. 6th, Brothers Comatose with The Bo Show Aug. 7th, MC4D Aug. 8th, Sister Sadie Aug. 9th, The Mother Hips with Bart Budwig Aug. 12th, Hunter Hayes Aug. 13th, Shadowgrass Aug. 15th, Satsang with The Hooligans Duo Aug. 16th, Gov’t Mule Aug. 18th, Joe Robinson with Jody Engstrom Aug. 19th, Honey Island Swamp Band Aug. 20th, The Infamous Stringdusters Aug. 21st, Abby Webster with Trinity Jane & Angela Autumn Aug. 23rd, Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience Aug. 26th, the Pine Creek Crack Up comedy night Aug. 27th, and the Creekside Revival Fest Aug. 28th–30th, among others through September. Stay tuned for details.
Advance tickets for these shows are available now. All music begins at 7pm. On-site accommodations and camping available. Please visit www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com to learn more about these and other upcoming events. •
