Color, culture and community collide as the Sweet Pea Festival returns to the Bozeman area for its 2026 event, Friday to Sunday, August 7th–9th in celebration of its 49th 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 ERA Landmark as well.
And of course, one of the biggest draws of Sweet Pea is the live music! This year’s slate will include performances by Digable Planets, SYML, The Strumbellas, John Craigie, The Nude Party, Boot Juice, The Dead & Down, Daniel Rodriguez, Nik Park & the Selfless Lovers, Roses Pawn Shop and Neon Rainbow.
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 $40 and free for kids 12 and under. Weekend passes will be $60 beginning Aug. 7th, the first day of the festival. These may be found at the main box office, located at 424 E Main, Ste 203B.
There’s so much dance, theatre, family entertainment, and other activities to discover! For further festival information and to purchase 2026 wristbands, visit www.sweetpeafestival.org. •
