Bozeman’s eagerly anticipated weekend of arts & culture is here with the return of Sweet Pea Festival, celebrating its 46th year with its 2023 event, Friday to Sunday, August 4th–6th.
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 of The Three Musketeers 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 including the Shane Center’s Broadway Musical Revue and IndepenDANCE, workshops, family friendly entertainment from the likes of Spontaneous Combustibles and Bozeman Children’s Theatre, as well as numerous activities, flower show, 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. The Sweet Pea Art Show will be on display at the ERA Landmark Downtown Visitor’s Center 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 Big Easy funksters Galactic, psychedelic soul band Monophonics and country star Corb Lund. Also appearing will be The Stone Foxes, Jacob Rountree, One Leaf, Margo Cilker, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Matt Wallin & His Nervous Breakdown and Sunny War.
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 $30 and free for kids 12 and under. Weekend passes will be $50 day of. These may be found at the main box office – located in front of the Bozeman Library – beginning at 2pm on Aug. 4th. Please note this year’s ‘Bite of Bozeman’ has been canceled by event organizers.
There’s plenty more dance, theatre, family entertainment, and other activities to discover! For further festival information and to purchase 2023 wristbands, visit www.sweetpeafestival.org. •
