Sweet Pea spares no activity with culture-filled weekend in Lindley
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. This all-hanging, two and three-dimensional juried show features a diverse collection of artwork, ranging from watercolor and oil paintings to photography to low-relief sculpture.
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 closer 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 down in Lindley Park, the annual Sweet Pea Flower Show will offer something for everyone. Whether you enjoy the excitement of a contest, the smell of the fragrant blossoms, or talking with other avid gardeners, you can experience it all at this annual showcase. The flowers will be on display all weekend. Be sure to stop by the tent to cast your vote for People’s Choice.
Adults are invited to stop in the Beer & Wine Garden to enjoy a local brew or glass of wine while listening to the music in the Bowl. Please indulge within the designated area only. No outside alcohol. Hours of operation: Friday from 4–9pm, Saturday from 12–9pm, and Sunday from 9–4pm. Enjoy responsibly!
There’s of course plenty of dance, theatre and family entertainment to keep everyone energized throughout the weekend. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks comes to Sweet Pea with two performances – Henry IV Part I on Friday, Aug. 2nd at 3:45pm and Merry Wives of Windsor on Sunday, Aug. 4th at 5pm. Both performances will take place in The Hollow.
Kaleidoscope Youth Theater presents Desert Adventures and Ancient Treasures twice on Sat., Aug. 3rd. The first at 11:30am on the Family Stage, followed with a repeat performance at 1:45pm on the Cypress Point Stage. Romance and intrigue ride on the hot desert wind bringing to life the exotic flavor of the Sahara. In the best traditions of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Aladdin and his magic lamp, and Indiana Jones searching for treasures in far off lands, jump on board for a magic carpet ride of adventure.
Verge Theater presents Love, Loss and What I Wore on Sat., Aug. 3rd in The Hollow at 2:30pm. Nora and Delia Ephron’s memorable play is chock-full of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects – mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.
And on the Family Stage, Zak Morgan will entertain with two fun, interactive shows. On Sat., Aug. 3rd at 12:30pm, join Zak on a magical journey into a musical world called Zakland. You’ll learn the power of imagination and that anything is possible if you try hard and believe in yourself. Following on Sun., Aug. 4th at 2:45pm, explore the joy of language, wordplay and stories with Zak Morgan in a fun, interactive family concert.
Also on Saturday, check out 406 Cirque at 1:30pm on the Family Stage. The Bozeman-based group is inspired by reinventing traditional forms of circus arts and provide a home to performing artists of any background and skill level who wish to create something original and different by breaking the boundaries between artistic disciplines.
Dance-lovers can experience Collective Movement’s “RECESS” at 5pm on Fri., Aug. 2nd at the Lindley Playground. The performance will serve as a reminder that even adults need a recess from the ins and outs of the daily routine. On Sat., Aug. 3rd, Blind Tiger Society presents “Anthem” at 4:30pm in the Bowl. The piece runs the contemporary dance gamut. Volleying between silly, serious, satire and sweet, Blind Tiger spins a staggering story of exploits and intrigue. Raison D’être Dance Project takes to the Cypress Stage on Sun., Aug. 4th at 2:15pm. The company is currently preparing for their next production, “Rachmaninov & Plutonia,” set to premiere Fall 2020.
And last, but definitely not least, one of the biggest draws of Sweet Pea is the live music! The 2019 slate will include headlining performances by Leftover Salmon, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds and Blitzen Trapper. Also appearing will be Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The Dead Yellers, The Dusty Pockets, Jon Stickley Trio, Scott Pemberton Band, The Powell Brothers and Goodnight, Texas. See page xxx for a closer look at this year’s performance slate.
There’s SO much more dance, theatre, family entertainment, and other activities to discover! For further festival information and to purchase 2019 wristbands, visit www.sweetpeafestival.org. A list of regional ticket outlets can also be found on the website. •
