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This year's 4th of July hits different it's America's 250th birthday, and Montana is going all out. Here's where to celebrate Independence Day across the state. Great Falls The annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at 11 AM. Immediately after, the 4th of July Hootenanny takes over the corner of 5th and Central with a free outdoor concert this year featuring Cooper Alan. Then at 10:15 PM, the People's Park & Recreation fireworks launch from West Bank Park. The Great Falls Voyage

Stu Brumbaugh grew up in Great Falls. He was an imaginative kid with a lot of time on his hands, always outside, always inventing something to do. He hung around the drama department at CMR, working stagecraft, working up the nerve to audition for plays. Then a family friend got him onto the set of Holy Matrimony, a film shooting nearby with Patricia Arquette and Leonard Nimoy. He stood behind the monitor and watched how it all worked for a few hours. “I was immediately hooke

50+ properties to choose from, explore Montana’s premiere vacation property rental company. Written By Jordy Jones, Contributing Editor, Montana Edit Summer allows Montana days to feel longer, giving us more time to soak up the long awaited sunshine and treasure the state we love to call home. It’s understandable why Montana draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each month during June, July, and August- our parks, our lakes, our mountains and our hospitality are all worl

There's no better way to experience a Montana community than at its farmers market. Markets across the state are gathering places. Part grocery run, part social event, part celebration of everything Montana grows and makes. This guide has you covered for the full 2026 season. Western Montana Missoula Farmers Market Saturday Market: Saturdays, May 2 – September 26, 2026 | Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday Market: Tuesdays, June 2 – September 29, 2026 | Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:0

This summer Montana delivers incredible shows at both outdoor and indoor venues across the state. June through August 2026 is packed with must-see performances. We've rounded up the biggest concerts, festivals, and venue series happening across Montana, plus Spotify playlists to help you get to know the artists before showtime. Major Stadium Shows Mumford & Sons with Sierra Ferrell June 4 | Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman Post Malone & Jelly Roll with Carter Faith July 21 | Washingto

Written By Jordy Jones, Contributing Editor, Montana Edit Photography By Hayes and Heart Photography Wondering what a weekend could look like for you and your girls? Whitefish is a wonderful place to call home for the weekend. With the sun roof open, a car ride full of your favorite gals, plus more flying in, Whitefish is a wonderful weekend destination to gather with the women in your life. A short drive from Missoula or a more leisurely drive from Bozeman, you’re surrounded

Montana does craft beer right. From lively tap rooms to hidden gems in small towns you've never heard of, Montana punches well above its weight in the brewing world. Below are some of our favorite places, but for a full list of breweries across the state, visit the Montana Brewers Association. Bigfork Flathead Lake Brewing Co. 📍 116 Holt Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911 Perched on the shores of one of the largest natural freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake Brewing i

Montana may be known for its big skies and wild spaces, but its culinary landscape is just as expansive and worth exploring. These aren't just places to grab a bite, they’re the kinds of restaurants that give you a real sense of place, where what’s on the plate is as thoughtful as the atmosphere around it. Whether you're planning your next weekend getaway or just want to know where to eat next, here are our favorite spots, handpicked for their creativity, craft, and Montana s

Montana’s music scene is alive and well — and we’re here to help you plan your nights out. Each month, we round up the biggest shows, intimate gigs, and can’t-miss events happening all across the state, from Missoula to Billings, Bozeman to Great Falls. To help you get ready, we’ve curated monthly Spotify playlists featuring tracks from artists performing across Montana. Whether you’re road-tripping to see your favorite band, discovering new talent at a cozy local bar, or jus

Garden City Brewfest – Missoula, Montana One of Montana’s most family-friendly brewfests, featuring 50+ beers and ciders, food trucks, and live music. Perfect for a spring afternoon with friends or family. Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Caras Park, 123 Carousel Dr Helena Ales for Trails – Helena, Montana A unique tasting experience featuring limited-release, small batch, and experimental beers from Montana breweries. Expect everything from

Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a Boston qualifier, Montana's race calendar offers stunning courses, welcoming communities, and events that celebrate everything from winter's deep freeze to summer's long days. This comprehensive guide covers races across the state organized by season. SPRING RACES (March - May) MARCH Run to the Pub - Bozeman Mid-March | Half Marathon, 10K Voted #2 half marathon in the U.S. by Runner's World. Run for the Luck of It - Miss

Montana offers an incredible range of experiences that keep kids engaged, curious, and connected to the great outdoors. Whether you're raising kids in Montana or planning a family vacation, this guide will help you discover the best activities, attractions, and adventures across the state. Explore Montana’s Cities with Kids Montana's cities and towns each offer their own family fun. We've created comprehensive guides to help you discover the best activities in each region. Bi

Photo by Maria Ludvigson These aren't your typical gift shops. They're thoughtfully curated boutiques — the kind of places where design, craftsmanship, and local makers meet. Here's your guide to Montana's best destinations for elevated shopping and one-of-a-kind finds. Birdie Thatcher Tucked into Missoula's SoHi neighborhood, this home goods and lifestyle shop stocks an array of objects that feel carefully hand-selected rather than ordered from a catalog: European brands yo

White Sulphur Springs, MT is not the kind of town where people expect to find craft cocktails, a speakeasy, a curated thrift store, a wine society, and a hospitality group with locations across Montana. And yet, that’s exactly what Cassie Coburn and Amber (Coburn) Updegrave have built here — two sisters who grew up in their mom’s restaurant, worked for tips through high school and college, and eventually built restaurants of their own. Amber and Cassie’s story is one that mak

Spring break doesn't have to mean airports and expensive theme parks. In Montana, families can trade the chaos for wide-open spaces, quiet cabins, and unforgettable road trips. And here's the secret: spring is actually one of the best times to explore the Treasure State. You'll find fewer crowds at popular destinations, shoulder-season pricing on lodging, and special moments you can't get any other time of year. Staycation Ideas for Families 1. Soak & Stay at a Montana Hot Sp

The biggest weekend in Montana high school swimming is here! The 2026 MHSA State Swim Meet takes place in Great Falls, bringing together the top athletes from across the state to compete for championship titles. With months of training and hard-fought victories leading up to this moment, swimmers from Great Falls High and C.M. Russell High are ready to make a splash on the state’s biggest stage. Here’s a look at the swimmers representing Great Falls at this year’s state meet

Montana may be known for its wide-open spaces and natural beauty, but when it comes to illuminating your home with style and sophistication, the state boasts several exceptional luxury lighting destinations. From historic family-owned showrooms to cutting-edge design centers, these stores offer everything from rustic elegance to contemporary mountain aesthetics. Here's your guide to the best lighting stores across Montana's major cities. Western Montana Lighting A true Mon

Richard Tieman has never met a microphone he didn't like. It's one of the first things he tells you about himself, delivered with the easy confidence of someone who's spent years performing. But the story of how a touring drummer from Spokane became the face of The F.A.N. Show —Great Falls' most recognizable sports coverage and the reason he was voted Best Entertainment for 2025—isn't the straightforward sports journalism tale you'd expect. The Musician Who Loved Sports Growi

Because Montana weather doesn't follow anyone's rules but its own. Packing for Montana isn't like packing for most destinations. Our weather has a personality—unpredictable, dramatic, and capable of throwing four seasons at you in a single day. Whether you're visiting the rolling prairies around Great Falls, exploring Glacier National Park, or experiencing the mountain towns that dot our landscape, what you pack can make the difference between a magical trip and a miserable o

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Montana comes alive with the colors and flavors of fall. From pumpkin patches to harvest festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with family and friends. Whether you’re a local or visiting, here’s your go-to guide for the best fall activities in the region. Pumpkin Patches in Montana There’s nothing quite like picking out the perfect pumpkin to kick off fall. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns or de