Spring Events in Western Montana

Spring is in the fresh mountain air here in Western Montana. The season is full of activities and events that bring our communities together, outside and in, for some Glacier Country fun. From farmers markets to rodeos, international film festivals to outdoor concerts in the park, our events calendar is full.

SPRING EVENTS
International Wildlife Film Festival
Every year in late April, the International Wildlife Film Festival takes place at the retro Roxy Theater in Missoula. This eight-day juried event—open to the public—brings together the world’s top wildlife filmmakers, producers, scientists and conservation leaders to inspire, inform and engage audiences of all ages.

Bigfork Whitewater Festival
Spring runoff on the Swan River creates a challenging class IV section of whitewater known as the “Wild Mile” outside Bigfork. The Bigfork Whitewater Festival draws kayakers from all over the world to race down this section of the Swan River every Memorial Day Weekend, where spectators can watch riverside from a nature trail.

Forestry Day
Experience Montana’s logging heritage at Forestry Day at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. Held in late April, this event celebrates the skill and tenacity of loggers with high-energy competitions, including log rolling, pole climbing and axe throwing. Antique logging equipment exhibits and hands-on demonstrations also bring Montana’s timber history to life.

Whitefish Pond Skim
Whitefish Mountain Resort ends each ski season with a splash at the Whitefish Pond Skim. In early April, watch skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a human-made pond, avoiding zebra floaties and other obstacles—it’s outrageously entertaining!

Annual Creston Auction & County Fair
For a small-town auction experience—known for bringing in several thousand people—attend the Annual Creston Auction & Country Fair in Kalispell at the beginning of April. Auction items range from Montana-made art and goods to farm and ranch equipment, and proceeds go toward a replacement fire station for the town.

Here’s a list of these and more spring events in Glacier Country:

FARMERS MARKETS
Glacier Country hosts some of the best farmers markets in the West. Our very popular outdoor community markets are a big part of Western Montana’s allure, and a late spring (through early fall) visit to Montana isn’t complete without a trip to one of these celebrated events. Get your fix of fresh produce, local meats, cheeses and honey, plus all manner of locally-made arts and crafts. You’ll also find food trucks, coffee carts and local musicians. These community gatherings offer a chance to support local growers and artisans, and they’re a great way to experience the heart and soul of our small towns.

Mondays: Bigfork
Tuesdays: Darby, Missoula, Whitefish
Wednesdays: Bigfork, Cut Bank, Eureka, Hamilton, Trout Creek
Thursdays: Alberton, Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby, Ronan
Fridays: Polson, St. Ignatius, Troy
Saturdays: Florence, Hamilton, Hot Springs, Kalispell, Missoula, Stevensville
Sundays: Missoula, Seeley Lake

SPRING CONCERTS
Western Montana’s live music scene hits all the right notes, from a local musician bringing down the house in a legendary bar to a national act rocking a state-of-the-art stage for thousands. Imagine seeing a concert at an amphitheater on the banks of a famous river. Plan your spring getaway around a Western Montana concert, and experience the magic of live music in a mountain setting.

In Kalispell, visit the Wachholz College Center for local and national acts, plus a speakers series and National Geographic Live.
Experience live music at its best with Logjam Presents, hosting concerts at iconic venues like The Wilma, Top Hat, the Adams Center, Washington-Grizzly Stadium and KettleHouse Amphitheater in Missoula and Bonner.
Enjoy free live music in Missoula all summer long at Out to Lunch every Wednesday and Downtown Tonight every Thursday, both beginning in June.

Catch free live concerts at Kalispell’s Picnic in the Park every Tuesday evening and Wednesday lunch hour beginning in June.
Find more live music hot spots here.

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.