The Music of Your Perfect Montana Summer
June 2026
Article by Hannah Olson
Summer in Montana doesn’t just come with longer days and wide-open skies. It comes with a soundtrack. It’s in the hum of a guitar drifting through an open downtown window, the pulse of a bassline across a wide field, the hush before a symphony note carries into the evening air. From mountain amphitheaters and ranch-side stages to small-town streets filled with song, live music stretches across the state in a way that feels both expansive and deeply personal.
One weekend might find you dancing in a field in White Sulphur Springs, the next listening to a songwriter share stories in Red Lodge, or catching a headliner at Under the Big Sky in Whitefish. What emerged is more than a collection of events. It’s a true summer music circuit. A trail of festivals, venues, and experiences that invite you to explore Montana one show at a time.
Whether you’re chasing big-name acts, discovering local talent, or simply looking for a reason to hit the road, this guide is your invitation to follow the sound all season long.
Featured Stops on the Montana Music Trail
Red Ants Pants Music Festival | White Sulphur Springs
There are music festivals, and then there are gatherings that feel like Montana itself. The Red Ants Pants Music Festival is the latter. Founded in 2011 by Sarah Calhoun, owner of the Red Ants Pants Company, this entirely independent, women-run event has grown from a bold idea into one of the state’s most beloved summer traditions, all while staying deeply rooted in purpose.
Set in a working cow pasture on the Jackson Ranch and framed by the Big Belt, Little Belt, and Castle Mountains, the festival is as breathtaking as it is meaningful. A tight-knit crew, hundreds of volunteers, and a shared belief in community power. Proceeds support the Red Ants Pants Foundation, which has contributed more than $210,000 in grants across Montana, advancing women’s leadership, supporting working family farms and ranches, and strengthening rural communities.
The 2026 lineup reflects that same spirit, bringing together legends and rising voices alike, with artists like Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Molly Tuttle, and Sara Evans set to take the stage. But beyond the music, it’s the feeling that lingers: neighbors becoming friends, stories shared across campfires, and a wide-open sky filled with sound.
Montana Folk Festival | Butte
To experience the heartbeat of tradition, history, and culture all in one place, Butte in July is where to be. The Montana Folk Festival, held the second full weekend of July, is one of the largest free outdoor music festivals in the Northwest, and it carries a legacy that runs deep.
Born from the National Folk Festival, the Montana Folk Festival has continued that legacy since 201, bringing together more than 200 musicians, dancers, and craftspeople from across the nation. Six stages come alive with continuous performances, from intimate sets to amphitheater-scale shows, all set within Butte’s historic mining district.
Beyond the music, the experience expands into a full cultural immersion. A dance pavilion invites participation, a family stage welcomes all ages, and festival marketplaces showcase traditional artists, including Native makers in the First Peoples’ Market. With tens of thousands of attendees each year and a lasting economic and cultural impact, this is more than a festival; it’s a living expression of heritage and community.
Red Lodge Songwriter Festival | Red Lodge
Tucked at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge becomes something special each June. For three days, music doesn’t just fill the air; it moves through the streets, spilling out of cafés, bars, and theaters, turning the entire town into a stage.
The Red Lodge Songwriter Festival is a celebration of the craft at its most personal. With more than 20 songwriters performing across eight venues in over 50 shows, the experience feels intimate, intentional, and deeply human. Artists from Nashville, Montana, and beyond don’t just perform; they share the stories behind their songs, creating a connection that’s as meaningful as the music itself.
It’s the kind of weekend where you follow your ears down a side street, step into a room, and stay longer than you planned, where every performance feels like it was meant just for you.
These featured festivals may anchor the journey, but they’re just the beginning. Across Montana, the summer calendar is filled with live music experiences—big and small—that keep the rhythm going all season long.
More Stops Along the Montana Music Trail
Major Festivals
Under the Big Sky Festival
Dates: July 17–19, 2026
Location: Whitefish
A premier multi-day festival set at Big Mountain Ranch featuring major acts like Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks, and Zach Top. Blends outlaw country, folk, indie rock, and bluegrass across multiple stages in a stunning mountain setting.
Headwaters Country Jam
Dates: July 23–25, 2026
Location: Three Forks
A high-energy three-day country festival with artists like Clint Black, Wyatt Flores, and Gavin Adcock. Expect dancing, camping, and a classic Montana summer concert experience.
Wildlands Festival
Dates: July 31–August 1, 2026
Location: Big Sky
A large-scale country music festival featuring major headliners like Carrie Underwood and Riley Green, set against the backdrop of Montana’s premier resort destination.
Sweet Pea Festival
Dates: August 7–9, 2026
Location: Bozeman
A beloved arts and music festival combining live performances, dance, visual arts, and community celebration. One of Montana’s longest-running and most impactful cultural events.
Zootown Festival
Dates: June 19–20, 2026
Location: Missoula
A two-day festival blending live music with outdoor recreation and community experiences, featuring nationally recognized acts like The Lumineers and The Chicks.
Old Salt Festival
Dates: June 19–21, 2026
Location: Helena
Held at Mannix Family Ranch, this festival combines live music with Montana ranch culture, food, and outdoor experiences in a unique rural setting.
Livingston Songwriter Festival
Dates: October 1–3, 2026
Location: Livingston
A fall counterpart to Red Lodge’s event, showcasing singer-songwriters in intimate venues with a focus on storytelling and acoustic performance.
Major Outdoor Music Venues (Seasonal Programming)
KettleHouse Amphitheater
Dates: Various (summer season)
Location: Bonner (near Missoula)
A top-tier outdoor amphitheater hosting national touring acts like Dierks Bentley, Ziggy Marley, and Turnpike Troubadours in a scenic riverside setting.
Pine Creek Lodge
Dates: Various (summer season)
Location: Livingston
A laid-back outdoor venue nestled in the mountains, featuring bluegrass, Americana, rock, and Montana favorites in an intimate, under-the-stars atmosphere.
Big Sky Events Arena
Dates: Various (summer season)
Location: Big Sky
A large outdoor venue that hosts major concerts and festivals, including Wildlands Festival, combining big-name acts with a resort-style experience.
ZooMontana Amphitheater
Dates: Various (summer season)
Location: Billings
A family-friendly outdoor venue offering concerts and community music events in a relaxed, scenic setting.
MetraPark Outdoor Grounds
Dates: Various
Location: Billings
Hosts large festivals like Magic City Blues and other outdoor concerts, accommodating big crowds and multi-stage events.
Lindley Park
Dates: Various (including Sweet Pea Festival)
Location: Bozeman
A central outdoor gathering space for music festivals and summer performances.
Originally printed in the June 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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