It may come as a surprise to out-of-staters, but Montanans know that their state’s summer music scene is beyond compare. Showcasing every genre from country to soul, there are a variety of festivals happening this summer all across the state. We’re already stoked for summer at UPTOP, so we’ve created a list with every major Montana music festival — whether you’re looking for family events or an all-out party.

Let us know if we missed anything!

Peak to Sky Festival
Where: Big Sky, Montana
When: July 5-6, 2019
Headliners: Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Brandi Carlile, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

For two days this July, you can become an honorary member of rock’s most legendary bands. Curated by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, the first annual Peak to Sky Festival lineup features solo performances from members of wildly famous bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses and the Foo Fighters. The festival will be held under the backdrop of Lone Mountain in Big Sky, making it one of the largest performances the area has seen.

Montana Folk Festival
Where: Butte, Montana
When: July 12-14, 2019
Headliners: Garifuna Collective, Jason Samuels Smith, Rosa Tatuata, Carolyn Martin

The Montana Folk Festival is where local music, food and heritage collide with the cultures of other countries from all around the world. The festival showcases the rustic heritage of the Butte area, but also introduces festival guests to venerable genres like traditional Garifuna, Moroccan Gnawa, traditional Italian or Cuban salsa. With a schedule filled with free, family-friendly activities, travel the world without leaving the state!

Under the Big Sky
Where: Whitefish, Montana
When: July 13-14, 2019
Headliners: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Band of Horses, Dwight Yoakam

In its inaugural year, Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival is one of the newest additions to the Montana summer music schedule. The festival contributes an exciting lineup to the scene, featuring big names in folk, americana and alt rock. One important thing to note about this festival is that you must buy tickets for both days, so saddle up for a full weekend of music at the beautiful Big Mountain Ranch, just east of Whitefish.

Headwaters Country Jam
Where: Three Forks, Montana
When: June 13-15, 2019
Headliners: Big & Rich, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Atkins

What better place to celebrate country music than in the rural communities of Montana? With huge headliners from the country scene, it’s easy to love this festival for its music — but, from a wild campground setting to regular tubing trips throughout the weekend, festival-goers never end up bored at Headwaters. A variety of vendors dishing out delicious grub is just the cherry on top.



Red Ants Pants Music Festival
Where: White Sulphur Springs, Montana
When: July 25-28, 2019
Headliners: Patty Griffin, Shakey Graves, Bobby Bare, Colter Wall

Turns out, music sounds better when it’s for a good cause — and Red Ants Pants Music Festival is Montana’s proof. This family-friendly music festival is an extension of the Red Ants Pants Foundation, which supports women’s leadership and the success of working family farms, ranches and other pillars of rural, agricultural communities. Located just outside of Helena in White Sulphur Springs, Red Ants Pants Music Festival offers a full schedule of big-time music shows, fun fitness events, and activities with classic Western flair (like hay wagon rides!).

Bob Marshall Music Festival
Where: Seeley Lake, Montana
When: June 27-29, 2019
Headliners: Shinyribs, The Black Lillies, Tony Furtado Band

Great music in the great outdoors! Located in the secluded Seeley Lake area, the Bob Marshall Music Festival offers a three-day event schedule featuring music, trail runs, group hikes and food. The event is sponsored by Lewis & Clark Brewing, so you know there’ll be some good beer there, too — either way, the whole family is welcome!

Magic City Blues
Where: Billings, Montana
When:  August 2-3, 2019
Headliners: George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Postmodern Jukebox

Self-described as “Montana’s Urban Music Festival,” Magic City Blues brings in legendary acts by promoting exactly what it is  — an awesome showcase of Montana hospitality and rural charm, set in the urban streets of Billings. This festival is a series of evening shows, so expect to see a crowd of individuals only 18 years or older.

Rockin’ the Rivers
Where: Three Forks, Montana
When: August 8-10, 2019
Headliners: Pinky & the Floyd, Cheap Trick, Lou Gramm, Hinder

One of Montana’s few true rock festivals, Rockin’ the Rivers attracts a combination of authentic rock legends and cover bands so good you’d swear they were the real deal. The festival resides each year at “the bridge” near Three Forks, a scenic venue with acoustics to suit even the most world-class rockers.



Moonlight Musicfest
Where: Big Sky, Montana
When: August 16-17, 2019
Headliners: Trampled by Turtles, Blackberry Smoke, The Wood Brothers, St. Paul & The Broken Bones

Big Sky may be known for its slopes in the winter, but its events in the summer are just as phenomenal — and Moonlight Musicfest, now in its second year, is one of the finest examples. Boasting a lineup that represents everything from twangy folk to Southern soul, the festival is held at Madison Village, among the impressive mountains of the Big Sky area. Students even get a discount!

River City Roots Festival
Where: Missoula, Montana
When: TBD

The classic “welcome back” for University of Montana students, River City Roots Festival is a Montana favorite for all ages. The festival attracts more than 15,000 individuals to the heart of the community in downtown Missoula, where guests can find beer, food, activities and — of course — a main stage featuring a lineup of talented regional artists. After 14 years, this two-day free festival certainly knows the right way to have a good time.