ANNUAL EVENTS NEAR GLACIER IN THE FLATHEAD VALLEY
// Cover Photo: 4th of July Parade, downtown Bigfork, July 4, 2021. @BentonDowns //
It may be Glacier National Park and the surrounding beauty that draws you into Flathead Valley and Montana, but it’s the annual events near Glacier and all the community that will keep you coming back year after year.
Located in Northwest Montana, the Flathead Valley consists of quaint small Montana towns, pristine mountain lakes and rivers, forested beauties of hiking trails full of wildlife and wildflowers, and community that will welcome you with open arms.
From lusciously flavored huckleberries to vibrant red cherries, locally sourced foods to handcrafted brews and spirits, and gorgeously wooded hiking and biking trails to cozy cabins and vintage campers, Northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley has it all.
But when you’re looking for true Montana experiences, ones that draw in locals and tourists alike every year, these annual events aren’t just things to do, they are events to plan a vacation around. And when planning your vacation to experience these annual events near Glacier, Bigfork, and throughout the entire Flathead Valley, be sure to book your stay with us at Flathead Lake Resort. Here, you’ll not only find a respite away from the thrill of the people and the excitement of all that is going on in the Flathead Valley, but you’ll also find a community of like-minded fellow glampers and cabin lovin’ souls that will reenergize and revitalize you for your upcoming enchanting and exhilarating days spent in Montana.
Annual Events Near Glacier in the Flathead Valley
If you want to experience all that Bigfork and the Flathead Valley has to offer, annual events, weekly farmers and artist markets, nightly live music, stunning scenery everywhere you look, no reservations needed, then get here. There’s a lot going on in the Valley. These are just a few of the big events to get you started.
Bigfork BrewFest
This is the time to experience Montana beer all in one spot. With over 20 breweries in attendance, sampling your way through Electric Avenue in Downtown Bigfork has never been so refreshing. And with live music throughout the event and tap takeovers on the Friday before, this is the place to be in March in Bigfork. Info and tickets here.
Taste of Bigfork
A Bigfork tradition of culinary celebrations, wine, and music in historic downtown Bigfork. Tickets to this very popular event do sell out, so plan ahead to enjoy some of the best in Bigfork while conversing with a community of people that may just make you never want to leave. Always the last Sunday in April, keep up-to-date and purchase tickets here.
The Wild Mile: Bigfork Whitewater Festival
A white water festival in our small town, who would have ever thought? I know we sure didn’t when we first landed here, but what a wild, epic, fun weekend this is! A weekend full of thrilling whitewater action, music events, and celebrations all throughout Bigfork. Let's get the summer started! This is the event that starts it all (Memorial Day weekend). So bring your boot-stompin, music-lovin, adventure-seekin souls to Bigfork. Free to watch, but it might just cost you if you don’t show up. So no regrets, book your stay today because this event near Glacier is one of the best. Bigfork Whitewater Festival info here.
Biking and Hiking Going-to-the-Sun-Road at Glacier
Going-to-the-Sun Road is an epic scenic drive through Glacier National Park, but in the spring it is open to bikers and hikers only (weather permitting, of course). Don’t have a bike? No worries, the crew at Flathead Lake Resort will be happy to help set you up with a bike rental (e-bikes, too).
May (weather permitting)
Information on Biking
Bigfork 4th of July Parade
Bigfork knows how to throw a party. And when it is our country’s birthday, Bigfork really knows how to celebrate. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a small town parade in all its glory, then this parade is the parade. The streets are packed with kids and adults alike, grinning from ear to ear, waving flags, and dressed in our country’s finest red, whites, and blues. People come from all over the state to celebrate in Bigfork. This is a holiday you won’t forget.
Bigfork MONTANA Rodeo
This fast-paced, high energy rodeo is one of the best rodeos around. Join in all the fun, celebrations, food, and live music all weekend long. You won’t want to miss out on this true Montana cowboy tradition. Don’t forget to pack your cowboy boots and cowboy hat for this event because here style counts just as much as the horse you ride in on. Information and Tickets
Under the Big Sky Festival Whitefish
This is THE musical event of the year. While thousands of people come to Flathead Valley to visit Glacier National Park, there are thousands more that come here for Under the Big Sky Festival. So plan ahead (a year ahead!) and book your stay with us now because hotels in Bigfork and the surrounding area will also sell out just like Big Sky does every year. With big name bands, local artists, rodeos, food vendors, and more, plan for this event just like you would plan for visiting Glacier. Information and Tickets
Polson Main Street Cherry Festival
Cherries are all the rage in the Flathead Valley and Polson knows how to celebrate these beautiful red fruits. This free event is stock full of vendors, food, arts, music, drinks, and of course, cherries. Bring your appetite for food and fun. You’ll need them both while exploring the streets of downtown Polson. Information and Schedule
Bigfork Festival of the Arts
Downtown Bigfork is at it again with its popular Festival of the Arts. This free event is world class and brimming with artistic works from paintings to sculptures, to photographic images, and so much more. With all the beauty of 150 booths surrounding you, both from Mother Nature and the artists, not to mention the food and entertainment, this annual event near Glacier is almost as gorgeous as Glacier. Information and Schedule
Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival
Annual events near Glacier must include huckleberries. And, that’s what this festival is all about. For one Saturday every year, it’s officially all about huckleberries. This means huckleberry pie, huckleberry treats, arts, crafts and music all about huckleberries. Just kidding, sort of… Seriously though, set on the shores of beautiful Swan Lake, this is a small town family out at its finest. Bring your napkins for this one. Or don’t. Blue mouths can only mean one thing at Swan Lake in August…huckleberries. Information and Schedule
The Great Bear Festival
This local festival brings in breweries, cideries, wineries, local food vendors, and musicians from all across the state of Montana. Enjoy a summer evening in Kalispell’s Depot Park tasting all that Montana has to offer. Information and Tickets
Stay with us at Flathead Lake Resort!
Whether you’re coming to visit Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, one of the annual events near Glacier, or one of the many events throughout Flathead Valley, the crew at Flathead Lake Resort are excited to host you. Click here to book your stay with us today.
The FLR Crew on a team outing at the local bowling alley. Yes, we’re that fun!
Just a few images of the fun annual events near Glacier in the Flathead Valley.