Funky Festivals & Ethnic Experience

With a natural landscape as stunning as Montana's, it's no wonder this rich western environment serves as fertile soil for arts, culture, and offbeat festivals to flourish. Denizens and savvy travelers alike move outside in the summer and early autumn to revel under the Big Sky's inspiring orb.

Here is a sampler of true grit, Montana-crafted celebrations to help you and your readers tap into the cultural pulse of this powerful place.

Western Rendezvous of Art
August 20-23, 2009
Helena, MT
Painters, potters, sculptors and creators of all ilks converge on the historic streets of Helena for a left-brained celebration of all things inspired. The Rendezvous has been a champion of Montana history as well as fostering the state's best new contemporary art for over 30 years.

Crow Fair and Rodeo
August 13-17, 2009
Crow Agency, MT
Celebrate with original Big Sky natives and get a glimpse into the heritage and history of Montana's First Nations. The Crow Fair is one of the largest modern day Native American encampments in the U.S. and is the largest gathering for the Apsaalooke Nation. In addition to the sacred powwow, there are daily parades and an all-Indian rodeo.

River City Roots Fest
August 29-30, 2009
Missoula, MT
Do as the locals by throwing your kayak on your bike trailer and pedaling down to Caras Park in downtown Missoula. Enjoy two days of foot-stompin' music, locally grown foods and a few laps on Brennan's Wave (a man-made whitewater park on the adjacent Clark Fork River). Additionally there are artist exhibits and children's activities to keep the big and little kids grinning.

What the Hay
September 13, 2009
Utica, MT
Fine art meets fine ranching. Inspired local agrarians create massive hay-bale sculptures with titles like: Cook-Hay Monster, Hay-lery Clinton and Har-Hay Davidson. Tour the 20-mile exhibit through central Montana's amber landscape.

Libby Nordicfest
September 11-13, 2009
Libby, MT
Grab your favorite Scandinavian (and rucksack of lutefisk) and head to the spirited burg of Libby, nestled in the Cabinet Mountains next to the rushing Kootenai River. Libby celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with a Fjord Horse Show, a parade and a healthy dose of lefsa. Uffda!