August in Southwest Montana is a time of vibrant community gatherings, breathtaking scenery, and endless summer fun fit for the whole family. From music and rodeos to art and outdoor adventures, there's a festival or event for every interest. As the dog days of summer have begun to set it, get ready to explore the best of summer in Bozeman, Townsend, Ennis, Livingston, and Big Sky!
Bozeman: The Heart of the Action
Bozeman continues its summer excitement with a full slate of events. The primary event to catch this month is the Bozeman Stampede (August 7-9), an action-packed PRCA sanctioned rodeo at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds that showcases western traditions. It’s a true taste of Montana heritage you won't want to miss full of professional cowgirls and cowboys demonstrating the best-of-the-best talent in the country.
The MSU Community Cat Walk 2025 (August 15) brings Bobcat supporters, students, athletes, and Montana State's new President, Brock Tessman, to walk downtown Bozeman and create "Bobcat Buzz" ahead of the start of the fall semester. Later in the month, step back in time at the Bozeman Renaissance Festival (August 23-24) at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, a festive event with jousting, medieval crafts, and live entertainment. If you haven't had your fill of weekly events, the Bozeman Farmers' Market at Lindley Park features local produce, crafts, and food trucks every Tuesday beginning at 5 PM.
Townsend: Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Fun
Experience classic Montana fair fun at the Broadwater County Fair and Rodeo (August 7-10) in Townsend. This event is a true community staple, offering everything from NRA rodeo performances to local exhibits and 4H livestock competitions. Don't forget to get your carnival food truck fill, and head down Broadway Street Saturday night for the fun street dance after the rodeo.
As summer winds down, catch a free performance of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' (August 31) iconic Henry V at Heritage Park. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets full of snacks to enjoy this wonderful summertime tradition hosted by the longstanding troupe that travels all across Montana.
Ennis: The Fly-Fishing Hub
Nestled in the heart of the Madison River Valley, Ennis is a haven for anglers and outdoor lovers. While the Hunters Rendezvous has passed, the month's highlight is the Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival (August 23), a fantastic event in Peter T's Park with speakers, demonstrations, and vendors sharing the best in fly-fishing gear and outdoor adventures.
Livingston: A Historic Town with a Creative Spirit
Livingston offers a mix of music and Western heritage this month. The NRA sanctioned Calamity's Classic Rodeo (August 16-17) brings thrilling rodeo action to the Park County Fairgrounds. Music fans can catch boatloads of concerts with plenty of tickets available at the Old Saloon in Emigrant, including Midland (August 15). For those who enjoy art and local crafts, the Livingston Art Walks take place every 4th Friday and the Livingston Farmers Market is every Wednesday.
Big Sky: Mountain Majesty and Melodies
While the Wildlands Festival and the PBR Classic have already concluded as the summer up the mountain begins to slow down earlier than other places, Big Sky provides a stunning backdrop for some of the area's most popular weekly events. Enjoy the Big Sky Farmers Market, which runs every Wednesday and is a great place to find local produce and artisan goods; pro-tip: Flathead Cherries and Wild Huckleberries have made there way around to the farmers' markets and I HIGHLY recommend them. The free Music in the Mountains concert series is also a summer favorite, bringing great live music to Len Hill Park on Thursday evenings.
With so much to see and do, the rest of August in Southwest Montana is an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check event websites for the most up-to-date information on schedules, tickets, and locations. Share your favorite August adventures with me in the comments!
Rebecca Quackenbush
REALTOR®, SRES
406.580.2307
rebecca@eralandmark.com
1805 W Dickerson St, Ste 1
Bozeman, MT 59715
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