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Can’t-Miss Events in Summer 2016

As summer weekends already start filling up, be sure to make room on your calendar for these events and festivals

By Molly Priddy
The Event at Rebecca Farm. Beacon File Photo

There’s no better time to explore nature’s bounty than during summer in Northwest Montana. Rivers are fished and floated, mountains hiked, sunsets watched from lakeshores, and campfires crackle into the night.

While humans wouldn’t dare compete with that beauty, those in the Flathead Valley have found some of the best ways to complement nature’s tableau with great events to keep the summer clicking right along.

So after you’re done planning your outdoor adventures, keep some space on your calendar – there’s plenty to do.

Picnic in the Park

Kalispell | Starts June 28

For 25 years, locals and visitors alike have gathered for the Picnic in the Park Concert Series put on by the Kalispell Parks Department. Head to Depot Park each Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for live music, food and beverage offerings from local vendors, and a sense of community. Bring blanket, chair, and picnic if you please!

Lakeside Community Fair

Lakeside | July 9

The Lakeside Community Club helps fund many essential nonprofits along the West Shore of Flathead Lake, and this classic family-friendly summer event is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. Join in the fun with a parade, watermelon-eating contests, duck races, the Attic Treasures sale, silent option, bake sale, and more. For more information, visit www.lakesidecommunityclub.com.

Montana 200

Montana Raceway Park | July 14-16

The 26th annual Montana 200 is a favorite for race fans who like to listen to the revving and roaring of engines and the adrenaline rush of the race. Racers from all over the country convene for a shot at a purse worth over $50,000. The action begins Friday with qualifying, trophy dash, and heat races, and the Montana 200 race takes place Saturday. For more information, visit www.mtracewaypark.com.

Arts in the Park

Kalispell Depot Park | July 15-17

The Hockaday Museum of Art has put on the Arts in the Park festival for nearly half a century, and in that time have figured out a winning recipe of arts, crafts, music, food, and beverages, all enjoyed under the shade of the park’s big trees. More than 100 juried arts and crafts booths pop up to form a tiny, creative village. It’s also the biggest fundraiser of the year for the museum, with daily admittance running $3, a weekend for $5, and kids under 6 getting in free. For more information, visit www.hockadaymuseum.org.

The Event at Rebecca Farm

1385 Farm to Market Rd., Kalispell | July 21-24

As one of the preeminent equestrian triathlons in the global circuit, The Event at Rebecca Farm is a showcase in both horse and human excellence. Competitors tackle dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, and the audiences gets to watch for free. Parking donations are accepted, however, for the Halt Cancer at X program, which contributes thousands of dollars for breast cancer research. For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.

Heritage Days

Columbia Falls | July 27-31

Celebrate the history of Columbia Falls with a weekend full of family activities, such as a car show, farmers market, swimming, auction, rodeo, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 5K and 10K runs, a parade, a golf tournament, an arm wrestling tournament, bubble soccer, a wild horse drive, a barn dance, and much more. This year’s theme is “Coming Alive in 2016.” For more information, visit www.cfallsheritagedays.com.

Bigfork Festival of the Arts

Bigfork | Aug. 6-7

This year marks 38 years of gathering on the downtown streets in the village by the bay to celebrate art and summer, and this year’s Festival of the Arts promises another weekend of fun. Art, crafts, food, music, and more line the streets for perusal. For more information, visit www.bigforkfestivalofthearts.com.

Huckleberry Days Arts Festival

Whitefish | Aug. 12-14

As one of the fruit jewels of the Flathead – the other being the cherry – huckleberries are held in high esteem. This arts festival celebrates the delicious berry in all its forms, including a dessert bake-off contest. More than 100 artists and food vendors will be there selling and showing their wares. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.whitefishchamber.org.

Northwest Montana Fair

Fairgrounds, Kalispell | Aug. 17-21

It’s the most Montanan of summer events, spending the weekend at the fair with the family, appreciating the hard work from local artisans and 4H and FFA participants while also taking in an incredible rodeo or perhaps watching this year’s main concert event with country music superstar Trace Adkins. There’s always something happening during fair week – don’t miss out! For more information, visit www.nwmtfair.com.

Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival

Bigfork | Aug. 28 – Sept. 4

In what is becoming one of the most popular guitar music gatherings in the region, the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival pulls together some of the world’s top guitar talent for a week and has them teach workshops during the day, while performing on stage in the evenings. It’s truly an eye-opening experience, especially when students and teachers perform together. Tickets go fast, so visit www.crownguitarfest.org.

Montana Dragon Boat Festival

Lakeside | Sept. 10-11

It’s only roamed Flathead Lake for five summers this year, but the Montana Dragon Boat Festival has become a phenomenon. Thousands head to the lakeshore to watch teams of 20 race in boats 46 feet long, all to the beat of each boat’s drummer. Plenty of festivities abound, making it a great family event with plenty of access to the shops in Lakeside. For more information, visit www.montanadragonboat.com.