Sixth Annual Grateful Nation Montana 5k Run
Where: Brookside Yard, Bigfork
When: 8 a.m.
What: Celebrate those who fight for our freedom and their posterity. This organization helps children of soldiers killed while on active duty obtain an education.
How: Registration fee is $20. 278-7521.
Fourth of July Parade
Where: Downtown Kalispell
When: 10 a.m.
What: What’s a patriotic holiday without
a parade? Join the community and enjoy the music, floats, and fun. This year’s theme is “Rock the 4th, Music of America.”
How: Entry fee is $20. Lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. Entries are defined as: up to two motor vehicles, motorcycle club, equestrian group, color guard, veteran group, emergency responders, marching and community bands, and choral groups. 758-2803.
Old-Fashioned
Ice Cream Social
Where: Conrad Mansion Museum, Kalispell
When: 11 a.m.
What: Enjoy free ice cream provided by Sykes Diner and Norm’s News, face painting, music, and the Conrad Mansion grounds.
How: Ice cream will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Porteus BBQ lunch available for purchase.
Bigfork’s Fourth of July Parade and Fire Department BBQ
Where: Downtown Bigfork
When: 12 p.m.
What: Patriotic horses, clowns, fire trucks, and floats of all designs converge on downtown Bigfork for a parade that is proclaimed, year after year, to be the best in the Flathead.
How: Parking will be available in the high school lot. No advance registration is needed to be in the parade. Lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. Participants are advised to dress festively and to consider the theme “Celebrating America’s Small Towns.”
July Fourth Parade
Where: Downtown Polson
When: 12 p.m.
What: Join the community to celebrate our country’s freedom with style and spirit.
How: Find the entry form online at www.polsonchamber.com. Return completed form to Polson Chamber office by July 3. 883-5969.
Polebridge Fourth of July Parade
Where: Main Street
When: 12 p.m.
What: There’s nothing like celebrating our country’s independence in the shadow of the majestic Glacier National Park.
How: To participate in the parade, arrive around 10 a.m. 858-0264.
Red, White, and BOOM
Where: Indian Springs Golf Course, Eureka
When: 2 p.m.
What: This family-friendly event features live music by Jones and Fischer, a kid zone for the little ones, lip synch battles, and an epic fireworks show to cap the night off.
Fourth of July Boat Parade Flathead Lake
Where: Meet by the Lakeside boat launch
When: 4 p.m.
What: Dress your boat and yourself in red, white, and blue to show the valley how patriotic you are. A BBQ dinner and fireworks will follow the boat parade.
How: For more information or to be in the parade, call Holly Larson at 270-2317.
Fireworks from the Sky Bar
Where: Casey’s Bar Skybar, Whitefish
When: 8:30 p.m.
What: Spectacular view and buffet. First alcoholic drink free, all non-alcoholic drinks free.
How: Tickets $40 to $225. Buy online. Reserved seating from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
July Fourth Celebration
Where: Lone Pine State Park overlook, Kalispell
When: 9 p.m.
What: The park is open until 11:30 p.m. so families can watch all the fireworks in the valley from this vantage point. Face painting available.
Fireworks Cruise on the Shadow
Where: KwaTaqNuk Resort, Polson
When: 9 p.m.
What: Enjoy the show from the lake in style. Music, full cash bar, and hors d’oeuvre buffet.
How: $50. Find tickets online at www.kwataqnuk.com Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks Kayak Paddle
Where: Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Lakeside
When: 9:30 p.m.
What: Rent a paddle board and join the float to watch the Lakeside fireworks from the lake.
How: First come, first served. $60. 249-1153.
IndepenDANCE at the RAVEn
Where: The Raven, Woods Bay
When: 10 p.m.
What: Nicholas Minaj, Easy Street, and DJ ERP bring beach party vibes to Flathead Lake to celebrate Independence Day with a full light show. Enjoy drink specials from New Belgium Brewing and Whistling Andy Distilling.
July Fourth Fireworks on Whitefish Lake
Where: City Beach, Whitefish
When: 10:30 p.m.
What: Watch the fireworks show from anywhere around the lake or gather for the family-friendly party at city beach.
How: Free shuttle from the O’Shaughnessy Center from 7 to 11 p.m. Compliments of Eagle Transit. 862-3501.
Five Best Ways to Watch Fireworks in the Flathead
Rent a paddleboard from Paddle Board Outfitters, in Somers and Lakeside, or Paddlefish Paddleboards, in Whitefish. No better way to see the fireworks than to be in the water. We recommend the 24-hour rentals—that way you can do some paddling before the show.
Casey’s Sky Bar, Whitefish. Enjoy a cocktail with the fireworks—we recommend the Going-to-the-Sun, made with grapefruit vodka. Reserve a seat or a table at the Sky Bar
Kayak paddle with Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Lakeside. Get back in the water for the best seat in the house. Reserve a spot with this guided group kayak.
Lone Pine State Park Overlook, Kalispell. Catch all of the fireworks shows from this lookout, which will stay open until 11:30 to cater to the shows.
Sitting at City Beach or Les Mason State Park, Whitefish. Nothing says Fourth of July like a community watching the fireworks together at the local beach. The excitement will be as visible as the fireworks.
Fourth of July Weekend
Monster Trucks and Huge Spectacular Fireworks Show
Where: Montana Raceway Park, Kalispell
When: July 1,2, 8 p.m.
What: Celebrate big and loud with giant monster trucks and a fireworks display.
How: Adult tickets, $18. Kids, $14. Ages three and under are free. 257-7723.
Rave, White, and Blue with DJ Richard Fraioli
Where: Casey’s Bar, Whitefish
When: July 1, 2, 10 p.m.
What: Hailing from Boston, Richard Fraioli performs at clubs across the country and has played Ultra Music Festival.
How: $10, at the door.
Independence Weekend
Where: Sacajawea Park, Polson
When: July 3, 6 p.m.
What: The biggest show in lake history will feature Nashville recording star Jared Blake with special guests Mabels Rage and Highway 93. Grand fireworks show to follow.