The warmer weather and longer days broaden the array of available outdoor festivals and gatherings in Montana’s north-western Kalispell. Yet there are also a variety of annual and seasonal events occurring throughout the year in this lively community known for its arts and local fare-tinged get-togethers.
Locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy an eclectic mix of rodeos, pow-wows, live music and concerts, food-related festivals, and car shows, to name but a few. The charming Kalispell has more than enough to go around.
Some of the main annual and seasonal events are a great way to get insights into the culture and arts of the town and its surroundings. Kalispell is a great place for events in summer but it also has a few events later on in the September & October months through to year-end.
In this article, we will take a look at the best events in Kalispell you will find, so no matter when you visit you can join in on the local festivities.
Guide to the Top Events in Kalispell, Montana
Frosty the Brewfest – February
Frosty is one of Kalispell’s newest annual parties and features live music and a variety of craft breweries in a downtown location with a heated tent.
Frosty the Brewfest features the efforts of community volunteers, local sponsors, food trucks, and over 1000 attendees. Fun activities such as barrel burning and fat bike racing take place between 2 pm and 6 pm, along with live music and plenty of flowing craft brews.
The event also functions as a fundraiser for local non-profit organizations and is organized by the Kalispell Downtown Association. The next event is planned for February 4, 2023.
Kalispell 4th July Parade – July
Every year, the 4th of July Parade takes place in Downtown Kalispell. Come 10 am on Main Street, the patriotic theme of the parade proudly celebrates the famous Red, White, and Blue colors which are used to mark out the route.
The procession features horses and elaborately-decorated floats, color guards, historic vehicles, fire trucks, stilt walkers, veteran and youth groups, and bands. Kids don’t take long to pick up on the fact that many of the floats hand out free candy and other treats.
Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm – July
Get over to this 2-night, local farm event in Kalispell and catch a show by the Glacier Symphony Orchestra.
This year the event occurred on the 8th and 9th of July. Tickets and more information can be found HERE.
Arts in the Park – July
Usually around the second week in July, the Hockaday Museum of Art hosts this annual local festival for arts, crafts, and music. The event typically features close to 100 artists showcasing their work by way of paintings, ceramics, jewelry designs, and much more.
The Arts in the Park is a ticketed event with the proceeds going towards the museum’s exhibitions and programs in Depot Park. Food and beverages are available from various onsite vendors and food trucks, and there is a beer garden supplying beer and wine courtesy of the Kalispell Brewing Company and Montavino Winery.
Picnic in the Park – July
Now a 30-year tradition, the Tuesday evening concerts in the park between June and August are bigger and better than ever.
This is a free event that features concerts between 6 pm and 8 pm at Kalispell’s Depot Park. The first concert usually kicks off towards the end of June and continues until the beginning of August.
Great Bear Festival – August
The annual festival in Kalispell’s Depot Park has now passed its fifth year of operations. This is a popular festival to attend if you are interested in sampling local and regional beers, as well as a few wines and hard ciders.
There are typically more than 30 different breweries in attendance and cider makers and wineries are developing an increasing presence at the event.
This is a Kalispell-style summer festival organized by the Daybreak and Noon Rotary Clubs of the town. The event is all about beer, food, a great atmosphere, and live music.
Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo – August
For Kalispell locals and anyone passing through the town, this is one way to scoop up a concentrated dose of authentic NW Montana heritage and culture.
The NW Montana Fair & Rodeo occurs every August at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. This is one of the Kalispell region’s main events and features three nights of PRCA Rodeo action as well as commercial and regional exhibits.
On top of the rodeo event, attendees can also look forward to a concert, carnival rides, food trucks and fair cuisine, a livestock show, and a bit more besides. Most of the main events occurring over the 5 days are individually priced and ticketed, as you can see HERE.
Kalispell Farmer’s Market – May-October
A 5-month window is all the time you have to check out the best locally-sourced products of the Kalispell Farmers Market.
This annual community favorite with a lively and social atmosphere contains choice fruits & veggies, meat and dairy products, and the kind of homemade and hand-crafted goods typical of this area of Montana.
The Farmer’s Market is located in Kalispell’s Flathead Valley Community College campus in Kalispell with easy access. The market is also free to attend—so why not check out the opportunities offered by the market to get an authentic taste of the town?
Snowline Acres Christmas Market – November-December
Running annually between November 18 and December 11, the Christmas Market operates Tuesday-Sunday between 10 am and 5 pm.
The market features all the things you might want to pick up at this time of the year to help get in the festive mood like decorations, food, snacks, and gifts. For kids and young-at-heart adults, Santa usually makes an appearance at this free-entry market.
Holiday Stroll – December
Organized by the Kalispell Downtown Association, this free event features tree lighting and Christmas Carols. The annual get-together marks the official launch of the Kalispell festive season and features shopping, drinks, snacks, and live music between 5 pm and 8 pm.
Many local businesses and eateries participate in the event with decorations and festive-themed premises that add to the effect of this lively and friendly stroll through the town center.