Planning a Summer in Big Sky? Start With These Events
In the mountains, summer happens in a blink. One weekend rolls into the next until suddenly you’re standing in Town Center holding a huckleberry pastry, wondering how August arrived so quickly. Locals know better than to let the season pass unnoticed, building summers around river races, rodeos, concerts, and festivals set against a Lone Mountain backdrop. At The Wilson Hotel, you’re minutes from the best summer events in Big Sky, Montana. Here’s where to start:
Gallatin Whitewater Festival | June 27
By late June, the Gallatin River has something to say.
Snowmelt barrels through the canyon, kayakers shoulder boats toward the water, and spectators line the banks near House Rock, cheering through slalom races and whitewater sprints with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for stadium sports.
Even if you’ve never held a paddle, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the river that shapes this place.
Big Sky Road Race & Fourth of July Fun Run | July 4
Not everyone arrives at the starting line looking to set a personal record.
Some show up in red, white, and blue tutus. Some push strollers. Others jog alongside dogs in patriotic bandanas. The Big Sky Road Race brings everyone together. Hang around afterward for the coffee, treats, and the family-friendly activities that give small-town celebrations their staying power.
Big Sky Community Rodeo | July 10
If you’re here to get a little dust on your boots, make plans for the Big Sky Community Rodeo, the ultimate embodiment of Old West culture. Watch as Montana State University’s rising rodeo athletes compete in rodeo disciplines like barrel racing, steer wrestling, bull riding, and breakaway roping, continuing a tradition deeply rooted in Montana.
Big Sky PBR | July 9–18
There’s a reason the Big Sky PBR has been voted Event of the Year by professional bull riders for twelve years running. More than 30,000 people gather for three nights of elite competition and a full week of festivities, including trail races, Mutton Bustin', community bingo nights, golf tournaments, and the new Golden Buckle Culinary Experience, where James Beard Award winners and Top Chef contenders serve up elevated, rodeo-inspired dining.
Big Sky Artisan Festival | July 18
Lone Peak Drive transforms into an open-air gallery filled with painters, potters, photographers, jewelers, and craftspeople from across the region.
It’s an event where you arrive planning to browse and leave wondering how you’ll fit another handmade ceramic bowl into your suitcase.
Big Sky Farmers Market | Wednesdays, June–September
Among the most beloved events in Town Center, each week more than 150 vendors arrive with fresh produce, local honey, handmade jewelry, baked goods, and sourdough you smell before you spot it.
Just don’t expect to be in and out. The market has a tendency to derail even the best-laid plans in favor of one more song, one more lap, and one more bag of kettle corn for your walk back.
Wildlands Music | July 31–August 1
You could watch Carrie Underwood in an arena. Or you could watch her with Lone Mountain rising behind the stage.
Joined by LeAnn Rimes, Riley Green, and Kaitlin Butts, the lineup makes a compelling case for planning your summer around this particular weekend.
Wildlands has also raised millions for conservation efforts across the Greater Yellowstone region, ensuring the landscapes that inspire the festival remain protected for generations to come.
Big Sky Biggie | August 22
Once a year, riders enjoy access to routes that spend the rest of the year behind private gates, winding their way across some of the Mountain West’s most coveted terrain, all while raising funds for the trails that make their passion possible.
At the finish line: bison burgers and a beer tent. As far as rewards go, it’s hard to argue with that combination.
Rut Mountain Runs | September 10–13
The Rut is serious about not taking itself too seriously.
Yes, the races are demanding, drawing athletes from around the world to tackle dramatic climbs and exposed ridgelines.
But this is also an event where runners receive free tattoos at the finish line, prize money arrives in one-dollar bills, and elk bugles signal the start of the races. Weird in all the right ways.
Big Sky Oktoberfest | September 18–20
Big Sky Oktoberfest embraces tradition with a Montana accent. Expect the classics: stein-holding contests, bratwurst, and a Hammerschlagen competition that’ll naturally get competitive. Come thirsty.
Big Sky Food & Wine Festival | September 24–26
At the close of summer comes one final gathering around the table.
Big Sky Food & Wine Festival attracts acclaimed chefs, celebrated winemakers, and curious diners for a weekend of open-air tastings, demonstrations, live music, and peak flavor. Mountain air has a way of sharpening the appetite, and, with a backdrop like this, “savor the moment” takes on a whole new meaning.
Big Sky, Montana: Where to Stay This Summer
With a calendar stuffed with events in Big Sky, MT, consider this your invitation to stay somewhere that feels connected to the season. The Wilson’s vacation packages make it easier to settle in for the moments you’re planning around and the ones you stumble upon along the way.
If your travels coincide with Independence Day, take advantage of our Red, White & Big Sky offer, featuring special rates for stays between June 28 and July 7. Because some weekends deserve a little extra time.