Mia Lennon
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Tucked between mountain ridges and open skies, Big Sky, Montana, blends raw natural beauty with a deep appreciation for culture, community, and adventure. And nowhere is that blend more evident than in its full calendar of outdoor events. From adrenaline-pumping races and rodeos to culinary festivals and live music, Big Sky offers a steady rhythm of celebrations that make each season feel uniquely alive.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking to purchase your own mountain retreat, here's a closer look at the festivals and gatherings that define the Big Sky experience.
Big Sky Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from June to September
Big Sky Town Center
Every summertime visit to Big Sky must include a stroll through the Big Sky Farmers Market. Held every Wednesday in the community's Town Center, this lively market offers more than just produce—think handcrafted goods, artisan foods, local artwork, live music, and mountain-town charm in every stall. In all, more than 100 vendors partake in this weekly celebration of all things local, fresh, and vibrant.
Music in the Mountains
Every Thursday from June to September
Len Hill Park
If summer had a soundtrack in Big Sky, it would be coming from the Center Stage at Len Hill Park. Every Thursday from late June through early September, the town gathers for Music in the Mountains—a free outdoor concert series featuring nationally touring acts and rising regional talent.
This year's concert series kicks off at the end of June, and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, grab a bite from a local vendor, and settle in as the sun dips behind the peaks, and the music rises from the heart of Big Sky. Past lineups have included everything from indie folk to bluegrass to funk, always curated to match the easy, high-country vibe of a Big Sky summer.
Savor Big Sky
June 26-29, 2025
Big Sky Resort
For those who prefer their excitement with a wine glass in hand, June brings one of Big Sky's most elegant weekends—Savor Big Sky. Hosted by Big Sky Resort, this multi-day celebration of food, wine, and spirits pairs world-class tastings with spectacular views.
A surprisingly large portion of the event takes place outdoors, eschewing a typical restaurant setting. Attendees can participate in mountaintop brunches, intimate winemaker dinners, and grand tastings featuring local purveyors and acclaimed chefs. It's a sophisticated yet laid-back event that captures the essence of mountain luxury—enjoying good food, great company, and unforgettable scenery.
Big Sky's Biggest Week
July 11-19, 2025
Big Sky Events Arena, Big Sky Golf Course
July marks the arrival of what many locals refer to as "the most exciting week of the year." From July 10–19, Big Sky's Biggest Week celebrates the best of the American West with rodeos, horse sales, concerts, trail races, and, of course, the Professional Bull Riders Challenger Series event—Big Sky PBR. Those more keen on non-Western endeavors will appreciate the week's trail run and golf outing.
Here's a quick look at this year's Biggest Week event lineup and standout events during this vibrant stretch:
- Big Sky Community Rodeo (July 11): A beloved tradition, this event combines family-friendly rodeo fun with high-level competition. Expect bareback broncs, breakaway roping, and barrel racing in a lively atmosphere.
- Montana's Premier Horse Sale (July 12): More than just a sale, this is a show of top-tier horsemanship, with expertly trained horses ready for their next chapter. It's a favorite among Western aficionados.
- Running of the Bulls (July 13): Don't worry—no real bulls here. This trail race features 5K, 11K, and 21K routes, with Lone Peak as the breathtaking backdrop.
- PBR Golf Tournament (July 16): Held at the Big Sky Golf Course, this charity tournament supports the Western Sports Foundation and offers a relaxing (and scenic) way to support a great cause.
- Big Sky PBR & Concerts (July 17–19): The crown jewel of the week. Nightly bull riding events, followed by high-energy concerts under the stars. Past performers include Chancey Williams and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Wildlands Festival
August 1-2, 2025
Big Sky Events Arena
Big Sky's event calendar isn't just about entertainment—it's also about purpose. The annual Wildlands Festival is a two-night benefit concert that supports environmental conservation efforts across the West, with 2025's beneficiaries being American Rivers and the Center for Large Landscape Conservation.
Held in the Big Sky Events Arena, this year's headliners include Dave Matthews with supporting artists Lukas Nelson and Molly Tuttle. A continuation of the region's longtime commitment to the arts, mountain advocacy, and tight sense of community, this is a weekend you surely do not want to miss.
Big Sky Biggie & The Rut
Athletes and outdoor lovers have their pick of world-class events in Big Sky each year.
Big Sky Biggie
August 23, 2025
Big Sky Town Center (Start/Finish)
A premiere mountain biking race, the Big Sky Biggie offers a range of courses from a 15-mile recreational ride to a grueling 60-mile endurance route. With elevation gains, tight switchbacks, and jaw-dropping views, it's both a test and a thrill.
The Rut
September 12-14, 2025
Big Sky Resort (Start/Finish)
An even bigger test of wills and a bucket-list race for trail runners, The Rut is a three-day mountain run that draws elite athletes from around the globe. Events range from a vertical 5K run/climb to distances of 11K, 21K, and 28K, as well as rugged 50K and 84K runs that feature vertical gains of 10,500 feet and 21,500 feet, respectively. There's even a free Runt Run 1K for kids who aspire to one day tame Big Sky's mountain peaks. It's one of the most scenic—and brutal—trail races in the U.S.
Big Sky Oktoberfest
September 26-28, 2025
Big Sky Town Center
As the air turns crisp and the Aspens turn gold, Big Sky ushers in fall with a toast. Big Sky Oktoberfest brings Bavarian charm to the Rockies with authentic beer, brats, and oompah bands. Held in September, the three-day celebration also boasts traditional German games and a 2-mile Lederhosen Fun Run. It's a festive send-off to summer and a great excuse to break out your favorite stein and enjoy some old-world fun.
Skijoring in Big Sky
February 2026
Big Sky Town Center
Every winter, thrill-seekers descend on Big Sky for one of the most uniquely Western events in the Rockies: Big Sky Skijoring. If you've never seen it, imagine a skier being pulled at high speed by a galloping horse through a snow-packed obstacle course, complete with jumps and tight turns. It's as exhilarating as it sounds—and it's all part of the Big Sky Skijoring Association's annual showcase.
Beyond the sport itself, the event is a celebration of Montana's deep cowboy roots, with spectators lining the snowy banks, hot drinks in hand, cheering on competitors in this mash-up of rodeo grit and alpine daring.
Explore More of What Big Sky has to Offer with Mia Lennon
Big Sky's event scene is as diverse and dynamic as the landscape itself. Whether you're carving snowy trails behind a galloping horse, sipping wine on a sun-drenched patio, dancing under alpine skies, or racing up the side of Lone Peak, the spirit of Big Sky is always in motion.
If you're interested in discovering even more of what this Rocky Mountain gem has to offer, contact Mia Lennon today to begin your Big Sky real estate journey.