Spring Festivities in Yellowstone Country
Montana’s vibrant towns come alive in the spring with a lineup of events rooted in tradition and the culture of the region. Be sure to check out the following and add one to your itinerary:
Bear Creek Saloon Pig Races: Starting Memorial Day weekend, juvenile pigs race around a small oval track known as Bear Creek Downs. The event is a popular family-friendly attraction that includes legalized betting, with half of the proceeds funding local college scholarships for Carbon County high school students. The races run Thursdays - Sundays through Labor Day weekend.
Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week: Held April 27-May 3, Downtown Bozeman Association is hosting its 6th annual Restaurant Week. This seven-day event will be filled with good eats and drinks, off-menu specials, exclusive dining experiences and chances to win some fabulous prizes from local sponsors!
MSU Spring Rodeo (Bozeman): The annual four-day premier collegiate rodeo will be held April 9-12 and is hosted by Montana State University at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. As the Bobcats' only home competition, it features elite, nationally ranked college cowboys and cowgirls competing in various rodeo events, drawing massive local crowds and acting as a highlight of the Big Sky Region season.
Stillwater Balloon Rally (Columbus): The fourth annual Balloon Rally is taking place on May 29 - 31, and will feature morning launches and a "balloon glow" (balloons remain grounded but ignite their burners, creating a "candle-sticking" effect (if windy) or a full, glowing display (if calm)), with live music and food trucks, this event offers a community-focused, free-to-attend weekend attraction.
Montana BBQ Cook-Off (Absarokee): The cook-off is a premier annual Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition held in Absarokee, Montana, featuring top pitmasters from across the U.S. and Canada. Held on June 13, it features competition BBQ, live music, craft beer and local vendors.
Cooke City Sled Fest (Cooke City): The Cooke City Spring Sled Fest is an annual, late-season celebration of snowmobiling and snow-biking, held on May 15-16. Acting as a final hurrah for the season, it features big air jumping, a sled show, a bonfire and social events, raising funds for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.