FESTIVALS.
Play in Butte Montana
As Montana’s “Festival City,” Butte offers a multitude and growing number of free and unique festivals throughout the year. Not only do these events embody the concept of fun for the whole family, they often feature the celebrated cultural institutions and iconic adventures only experienced in Butte. Additionally, Butte’s cultural district hosts a monthly art walk, weekly farmer’s markets, and nightly music and entertainment. Whether your family and friends love the adventure of mountain biking or the sounds of zydeco music, Butte has something for everyone. Come see what you have been missing!
The list below includes major annual festivals and events. Visit Butte’s community event and entertainment calendar at www.eventsinbutte.com for other great happenings.
FARMERS' MARKET
The Butte Farmers’ Market is a summer street event that runs for 21 weeks on West Park Street in Uptown Butte Montana from May until October. Features fresh produce, live music, artists, crafts and other surprises.
FREEDOM FESTIVAL
The Freedom Festival, held each summer on July 3 and 4, includes an amazing fireworks show from the Big ‘M’, above Montana Tech, on the night of July 3. A parade on July 4 works its way from the Butte Civic Center down Harrison Avenue tops off the holiday.
BUTTE 100 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
The nationally recognized Butte 100 mountain bike race includes a 25, 50, and 100-mile all off-road race drawing professionals and amateurs alike – it is described as ‘the most difficult mountain bike race in the country’. The race starts and finishes atop Homestake Pass and travels along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
THE MONTANA FOLK FESTIVAL
The Montana Folk Festival, a spin-off of the hugely successful National Folk Festival held in Butte for three years from 2008-2010, is a FREE outdoor music festival held every second weekend of July. This much-loved and talked about festival features continuous live music on various stages for 3 days throughout Historic Uptown Butte. Did we mention that it’s free? And like NOTHING you’ve ever seen or heard.
SERB FEST
On a selected Saturday toward the beginning of August each year is the Serb Fest a celebration of Serbian food, music, beverages and dance. During the day Father Radoicich conducts tours of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church sharing church history, and the meaning of the beautiful Christian Iconography gracing the walls and ceiling of this iconic place of worship. Tours also include a sample of Church hymnography that complements our Sunday services.
LOCATION & CONTACT
2100 Continental Drive, Butte, MT 59701
406.723.7889
AN RI RA, THE MONTANA IRISH FESTIVAL
An Ri Ra, The Montana Irish Festival, held the second weekend in August at the Original Mine Yard in Uptown Butte, pays homage to those of Irish Heritage, those with an Irish state of mind, and all who love them. Music, Irish dancing, cultural classes, 5k, and outdoor Catholic Mass are just part of the great fun to be had at this family-friendly (and FREE!) event.
ST. URHO'S & ST. PATRICK'S DAY
March’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration kicks off March 16 at the East Side Athletic Club with an ode to St. Urho, Patron Saint of Finland. On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations feature an unforgettable parade and real live bagpipers in kilts. Butte has long been recognized as host to one of the country’s finest tributes to Ireland’s most famous son.
CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE
Each year on Chinese New Year Butte celebrates with the smallest, yet noisiest parade through Historic Uptown Butte. The parade is led by the Chinese dragon, a gift from the people of Taiwan, who dances and blesses businesses for success in the new year. Following the dragon are residents banging pots, pans and noise makers. The parade concludes at the Mai Wah Museum.
COVELLITE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Covellite International Film Festival screens over 100 films, features and shorts, narratives and documentaries, from all over the world every September. Come experience films, workshops, speakers, and after-parties in unique locations right in the heart of historical Uptown Butte, Montana.
CHRISTMAS STROLL
The annual Christmas Stroll is held in Uptown Butte; shops, restaurants and attractions will be decked out in their seasonal finest, complete with a parade and tree lighting ceremony. An ice-sculpting contest is held the following Saturday in Uptown Butte.
SNOFLINGA
As Montana’s winter festival, Snoflinga highlights the numerous everyday winter opportunities in the Butte area such as cross country skiing, ice-skating, ski/snowboarding, curling, fat bike expo, and our friendly walking trails. Live music, vendors and much more are on hand throughout the weekend festivities.
