By MOLLY PRIDDY for the Flathead Beacon Newspaper
Summer in the Flathead is a crazy-busy time, and with so much to do, it can be daunting to figure out what your next adventure should be.
Here’s a list of 10 of the most-popular events in the Flathead in the summer, so mark your calendar before it fills up. For everyday activities, live music and more, visit www.flatheadevents.net.
Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival and Workshop
Bigfork | Aug. 24 – 31
A weeklong workshop and festival with some of the biggest names in the guitar world, the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation’s annual event keeps getting bigger. Be sure to check out the lineup for the public concerts and workshop availability at cocguitarfoundation.org.
Huckleberry Days
Whitefish | Aug. 8 – 10
This art festival takes over Depot Park each year with more than 100 artists and food vendors, and the ever-popular huckleberry dessert bake-off contest. For entry information, visit whitefishchamber.org.
Photo courtesy of the Flathead Beacon Newspaper.
Farmers Markets
Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork,
Columbia Falls, West Glacier | All summer
Fresh produce and local goods, all under the summer Flathead sky.
Kalispell: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Flathead Valley Community College
Whitefish: Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., north end of Central Avenue
Bigfork: Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 8098 Highway 35. First market on June 4.
Columbia Falls: Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Pinewood Park. Starting in June.
West Glacier: Friday afternoons, tentatively starting in late June.
Kalispell | Starting June 24
Each Tuesday evening, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Wednesday afternoon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., bring your picnic basket and blanket down to Depot Park and jam out to the summer concert series. Don’t worry if you forget your basket – there are plenty of food vendors as well.
The Event at Rebecca Farm
1385 Farm to Market Rd., Kalispell
July 24 – 27
The Event is one of the largest equestrian triathlons in North America, featuring dressage, cross country and show jumping from some of the finest athletes – both human and horse – the sport has to offer. It’s a free spectator event with a $5 suggested parking donation to help fund the Halt Cancer at X organization. Visit www.rebeccafarm.org for scheduling information.
Montana 200
Montana Raceway Park
July 17 – 19
The 24th annual Montana 200 draws racing fans and some of the best drivers from around the region for this three-day event. The main race takes place July 19, with practice and qualifying races in the two days prior. For more info, visit montanaracewaypark.com.
Lakeside Community Fair
Lakeside | July 12
Activities for this annual event include the 5K and 10K races, a parade, the arts and crafts booths, attic treasures, a bake sale, a watermelon-eating contest, a pancake breakfast, a silent auction, split the pot, duck races, and dog-jumping contest. Proceeds benefit nonprofits serving the west shore communities, through the Lakeside Community Club. For more information, visit lakeside-community-mt.com.
Arts in the Park
Kalispell | July 18 – 20
A major fundraising event for the Hockaday Museum of Art, Arts in the Park is in its 46th season and offers more than 100 booths for artists and artisans to showcase their wares. Live music, food and beverages make this the perfect summer outing. Visit hockadaymuseum.org for more info.
36th Annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts
Bigfork | Aug. 2 – 3
Stop by this historic festival in the village by the bay for artists, vendors, crafts, food and music in a setting only Bigfork can offer. This festival hasn’t been around for almost 40 years for nothing. Check it out at bigforkfestivalofthearts.com.
Heritage Days
Columbia Falls | July 23 – 27
One of the biggest events of the year for Columbia Falls, Heritage Days celebrates the town’s roots while also enjoying its present. Activities include a parade, a basketball tournament, live music, dancing, auctions, a car show and more. Visit cfallsheritagedays.com for more info.
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