The Festivals & Events of Montana

Food, Film, and Folks in Big Sky Country

It’s always a party in Montana. Throughout Big Sky Country, hungry, happy and honky-tonking visitors find everything from food and wine festivals to rodeos and film festivities.

This spring, make your way to the scenic city of Great Falls for the annual Wine and Food Festival in early March. Attendees are met with dancing and live music, a killer breakfast menu, and more than 100 beers, wines and other refreshments. Still thirsty? Head to Montana State University in the late spring for the MSU Billings Wine and Food Festival – a celebration of domestic wine and gourmet food up for tastings, auction, and sale.

Even film fans find haven in Montana. Helena is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival, celebrated in mid January, and when you just so happen to have the day off. Later in the year, the cultural hub that is Missoula hosts the Montana CINE International Film Festival in mid October. Don’t miss special screenings and discussions of films with a focus on social and environmental issues right in Historic Roxy Theater – set on the Hip Strip in downtown Missoula.

For more Montana happenings, check out the cultural and music festivals of Big Sky Country. Whether an avid skier, aficionado of the Old West, or a fan of folk music, Montana has your answer somewhere on its busy calendar.

Winter & Western Festivals:

Montana is an active state, and more often than not, includes its western heritage in its many annual festivities. Here’s hoping you like the cold, because we’re attending the Wild West Winterfest and the Yellowstone Ski Festival.

Kick off your holiday celebrations with the Yellowstone Ski Festival – a staple of West Yellowstone’s event calendar. Cross-country skiers flock to West Yellowstone for a zip down the Rendezvous Trail System, not to mention the lectures, exhibits and clinics of the Fall Camp Nordic Ski. Cap off your getaway with the Yellowstone Ski Festival – complete with food and children’s activities – and maybe try your hand in some night skiing. Cozy up with come cocoa at one of the the Best Western hotels in West Yellowstone, and don’t forget you’re but a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park.

Set in Bozeman, the Wild West Winterfest is a Montana celebration if ever there was one. A fun mid February weekend, this festival features beer, wine, food and many a show and sale. Check out the Dog Keg Pull, the Children’s Art Show, and the All Breed Horse Sale, and enjoy some leisure time with the family at the petting zoo or the chili cook-off. Hayrides, car races, and live music, nothing beats the Wild West Winterfest – all just minutes from the Best Western hotel in Bozeman.

For those with thin blood, head to Kalispell in mid August for the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo. You can check out the many RAM PRCA Rodeos from the Grandstands, or saddle up for some pig wrestling, horse races, and even a demolition derby. Each year famed music acts headline the Northwest Montana Fair, so enjoy a night out in the warm air of Montana in the summer. Don’t miss the Great American Pie Contest, a make sure you get a good seat at the Fair Parade along Main Street – all a few miles north of the Best Western hotel in Kalispell.

Music & Folk Festivals:

Montana should sound like music to your ears – and it soon will. If you’re traveling through Big Sky Country in the late summer, get ready for some craft markets, beer sampling, and all things audible.

Don’t miss nearly 300 artisans doing their thing in Butte at the Montana Folk Festival – a lively, three-day celebration happening in mid July. Fill up at the Montana Folk Festival food court, stroll through one of two marketplaces, and sample your way through beer and wine. Get your ears ready for cowboy poetry, storytelling, and nightly concerts in Uptown Butte Historic District. This free event is just minutes from the Best Western hotel in Butte – so shop up, and unload your new treasures back at your room.

A mid September celebration, the Music On Wings Bluegrass Festival is a pride of Miles City. The celebration starts off with open-mic jam sessions, allowing any attending bluegrass musician to hop on stage and show off. Sign up for vocal and instrumental workshops, or just enjoy the many gospel, country, and of course bluegrass concerts in heavy rotation throughout the weekend. Enjoy the fresh air of Big Sky Country, and cap off your day at the Music On Wings Bluegrass Festival with a stay at the Best Western hotel in Miles City.

Enjoy celebrations galore in Montana – the best place for food, fun and folks.

Best Western Hotels Along the Way:

Billings Hotels

1

BEST WESTERN PLUS Clocktower Inn

2511 1st Avenue N, Billings MT 59101-2320
Phone: (406) 259-5511  |  Fax: (406) 238-1797  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Outdoor pool

Stella's Kitchen and Bakery, on premises, Full Service, Steak House, Open for: breakfast, lunch,

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise facility 24-hour

2

BEST WESTERN PLUS Kelly Inn & Suites

4915 Southgate Drive, Billings MT 59101-4668
Phone: (406) 256-9400  |  Fax: (406) 256-9405  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast expanded - featuring Belgium waffles, hot and cold cereals, breads, eggs, and pastries along with juice, coffee, milk, and fresh fruits.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise gym

Children's activities waterpark funland in pool area.

Bozeman Hotels

3

BEST WESTERN PLUS GranTree Inn

1325 N 7th Avenue, Bozeman MT 59715-2511
Phone: (406) 587-5261  |  Fax: (406) 587-9437  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Kids eat free breakfast in GranTree Grill, with an accompanying adult breakfast.

The Club Tavern & Grill, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Restaurant open daily from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. winter); lounge open daily 8:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.; on-site coffee bar open at 6:00 a.m.; restaurant serves pizza's, certified Angus beef, seafood, pastas and salads; late night menu on weekends. Varied wine list, 15 beers on tap, including local micro- brews; 12 flat panel televisions. Room service from The Club Tavern & Grill available same food service hours.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion.

Exercise facility, 24 hour, beautiful view of Bridge Mountain range

Children's activities, indoor pool and hot tub

Butte Hotels

4

BEST WESTERN PLUS Butte Plaza Inn

2900 Harrison Avenue, Butte MT 59701-3693
Phone: (406) 494-3500  |  Fax: (406) 494-7611  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, classic American cuisine, open 24-hours daily, price range $7.00 to $15.00

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Exercise facility, Open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Indoor pool

Hot tub - Whirlpool

Great Falls Hotels

5

BEST WESTERN PLUS Heritage Inn

1700 Fox Farm Road, Great Falls MT 59404-3324
Phone: (406) 761-1900  |  Fax: (406) 761-0136  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Heated pool

Fine dining on premises Try our brand new Willow Creek Steakhouse menu and dining experience.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $15.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Two therapy pools

Helena Hotels

6

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Helena Great Northern Hotel

835 Great Northern Boulevard, Helena MT 59601-3315
Phone: (406) 457-5500  |  Fax: (406) 457-5501  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast , deluxe with hot waffles, hard boiled eggs, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, coffee and juices.

Heated pool

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Exercise facility, 24 Hour

Kalispell Hotels

7

BEST WESTERN PLUS White Oak Grand

4824 US Highway 93 S, Kalispell MT 59901-7985
Phone: (406) 857-2400  |  Fax: (406) 857-2401  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast

Indoor pool, seasonal

Miles City Hotels

8

BEST WESTERN War Bonnet Inn

1015 S Haynes Avenue, Miles City MT 59301-5727
Phone: (406) 234-4560  |  Fax: (406) 234-0363  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Non-smoking lobby and breakfast area

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Universal gym, three position

Indoor pool, heated recreation with hot tub and sauna and change room for your convenience

Missoula Hotels

9

BEST WESTERN PLUS Grant Creek Inn

5280 Grant Creek Road, Missoula MT 59808-1492
Phone: (406) 543-0700  |  Fax: (406) 543-0777  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast, deluxe hot European style buffet featuring a variety of egg scramblers, pancakes, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruits, a selection of hot and cold cereals, assorted breads, muffins and pastries, choice of juices and hot beverages

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise facility, open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. free

Sunbathing, outdoor area on the north side of the indoor pool.

West Yellowstone Hotels

10

BEST WESTERN Desert Inn

133 North Canyon Street, West Yellowstone MT 59758
Phone: (406) 646-7376  |  Fax: (406) 646-7384  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion.

Indoor pool heated large

Spa

11

BEST WESTERN Weston Inn

103 Gibbon Avenue, West Yellowstone MT 59758
Phone: (406) 646-7373  |  Fax: (406) 646-7572  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast -deluxe featuring hot and cold cereals, French toast, pancakes, muffins, donuts, breads, fruits, juices, milk, coffee and tea.

Pets allowed with restrictions, $10.00 per night maximum $30.00 per stay.

Outdoor pool, heated Seasonal

12

BEST WESTERN Cross-Winds Motor Inn

201 Firehole Avenue, West Yellowstone MT 59758
Phone: (406) 646-9557  |  Fax: (406) 646-9592  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion.

Indoor pool, heated