Top Ten Helena Events of the Summer
By Chelsea Paschall
There are so many wonderful things to do in Helena, Montana this summer. It was pretty tough to narrow our list down. Check out our ranking and feel free to comment with what you think is a top Helena Summer event. If you’re en route between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park via Helena, your timing may be perfect to check out one of these events.
#10: Beyond the Big Sky
June 24, July 23, August 5
For one evening a month from June through August, the Montana Learning Center (MLC) opens its observatories to the public at sunset at the MLC Campus along the banks of Canyon Ferry Lake. The evening starts with a presentation from one of MLC’s astronomy experts, after which attendees have the opportunity to use their newfound knowledge to better appreciate the night skies as they gaze through one of MLC’s state-of-the art telescopes.
#9: Montana Brewer’s Summer Rendezvous
August 6
Taste beer from the far reaches of the state and celebrate all things local with the Montana Brewers Summer Rendezvous. Featuring musical guests Under the Bleachers and only Montana-made craft beer. Live music, a collectible glass and samples of Montana craft beer are all included with the ticket. That’s right, no waiting in line to buy beer tokens at this brewfest!
#8: Blast from the Past Car Show and Drag Races
July 1-3
The 17th Annual Blast from the Past Car Show and Drag Races makes Helena one of the coolest places to be on July 4th weekend with some of the nicest cars and motorcycles in the Pacific Northwest. Along with the car show and races there’s live music, contests and a barbeque.
# 7: Symphony Under the Stars
July 16
Listening to the Helena Symphony, watching the sun set in our big Montana sky and enjoying a picnic – sounds like the Symphony Under the Stars. This event is free and in case you need another reason, it culminates with one of the best fireworks shows in Montana!
July 22-23
This annual Block Party and Brewery Open House is slated to be bigger and better than ever and yes it’s still FREE! Two days of multiple bands rocking live music in the new outdoor event space, brewery tours, food trucks and a special brew tapped for the event.
#6: Prickly Pear Land Trust Block Party
July 21
What’s better than a Block Party? Another one! The Prickly Pear Land Trust will be having their annual Block Party alongside Ten Mile Creek Brewery, Big Dipper Ice Cream and the Hawthorn. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and your whole crew down to the Gulch to enjoy live music and celebrate our beloved trails and open lands
#5: Montana Pride
July 17-23
Almost too hot to handle! A whole week of events celebrating Pride! Kicking off with a drag brunch Montana Pride will inspire a rainbow of events throughout town, culminating in the 2022 Montana Pride Parade and Rally.
#4: Wake the Giant Music Festival
August 27
The second annual Wake the Giant Music Festival will be held at West Mont’s 34-acre Farm & Gardens venue in the Helena valley. The Montana-based festival will benefit individuals with disabilities, feature local talent, and incorporate farm-themed activities and goods. Enjoy the best of Helena while supporting a noble cause.
#4: Alive at Five
Wednesdays through the Summer
Wednesdays in the months of June, July and August visit various parks and locations through Downtown Helena for live music, great food, crafts, family fun. Alive at Five is a vibrant staple in our community. Wednesdays, 5-9 pm
#3: Last Chance Stampede & Fair
July 27-30
The 62nd Last Chance Stampede will bring a pro rodeo, night show, carnival, fair exhibits, vendors, and delicious fair food to the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. The Last Chance Stampede and Fair is a great place to make memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime!
#2: Helena Ales for Trails
September 9
Helena Ales for Trails is about contributing to the common good in Helena by raising funds for the Helena trail system. This tasting festival is a great way to round out the summer with 60+ beverages from 20 breweries including beer, cider, kombucha, and wine…so many reasons to cheers!
#1: Helena Farmers’ Market
Saturdays May-October
The Helena Farmers’ Market is the longest running farmers market in the state of Montana (49th year)! The market stretches two full blocks in downtown Helena, drawing over 350 Montana vendors rotating through the season. Local farmers, artisans, food vendors and other artisans bring their Montana-made products downtown for the local Helena community to see and purchase. You will come away from this experience smiling!
Saturdays 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Bonus #1: The Capital Square Farmers’ Market
Tuesdays June 15 – September 6
The Capitol Square Farmers Market brings together gardening, crafting, and produce vendors on the South Side of the Capitol for all to enjoy! Take a walk through the square, find your inner strength or peace with one of the exercise classes offered, and enjoy a delicious and local meal provided by Helena’s food trucks. A great place for a mid-week refresh.
Tuesdays 2:30PM – 6:30PM
Click here for a complete list of Helena events.
Did we miss something that you’d consider a top ten event? Post it here in our comments!