The Montana Folk Festival is an annual outdoor summer event in Butte, Southwest Montana. Festival-goers are invited to immerse themselves in a three-day celebration of traditional music, dance, arts, and culinary delights. Established as one of the nation's premier outdoor summer festivals, the Montana Folk Festival promises an unforgettable experience of the vibrant cultural tapestry of the American West for all who attend.
The heart of the festival is the six stages, which host over 200 performances. Throughout the weekend, all performers will grace one or more of the six venues, including the Northwestern Energy Dance Pavilion. Visitors can enjoy continuous live performances, participatory dancing at the dance pavilion, and specially curated shows for children in the Family Area.
Schedule
The festival grounds open at 5 pm on Friday, with a grand opening ceremony at "The Original" Stage at 6:30 pm. Music festivities kick off at 7 pm across three stages: the Original, the Seacast Copper, and the Dance. The rest of the 2024 Montana Folk Festival schedule will be unveiled in June.
Lineup of Performers
From the soulful Mississippi Delta Blues of Mr. Sipp to the enchanting Hindustani Violin melodies of Kala Ramnath and the mesmerizing Iranian Kamancheh tunes of Mehrnam Rastegari, the festival promises a captivating lineup of performers from diverse musical and cultural backgrounds. Joining them are the spirited Mardi Gras Indians, the Appalachian charm of Nobody's Business, the traditional Zuni dance and song by the Zuni Olla Maidens, the Hawaiian traditional sounds of Gary Haleamau & Kawili, and many more.
In addition to the captivating performances, the festival offers opportunities for cultural exploration and shopping. The Montana Folklife Area showcases the rich musical and dance traditions of the state's diverse communities, while the two Marketplaces and Festival Food Courts boast over 30 booths offering a variety of delicious foods and artisanal crafts.
Arts Market
Montana Traditions Arts Market offers an array of handmade treasures blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. From functional pottery by Donna Erickson of Helena to upcycled jewelry crafted from vintage silverware by Jeri Pearson of Anaconda, the market boasts an eclectic selection of artisanal creations. Clark Dodd from Emigrant presents a variety of products crafted from deer and elk antlers, while Cassie Smith of Butte showcases mixed media artwork on Birchwood canvases. Visitors can also explore tie-dyed goods by John and Nicole Tesdal of Butte and admire Leia Fox's Southwest-style jewelry and sun hats from Superior.
Location
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Butte, Montana, the festival takes place in one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, attendees can also indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, providing a perfect complement to the festival experience.
History
The Montana Folk Festival traces its origins back to 1934 when the National Folk Festival was first held in St. Louis. Since then, it has evolved into the oldest festival of traditional music and dance in the United States, championed by Eleonor Roosevelt herself. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy by showcasing top national cultural acts alongside Montana's rich heritage.
