Annual Events

Great Falls' annual events reflect the character of our community. Some of our annual events draw national, and even international, participants; others are just a traditional part of life here; and a few are a little of both. Annual events are listed here based on the calendar starting with January event(s).

Montana PRCA Rodeo Finals

• The Montana PRCA Finals Rodeo is held in mid-January at the Four Seasons Arena at Montana ExpoPark.

Made in Montana Marketplace

• The Made in Montana Marketplace is an annual chance for producers of Montana Made goods to meet with buyers for those goods. One day is also set aside for the general public to see what's available.

Art Week (March)

Ice Breaker Road Race

• One of the top ten Road Races in America: the Ice Breaker attracts runners from all over the world to Great Falls in late April.

Cruisin' the Drag

• Central Avenue is closed one day each May for Cruisin' the Drag, a free annual classic and custom car, truck, and motorcycle show.

Mayfaire

• The Benefis Foundation brings a (usually) big-name country act for a benefit concert and banquet each May.

Spring Fling Hoop Thing

• Montana's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Spring Fling Hoop Thing is presented by the Great Falls Clinic.

Taste of Great Falls

• Every June, participants get a chance to sample specialties from local restaurants at the Downtown Association/Business Improvement District Taste of Great Falls.

Lewis and Clark Festival

• A mix of free and ticketed events celebrates Lewis, Clark and the Corp of Discovery who spent nearly a month in the Great Falls area on their way to the Pacific in 1805. The Festival is held the third weekend of June

Independence Day

• The Fourth of July in Great Falls: The day starts with the parade. Then maybe cooling off at the Electric City Water Park or hanging out down by the river. The White Sox usually have a home game. Ooh, and top the day off with the annual community fireworks display!

Bluegrass on the Bay

• An evening of Bluegrass music in Oddfellows Park, Bluegrass on the Bay has become a popular annual event in mid-July, and benefits the Cascade County Historical Society.

RiverFest

• An annual celebration of arts and community, RiverFest is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates our community through arts, entertainment and recreational activities. RiverFest is held along the Missouri River in mid-July.

Shrine Football Parade and Game

• Each July, the best high school football players from around the Montana form the two teams for the East-West Shrine Football game. And, what's a major football game without a parade earlier in the day?

Pet and Doll Parade

• A traditional part of growing up in Great Falls, the parade features costumed local kids with their pets and/or dolls. The Pet and Doll Parade is held the last Thursday of July.

Montana State Fair

• The Montana State Fair runs from the last Saturday in July to the second Sunday in August featuring night shows, rodeo, carnival, races, free acts, exhibits, and "Fair Food."

Harvest Thunder Triathlon

• The Harvest Thunder Triathlon is a new event sponsored by the City's Park and Recreation Department. A true triathlon, participants see who can swim, bike, and run the course fastest.

Blues & Brews

• Listen to the Blues and drink some brews at Blues & Brews, an annual September event benefiting the River's Edge Trail.

Cottonwood Folk Festival

• The Festival features historical activities, food and entertainment. The High Plains Heritage Center hosts the Festival in September.

Parade of Lights

• All parade entries are lit with holiday lights, and the parade ends with Santa lighting the tree in front of the Civic Center. The parade is held on the first Friday of December.

Christmas Stroll

• People stroll Central Avenue sampling at the food vendors, shopping in the downtown stores, and listening live entertainment at the Downtown Association's Annual Christmas Stroll on the first Saturday of December.