The Bitterroot Valley is comprised of several small towns nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains Ranges and tucked alongside the famous Bitterroot River.  The Bitterroot offers some of the most diverse adventure opportunities.  Whether it is delving into history, antiquing, tasting the local breweries, local shopping, fishing, bird watching, hiking, rock climbing, awe-inspiring landscapes and views, or enjoying one of the small towns’ community events, the Bitterroot Valley has an adventure waiting for you.

Born and raised in Montana, I have spent most of my life just north of the Bitterroot Valley.  However, three years ago, a change in my husband’s job took us to a small town in the Bitterroot.  We have spent the past few years exploring the Bitterroot and all it has to offer.  We have discovered there is nothing like catching fish, cooling off in a creek, a day in the mountains, enjoying nature out our back door, and a view that speaks for itself.  But the things that stand out the most to me are the community festivals and events for the whole family.  There are several festivals and events that happen throughout the year down the valley.  Each festival/event is unique and offers fun for the whole family. I invite you to grab the family or a friend and join us for a Bitterroot adventure and event!

The top Bitterroot Valley festivals and events you don’t want to miss:

Darby Logger Days
(July 20-21, 2018)

Haled as one of the Montana events all Montanan’s should attend, Come celebrate the time old tradition of logging at the 17th annual Darby Logger Days, always held the 3rd weekend of July in Darby, MT.  This is a family affair with food, music, vendors, and seventeen traditional logging competitions which include axe throwing, pole climbing, log roll and cross-cut sawing.  Learn more

Daly Days & Bitterroot Microbrew Festival
(July 27-28, 2018)

Downtown Hamilton and the Marcus Daly Mansion team up to celebrate Hamilton’s historic heritage.  This two-day event is focused on family fun with kid activities, wiener dog races, local shopping, a car show, vendors, arts, crafts, carriage rides, music, pony rides, Bitterroot Microbrew Festival and much more.   Learn More

Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival
(July 27-29, 2018)

This year is the 10th year of the Hardtimes Bluegrass festival and to celebrate they have booked 11 great bands and five featured pioneers.  This event focuses on clean fun, traditional bluegrass music, and will leave you with the “old-timey mountain feel”.  The festival is held about 10 miles south of Hamilton on Forest Hill Road.   Learn More

Stevensville Creamery Picnic
(August 3, 2018)

A historical celebration for Stevensville – the oldest town in Montana!   The Creamery Picnic includes a parade, Montana State Bar-B-Q contest, vendors, ice cream, music, and a Microbrew Festival.  Learn More

Ravalli County Fair & Rockin’ RC Rodeo
(August 29 – September 1, 2018)

This is the biggest annual event for the Bitterroot Valley, held in Hamilton at the fairgrounds.  It includes livestock shows, food vendors, carnival rides, games, music, and a nightly rodeo free with your gate admission.  My daughters help out at this fair, so we may see you there!   Learn More

Hopefully you get time to sneak away and enjoy all or a piece of what the Bitterroot Valley has to offer this summer, it isn’t just a pretty place!

About the Author:

Autumn GilleardLogistics Expert/Administrator
As a native Montanan, Autumn knows how to wrangle just about anything. She, and her family, live on a ranch her husband manages south of Missoula in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Whether negotiating livestock or meeting logistics, Autumn is your gal.