Columbia Falls, Montana Events & Festivals
Discover events in Columbia Falls, where community spirit and Montana tradition come alive, that bring the community together all year long. Nestled at the gateway to Glacier National Park, our vibrant town hosts an exciting calendar of events that celebrate everything from St. Patrick's Day to rodeo culture, from farmers markets to fall festivals. Whether you're visiting in the warmth of summer or the beauty of winter, you'll find friendly faces, local flavors, and unforgettable experiences that capture the authentic heart of Northwest Montana. There’s always something to do in Columbia Falls!
Get ready for authentic Montana excitement every Thursday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the legendary Blue Moon Rodeo! Held at the Blue Moon Arena just off Highway 2, this thrilling weekly event showcases the best of the West with heart-pounding bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more.
As Montana's longest-running open rodeo series, it welcomes competitors of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. Gates open at 5:30 PM with the action starting at 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to grab a seat in the outdoor bleachers and enjoy cold beverages from the beer garden. After the action, head inside to the Blue Moon Nite Club to keep the party going!
Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast or experiencing your first taste of cowboy culture, the Blue Moon Rodeo is an unforgettable part of any Glacier Country vacation! Even if the rodeo is not going on when you are in town, the Blue Moon Nite Club is worth a stop to see the incredible taxidermy, and check out an authentic Montana bar.
Blue Moon Rodeo
CABIN FEVER DAYS Barstool Racing
Experience one of Montana's most legendary and hilarious winter traditions at the World-Famous Barstool Ski Races in Martin City!
Held every February during Cabin Fever Days, this wildly entertaining event features competitors racing down a snow-covered street on homemade barstool sleds, complete with jumps and plenty of spills. Central Avenue in Martin City is transformed into a raceway lined with hay bales, where crowds gather to cheer on racers in various classes, from kids to adults, all competing for glory and bragging rights.
This weekend-long celebration includes live music at local taverns throughout Bad Rock Canyon, arm wrestling tournaments, snowshoe softball, and other quirky competitions. Proceeds benefit the Hungry Horse Volunteer Fire Department, Martin City Volunteer Fire Department and the Canyon Quick Response Unit, making it a fun-filled event for a great cause!
Columbia Falls Community Market
Experience the heart of Columbia Falls every Thursday evening from May through September at the Columbia Falls Community Market! Running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this beloved weekly gathering brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors in a vibrant celebration of farm-to-table living.
Enjoy live music on the central stage, browse handcrafted Montana goods, and savor dining options like fresh produce alongside locally-brewed beer and delicious food truck offerings.
With ample parking and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, the market is the perfect way to connect with neighbors and visitors while shopping and supporting local businesses in the Columbia Falls community.
Witness one of Montana's most exhilarating winter spectacles at the local Skijoring competition! This unique extreme sport combines the thrill of skiing with the power of horseback riding as teams race through snow-packed courses complete with jumps and obstacles.
The event is held annually in the Flathead Valley, often in Columbia Falls and during the Whitefish Winter Carnival. Skijoring brings together cowboys, cowgirls, and skiers for an adrenaline-pumping display of speed, skill, and Montana winter tradition.
Bundle up and join the crowd at this family-friendly event for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Montana's rugged outdoor spirit and western heritage.
SKIJORING
CLOVER FEST
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with our annual Cloverfest in Columbia Falls! Happening in mid-March, this event features live music, Irish dance performances, and various festive activities put on by the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
Participate in a competitive 5K, a fun run, and a vibrant kids' carnival with games and face painting. Enjoy food trucks and a lively atmosphere with a beer and distillery garden as you embrace the green spirit. This family-friendly celebration brings the community together for a day of Irish cheer, live music from local musicians and bagpipers, themed competitions, and Montana hospitality at its finest!
Experience a delightful evening under the stars with Columbia Falls Free Movie in the Park Night, held at the charming Marantette Park.
This community event invites families and friends to bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a movie screening that begins at dusk throughout the summer months. It's a perfect way to relax and enjoy a beautiful Montana evening of entertainment, all free of charge. Grab some snacks from local shops, settle in on the grass, and join us for an unforgettable evening of cinema and community spirit in downtown Columbia Falls!
FREE MOVIEs IN THE PARK
HERITAGE DAYS
Heritage Days in Columbia Falls, Montana, is a cherished annual celebration that traces its roots back to 1956 when it was initially called "Progress Days." Over the years, this vibrant event has grown into a beloved community tradition held in the latter half of July.
Attendees can expect a delightful array of activities, including a lively parade down Nucleus Avenue, live music, artisan markets, and local food vendors. The celebration also features family-friendly events such as a car show at Marantette Park, 5K and 10K races, historic displays that highlight the rich cultural past of Columbia Falls, and the legendary Blue Moon Rodeo.
Heritage Days offers a perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the community spirit and enjoy the area's scenic beauty!
HARVEST FEST
Join the Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for Harvestfest, an enchanting autumn celebration at Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse, Montana. This festive event takes place in mid-October and includes a timed 5K run, a children's costume fun run, a lively parade, and thrilling competitions like pie eating and chili cook-offs.
Enjoy plenty of arts, crafts, games, and activities for all ages, along with a free chili and cornbread lunch and joyful fall atmosphere. With yard games, a dessert auction, and tours of large equipment, this family-friendly festival benefits local organizations, including West Glacier Elementary School. Bring the whole family to experience authentic Montana autumn fun in the heart of Glacier Country!
The Cedar Creek Marathon in Columbia Falls is an inspiring event supporting Logan Health and local organizations in their efforts to address behavioral health needs in the community.
Taking place in late September, runners will enjoy a scenic course featuring gravel and pavement, with stunning views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead River. The event offers a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K, each culminating in the heart of Columbia Falls. Participants receive a race t-shirt, a finisher's medal, and enjoy refreshments and merch at the finish line, all contributing to a meaningful cause.
CEDAR CREEEK MARATHON
NIGHT OF LIGHTS CHRISTMAS PARADE
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Columbia Falls' beloved Night of Lights Parade, held annually on the first Friday of December! Hosted by the Columbia Falls Lions Club, this festive community tradition features beautifully decorated floats, local businesses, youth organizations, and community groups showcasing their Christmas spirit as they parade down Nucleus Avenue.
The evening kicks off at 4:30 PM with craft fairs, food trucks, caroling, and a business window decorating contest throughout downtown Columbia Falls. The parade itself begins at 6:30 PM and concludes with a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Coop, where families can enjoy photos with Santa, live music from local school choirs, and warm holiday refreshments. Each year brings a new theme and plenty of twinkling lights to brighten the winter evening!
