In Missoula, as well as states around the U.S., there are many activities to make summer memories such as river floats, outdoor activities, music festivals, and fairs. Missoula’s main summer attractions are river floats and the Missoula Fair. However, there are more options such as the Farmers Market, concerts, and even hot springs.
Clark Fork River attractions include floating, kayaking, and fishing along the river downtown. Brennan’s Wave is a manmade whitewater feature in Caras Park, which is popular for river surfing and kayaking. Caras Park constantly hosts events such as “Out to Lunch” on Wednesdays. This event has food trucks and live music from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. On Thursdays, there’s “Downtown Tonight,” which has food trucks, live music, and a local makers market. For adults, there is also a beer and wine tent. This event goes from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, starts on June 4, and is every Thursday until August 27.
The Western Montana Fair at the Missoula County Fairgrounds is a very popular summer attraction, especially among teenagers. The fair runs from July 31 to August 8. The fair’s attractions include mechanical rides, livestock events, games, and food trucks. The fair hours are from 11:00AM to 10:00PM. Some of the fairs most popular rides are The Freak Out, The Rockstar, and G Force. While those rides are more chaotic with lots of spinning and movement, there are tamer rides like the ferris wheel and bumper cars which are all good for making fun memories with friends.
Silverwood is an amusement park located in Athol, Idaho just outside of Montana. This summer Silverwood is including a massive Emerald Forest water park expansion, with special themed weekends and daily live entertainment. Significant events include Father’s Day free admission for dads, the Coaster Classic Car show and Fourth of July activities, alongside daily high speed coasters and the Boulder Beach Water Park. A day pass at Silverwood is $55 for general admission, and senior and youth tickets are $28.
Sports camps in Missoula are very popular among teenagers. These camps often require an admission fee, however you can participate regardless of skill level. There are a variety of volleyball camps for programs like Summit, MVA, and Zootown. High schools often offer sports camps and open gyms as well, specifically for volleyball because it’s a summer and fall sport. Softball, basketball, and soccer are also sports options during the summertime. School open gyms are free, but camps range in price from $100 to $500 depending on the program. Participating in these sports activities can be a great way to prepare for the season, or even to just have fun and be active.
The Farmers Market has been a long running summer tradition in Missoula. It started in 1972, located near the XXXs covering the north end of Higgins Avenue downtown. The market provides fresh vegetables, crafts, and food vendors with sweets and cold drinks. Organizers say that a main goal of theirs is to keep all products local, from crafts to vegetables and sweets. This event also includes live music, which makes the market fill up quickly. The Farmers Market is an amazing activity to do with family or friends. The market is open every Saturday from 8:00AM to 12:30PM.
Montana offers a wide variety of hot springs, which can be a fun day trip, for a day or even a week. Broadwater Hot Springs is located in Helena. All of their pools are located out doors, with several temperatures from a cold plunge to a 102 degree hot spring soak. There is live music in the evening from local artists and poolside refreshments to order. This hot spring is also a fitness center and offers swim lessons and workout classes. Tickets are $22 for ages fourteen and older, kids five to thirteen are $20, and seniors being 65 or older are $17.
Outside of Montana there are many fun events as well, such as Phoebe Bridger’s tour. She’s in Roswell, New Mexico on May seventh. She’s also playing at The Rev Room In Little Rock, Arkansas on May eleventh. These shows have a no phone policy so listeners can fully experience the performance. Tickets for these shows are around $75 per person, however, for premium venues tickets could be up to $200. This would be a fun night out hangout with friends.
The Goo Goo Dolls are touring this summer as well, running from July 24 through early September. They will be going through Minneapolis, Pittsburg, California, Oregon, Montana, and more. The Neon Trees will be accompanying them on their tour. Key songs that will be played include Iris which is their biggest hit, Slide, Nothing lasts forever and Run all night. Ticket pricing for these shows could range from $150 to $230, depending on when they are purchased.
Summer doesn’t have to be boring. With all that Missoula has to offer, it truly can be magical. This is an opportunity to try something new with friends and family, or even by yourself. So are you going to go to a concert or relax and visit missoulas farmers market?
