Big Sky, Montana, has active summer arts scene 

Summer in Big Sky, Montana is home to a refreshing and festive arts scene. Visit this stunning mountain town and listen to free concerts every Thursday as you watch the colorful sunset behind Lone Peak.

Mingle with local Montana artists at impressive galleries and shop weekly Farmers Markets. Enjoy a world-class film festival that inspires you to get outside. Celebrate the 240^th anniversary of the United States with an outdoor concert and fireworks display. Be a part of a summer conservatory where aspiring dancers, musicians, and actors hone their craft. Combine all of this with endless outdoor activities, long Montana days, and near perfect weather and everyone will enjoy summer in Big Sky, Montana.

The Arts Council of Big Sky is one of the driving forces behind Big Sky’s vibrant arts scene. Brian Hurlbut, the Arts Council’s executive director, says “With our combination of nationally-known artists and amazing scenery, Big Sky is fast becoming a summer destination for music and art lovers from around the country. Our events appeal to residents and visitors alike, and feature a family friendly atmosphere that makes it one of the most popular free concert series in the Northern Rockies.” The Arts Council of Big Sky events include:

• Music In the Mountains – Every Thursday from June 23 to September 1 the Arts Council presents a free concert at Center Stage in Town Center Park. The concerts feature national touring musicians that offer a wide range of family-friendly music. Here is the Music In the Mountains lineup for 2016:

• June 23 – Black Lillies– Knoxville, TN
• June 30 –Blitzen Trapper – Portland, OR
• July 7 – Band of Heathens– Austin, TX
• July 14– Jamie McLean Band
• July 21 – TBD
• July 28 – TBD
• August 4  - TBD
• August 11 –Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers – Nashville, TN
• August 18 –DeadPhish Orchestra – Boulder, CO
• August 25 – Fruition– Portland, OR
• September 1 – TBD

• 4^th of July Celebration - July 4, 2016 - marks the 240^th anniversary of the United States of America. The Arts Council of Big Sky is planning a free event at Center Stage in Town Center Park featuring live music, fireworks shows, kids’ activities, and food and beverage vendors. The live music will be the Tiny Band from Bozeman, Montana. This 4^th of July celebration is one of the largest in the region.
• 6^th Annual Classical Music Festival - August 12 - 14 - The Classical Music Festival is a free 3-day event that will feature guitarist Ana Vidovic, violinist Angella Ahn, M5 Mexican Brass Band from Mexico City, and the Big Sky Festival Orchestra with Maestro Peter Bay. The theme is “Beethoven Meets Rodrigo in the Mountains," - giving a Latin flair to the traditional classical sound. This free outdoor concert will be held at the Big Sky Town Center’s Center Stage.
• Montana Shakespeare In The Parks - September 2 – Montana Shakespeare In The Parks is a nationally recognized outreach program of the College of Arts and Architecture at Montana State University. This live theater program features 10 actors for a 15-week season that includes a multi-state tour in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington. On September 2 at 5:30 PM they will perform a free show of The Comedy of Errors, directed by Christopher Duval, at Big Sky’s Center Stage in Town Center Park.
• MountainFilm On Tour - September 24 – The Arts Council will join forces with the Gallatin River Task Force to present MountainFilm On Tour, which highlights some of the best films from the Telluride MountainFilm Festival. The films are meant to inspire audiences and to create a better world.

The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center (WMPAC), located at Big Sky’s Ophir School campus, hosts art events and education for the Big Sky Community. It regularly features visual arts, musical performances, theater, and dance. This summer WMPAC will host:

• Big Sky Conservatory– Summer 2016 – This will be the third season of the Big Sky Conservatory. The goal of the conservatory is to bring "the best current artists to the theater to teach those who may someday join their ranks, and in the process, create stunning new original art.” There will be four different programs focused on the three pillars ofperforming arts: Dance, Music, and Theater. Applications are currently available for:

• Twin Sky Dance Intensive - July 3-17
• Big Sky Choral Initiative - July 17-24
• Big Sky Theater Workshop - July 24-31
• Big Sky String Lab - July 31-August 7

John Zirkle, the Director of WMPAC, states "The Big Sky Conservatory is a destination arts experience for some of the most respected creative minds in the country.  The isolated and stunning beauty of Big Sky is a natural companion to artists who seek to create new and adventurous work."

Big Sky Farmers Market  - June to September – Summer 2016 will be the 8^th season for the Big Sky Farmers Market. It is held every Wednesday from 5 to 8 PM in Fire Pit Park in Town Center. Over 100+ artists and vendors from across the Big Sky region showcase their art, jewelry, clothing, photography, woodwork, and more. The Farmers Market also features live music, children’s activities, and food and drinks.

Local Artists and Galleries – Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Montana, Big Sky is the ideal place for local artists to be creative. There are a numerous art galleries, studios, co-ops, and artists in Big Sky. From jewelry to contemporary paintings to adventure photography to antler art, Big Sky is a fantastic place to be an artist.

Big Sky, Montana is your destination for the arts this summer. Come to the mountains and enjoy the perfect combination of stunning scenery, mountain town life, outdoor activities, and a vibrant arts scene. It’s all right here in Big Sky, Montana.

SUMMER LODGING IN BIG SKY

Book Red, White & Blue Week at Lone Mountain Ranch. This 4^th of July celebration takes place July 3 – 10, 2016. It is full of a fireworks display, country swing dancing, live entertainment in Big Sky’s Town Center and includes all meals, lodging, airport transfers and activities. Package starts at $525 per night.

Happy 100^th Birthday to the National Park Service at Big Sky Vacation Rentals, which includes a pass to Yellowstone National Park for one week, special park information, and a backpack for children 14 years of age and younger. Valid April 20, 2016 – November 1, 2016. Rates vary, but start as low as $165 per night.

River Rock Lodge is a ideally located in the heart of the Big Sky Town Center, offering convenience to hiking trails, local shops, the Big Sky Resort Golf Course, and of course the many summer events that take place in Town Center Park. Summer pricing begins June 1, 2016 and starts at $169 per room.   

For more information about the arts scene in Big Sky, Montana, contact Alex Mansfield, Visit Big Sky’s Marketing Manager, at 406-995-3000 or at alex@bigskychamber.com.