4th of July Events You Don't Want to Miss Around Montana

by Alanis Stallknecht

No matter the size of the town in Montana, you can always find a Fourth of July celebration. That celebration can either be a firework show, a rodeo, a parade, or perhaps a picnic available to the entire town. Although a quick Google search for “Fourth of July events in Montana,” will list each and every available event, here are a few we suggest attending.

l Photo from Brenda Ahearn Daily Inter Lake l

Bigfork’s 4th of July Parade

Voted “Best Parade in the Flathead” year after year by the Daily Inter Lake, Bigfork’s annual parade brings thousands of locals and tourists together to celebrate in the small village. After a couple of hours of watching and cheering, Flathead Lake is only a few minutes drive away (although you should consider the traffic), which makes for the perfect end to your afternoon.

l Still from Butte Firework Show on YouTube l

Butte’s 4th of July Firework Display

Each year in Butte, the celebration begins a day early on July 3rd. This year, at the loft at Big Butte, there will be “over 1,230 shells during the show and 700 during the finale,” according to KXLF in Butte. The firework display will be sponsored by Town Pump this year and is one worth watching!

Laurel’s 4th of July Fireworks

Located at Thompson Park in Laurel, Montana, the fireworks, which begin at dusk, entertain at least 25,000 viewers. In 2016, the Great Falls Tribune asked readers via Facebook who had the best firework show in Montana and Laurel won. If you believe differently, feel free to leave who you think has the best firework show in Montana in the comments!

l Photo from The Spruce l 

4th of July Family Fun Day in Poplar, Montana

Together, Wolf Point, Poplar, and Scobey, all located in Eastern, Montana, celebrate Independence Day holiday weekend. Events include a barbeque cook-off competition, a horseshoe tournament, a cookie decoration competition for the children, and lastly, a run/health walk for the family. Of course, the day’s events will end with a firework show!

l Photo from Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot l

July 4th Boat Parade in Whitefish, Montana

Hosted by Whitefish Marine and Powersports, this year will be the 2nd Annual July Boat Parade in Whitefish. Prior to the fireworks on Whitefish Lake, boats will gather and drive their decorated vessels along the eastern shoreline and back. It is recommended that viewers gather at the City Beach to observe the boats and the fireworks.

If you know of any 4th of July celebrations we should attend in Montana, let us know where and what event is happening in the comments!