The Sweet Grass Fest brings rodeo, music and family fun to the scenic town of Big Timber June 28-29.
The weekend kicks off with the 96th annual Big Timber Rodeo, presented by the B Bar T Rodeo Company at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the Sweet Grass County Fairgrounds. The NRA/NWRA sanctioned event offers calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc and bull riding and barrel racing, plus the ever-popular wild-cow riding. Shake off the work week afterwards with a live concert and dance featuring music by the Judson Cole Band and TJ Broscroff and the Southern Satellites at 9 p.m. in the American Legion parking lot.
The local volunteer fire department heats up the skillet with the annual Fireman’s Breakfast at 7 a.m., and Montana on a Mission hosts a superhero-themed fun run at 8:30. Stroll along McLeod Street to check out the car and tractor show, and an array of local merchants who are open for business as usual. Meanwhile, the side streets are full of a wide variety of vendors, many of whom are local to Sweet Grass County and offer one-of-a-kind handmade items. A variety of kids’ activities are also on tap, including a bounce house, petting zoo, dunk tank, and even a bike-decorating contest. Local bars and restaurants, and food vendors offer plenty of options for lunch.
The parade travels through town at 2 p.m. and like the morning run, is also superhero-themed. The grand marshal is a hometown hero and local veteran.
At 2:30, the Timber Bar on McLeod offers music outdoors by Montana Sun.
Action shifts to the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. for night two of the Big Timber Rodeo and another live concert featuring Porter Union and Flatland Calvary in the American Legion parking lot.
Most events are free. Rodeo tickets are $5-$10, and admission to rodeo after-parties is $15. Learn more about the weekend from the Big Timber Chamber at www.bigtimber.com or call 406-932-5131.