Named 2009’s Montana Tourism Event of the Year, the River City Roots Festival draws more than 15,000 individuals to the heart of Downtown Missoula for two days of exceptional music, first-class art and free family fun!
Produced by the Missoula Downtown Association as Missoula’s signature celebration, the River City Roots Festival has quickly risen to the top of Western Montana’s must-see-list. With live music performances, a fine art show, top-notch family entertainment, sidewalk sales, and a Fun Run through the heart of Missoula, the River City Roots Fest offers something for everyone.
Festivities will kick off at noon Friday, Sept. 6, with the River City Roots Festival Art Show and the Food Court. The arts fair is open until 7pm Friday and from 10am – 7pm Saturday. Discover an amazing array of art created by local and regional artists. Wares range from pottery and leather goods to drawings and jewelry, and even fly-fishing gear. Support local artists and bring home something unique!
Live music commences at 12:30pm Friday. This year’s Main Stage performers include The Band of Heathens, The High Hawks, Rapidgrass, Sol Driven Train, The Vince Herman Band, Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, The Spills, Give it to ‘Em Florabelle, and Cowboy Andy & the Salamanders.
Friday, September 6, line-up:
- 12:30pm – TBA
- 2:30pm – Give it to ‘em, Florabelle!
- 4:30pm – Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters
- 6:30pm – Sol Driven Train
- 8:30pm – The Band of Heathens
“Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters were a great addition to the River City Roots Fest in Missoula this summer. They put on a great, high-energy show and the buzz is still going on. I highly recommend these women. I know that we will be seeing them in Missoula again.” (Ellen Buchanan, Director – River City Roots Festival 2019)
Saturday, September 7, line-up:
- 12:30pm – Cowboy Andy & the Salamanders
- 2:30pm – The Spills
- 4:30pm – The Vince Herman Band
- 6:30pm – Rapidgrass
- 8:30pm – The High Hawks
Featuring members of Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth and Hard Working Americans, The High Hawks “make expansive roots-rock in the vein of The Grateful Dead. A bit of breezy jam-rock that extolls the pleasures of music and togetherness.” (Rolling Stone)
The High Hawks features Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon), Chad Staehly (Great American Taxi), Adam Greuel (Horseshoes & Hand Grenades), Brian Adams (Great American Taxi), Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth), and Will Trask (Great American Taxi). The roots supergroup’s second album, Mother Nature’s Show “lays down some fine-tuned, laid-back songs that reflect their ability to follow one another down various musical paths, adding layers of just the right sound as they design the sonic architecture of their songs. Like the high-flying bird of the band’s name, though, their musical flights climb swoop effortlessly.” (Folk Alley)
Wait, there’s more!
Roots Run Saturday, September 7, 2024.
The 4-Mile River City Roots Run kicks off at 8:30am Saturday. The race starts on E. Main between N. Higgins and N. Pattee and will finish in Caras Park. The fun run celebrates the city’s love of recreation and staying active. All ages, abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to enjoy a morning run or walk.
Register at https://www.runwildmissoula.org/races/river-city-roots-run/. The Roots Run is presented by Run Wild Missoula, in partnership with the Missoula Downtown Association.
The River City Family Roots Fest fills Caras Park with an array of fun activities, including hands-on crafts, obstacle courses, guitar lessons, bean bag toss, music and more from 10am-2pm Saturday.
New this year, chart the course of Missoula’s legendary rock scene, from the 1960s to today, on the Unseen Missoula Music Tour. The walking tour will explore downtown Missoula’s rich music history and famous venues and musical acts. Full details will be divulged after purchasing tickets. Tickets include a Roots Fest plastic cup, a free drink token and a wristband. Please note, this tour is for folks 21+ only; ID required.
And bring your appetite! The River City Roots Festival Food Court is brimming with tasty temptations. Immerse your palate in the local tastes and smells of some of Western Montana’s best food vendors as you travel the world through your tastebuds.
The food court is open Friday 12pm-10pm and Saturday 10am-10pm. Vendors include Big Dipper Ice Cream, Banh Missoula, Clark Fork & Spoon, El Cazador, Horchata, Isla’s Lemonade, Kamoon Arabian Cuisine, M-80 Chicken, Mountain Berry Bowls, Pelz handmade pelmeni dumplings, River City Eats, and Servin’ Thyme.
In addition to all the Roots Festival offerings, downtown businesses will be offering specials during the Roots Sidewalk Sale, Sept. 6-8. “Support Our Roots” by shopping locally-owned shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Admission to River City Roots Festival is free and open to all ages!
Visit https://www.rivercityrootsfestival.com/ for schedules and more information.