18th Annual River City Roots Festival

Produced by the Missoula Downtown Association, the annual festival was named 2009's Montana Tourism "Event of the Year," bringing a variety of activities and exceptional music to the heart of Downtown Missoula. With multiple live performances, a fine art show, entertainment for all ages and interests, top-notch concessions, and a 4-Mile Fun Run.
Roots Fest serves as the formal welcoming of University of Montana students, faculty and staff as they return to campus and the community each fall. Moving the festival into September still allows for that formal welcoming, but gives students a couple of weeks to settle into fall semester before the celebration.

Last year more than 15,000 people attended the admission-free and fully accessible festival in the streets of Downtown Missoula and in Caras Park with 10 live bands, 35 artists, 15 food trucks, 20 non-profits, and close to 500 runners. Downtown businesses report significant sales, especially in retail, food & beverage and lodging. The festival also showcases the Unseen Missoula Tour on the music scene and venues in Downtown.