Ok so you've seen all the sights and you have blisters and you just want to do something that doesn't involve bear spray and sweating and eating smooshed granola bars out of a backpack. We got you.
While we love a good hike, there's a ton of other fun free things to do in Bozeman besides marching through the outdoors! Check out this list of family friendly activities for all the details! Food, music, art, and more to get a little local culture in with your vacation. Summer like a local!
1. Farmer's Market Tuesdays June 20th- Sept 12th 5-8pm
photo courtesy of Bozeman Farmer's Market
Every Tuesday evening all summer long head to Lindley Park on West Main St. to sample the best produce Montana has to offer as well as flowers, food trucks, music, art and crafts. Catch a demonstration from the local circus school and hear musicians hit the mic for some great tunes. There is a playground and tons of yummy food trucks to keep the kids occupied while you stock up on the freshest veggies, fruits and flowers you've ever had (most are picked that day!). Bring a big bag and come early because the veggies go quick! Then wander through the artist stalls for locally made jewelry, art, clothing and more.
2. Lunch on the Lawn Wednesdays July and August 11:30-1:30
photo courtesy of Emerson Center for Arts
Join local musicians, non profits, artists and munch from delicious food trucks Wednesdays in July and August at Lunch on the Lawn at The Emerson. This family friendly event features fun activities from local non profits like Museum of the Rockies with sprinklers, bubbles and more all while local musicians play onstage. Grab lunch at one of the food trucks and dance away on the lawn! Don't forget to wander into The Emerson to cool off and check out the local artists inside too!
3. Music on Main Thursdays July-August 6:30pm-8:30pm
Be sure to catch this free concert series in Downtown Bozeman! Main st. gets shut down for a few blocks and the whole place is a party. There's inflatable bounce houses for the kids, food trucks and best of all the music! Local and touring bands grace the outdoor stage for a huge dance party. The bars that line Main st. have drink specials and the kids will love the fun zone full of free activities hosted by various non profits in town. One of the best free summer events for the whole family!
4. Downtown Art Walk Second Fridays 5-8pm
photo courtesy of LeeAnn Ramey Art
Head to downtown Bozeman for local art, specials, and free snacks and drinks on the second Friday of each month! Art walk is a fun evening showcasing local Montana artists, musicians and Bozeman's best small businesses. Start your walk just off Main St. at The Emerson at 5pm where over 100 artists are showcased in galleries and shops in Galleria Hall. See world renowned painters like LeeAnn Ramey and Kara Tripp and visit The Coin Laundry Print Shop for all your Montana souvenirs. There are usually demonstrations from local artists in the galleries and if you're lucky you just might run into some local legends! Beer, wine and small snacks will be available but if you need something more Sidewall Pizza is there with the best breadsticks and pizza in town. Next, head to Main St. and stop in over 30 small businesses for specials, free drinks and snacks and live music! Some of our favorite shops include Heyday, Country Bookshelf, Revolver, Cosmica and Rocky Mountain Toy Company. Art walks go until 8pm so bring your walking shoes! Parking is available on the streets as well as in the parking garage on Black St.
5. Shakespeare in the Park Various evenings in June 7pm
photo courtesy of Montana Shakespeare
Bring dinner, wine and your own seating to the Montana State University campus for a free theatre experience like no other! Shakespeare in the Park features professional artists from all over the US for several evening performances under the Montana Big Sky. The costumes, lighting, sets are all fabulous and each show features amazing actors from all over the country. Bring the whole family! Literally nothing beats some amazing theatre with a gorgeous sunset in the background.
What are your favorite things to do in Bozeman? Check out our blog for other great inspiration for your best days ever in the Treasure State. And don't forget to stop by The Coin Laundry for some fabulous souvenirs and tell them we sent you!