Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals. Montana's best cowboys compete in the final round of this regional competition in Great Falls. Call tel. 406/727-8900 for information. Second or third weekend in January.

February

Winter Carnivals. In Whitefish, Montana, there are a parade, a hockey tournament, the "penguin plunge," fireworks, and a dance. Call tel. 406/862-3501 (www.whitefishwintercarnival.com). First weekend in Feb. Novelty ski races and rodeo events take center stage during a similar Jackson, Wyoming, event that includes cowboy poetry readings, Dutch-oven cook-offs, and a barn dance. Call tel. 307/733-3316 (www.jacksonholechamber.com) for information. Mid-February.

March

C. M. Russell Auction of Original Art. This is the finest Western art auction in the country, with exhibitors and attendees from around the world. Great Falls, Montana. Call tel. 800/803-3351 (www.cmrauction.com) for information. Mid-March.

St. Patrick's Day in Butte. This wild and woolly (and often booze-soaked) outdoor party pays homage to Butte's Irish heritage. Call tel. 406/723-3177 for more information. March 17.

May

International Wildlife Film Festival. This unique, juried film competition in Missoula, Montana, has more than 100 entries from leading wildlife filmmakers. Call tel. 406/728-9380 (www.wildlifefilms.org). Early to mid-May.

Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. A "3-day cowboy Mardi Gras," this stock sale in Miles City, Montana, features street dances, parades, barbecues, and, of course, lots of bucking broncos. Call tel. 406/234-2890 (www.buckinghorsesale.com) for information. Third weekend in May.

June

Lewis & Clark Festival. Commemoration of Lewis and Clark's journey in and around Great Falls, Montana, with historic reenactments, buffalo roasts, and float trips. Call tel. 406/452-5661 for information. Late June.

July

North American Indian Days. The Blackfeet Reservation hosts a weekend of native dancing, singing, and drumming, with crafts booths and games, in Browning, Montana. Call tel. 406/338-2344 for information. Mid-July.

Evel Knievel Days. Butte honors its favorite son and one-time problem child, late daredevil Evel Knievel, with parades, stunt shows, and children's events. Call tel. 406/494-2825 (www.knievelweek.com) for more information. Last week in July.

August

Sweet Pea Festival. This full-fledged arts festival in Bozeman, Montana, with fine art and musicians, has various entertainment for all ages. Call tel. 406/586-4003 (www.sweetpeafestival.com) for information. First full weekend in August.

Crow Fair. This festival is by far one of the biggest and best American Indian gatherings in the Northwest, with dancing, food, and crafts in Crow Agency, Montana. Call tel. 801/652-0315 (crowfair.crowtribe.com) for information. Mid-August.

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This 3-day event features readings and entertainment from the real McCoys in Lewistown, Montana. Call tel. 406/535-5436 for information. Mid-August.

September

Nordicfest. This Scandinavian celebration in Libby, Montana, features a parade, a juried craft show, headliner entertainment, and an international Fjord horse show. Call tel. 800/785-6541 (www.libbynordicfest.com) for information. First weekend following Labor Day.

October

Hatch Fest. Unspooling over 6 days, this audiovisual arts festival in Bozeman includes film screenings, workshops, filmmaker Q&As, and live music after dark. For information, call tel. 406/586-2635 (www.hatchfest.com). Early October.

Glacier Jazz Stampede. This 3-day event brings ragtime, swing, and blues musicians to multiple venues in Kalispell. Call tel. 406/755-6088 (www.glacierjazzstampede.com) for more information. Early October.

December

Christmas Strolls and Parades. Statewide, Montana and Wyoming. Check with local chambers of commerce for specific dates and locations.