Under the Big Sky Festival Date Time and Artists

The Under the Big Sky Festival is one of Montana’s most celebrated summer events, blending world class music with breathtaking landscapes. Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitefish, it offers fans an unforgettable experience of Americana, country, and folk sounds under the wide open skies. Much like the Barnes and Noble Book Festival, which celebrates literature and storytelling, this Montana event celebrates the power of music and community, drawing people together to share culture, creativity, and unforgettable memories.

What Type of Festival is It?

The Under the Big Sky Festival is a music festival focused on Americana, country, folk, and rock. It celebrates both traditional and contemporary sounds that capture the soul of rural America. Unlike electronic or pop festivals, this event highlights artists who carry the spirit of storytelling through their songs. Attendees enjoy live performances that blend acoustic tunes, soulful lyrics, and powerful stage presence.

The festival is designed for music lovers of all ages. Families, young travelers, and older fans all find a place at the event. With a mix of modern stars and classic performers, the festival appeals to a wide audience. It is not only about entertainment but also about honoring the roots of American music and culture.

Location of the Festival

The festival takes place at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana. This 350-acre ranch offers a natural amphitheater setting, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and wide open fields. Montana’s natural beauty plays a huge role in the experience. The fresh air, clear skies, and scenic views create an atmosphere that cannot be recreated in urban spaces.

The ranch provides two main stages: the Great Northern Stage and the Big Mountain Stage. These stages are set in open areas where people can enjoy the music while being surrounded by nature. The venue also includes camping spots, food courts, and areas for relaxation. This location makes the Under the Big Sky Festival not just a music event but a full Montana adventure.

City	State	Country	Address
Whitefish	Montana	United States	Big Mountain Ranch, Whitefish, MT 59937

Who Organizes the Festival?

The Under the Big Sky Festival is organized by Outriders Present, a production company known for creating world class live events. Their goal is to bring unique experiences to fans while respecting the local culture and environment. The organizers carefully select artists, vendors, and schedules to ensure smooth operations.

Outriders Present works with local Montana businesses to provide food, drinks, and supplies. They also partner with safety teams, medical providers, and volunteers to make sure the festival runs safely and efficiently. This mix of professional planning and community involvement is one of the reasons the festival has grown so popular.

Motive Behind the Festival

The motive behind the Under the Big Sky Festival is to celebrate music and Montana’s lifestyle. The festival was created to highlight the connection between nature and sound. By choosing a rural ranch instead of a city arena, the organizers wanted to give people an authentic experience.

Another purpose is to support local culture. Vendors from Montana showcase food, drinks, and handmade goods. Artists and performers are given a stage to reach new audiences. The festival also promotes tourism, drawing visitors from across the United States and beyond. This not only boosts the local economy but also shares Montana’s charm with the world.

Date and Time Schedule

The Under the Big Sky Festival is a three day celebration that takes place every July, offering music lovers a weekend packed with unforgettable performances. In 2025, the festival is scheduled for July 18, 19, and 20, with gates opening in the late morning and music continuing well into the evening. Each day has a carefully planned lineup, giving visitors the chance to enjoy both big name headliners and rising stars across multiple stages. This festival has already been held successfully in past years, building a strong reputation as one of Montana’s most memorable summer events. The schedule allows attendees to experience music, food, and the natural beauty of Montana in a relaxed but energetic setting.

Date	Day	Gates Open	Music Ends

July 18, 2025

Friday

11:00 AM

11:00 PM

July 19, 2025

Saturday

11:00 AM

11:00 PM

July 20, 2025

Sunday

11:00 AM

10:30 PM

Where to Buy Tickets for the Festival?

Tickets for the Under the Big Sky Festival are available through ticketing platforms like ShowClix, where buyers can choose between general admission passes, VIP passes, or single day entry options. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket, with VIP packages offering added benefits such as shaded lounges, private bars, and premium restrooms, while general admission ensures full access to the main stages and festival grounds. Children under six are usually allowed in for free with a registered pass, making it a family friendly event.

Ticket Type	What You Get
General Admission	Access to all stages, food courts, and festival grounds
VIP Pass	Shaded lounges, private bars, premium restrooms, exclusive areas
Kids Pass (Under 6)	Free entry with registered pass, must be with an adult

Attendance at Under the Big Sky Festival

The Under the Big Sky Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, turning Whitefish, Montana into a hub of music and culture during the summer. With its wide open ranch setting, the festival can host large crowds without losing its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Attendance keeps growing as word spreads about its mix of top performers, scenic landscapes, and family friendly environment, making it a must visit event for music lovers from near and far.

Performers at Under the Big Sky Festival

The Under the Big Sky Festival brings together some of the biggest names in Americana, country, folk, and rock, giving fans three full days of live music in Montana’s breathtaking landscape. Each year, the lineup features legendary artists alongside fresh rising stars, making it one of the most balanced and exciting music festivals in the United States. The mix of headliners and smaller acts ensures that every visitor discovers both familiar favorites and new talents to enjoy.

Performer Name	Genre	Day

Bones Owens

Rock / Americana

Friday

The Brothers Comatose

Bluegrass / Folk

Friday

Corb Lund

Country / Western

Friday

Oliver Anthony

Country Folk

Friday

Mumford & Sons

Folk Rock

Saturday

Hailey Whitters

Country / Singer-Songwriter

Saturday

Houndmouth

Indie Rock / Americana

Saturday

Tyler Childers

Americana / Country Folk

Sunday

Wynonna Judd

Country

Sunday

The Red Clay Strays

Southern Rock / Country

Sunday

Conclusion

The Under the Big Sky Festival stands out as a truly unique gathering that blends the charm of Montana’s natural beauty with the power of live music. Unlike many large urban festivals, it offers an authentic connection between artists and audiences in a setting surrounded by mountains, open fields, and fresh air. Each year, it not only delivers incredible performances but also strengthens the sense of community among fans who travel from near and far. Much like the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival, which brings people together to celebrate culture and light, this Montana event creates unforgettable memories while highlighting the beauty of tradition and creativity. Its growing legacy proves that this festival is more than just a weekend of entertainment it is an unforgettable cultural experience that continues to define summer in Montana.