Where Art & Community Meet: Celebrating 46 Years of the Sweet Pea Festival
If you are visiting Bozeman, Montana in August, the Sweet Pea Festival is a must. This year, the event “Where Art & Community Meet” will be celebrating its 46th year and will run from Friday August 4th through Sunday August 6th.
Not only does the Sweet Pea Festival offer a multitude of cultural and artistic options, but being held in scenic Bozeman provides visitors a wonderful way to spend time in the beautiful Lindley Park and exciting downtown area.
A Trip Back in Time: The Origins of the Sweet Pea Festival
The event got its name from the Sweet Pea Carnivals held in Bozeman in the early 1900s, chosen by a group of locals looking to create a “celebration of creativity” back in 1977.
They even kept some of the carnival’s main elements: the parade, ball, and the celebration of the sweet pea flower. The vibe and dedication to the arts are still present, attracting 15,000 people each year.
Festivities Before the Festival: Chalk on the Walk and Bite of Bozeman
The week before the Sweet Pea festival offers the perfect lead-in to the community event, with artists displaying their talent on Main Street on Tuesday morning for Chalk on the Walk. Kids, adults, and the pros create their best work on the sidewalks of Downtown Bozeman.
Also on Main Street, local restaurants gather on Wednesday evening with samples of their menus as musicians entertain the crowd during the Bite of Bozeman.
Guests can also take in the Sweet Pea Art Show at the ERA Landmark Visitor’s Center through July, which is a perfect way to finish off the month right before the festival begins.
A Weekend Filled with Art and Entertainment: What to Expect at the Sweet Pea Festival
The three-day attraction is typically held on the first full weekend of August, with this year’s festivities launching Friday afternoon at 4 pm in Lindley Park with a performance by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
On Saturday, check out a children’s run and parade that will lead the crowd to the park where more entertainment continues through Sunday 7 pm.
Look for musical performances of all types, local theater and dance troupe shows, adult and children’s workshops, and a chance to purchase unique items from more than 100 arts and crafts vendors.
There is also a flower show and beer and wine garden featuring Montana microbrews.
Supporting the Arts: Admission and Benefits of Attending the Sweet Pea Festival
While the events preceding the festival are free, admission to Lindley Park events requires the purchase of a wristband, but children 12 and under will be admitted for free.
Guests can choose to purchase an early bird price of $25 now through July 1. Passes purchased in advance after July
If you’re visiting Bozeman, Montana be sure to check out these fantastic Bozeman Vacation Rentals near the Sweet Pea Festival.
For more information, check out the Sweet Pea Festival Facebook page.
