The best part of owning a little slice of heaven in the Treasure State is getting to take part in the local activities that give Montana communities their sense of identity and pack in some flair. Two of the best ways to experience the local culture are by shopping at the local farmers market or spending an evening at the rodeo.
Buy Local
Montana towns pride themselves on having local farmers markets with great community support. Across the state, visitors spent more than $17 million at 73 community markets in 2022, according to research by the University of Montana, buying healthy farm-fresh produce and supporting arts and crafts vendors.
In the northwest, the Whitefish Downtown Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday evening. Since 2020, the market has proudly committed to becoming a zero-waste space — a sustainable way to combine support for the local community and stewardship of local resources — by eliminating the use of plastic products and turning all onsite trash into compost.
In Bozeman, markets are a year-round staple, with the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market held every Saturday throughout the summer at the fairgrounds and the Bozeman Winter Farmers’ Market taking over from October through April at the Emerson Cultural Center. At the winter market, you’ll find over 30 vendors selling farm products from winter greens to traditional staples like potatoes and onions, cheese and eggs, and anything else that you need to make a cold weather feast for your friends and family.
Down the Bitterroot Valley, the Hamilton Farmers Market Cooperative blocks off several city streets on Saturdays during the summer to let locals and visitors alike revel in the sense of community. The Co-op prioritizes providing an avenue for more than 100 local farmers, growers, and craftspeople to promote their business.
Not Your First Rodeo
Rodeo has been part of Montana’s culture since the first cowboys arrived over 150 years ago, and there’s been a meteoric surge of enthusiasm in recent years due to the popularity of shows like “Yellowstone.” Throw on your cowboy hat and watch some classic events, including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, steer riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, chute dogging, and team roping.
The 23rd Blue Moon Bull Bash in Columbia Falls in August is a must-see event for residents or visitors to Glacier Country. With a special focus on bull riding, steer riding, and wild cow milking, it’s a hoot to watch the top riders battle it out with Montana’s fittest four-legged athletes.
Billings hosts a leg of the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) "Unleash the Beast" series over three days each spring. Featuring the top 40-ranked professional bull riders each year, Unleash the Beast bucks into Billings as the longest-running stop on the PBR schedule, a testament to Billings’ enthusiasm for bull riders.
Boasting the Best Little Rodeo Arena in the West, Darby hosts five elite events throughout the summer, including the Montana junior high finals, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Xtreme Bareback Event, and their Broncs, Bulls & Barrels season finale in September. The Darby Rodeo Association also supports scholarships for local graduating rodeo athletes.
Whether you already own your dream home in Montana or are visiting to find the perfect piece of real estate, be sure to check out the local activities that truly make Montana’s town’s shine. Contact your PureWest agent today to learn more about the local activities you can enjoy in each corner of the Treasure State.
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