May Events in the Flathead Valley
Spring has sprung in Montana! Now that the snow has melted and the summer season is beginning, there are plenty of Flathead Lake events to satisfy a variety of interests. We hope to see you at
these fantastic Flathead Valley events happening in May:
Champions of Magic (May 14)
One of the most successful magic shows in history, Champions of Magic, will perform one dazzling show at the Wachholz College Center in Kalispell. The Champions of Magic team deliver grand-scale entertainment for the whole family with thrilling, mind-bending illusions and never-before-seen tricks executed with their signature comedic flair and showmanship. Tickets start at $54.
Whitefish Fish Fest (May 17)
Locals and visitors to Whitefish alike will gather downtown to celebrate the arrival of spring with the third annual Whitefish Fish Fest. The day kicks off with “Run the Fish,” featuring the Whitefish Marathon, a half marathon, and 5K races. While the races are happening, “Shop the Fish,” an outdoor shopping crawl where local vendors showcase their products with exclusive discounts and giveaways, will also be taking place. And plenty of attendees just come to enjoy the patio parties by Whitefish bars and restaurants and live music.
Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Summer Show (May 16 – 18)
The Flathead area is fortunate to be home to many talented artists and craft makers who draw their inspiration from the stunning landscapes surrounding them and create unique products from locally sourced materials. At the Flathead County Fairgrounds, take advantage of the opportunity to purchase their handmade items at the Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Summer Show. Come find local artwork for your home, artisanal jewelry, and much more, all infused with the spirit of Montana.
Pictures At an Exhibition (May 17 – 18)
For lovers of classical music, don’t miss the Glacier Symphony Orchestra’s concert of two great Russian symphonic works, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, which is a musical depiction of a tour of an exhibition of the Louvre Museum in Paris. The concert will also include Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in b minor, the piece for which he is most famous. Acclaimed visiting soloist Ilya Yakushev will be featured at the performance. Tickets start at $44.
Bigfork Whitewater Festival (May 23 – 25)
The first of the Flathead Valley events for paddlers is the Bigfork Whitewater Festival. This exciting competition will include kayak races, SUP races, and raft races down the rapids of the last mile of the Swan River, known as the “Wild Mile.” Many competitors and spectators camp nearby, and at night, they party with some of Bigfork’s most popular bars hosting special live music, dancing, and drink deals.
Boat Tour of Flathead Lake (Starting Memorial Day)
Weather permitting, Go Sail Montana will start sailing from Memorial Day weekend. For special summer events in the Flathead Valley, take a boat tour around the lake so you can take in its rugged beauty from a sailboat. Our tours offer the flexibility to choose your own itinerary, whether you prefer to stay on the open water, sail to Wild Horse Island, or select a favorite spot to swim. Just remember to bring warm layers, as it can be up to twenty degrees cooler out on the water.