Fourth of July Events in the Flathead Valley
Flathead Lake is the place to be for Independence Day weekend! From community parades to thrilling rodeos and dazzling fireworks, there are a variety of family-friendly Flathead Valley 4th of July events to keep you busy all weekend. Check out our top picks to make this Independence Day the best yet:
Polson Independence Eve Fireworks
Kick off the celebrations early with Polson’s Independence Eve Fireworks at dusk on July 3rd. The festivities continue on the 4th with an afternoon parade and conclude with a second spectacular fireworks show in the evening.
Go Sail Charters and ASA Courses
While many people spend the Fourth of July searching for parking or fighting crowds for a patch of grass or a good view of the parade, sailors spend the holiday the way it was meant to be enjoyed: outside, on the water, and surrounded by freedom. Skip the crowds and spend the day chasing the wind with Go Sail Flathead Lake with American Sailing courses or sailing tours!
Annual Freedom Run/Walk and Bigfork Parade
One of the most popular Flathead Valley 4th of July events is the Freedom Run/Walk 5k , followed by the Bigfork Parade. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to start the day walking or running through the scenic Wild Mile Nature Trail. Then, the main attraction of the day is the parade, where a procession of floats delight the crowds with candy and compete for prizes, while food trucks supply tasty local favorites.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
Immerse yourself in American history on Independence Day at Conrad Mansion for their annual 4th of July Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social, held right after the Kalispell parade. The ice cream is free, and tours of the mansion are discounted for the day!
America 250 Baseball Game
Glacier Bank Park is hosting a special 4th of July baseball game, with the home team, the Glacier Range Riders, facing off against the RedPocket Mobiles, complete with a lively post-game fireworks show in Kalispell.
Whitefish Arts Festival
For artists and art lovers, an annual highlight of Independence Day weekend is the Whitefish Arts Festival. Come to the picturesque town of Whitefish to browse artworks, jewelry, furniture, clothing, and more. Admission is free, so whether you are searching for something unique for your home, the perfect gift for someone special, or just want to spend an afternoon browsing, this festival is a must among Flathead Valley 4th of July events.
Lakeside 4th of July Fireworks
No list of Flathead Valley 4th of July events would be complete without our legendary fireworks displays around the lake. In addition to Polson, Lakeside is well known in the Flathead for hosting elaborate shows that illuminate the night sky and reflect off the lake. To get away from the crowds and enjoy the most exclusive view, spend the evening on the water by renting a sailboat.
If you’re not comfortable sailing on your own, July is an ideal time to learn to sail with beginner ASA courses.
Bigfork Montana Rodeo
The weekend fun isn’t over yet! From July 5 – 8, you can experience the electric energy of one of Flathead Lake’s most exciting rodeos! From bull riding and barrel racing to bronc riding and roping events, the Bigfork Montana Rodeo is the perfect way to bring the holiday weekend to a close.
With so many exciting Flathead Valley 4th of July events happening around the lake, it’s smart to plan your trip and make reservations early.