The “Under the Big Sky Festival” is an annual music and arts festival held in Montana, United States. It celebrates music, culture, and the outdoors, bringing together artists and performers from various genres and backgrounds. The festival aims to showcase the beauty of Montana’s landscapes and provide a unique experience for attendees.
The Big Sky Festival features a diverse lineup of musical acts, including both established and emerging artists. The performances cover various genres, including rock, folk, country, and bluegrass.
In addition to the music, the festival often includes other forms of artistic expression, such as visual arts, culinary experiences, and craft vendors.
The festival’s location is typically in a picturesque outdoor setting, allowing attendees to enjoy Montana’s natural beauty while immersing themselves in the music and festivities. It will enable people to gather, connect, and create lasting memories in a vibrant scenic atmosphere.
Importance of Under the Big Sky
- Cultural Enrichment:
The festival is crucial in enriching the cultural fabric of the community and the region. By showcasing a diverse lineup of music, arts, and cultural activities, it exposes attendees to different genres, styles, and artistic expressions. This exposure fosters appreciation and understanding of various cultures and promotes diversity.
- Economic Impact:
The festival substantially benefits the local community and the region. It attracts visitors from far and wide, stimulating tourism and generating revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops.
The festival also creates employment opportunities directly and indirectly, contributing to the area’s overall economic growth and development.
- A Platform for Artists:
The Under the Big Sky Festival allows established and emerging artists to showcase their talent and reach a broader audience. It provides exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform for artists to connect with industry professionals and fans. This exposure can significantly impact their careers and contribute to their artistic growth.
- Community Engagement:
The festival engages with the local community, forging partnerships with businesses, organizations, and individuals. Collaborations and shared initiatives strengthen community bonds and encourage residents to feel proud and take ownership of their surroundings.
The festival also provides volunteering and participation opportunities, encouraging community members to contribute to its success actively.
- Cultural Tourism:
The Big Sky Festival has the potential to become a cultural tourism attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. Its unique location, diverse programming, and immersive experiences make it an enticing destination for music and art enthusiasts.
Cultural tourism promotes the festival and highlights the region’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local attractions.
- Inspiration and Creativity:
The festival provides inspiration and creativity for attendees, artists, and the community. It sparks artistic expression, encourages new ideas, and fosters a creative atmosphere.
The exchange of creative energy and exposure to different art forms can profoundly impact individuals, enabling them to explore their creativity and pursue artistic endeavors.
- Community Pride and Identity:
The Big Sky Festival has the potential to become an iconic event that embodies the spirit and identity of the community and the region. It can become a source of pride for locals, symbolizing their shared values, culture, and creativity.
The festival contributes to the community’s identity and can help promote a positive image of the region to the rest of the world.
- Social Cohesion:
The festival brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering social cohesion and creating a sense of unity. It provides a space where attendees can connect, celebrate, and appreciate music and arts, transcending age, ethnicity, and social status barriers.
The shared experience of the festival strengthens social bonds and promotes a sense of belonging and togetherness.
History
The “Under the Big Sky” festival is a music and arts festival held in Montana, United States; the festival was a relatively new event that started in 2019. It was created by the concert promotion company Outback Presents in collaboration with artist and Montana native Eric Funk.
The festival aims to celebrate the beauty of Montana and showcase a diverse lineup of musical performances, along with other artistic and cultural experiences. The inaugural Under the Big Sky festival occurred on July 13-14, 2019, at the Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana. It featured a range of musical genres, including rock, folk, country, and Americana.
The lineup included well-known acts such as Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Band of Horses, Dwight Yoakam, and Jenny Lewis. The music festival also offered a variety of local food vendors, craft beer, and wine options, as well as interactive art installations and activities to engage attendees. The Under the Big Sky Festival was a massive success, drawing 20,000 music enthusiasts to the stunning Big Mountain Ranch.
Attendees were treated to a diverse lineup of musicians, including lesser-known names that don’t get played on mainstream radio. The festival also boasted exciting daily rodeos and a variety of vendors, from crafts to tattoos. And remember the breathtaking backdrop of Glacier National Park, which only added to the festival’s allure.
With artists like Zac Bryan, Lord Huron, Cody Jinks, Margo Price, Trampled by Turtles, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wade, Midland, Hog Slop String Band, and more performing amidst the natural beauty of the area, it’s no wonder that this festival was such a hit. And kicking off the festivities as the headlining act on the first night was the recently reunited Turnpike Troubadours.
Since its debut last year, Under the Big Sky festival has presented a lineup featuring up-and-coming and well-established musicians across various genres, including folk, alt-country, bluegrass, and rock genres.
The music festival occurs on acres of land where cows graze when it’s not filled with music enthusiasts. Shockey, who has a background in organizing concerts and festivals, aimed to blend music and ranching.
Under the Big Sky 2023
The Big Sky Festival in Montana on July 14-16, 2023. This festival is becoming recognized as one of the premier events in the country music genre and features many independent countries and Americana artists.
Morgan Wallen is one of the festival’s headliners, including Zach Bryan, Hank Williams Jr., Camp, and more.
The festival benefits the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports organizations that aid people battling addiction and abuse. Wallen has previously performed in other tours, including the Dangerous and One Night at a Time World tours.
Besides the main event, the festival will provide additional entertainment, such as a daily rough stock rodeo, trail rides, and various food and drinks.
Under the Big Sky Lineup 2023
Check out the exciting full lineup of talented musicians scheduled to perform at the upcoming event.
| Hank Williams Jr | Zach Bryan | Whiskey Myers |
| Ryan Bingham | Colter Wall | the Dead South |
| Elle King | Marcus King | Charley Crocket |
| LeAnn Rimes | Shane Smith & the Saints | Nikki Lane |
| Kitchen Dwellers | Hayes Carl | 49 Winchester |
| Vincent Neil Emerson | Kat Hasty | The Local Honeys |
| Colby Acuff | Bella White | Drayton Farley |
| The Red Clay Strays | Jamie Wyman | Cristina Vane |
| Radio Ranch | War Pony |
Additionally, the event will feature a special guest appearance by Luke Grimes, who is best known for his role on the popular TV show “Yellowstone”.
Hours
- Friday – 3:00 pm MTS – 11:00 pm MTS
- Saturday – noon MTS – 11:00 pm MTS
- Sunday – noon MTS – 11:00 pm MTS
Location
- Big Mountain Ranch
- 1701 E Edgewood Dr. Whitefish, MT 59937
Under the Big Sky 2023 Tickets
Music festivals are an experience like no other. There’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing beverage, soaking up the sun, and getting lost in the beats of your favorite artists.
For those who truly understand the power of music, attending a festival is a magical moment of pure musical bliss. If you’re a concert enthusiast, securing music festival tickets is necessary.
The “Under the Big Sky” festival offers two types of tickets, General Admission and VIP Admission.
General Admission
- 3-Day passes from $349
- Weekend passes from $289
VIP Admission
- 3-Day pass from $669
- Weekend tickets from $449
Main Attractions
Under the Big Sky is often considered a perfect outdoor musical event for families with young kids. With its impressive lineups and huge crowds, it has quickly become one of the most important festivals of its kind in the country.
You won’t have to worry about food and drink either, as Restaurateur Pat Carlos and Best Beverage Catering have teamed up to provide plenty of options for everyone.
In addition to the fantastic musical lineup, this event offers a range of vendors, including tattoo artists and food sellers. Attendees can also enjoy an actual Montana experience with a rough stock rodeo, presented by Brash Rodeo, which kicks off the event on Friday night with performances from featured artists.
Daily rodeos occur between musical sets throughout the event, and there are ample opportunities for trail riding in and around the ranch for interested parties.
Conclusion
- Every year, the Under the Big Sky Festival gets closer to becoming the top event for showcasing independent country, Americana, and even some mainstream music in one location.
- It’s hard to capture the actual size of the crowds at the event through pictures alone. Each day, nearly 20,000 people attend. The event organizers are currently searching for even more extensive and diverse locations to hold the event in the future.
- The festival showcases diverse musical genres, appealing to a broad audience. From rock and country to folk and blues, the lineup features renowned artists and emerging talents, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- The festival extends beyond music, incorporating various cultural and artistic elements. Attendees can explore art installations, engage in workshops, and witness captivating performances celebrating the vibrant arts scene.
- Under the Big Sky Festival prides itself on creating an inclusive environment where attendees can freely express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals. The welcoming atmosphere fosters community and promotes a positive experience for all participants.
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