For over four decades, the Sweet Pea Festival has captivated our community here in the Gallatin Valley. Held each August, this beloved three-day event offers both locals and visitors the chance to take part in a tradition that’s been going strong for more than 40 years. From art shows to concerts and live performances, the Sweet Pea Festival is a wonderful celebration of the strong community ties and creative spirit that have always defined this special place.

For our crew here at Montana Gift Corral, the Sweet Pea Festival is one of our favorite summertime events in Bozeman. Come celebrate with us as we explore the history of this iconic event and what makes it so meaningful, even today! 

The History of the Sweet Pea Festival

Bozeman has always been a town that nurtures creativity. From artists to outdoor adventurers, our community is a safe haven for people to express themselves in more ways than one. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that on April 13th, 1977, a group of creatives, calling themselves the “Hopeless Optimists,” banded together with an idea: to create what would become the very first annual Sweet Pea Festival in the Gallatin Valley.

While they had to postpone their passion project in 1977, they were awarded a grant to bring their vision to life in 1978. Sweet Pea '78 marked the official beginning of this beloved Bozeman community tradition!

From the start, this three-day extravaganza was all about celebrating creativity. Even in 1978, the Sweet Pea Festival resembled much of what we know and love today: dance workshops, local artists selling their work, art exhibits, concerts, and more! Community events took place all over town, including Lindley Park, Bogert Park, the Ellen Theatre, Cooper Park, MSU, and the Willson Auditorium.

The Sweet Pea Festival Today

Fast forward to today, and the Sweet Pea Festival has become a cherished tradition for so many in our community. While its early days laid the foundation for a lasting legacy, the festival has grown immensely over the years! Since the 1980s, exciting events have been added to the lineup, like Chalk on the Walk, the Sweet Pea 10K run, and of course, the always delightful Sweet Pea Parade, which is hands down one of the biggest and most beloved parades in all of Montana!

Sweet Pea Festival Music and Arts

Every year, the Sweet Pea Festival brings creative makers together in a meaningful celebration of our community. Hundreds of volunteers come together to organize a weekend full of activities and live music, while both local and visiting art vendors set up shop for all to enjoy. From woodworking to mixed media, the artists who show up for Bozeman’s Sweet Pea Festival are unique, inspiring, and bursting with creativity. Supporting a local artist or maker truly makes a difference in the community we’re building together, and Sweet Pea brings that opportunity to Bozeman year after year.

Alongside the main festival, you’ll find a vibrant marketplace filled with talented vendors, live music, theatrical performances, and dance showcases. From ballet and performance art to singer-songwriters, bands, and theater productions, the Sweet Pea Festival is a brilliant celebration of every form of local artistic expression.

What we love most about the Sweet Pea Festival is its deep commitment to arts and community. It’s a powerful reminder that without community support, the arts can fade away. Even more inspiring? Sweet Pea is a non-profit organization, and all proceeds from the festival go directly back into the Bozeman community, supporting arts grants, art education, and special projects that keep our creative spirit alive and thriving.

📸 // Sweet Pea Festival

When you buy a Sweet Pea Festival wristband, you’re supporting an expressive, artistic community that values creative experiences for all. When you shop from local vendors, you’re casting a vote with your dollars, one that uplifts local artists and makers. While you're at the festival, you're helping create a world that’s small but mighty.

Be part of the magic this year: support artists and makers, savor locally made foods, and dance your heart out to live music, because at the Sweet Pea Festival, you make a difference.

Sweet Pea Festival 2025 Events Schedule:

Pre-Festival Fun:

• Chalk on the Walk — Tuesday, July 29 (All Day)
  Get creative with free chalk available downtown! Decorate the sidewalks between Grand and Broadway and watch professional chalk artist Bill Spiess bring his magic to First Security Bank and Lindley Park.

• Music on Main — Thursday, July 31 (6:30–8:30 PM)
  Kick off the celebrations with Neon Rainbow, a Bozeman-based ‘90s country tribute band, sponsored by Sweet Pea. Dust off your boots for some authentic boot scootin’ boogie and grab your wristbands at pre-festival prices.

Festival Weekend: Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3

• Juried Art Show — August 1 to 31
  This year’s show is hosted at The Bozeman Public Library, showcasing a stunning mix of watercolor, oil paintings, photography, and more. Join the free opening reception on Friday, August 1, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM.

• Sweet Pea Run (5K & 10K) — Saturday, August 2 (7:15 AM & 7:25 AM)
  One of Bozeman’s oldest races, put on by the Big Sky Wind Drinkers. Competitive and fun with cash prizes, cheer on runners as they sprint down Main Street!

• Children’s Fun Run & Dog Parade — Saturday, August 2 (9:30 AM)
  Kids lead the way in a fun run along Main Street (registration required). Right after, enjoy the beloved Dog Parade, party pups strutting their stuff in Sweet Pea-themed outfits! Entry fees support local causes.

• Sweet Pea Parade — Saturday, August 2 (9:30 AM)
  Join thousands along Main Street to watch one of Montana’s biggest, most colorful parades. This year’s theme is “Frozen Bozeman,” promising creative floats and lots of community spirit.
  

For a full, detailed schedule of events, including specific vendors at the Artist Marketplace, the complete concert lineup, and much more, be sure to check out the official Sweet Pea Festival schedule. You won’t want to miss a single moment of this incredible celebration!

📸 // Sweet Pea Festival