August is an especially busy month in Bozeman: summer is going strong, back to school is ramping up, MSU students are coming back and visitors continue to make their way through town and surrounding areas. No matter the reason you picked up Bozeman Magazine this month, we have something for you! Our thorough events calendar is both in print and online, we have the Greater Yellowstone Area’s events covered and can help you make an adventure of any day. We’ve incorporated our Gallatin Valley Guide into this issue, so you can get to know our town and find businesses working to serve your needs. Our editorial sections include Local Living with a historic spotlight from the Gallatin History Museum, Dining with this month’s landmark eatery Dave’s Sushi, our monthly Bozeman Top 10 list, Montana Music plus Screen & Stage, Health & Wellness tips and advice, the Bozeman Real Estate Market Report, and more.

Events not to miss this month include:

The 40th Annual Sweet Pea Festival - Activities begin on August 1 with Chalk on the Walk, August 2 is the Bite of Bozeman, and the Sweet Pea Run and children’s fun run kick off before the Sweet Pea Parade on Saturday August 5. Art, food, theatre, dance and music fill Lindley Park all weekend! Adult Full Weekend Access: $20 in advance, Gate Prices:  $30 (Friday) $25 (Saturday) $15 (Sunday), Kids Full Weekend Access: $10 in advance, Gate Prices:  $15 (Friday) $10 (Saturday) $5 (Sunday). Enjoy all Sweet Pea has to offer!

SLAM Festival (Support Local Artists & Musicians) - Celebrate and Support Local Artists and Musicians at the annual SLAM Festival in Bogert Park beginning Saturday Aug 5 at 11am and running through Sunday evening Aug 6. Enjoy artists’ demonstrations, beer garden, music performances and local culinary offerings, admission is FREE.

Heart of the West Art Show and Auction - Back for its second year in Bozeman, this art show includes the work of over 50 premier artists from all over the country exhibiting new paintings and sculptures in booths throughout the Best Western Plus GranTree Inn’s convention space. This FREE event takes place Thursday Aug 10 noon-9pm, Friday Aug 11 10am-9pm and Saturday Aug 12 10am-9pm.

Roller Derby! - The Gallatin Roller Girlz next home bout will take place at the Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on August 12 at 7:30 pm. The theme is Derby Heroes DC vs. Marvel. Dress up and grab VIP seating to be closest to the action. Kids 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at Cactus Records and at the door for $8.

Bozeman Firehouse 5k - The Bozeman Firefighters Local 613 invite you to the first annual Bozeman Firehouse 5K Saturday Aug 19. This charity race will raise funds for the local chapter’s Benevolent Fund. The race will wrap around the scenic Dinosaur Park and end in front of Bozeman Fire Station 3. Immediately following the race, the annual “Fire in the Park” open house event will take place at Bozeman Fire Station 3. Free food, tours of the station and apparatus, and fun activities for kids will all be part of the event. Sign up before Aug 10 for $35!

Pinky and the Floyd - The 3rd annual back to school block party at Bridger Brewing will take place Friday Aug 25 at 7 pm. Get your tickets early at the brewery or Cactus Records. Pinky always sells out!

Shakespeare in the Parks presents You Never Can Tell - SITP will be back at the MSU Duck Pond Aug 31 at 6 pm for an end of summer performance of You Never Can Tell. A brand-new dentist, an independent woman, a pair of twins, a search for a missing father, and a helpful waiter all add up to hilarity in this Shavian farce.  This is FREE event!

Check our calendar(s) for more details, and MANY more Bozeman events!