There’s something about July that makes Bozeman feel like the soundtrack of summer is finally turned all the way up. It’s in the hum of longer days under our big sky, the shuffle of Chacos and Birkenstocks on warm sidewalks, and the laughter rolling out of open patio doors from downtown eateries.

Each week, Music in the Mountains brings live shows to Big Sky’s Town Center Plaza, where the alpine air makes everything feel a little more electric. The concerts are free, family-friendly, and absolutely worth the drive. Bring a blanket, dance barefoot in the grass, and soak up world-class music with mountain peaks for a backdrop.

Back in town, Bozeman’s Music on Main fills downtown with its own buzz—starting at 6:30 PM each Thursday, kids can bounce in inflatable houses, get facepainted, or hulahoop at nonprofit booths (YMCA, Bozeman Public Library, the fire department, and more) while local vendors dish out BBQ, shaved ice, huckleberry lemonade and other treats—all leading up to live bands from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Whether you’re fueling up before the show or winding down after it, Bozeman’s local restaurants serve up something for every taste—explore the full lineup of Bozeman’s Food Scene at bozemanmagazine.com/restaurants, and use the Bozeman Food Finder to find exactly what you are looking for.

And for a true taste of Montana summer? Track down a scoop of Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream—Wilcoxson’s was founded in 1912 by Carl Wilcoxson and has served its famous ice cream throughout Montana and Wyoming for more than a century. You’ll find it at The Co-op, Town & Country, and at plenty of corner shops across town. Huckleberry remains the ultimate classic, but we won’t judge if you fall for Graham Slam or Moose Tracks.

July reminds us to lean into the long days, take the scenic route, and let the music lead the way—be sure to enjoy every note.