Change is one of the only constants in this life, and the way this Valley has changed in the last 16 years has been nothing short of exponential and impressive. The growth and developing community has made many events come and go throughout the years, but one that has stuck in the hearts and minds of local music lovers is Groovin’ on the Gallatin.

Started in 2009 by Pete Lease and Jason Meyers, the prototype festival for Groovin’ was an afterparty for a Disc Golf Tournament in the Big Sky Community Park. After the pilot run was a success, the Cinnamon Lodge was acquired for the next 5 years of Groovin’ on the Gallatin. In 2017, touring bands mixed with local bands at Storm Castle Retreat (Trailhead) outside of Gallatin Gateway gathered to create an unforgettable experience. The Kitchen Dwellers, Lainey Lou and the Bird Dogs, Scott Pemberton Band, Moth, Pinky and the Floyd, Modern Sons, and the Hawthorne Roots were among the many bands featured over this weekend.

“So it all started when Jason and I thought, if all these other places pull off festivals, why can’t we throw our own festival? Missoula had L.Y.M.E. Festival, run (by friends) and Skye Burns (RIP), but our side of the state did not.” explains Pete, “Groovin’ was made for the locals; Kitchen Dwellers, Cure for the Common, Moth, Archer’s Mob, One Leaf Clover, Looping Zu, Sneaky Pete + SW’s, Shakewell, Hawthorne Roots, Satsang, DJ’s, Rappers - (it was) a mult-genre festival.”

A group of local musicians and music lovers have decided that it is time to revive the much-loved and missed festival this September, spanning over 3 days and 3 locations! “Groovin’ On” Festival is a gathering of our local music community, in an effort to bring everyone back together after many losses and changes within the Gallatin Valley music community. “The focus has always been to showcase the local Montana - Bozeman, Billings, Missoula bands first and foremost,” Pete expresses.

The Groovin’ On Weekend will commence with a Welcome Party at Red Tractor Pizza in true TGIF fashion, followed by a full-on family fun day at Bogert Park from 11 am -6 pm on Saturday, and conclude with music all Sunday at the Filling Station from 11 am to 11 pm!

Friday, September 18 - Welcome Party from 6-10pm, Red Tractor Pizza, 1007 W Main St, Bozeman, MT - Music and Pizza Abound!

Saturday, September 19 - Family Day from 11-6pm, Bogart Park, 325 S Church Ave, Bozeman, MT - Bring the kiddos and blankets to groove on the grass!

Sunday, September 20 - Never Miss a Sunday Show from 11-11pm, The Filling Station, 2005 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT - The music will take us to church!

There will be many genres of bands, vendors from across the Valley, food trucks, shuttles, and plenty more information coming down the pipeline! Follow “Groovin’ On’ on Facebook and Bozeman Magazine for more information on all of the details, how to participate, and where to purchase tickets!  

“Music can change the world because it can change people.” – Bono