Bumblewood Thicket Returns: The Gallatin Valley’s Favorite Joy-Inducing Event Is Back!

It’s fairy season in southwest Montana! The fairies are returning to Glen Lake Rotary Park for Random Acts of Silliness’ (RAS) 4th annual fairy village August 26th - September 17th. Bumblewood Thicket is a free, self-guided outdoor art installation offered by RAS in partnership with Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, and with support from the Bozeman Health Foundation and Heyday.

The village is composed of 20 all-new fairy houses and businesses created by Gallatin Valley artists. Since the first fairy village in 2020, this event has grown into a local treasure, with an estimated 15,000 visitors last year and recently voted Bozeman’s Best Annual Event.

“It’s our favorite time of the year”, said Danielle Thomsen of RAS. “We simply can’t wait to see the joy on peoples faces and hear the squeals of delight fill the forest!”.

RAS partnered with GVLT to bring the first fairy village to Bozeman in 2020, and GVLT remains committed to the innovative way of inviting new users to trails.

“GVLT is thrilled to yet again support the magic that is Bumblewood Thicket. We always say that by building trails, we build community. There is no better example of community

than seeing kids and seniors walking trails side by side with wonder in their eyes and joy in their hearts. The fairies are an annual reminder that magic exists in our natural outdoor spaces, you just have to slow down and look closely.” -- Chet Work, GVLT

New this year, fairy architects of all-ages are encouraged to build their own fairy structures at home and showcase their work at the Build Your Own Bonanza on September 16th and 17th (pre-registration required).

Also new this year, is an original play inspired by Bumblewood Thicket. “The Magic of Bumblewood Thicket: A Fairy Play” is the tale of a serious scientific investigation hijacked by fairy hijinx. This play is free and performed at the Boylan Road entrance to Glen Lake Rotary Park. For showtimes and to reserve your spot please visit https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/2023-the-magic-of-bumblewood-thicket-a-fairy- play

Bumblewood Thicket is open daily from August 26th - September 17th during the park’s hours of 7am - 10pm (except August 26th, opening at 2pm due to another event). The village is a 10 minute trail walk from the main parking lot of Glen Lake Rotary Park. We recommend visitors download the map and directions before their visit. For accessibility information or to visit with a group please email hello@randomactsofsiillsiness.com . For more info visit https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/2023-bumblewood-thicket