This free festival is one of Missoula’s biggest cultural celebrations of the year. Missoula’s Downtown comes alive with live music all weekend, plus a juried art show and fun activities for kids and adults alike. There’s plenty of free parking and great food. The Food Court on Ryman between West Main and West Front will have 17 vendors serving foods both local and exotic. In addition, about 100 Downtown Missoula restaurants, cafes and pubs will be open and ready to serve their best.
Below are the highlights of the River City Roots Festival 2012 in Missoula, Montana:
River City Roots Festival Art Show in Missoula
The Roots Fest juried art show features high-quality original paintings, photography, ceramics, sculputures, jewelry, fiber arts and wood crafts by Pacific Northwest artists. Set up along Downtown Missoula’s Main Street, the art show is a central component of this Missoula signature celebration.
2012 Roots Festival Music on the Main Stage
Ten musical groups over two days will play on the Main Stage set up on West Main Street. Dance to reggae-inspired music, listen to good ol’ Rock ‘n’ Roll, or just get funky. There will be a wide range of musical styles for every taste. Click here for a complete schedule and descriptions of all the bands.
Children’s Activities in Caras Park, Missoula
There’s fun for the kids in Caras Park along the Clark Fork River. For both days of the festival, the Children’s Fun Festival in Caras Park is open 12 to 6 pm. spectrUM Science Discovery Area will have exhibits plus other groups will provide kid-friendly activities such as a youth performance stage, face painting, children’s music & crafts and more.
Sunday, August 25, 2012 Missoula Roots Festival 4-Mile Run/Walk
The four-mile run/walk through Missoula will start at the bricks on Alder, continue through Greenough Park and end at Caras Park. The $1,500 prize will be split among the first five of the men’s and women’s divisions. Registration is from 7-9 am and the race starts at 9:30 am. It’ll be a scenic and challenging run, exciting for runners and spectators alike!
To learn more about this favorite Missoula event, including the full schedule and festival maps, please visit RiverCityRootsFestival.com.
Our Missoula B&B is only a few minutes’ drive away. Join the festive crowd in Downtown Missoula and then escape to the peace and relaxation of our Bitterroot Valley scenery and luxurious rooms.
