Free events in Great Falls, MT

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings a free staging of Much Ado About Nothing to the University of Providence campus in Great Falls. Bring a picnic and enjoy live theater with friends. Seating is open and filled in order of arrival, and guests using tall chairs are asked to sit farther back so those on blankets or in low chairs can see. A special pre-show performance is planned, so arriving early is encouraged. If weather becomes an issue, the performance will move to the Great Falls High School Auditorium. Two audio accessibility options are available. Personal FM receivers with headphones can be borrowed at the merchandise table, or you can listen on your own device using the free AudioFetch app, compatible with iOS and Android. Connect to the WiFi network named Shakespeare! with no password, then open the app, and remember to bring your own headphones. Presented with support from the Great Falls Public Library, the Great Falls Public Library Foundation, and the Great Falls Theatre Company. The company will also present The Merchant of Venice in Great Falls the following night.

The Civic Center transforms into a bustling market, filling three lots with more than 170 vendors and a wide variety of offerings. Those interested in vending must apply through the official application process only, and any posts or messages claiming there is another way to sign up are scam accounts.

Little ones can get up close to big machines at this annual, free, family-friendly showcase. Local businesses and nonprofits partner with the Junior League of Great Falls and Spark! Children's Museum of Montana to introduce kids to the people who build, serve, and protect the community while presenting the vehicles and equipment they use on the job. Expect fire trucks, cranes, cement mixers, garbage trucks, bulldozers, and a selection of food trucks, including ice cream, along with additional displays from organizations that support families.

This free, family friendly carnival features raffles for bicycles, games, face painting, prizes, and food. Community organizations taking part include local nonprofits, the Shriners, the GF Tennis Association, and GF Park and Recreation. Volunteers are needed.

Sealed Relics hosts a casual Warhammer open play night centered on community, learning, and enjoyable tabletop action. Players of every experience level, including competitive players, painters, and those new to the universe, are welcome. Open tables support friendly matches, strategy conversations, and list testing, with room for hobby discussion and army showcases. Attendees can bring armies and terrain ideas to try on the table. Play runs throughout the evening, and participation is free. Fans of Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, and Kill Team, as well as anyone curious about the hobby, will find a welcoming setting to connect with the local community.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presents a free performance of The Merchant of Venice in Great Falls at the University of Providence campus. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoor production with friends. Seating is open and fills in order of arrival, and guests with tall chairs are asked to sit toward the back so those on blankets or in low chairs have a clear view. A special pre-show performance is planned, with details to be announced. If weather makes the outdoor setting impractical, the show will move to the Great Falls High School Auditorium. Audio support is available in two ways. Personal FM receivers with headphones can be borrowed at the merchandise table, and there is also a no-cost app option for listening on a personal device. To use the app, download AudioFetch and connect to the WiFi network named Shakespeare!, which does not require a password, and plan to use your own headphones. This event is presented with support from the Great Falls Public Library, the Great Falls Public Library Foundation, and the Great Falls Theatre Company.

Get together with your favorite gal for Ladies Night at Electric City Speedway. Ladies get in free for the evening, and there will be food and concession stands available, including beer. Come enjoy a fun night out at the races and pick up a cool souvenir while you’re there.

Kids Day features a special offer where children 12 and younger eat at no charge, limited to one child per paying adult. The menu highlights kid favorites such as macaroni and cheese, pepperoni pizza, and ice cream.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presents a free performance of Much Ado About Nothing at Sun Canyon Lodge. Bring a picnic and enjoy a professional production with friends. Seating is first come, first served, and guests using tall chairs are asked to sit toward the back so those on blankets or in low chairs can see comfortably. A pre-show performance is planned and details will be announced, so early arrival is encouraged. The show is planned for an outdoor setting at Sun Canyon Lodge, with the same location designated in case of inclement weather. Audio accessibility is available in two ways. Personal FM receivers with headphones can be borrowed from the merchandise table, or you can listen on your own device by downloading the AudioFetch app on iOS or Android, connecting to the WiFi network named Shakespeare! with no password, then opening the app to hear the audio. Hosted by Sun Canyon Lodge.

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their families/caregivers are invited to Dinosaur Storytime in the Cordingley Room (basement) as part of Summer Reading. Expect songs, movement, a dinosaur activity, and a great story focused on dinosaurs. Groups are welcome.

Take part in a free 5K where you can run, walk, or enjoy a relaxed stroll. This summer series offers a T-shirt to anyone who completes three of the five races, provided by the River's Edge Trail Foundation. Each race includes raffles for gift cards and other prizes from Scheels in Great Falls. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome. Kids can participate with scooters, bikes, or in strollers. Water and swag giveaways are available at every race. This stop in the series takes place at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. For questions, email parkrequests@greatfallsmt.gov.

A weekly gathering at Meadowlark Park offers a relaxed chance to connect with others and enjoy time outdoors. It takes place on Thursdays as part of a continuing series of park days.