Family events in Whitefish, MT

Learn a new on-the-water activity or enjoy a relaxed paddle with DREAM at Whitefish City Beach. All gear is provided for participants, with both adaptive and standard equipment available. Paddle Days take place on local lakes including Whitefish Lake, Flathead Lake, and Lake McDonald throughout the summer.

Enjoy an action-packed Cowboy Mounted Shooting event hosted by the Treasure State CMSA. Watch riders gallop through a course with balloon targets, then draw their single-action revolvers and hit targets with precision. It’s a fun blend of horsemanship and marksmanship with plenty of Old West energy inside the arena.

This free bingo event is suitable for all ages and offers family friendly fun, with complimentary prizes awarded throughout.

Flathead County Library and Lone Pine State Park have partnered to offer summer movie nights at Lone Pine State Park. Family friendly films are screened outdoors on the visitor center lawn for a laid back evening under the open sky. Attendees often bring a blanket or lawn chair along with favorite snacks to get comfortable. All spots for this event have been filled.

Glacier Range Riders face Long Beach Coast in a head to head matchup at Glacier Bank Park. Enjoy the energy of an in person contest as both teams compete from start to finish.

Back 2 School Bash returns as a community celebration dedicated to helping local students start the school year ready to learn. Hosted by Northwest Montana United Way, the event brings people together to distribute school supplies and build excitement for the classroom. As families across Northwest Montana manage the cost of backpacks, classroom materials, clothing, and other essentials, this annual gathering eases that burden so children can begin the year confident, equipped, and eager to learn.

The Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce presents a free outdoor movie night at Marantette Park featuring Zootopia 2, with the screen set up near the bandshell. Arrive early to choose a comfortable spot on the lawn, enjoy a picnic, and bring a yard game. The film will begin once it is dark enough for clear viewing, and the exact start may shift with the available light. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase, including fresh popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating, with chairs placed toward the back to keep sightlines open. It can get chilly, so dress warmly and consider extra blankets. On screen, rabbit officer Judy Hopps teams up again with fox partner Nick Wilde to tackle a new investigation that is both dangerous and complex. This event is supported by sponsors including Shaine Reece Farmers Insurance, Stockman Bank, Tanko Law, Glacier Bank, A7 Cycles, Weyerhaeuser, and Flathead Electric Cooperative.

Experience the excitement of Montana’s Cowboy Mounted Shooting with the Treasure State CMSA. This action-packed event pairs horsemanship and marksmanship as riders navigate a course and take aim at balloon targets with single-action revolvers. Expect an energetic Old West atmosphere all day at the arena.

Cruise in for NW Montana Cars and Coffee at Kalispell’s Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The meet-up runs from late morning into early afternoon, with a chance to check out the cars and enjoy the community vibe. Please be mindful of the parking lot while you’re there.

A hands-on art session invites children ages 2 to 5 to create alongside an adult guardian. Young makers experiment with paper, paint, markers, crayons, and glue while working on playful projects that build basic art skills and spark imagination. Pre-registration is not required. A suggested donation of $3 per child applies to non-members, and it is free with a Family Membership. To keep art accessible, families are welcome to attend at no cost or contribute what they can if price is a concern. Contributions help maintain a clean, safe space stocked with child-safe professional materials, support essential operations like front desk staffing and utilities, and provide compensation for educators trained in early childhood art and development, ensuring broad community access. Some sessions may be paused for holidays or exhibition installation.

This free event features board games designed by LEGO, each with clear rules and its own unique play experience. Participation is open to all.

Wrap up summer at a cheerful back-to-school kids jam and park party featuring music, games, activities, and treats for the whole family. This celebration focuses on sending kids back to school with happy memories and big smiles. Admission is free, made possible by support from local sponsors.

A new community market in the Flathead Valley brings people together in downtown Whitefish. It features goods from local artisans and curators, along with food trucks, Sweet Peaks ice cream, and a craft bar.

Brash Rodeo delivers a high-energy evening of rodeo competition at Blue Moon Arena in Columbia Falls, featuring traditional events that demand precision, timing, and toughness. A spirited local crowd and the Montana landscape create the backdrop, and each ride or run can quickly shake up the standings. The action unfolds up close as competitors push for top placements and standout moments.

A PRCA rodeo under the Rodeo Montana banner takes place at Northwest Montana Fairgrounds, supported by Three Rivers Bank.