Summer is here, and some of us don’t know what to do. Well, look no farther, because here are some ideas.

The Red Ants Pants festival is held on July 22-25 in White Sulfur Springs, located about 98 miles south of Great Falls, and the bands playing in 2021 include Taj Mahal quartet, The Mavericks, The Lone Bellow, Suzy Bogguss, The Steel Wheels, Supaman, Mipso, and Parsonsfield. 

The festival also features camping, food and merchandise.

You can find more information at https://redantspantsmusicfestival.com/ 

Another event sure to please is The Montana State Fair, which brings The Mighty Thomas Carnival and all of its rides and games to town each summer. It is making a comeback in 2021. Last year, the fair was not held at Montana Expo Park for the first time in 90 years because of COVID-19.

The absence of the Montana State Fair in 2020 was a disappointment for many, as the week-long event is a big deal because there’s activities for everyone. 

This year the fair is returning for its 90th Anniversary July 30 – Aug. 7, and the bands performing are Big & Rich, Terry Fator, Travis Tritt, For King & Country, Chevelle, and Kodi Lee. There will be a rodeo, carnival rides, animal shows, entertainment, food, horse racing, and more. 

For information, visit https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/213/2021-Montana-State-Fair

Another music festival this summer is the Rockin’ the Rivers rockfest on Aug. 12-14 in Three Forks. Some of the featured bands include .38 Special, Blue Tattoo, Jared Stewart, Skillet, Lit, Dead Fervor, 2am Logic, and Steven Adler.

For more information, visit https://www.rockintherivers.com/ 

KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner, located on the Blackfoot River just outside of Missoula, is perhaps the coolest concert venue in the state. Some upcoming concerts include Brandi Carlile, The Marshall Tucker Band, Shakey Graves, and Primus – A Tribute to Kings.

Visit their site for more information and photos of the riverside area.

If concerts and the fair don’t interest you, there are many movies coming to the theater this summer, including Black Widow, Fast and Furious 9, Space Jam 2, Hotel Transylvania 4, Jungle Cruise, The Suicide Squad, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Candyman, and The Beatles: Get Back. 

Summer fun is on its way, so relax and enjoy the fun in the sun.