RIVER FEST
Join Flathead Rivers Alliance, American Rivers, and friends for an evening of live music, local food and beer, hands-on activities, and family fun as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 219-mile Flathead Wild & Scenic River designation. This is a FREE community event!
Celebrate 50 Years of Protecting One of America's Most Remarkable Rivers
A River Worth Celebrating
The River Fest is the pinnacle of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River! Hosted by American Rivers and Flathead Rivers Alliance and presented by Whitefish Credit Union and Freedom Bank, the River Fest will be held on Friday, July 10, in Marantette Park in downtown Columbia Falls from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. This FREE community event celebrates the significance of the river system and its pivotal inspiration of the 1968 National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and formation of the National Wild & Scenic River system, that less than ½ of 1% of rivers are protected under to protect free flow, water quality, and "outstandingly remarkable values" (ORVs).
This event brings live music, local beer, food trucks, raffles, adult and kid activities, and so much more. 100% of proceeds from raffles, ice cream, beer, select concessions, and merchandise supports Flathead Rivers Alliance and wild river initiatives.
LIVE MUSIC
We’re thrilled to welcome Boot Juice, a cosmic rock band known for energetic performances blending soul, blues, and funk, as the 50th Anniversary River Fest headliner.
SCHEDULE
5:00 PM Gates Open
6:00 PM 50th Celebration Kick-off on stage w/ FRA, American Rivers, & City of Columbia Falls
6:30-7:30 PM Warm up your dancin’ shoes w/ Boot Juice!
7:30-8:00 PM Intermission/Raffle Drawing
8:00-9 :00 PM Dance the night away w/ Boot Juice
Come celebrate with us!
EXPLORE & LEARN
PARTNER BOOTHS
American Rivers
Badger-Two Medicine Alliance
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
DREAM Adaptive Recreation
Flathead County Library
Flathead National Forest
Flathead Rivers Alliance
Gateway to Glacier Trails
Glacier Institute
Glacier National Park Conservancy
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Kayak Academy
North Valley Search & Rescue
Redside Foundation
River Management Society
Western Montana Conservation Commission
Wild Montana
ACTIVITIES
River inspired activities for all ages
Toddler activity station
Epic Raffles
Special Guest Speakers
City of Columbia Falls Proclamation
LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS
Sacred Waters Brewing
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Vibrant Roots
Local Food Trucks:
Island Noodles
Zapo Taco
Don Gringos
*More food trucks being added!
FREE EVENT SHUTTLE
Thanks to Glacier Guides & Montana Raft, Glacier Raft Co & Glacier Anglers, and Great Northern Resort & Whitewater for providing free shuttles from Columbia Falls High School parking lot to Marantette Park.
*Parking at Marantette Park is limited. Designated ADA parking provided at Marantette Park.
EVENT MERCHANDISE
EVENT MERCHANDISE
50th Anniversary YETI Ramblers 26 oz Bottle Chug Top
50th Anniversary T-shirts
50th Anniversary Sun shirts
50th Anniversary Glitter by Adorn Glitter
Great Bear, Wild River Book by Dale Burke
Custom Middle, South, and North Fork Large Format Maps by Montana Map Works
RAFFLE PRIZES
*More raffle prizes to be announced
2027 Red Eagle Aviation Flight into Schafer Meadows
Sawyer pair of patterned MXS oars w/ Dynelite Pro Blade
Packmule Liquor & Wine basket
Wild West Chocolate basket
½ Day Whitewater of Scenic Float w/ Glacier Guides & Montana Raft Co
Lary’s Fly & Supply Package
YETI Hopper
Bedrock Cairn Sandals
Patagonia
DRIKON Eco Drybag Backpack
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
Local artists, businesses, and makers have partnered with Flathead Rivers Alliance to create exclusive experiences and commemorative items celebrating 50 years of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River.
Highwater Pale Ale
Adorn Glitter *River-friendly biodegradable
Limited Edition River Fest Shirts
Montana Map Works Maps
MEET THE CREATORS
RYAN SIRON, Artist
Ryan is a passionate hobbyist living in the Flathead Valey. From the tannic waters lazily flowing through fly-over country, to the frigid headwaters of the Rockies, he has always had an attraction to water and the intricate web of people, places, and things connected to our aqueous backyards, near and far. His artwork pays homage to the muses of river rats everywhere: wild native fish, wild rivers, and the vibrant community of river people that make your face hurt from smiling too much…
Emma Jacqueline, 50th Anniversary Design Logo Creator
Emma is an artist and graphic designer from Columbia Falls, MT. Her art draws inspiration from nature and one's sense of place. From sketching plants and wildlife to rivers and lakes, creating artwork is a chance to both observe your surroundings and feel rooted in them. What started as a love of painting evolved into an exploration of printmaking and ceramics, and now manifests as a career designing brands and websites for ethically driven businesses and organizations.
TANNER TOMPKINS, Montana Map Works
Tanner Tompkins is the founder of Montana Map Works and a GIS/Land Resource Specialist and FAA-certified UAS Remote Pilot with more than 15 years of experience in GIS, natural resources, and custom cartography. Raised in the Flathead Valley and a graduate of Montana State University, Tanner combines scientific precision with artistic design to create maps that help people explore and better understand Montana's landscapes. For the Flathead Wild & Scenic River's 50th Anniversary, Tanner created custom large-format maps of the North, Middle, and South Forks, celebrating the rivers that have inspired generations of adventure and stewardship.
River Fest
River Fest will be located at Marantette Park (133 13th St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912), in Columbia Falls, MT.
FREE shuttle service provided between Columbia Falls High School (610 13th St W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912) and Marantette Park.
Festival FAQs
Where should I park?
Free parking is available in designated public parking areas throughout downtown Columbia Falls and near Marantette Park. Please follow posted parking signs and be respectful of neighboring businesses and residential areas. ADA Accessible parking is available near the festival entrance, at Marantette Park.
Is there a shuttle?
Yes! Free shuttle service will be available to and from the festival. Glacier Guides & Montana Raft, Glacier Raft Co, and Great Northern Resort & Whitewater will be running shuttle service with their buses between Columbia Falls High School and Marantette Park during event. Shuttles will run 5:00 - 9:30 PM.
Note: Columbia Falls High School does not allow alcohol on its property.
Can I bring lawn chairs or blankets?
Absolutely! We encourage guests to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the live music. Please be courteous to others by keeping walkways clear and allowing room for everyone to enjoy the event.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Beer and other beverages will be available for purchase in the designated beer garden. Please enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly and only within approved event areas. Valid photo identification is required for the purchase and consumption of alcohol.
Will food be available?
Yes! A variety of local food vendors will be on site throughout the evening, offering options for the whole family.
Is River Fest family friendly?
Yes! River Fest is designed for all ages and will feature live music, educational exhibits, hands-on activities, games, and interactive experiences for kids and adults alike.
Can I bring my pet?
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, pets are not permitted at River Fest.
Certified service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are welcome. Emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy animals, and pets are not permitted.
With large crowds, live music, food vendors, and other festival activities, this policy helps reduce safety risks, minimize stress for animals, and create a comfortable environment for everyone attending.
Thank you for helping us make River Fest a safe and enjoyable celebration for our entire community.
What happens if it rains?
River Fest will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for changing weather conditions.
Is the festival accessible?
Yes. Marantette Park is ADA accessible. Accessible parking and pathways are available to help all guests enjoy the celebration.
How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is free! Food, beverages, raffle tickets, and select fundraising activities will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Flathead Rivers Alliance's work to protect and enhance the Flathead Wild & Scenic River System.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Sheena Pate, Executive Director at info@flatheadrivers.org.
WILD & SCENIC PRESENTING SPONSOR LEVEL
CURRENT SPONSOR LEVEL
SUPPORTING SPONSORS & PARNTERS
