summer – BookBigSky Blog

June 28, 2022November 13, 2023

Big Sky Town Center Summer Events 2023

Escape the mundane and explore miles of wilderness for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ATV adventures, ziplining, river rafting, and famous blue-ribbon fly fishing. Big Sky Resort opens up its world-famous ski slopes for classic summer alpine adventures and the town is abuzz with locals and tourists soaking up the sunshine, swimming and boating on Lake Levinsky, dining on outdoor patios, and living the laid-back mountain life.Summer is the best season to plan a getaway to Big Sky, and the the Town Center is a destination for family fun, fab festivals & all things farmers’ markets.

Situated in Meadow Village, Big Sky Town Center is a year-round destination for family fun, fab festivals, summer farmers markets, and world-class golfing. Big Sky Town Center is the heart and soul of the Big Sky community, the best place to shop, dine and sip local craft beer, and a hangout for locals and visitors alike.

Throughout the summer Big Sky Town Center is the central hub for some of the biggest events in Big Sky and free festivals. Nothing beats browsing vibrant mountain markets, listening to live music in an iconic outdoor arena with top touring bands, and enjoying free fun for the whole family.

Here are 4 events not to miss at Big Sky Town Center this summer:

#1 – BIG SKY FARMERS MARKET

WHEN: Wednesdays – June 7 to September 28, 2023

Big Sky Town Center

Every Wednesday from June to September, the Big Sky Farmers Market comes to Big Sky Town Center, and it’s one of our favorite events of the year! The Big Sky Farmers Market features 90+ vendors ranging from regional farmers with fresh local produce to eclectic craftsmen with creative arts, crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures found only at Big Sky Farmers Market. The market is family-friendly with fun activities for the kids, the setting is spectacular with Lone Peak looming in the background, and the small-town charm of Big Sky is evident at every stall!

#2 – MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

WHEN: Thursdays – June 22 to September 7, 2023

Center Stage in Len Hill Park, Big Sky Town Center

Thursday evenings, rain or shine, you’ll find an amazing lineup of talented artists at Music in the Mountains, Montana’s finest free outdoor concert hosted by the Arts Council of Big Sky. The Music in the Mountain series takes place on Center Stage and includes 12 weeks of free family-friendly concerts, the Bravo! Big Sky Music Festival (formerly the Big Sky Classical Music Festival), and a special free performance from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. View the full line-up for Music in the Mountains 2023 HERE!

#3 – BIG SKY PBR RODEO

WHEN: July 20 to July 22, 2023

Big Sky Events Arena

There’s still time to book your vacation condo or cabin for Big Sky’s biggest week of the year, the award-winning PBR Rodeo. The PBR event includes three nights of Touring Pro Division professional bull riding events, mutton bustin’ for the little buckaroos, and fun nightly after-party concerts with live music. The PBR event is sold out with a waiting list, however, you can still get tickets for the nightly music events!

#4 – 2023 WILDLANDS FESTIVAL

WHEN: August 4 to August 6, 2023

Big Sky Events Arena

Produced by Outlaw Partners, the Wildlands Festival is one of the biggest music events of the summer! The outdoor music festival celebrates a mutual love for music and Big Sky’s wild and scenic landscapes and features a two-day star-studded lineup with world-class artists taking center stage at the Big Sky Events Arena. Tickets to the Wildlands Festival sell fast and availability is limited! A percentage of all ticket sales for the Wildlands Festival are donated to local nonprofits for the preservation and protection of the wildlands of Big Sky.

Tickets to the Wildlands Festival sell fast and availability is limited! A percentage of all ticket sales for Wildlands Festival are donated to local nonprofits for preservation and protection of the wildlands of Big Sky.

Where to Stay near Big Sky Town Center

Big Sky has three main neighborhoods: Mountain Village at Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin on the slopes of Lone Mountain, and Meadow Village, the nearest neighborhood to Big Sky Town Center.

Big Sky Vacation Rentals offers a selection of luxury vacation homes and condos walking distance to Big Sky Town Center, the Big Sky Golf Course, and some of the top trailheads in Big Sky! Our vacation homes are fully-equipped with modern comforts, luxury amenities and all the bells and whistles for a memorable Big Sky vacation.

Whether you’re planning a golf getaway, romantic escape or family reunion in Big Sky, Big Sky Town Center is a destination for endless summer fun and the team at Big Sky Vacation Rentals are ready to help you plan your trip and find your dream vacation home in the Montana mountains!

Find more vacation inspiration in our Big Sky vacation blog and download our Big Sky Vacation Guide app so you don’t miss a thing that Big Sky has to offer, year-round!

June 7, 2022June 20, 2022

Big Sky Artists Collective

The Big Sky Artists Collective is a community of visual artists located in Big Sky and was created out of the group of artists that participated in the First Annual Big Sky Open Studio Tour in December of 2019. That initial event motivated the artists to work as a group to promote local artists.

The mission of the Big Sky Artists Collective is to support, inspire and promote local artists in the community by building a community of artists who live and/or work in the Big Sky, MT area.

Their vision is that by working together with the Arts Council and the Chamber of Commerce of Big Sky, along with local businesses they can build a more vibrant visual arts community that celebrates local artists, and provides art and educational resources for both the residents and visitors of Big Sky.

The Artists Collective will be participating in the 2022 Big Sky Artisans Festival and hosting Art For Everyone. In addition they are offering classes and workshops in conjunction with the Arts Council at the BASE Art Studio so visit their website for more information.

Maria S Westland is inspired by her love and affinity for the countryside and she creates her artwork using oil on canvas or board to share the beauty of creation, the blessings and intensity of the life she experiences in nature.

Maggie Shane is an artist and life-long creative soul. Painting has become her passion, a place to reflect, relax and release the inner artist. She utilizes a water-based medium on canvas and paper to produce representational landscapes and florals.

Heather Rapp is a local Big Sky artist who paints abstract landscapes and wildlife. Her style is attributed to the roughness of a palette knife, the use of a spray bottle in dripping & layering vibrant saturated colors, and mixed media & mark making.

Jake Mosher is a full-time nature photographer living in Bozeman, MT. His work has appeared across the globe and he believes that in nature nothing is ordinary. “The world,” he says, “particularly off the beaten path, is still a wonderful thing to see.”

Annie McCoy is a home-grown Appalachian mountain girl who relishes her time in the wild. She considers herself a traditional plain air artist but not an alla prima painter. She prefers to return day after day to the same location, sometimes taking weeks to complete a painting.

Michelle Kristula-Green creates contemporary mosaics that capture the beauty, austerity and ruggedness of the natural world, using hand cut stone, flint, marble and Italian smalti. Many of her pieces focus on the Yellowstone ecosystem and the wildlife within it.

Kim Eggemeyer paints to capture the play of light and shadow, the reaction of color against color, the beauty of form, and to simplify nature’s complexities. Recording her emotional response to fleeting moments can be elusive, but is an endless source of inspiration and pleasure.

Paul Brourman toggles between his studios in both Evanston, IL and Big Sky, Montana. He draws immense joy pursuing storytelling through the medium of oils in settings such as these. His subjects include portraiture, landscapes, western narratives and abstract works.

Patty Bauchman moved to Big Sky to be surrounded by amazing wildlife and natural beauty. Her main goal with wildlife photography is to observe and catch animal behavior without her presence affecting their actions and to capture a moment that tells a story.

Paul Barmore was fortunate to be mentored by a successful Montana bronze-casting artist as a young welder, which helped solidify his ambition of combining art and welding. From fly-fishing the Gallatin river as a child, to exploring new mountaintops as an adult, he creates art with nature and Montana-inspired themes that any outdoor enthusiast will relate to.

Carol Barmore has been a Montana artist for 32 years. Her love of the outdoors and animals is translated onto the canvas. Carol’s sensitivity to color relationships and love of impressionism has given her paintings a unique style.

Georgia Baker enjoys being outdoors, plein aire painting which creates in her a state of awe. Habitat loss can be devastating for species that are already endangered, but it is a serious threat for countless others as well. She hopes that her work inspires others to help preserve and restore our wild spaces for future generations.

Big Sky offers so much beauty in the natural landscape of the mountains and rivers, all of which is captured by local artists and what better way to see it than to start planning your magical mountain getaway with Big Sky Vacation Rentals. Immerse yourself in the majestic wonders of our Montana mountain town and find inspiration all around you.

April 7, 2022November 13, 2023

2023 Big Sky Summer Events Calendar

Big Sky is an outdoor paradise with adventures for everyone. Spend your days exploring the majestic mountains while hiking, biking, ziplining, white water rafting, or horseback riding, among many more summer activities. Our summer events include live outdoor music, festivals, bull riding, a summer farmers market, and lots more – so plan your magical mountain getaway so you can truly enjoy all that Big Sky has to offer.

15th ANNUAL BIG SKY FARMERS MARKET

The 2023 Big Sky Summer Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday from Fire Pit Park, down Town Center Avenue, and into the Town Center Plaza by the Wilson Hotel. The market features 90+ vendors including farmers with fresh produce, professional artists, entrepreneurs, and so much more! Come out and support our local community this summer at the Big Sky Farmers Market.

DATE: Wednesdays – June 7 to September 28, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Town Center, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky

TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

16th ANNUAL MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

For more than a decade, Music in the Mountains has been Montana’s finest free outdoor concert series, featuring the best up-and-coming touring musicians as well as established, well-known, and well-loved artists from across the country. The festival also includes the Bravo! Big Sky Music Festival, and a free performance from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.

DATE: Thursdays – June 22 to September 7, 2023

BONUS DATE: Tuesday, July 4, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Town Center, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky

TIME: Park opens at 6 PM and music starts at 7 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY: YES!

2023 Music Line Up: For a full guide to Music in the Mountains 2023, click HERE!

SAVOR BIG SKY – Food, Wine + Spirits Festival

The Savor Big Sky Festival is a weekend-long celebration of food, wine, spirits, and the stunning landscapes of Big Sky, Montana. Indulge in fine dining, wine, and spirit tastings, live music, and epic outdoor adventures in the Montana mountains. Savor Big Sky is the ultimate adventure weekend for foodies.

DATE: June 29 to July 2, 2023

LOCATION: Various locations at Big Sky Resort

TICKETS: Buy tickets HERE!

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, June 29

Better Off Red Farm-to-Table Dinner | 6 PM to 9 PM | $275

Music in the Mountains | 6 PM to 9 PM | Free

Friday, June 30

Andesite Hike & Lunch at Everett’s 8800 | 10 AM to 1:30 PM | $129

Rose All Day Seminar at Everett’s 8800 | 1 PM to 2:30 PM | $65

Italian Wine Seminar | 1 PM to 2:30 PM | $65

Savor Big Sky Welcome Party | 6 PM to 9 PM | $99

Scoops + Spirits | 7 PM to 10 PM | $45

Saturday, July 1

Brunch Bites + Big Sights at Everett’s 8800 | 10 AM to 12 PM | $99

Trailhead Tastings | 11 AM to 2 PM | $129

West Coast Wine Seminar | 1 PM to 2 PM | $65

First Sip – Savor Big Sky Grand Tasting | 2 PM to 2:30 PM | $149

Savor Big Sky Grand Tasting | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM | $125

Savor Sunset Afterparty | 5:30 PM to 8 PM | FREE

Sunday, July 2

Bubbles & Brunch | 11 AM to 1 PM | $89

BIG SKY PBR

Big Sky PBR has grown into “Big Sky’s Biggest Week” – a week of community events including three nights of action-packed Touring Pro Division PBR bull riding, fundraisers, vendor village, and more. It’s a great week to book a trip to Big Sky but tickets sell out first! Reserve your PBR tickets and Big Sky lodging soon.

DATE: July 20 to July 22, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Town Center, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky

ADMISSION: SOLD OUT – Join the waitlist for tickets!

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, July 20

Bull Riding Night 1 | 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Music in the Mountains | 8 PM

Saturday, July 21

Bull Riding Night 2 | 6:30 PM to 9 PM

Friday Night After Party | 9:15 PM

Sunday, July 22

Bull Riding Night 3 | 6:30 PM to 9 PM

Saturday Night After Party | 9:15 PM

BIG SKY ARTISAN FESTIVAL

Big Sky’s biggest week also includes the Big Sky Artisan Festival at Big Sky Town Center. The festival is a true celebration of local arts and crafts featuring a wide variety of stunning artwork and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home with local food and drink vendors to make a day of it!

DATE: July 22, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Town Center, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky

TIME: 9 AM to 5 PM

ADMISSION: FREE!

FREE ADMISSION TO YELLOWSTONE

DATE: Upcoming Free Days – August 4, September 23, November 11, 2023

Come celebrate 150+ years of Yellowstone National Park! National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite. On five days in 2023, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

2nd ANNUAL WILDLANDS FESTIVAL

The Wildlands Festival, produced by Outlaw Partners, returns for a second year to celebrate music in the wide open spaces of Montana. The festival features a two-night line-up of iconic artists and food and drink vendors, come rain or shine. Relive Wildlands Festival 2022 HERE.

DATE: August 4 to August 5, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Town Center, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Big Sky

TIME: Gates open at 5 PM, opening acts at 5:30 PM, headliners at 8:45 PM

ADMISSION: Tickets on sale soon!

Bleacher Seating – From $150

Floor Standing Room – From $200

2-Night Pass – From $450

VIP Tickets – From $500

Champion of Conservation VIP Pass – $5,000 (50% to Wildlands non-profits)

2023 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: The artist lineup for the Wildlands Festival happening August 4-6, 2023 is coming soon!

BIG MOUNTAIN ENDURO

Come ride the big, steep, and technical terrain at Big Sky Resort this summer! Big Sky Resort boasts over 40 miles of terrain dedicated to mountain biking with lift-serviced trails for all levels and connector trails down to Big Sky Town Center. The Big Mountain Enduro is one of North America’s premier Enduro tours with the 2023 finals being held in Big Sky.

DATE: August 5 to August 6, 2023

LOCATION: Big Sky Resort

REGISTRATION: Register HERE!

BIG SKY RESORT SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Big Sky is a home base for mountain travelers in search of adventure and exhilaration, scenic views, wellness and relaxation, guided hikes, and more. Take advantage of the many activities and experiences that make Big Sky an ideal summer destination.

SUMMER 2023 OPENING DATE

Big Sky Golf Course – May 19 to October 1, 2023

Resort Activities – June 10 to September 17, 2023

Find the best lodging in Big Sky with Big Sky Vacation Rentals. Our selection of 120+ Big Sky properties includes rentals near the summer events in Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town Center, or set away from the crowds on the slopes of Big Sky! Take a tour of the Big Sky neighborhoods or call our vacation planners at (888) 915-2787 to get started on the trip of a lifetime to Big Sky, MT.

December 21, 2021March 12, 2024

Why Visit Big Sky In The Summer?

There is a reason Big Sky locals say “Come for the winter, stay for the summer”. Not many places top Big Sky’s skiing in the winter but Big Sky in the summer is just as amazing! With a wide array of summer activities and dining options that include outdoor decks with views of the surrounding mountain ranges, there is no better place to be for a summer mountain getaway!

This guide will help you decide when to visit Big Sky in the summer.

VIEW AVAILABLE BIG SKY RENTALS

JUNE

Average High/Low in °F: 68/36

June is truly the start of Big Sky’s summer season and an amazing month to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. The days grow longer while the snow starts to melt which turns the hillsides green and the wildlife is out in abundance. With most of Big Sky Resort’s activities open in late May and June, you can enjoy your time on the mountain hiking or biking, or take a day to golf Big Sky Resort’s award winning golf course. It is also a great time to visit Yellowstone National Park and explore its spectacular geysers as you will miss the summer rush of visitors and get to watch the wildlife during calving season, from Grizzlies, to Bison and Elk.

JULY

Average High/Low in °F: 78/40

Big Sky truly comes alive in July as the weather is warm and sunny, and the town is packed with weekly music, farmers markets, festivities and events like the PBR (Professional Bull Riding). From hiking to waterfalls, to summiting the surrounding mountain peaks, or biking on town trails and rafting and fishing the world-renowned Gallatin River, the opportunities to adventure are endless when it comes to exploring the great outdoors of Big Sky! The warmer nights are also perfect for star gazing around a fire while reminiscing about your day with family and friends.

AUGUST

Average High/Low in °F: 77/39

The beautiful summer weather continues into August in Big Sky but with less crowds towards the end of the month as kids return to school. Visit our weekly farmers markets and listen to live music in the mountains as there is no better time to explore Big Sky’s great outdoors. If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, enjoy whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATVing, hiking, biking, SUPing or Big Sky Resort’s activities at the Mountain Base. For a more relaxing stay, enjoy a day at the Spa, take a sight seeing tram to the top of Lone Peak or wander through town to visit our local shops and restaurants.

SEPTEMBER

Average High/Low in °F: 68/32

The summer in Big Sky winds down in September. The crowds are thinning out, the temperatures start to get cooler, and you might be lucky to experience the rare first snowfall in Big Sky in late September. As the colors change, the wildlife becomes abundant before hibernation later in the fall. Big Sky Resort stays open until the end of the month, so make sure you take a scenic lift ride up to the top of Lone Peak or enjoy a guided hiking tour on the mountain. Get out into the canyon to fish the world-renowned Gallatin or Madison rivers with a fly fishing guide, as the fishing is phenomenal in September. This is also a great time to head to Yellowstone National Park, as you will miss the busy summer months and can enjoy the park without the crowds.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO RELAX AFTER AN ADVENTURE

After a full day of exploring you can retreat to your luxurious, comfortable vacation home for an evening to remember. We proudly boast one of Big Sky’s largest selections of vacation rentals, so you’re bound to find one that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget. Luxuries include private hot tubs, lavish outdoor patios and the best mountain views in Big Sky. Please give us a call today at +1-888-915-2787 or email us at info@bookbigsky.com to inquire, or simply browse through our available properties below.

SEE AVAILABLE BIG SKY RENTALS

December 9, 2021November 13, 2023

Easy 5-Day Summer Itinerary for Big Sky, MT

Big Sky is one of the top-ranked ski resorts in the west, but the fun doesn’t end when the snow melts on the mountaintops. Summer in the mountains is so fun & special! Crisp mountain air for early morning hikes, sunny days spent in waterfalls, rivers and alpine lakes and warm evenings for summer cocktails and live music under the stars.

Big Sky delivers all of this, and more. Ride the scenic chairlift to the summit of Lone Peak, engage in fun Big Sky Resort summer activities geared to the whole family and mingle with locals and Big Sky visitors in Town Center with open air eateries, breweries, unique shopping and a fun line up of activities throughout the summer months.

Wherever you choose to stay in our charming mountain town you’re guaranteed a relaxing getaway, easy social distancing, scenic alpine vistas and easy access to the top summer activities in Big Sky. Browse our neighborhood guide and selection of luxury Big Sky rentals and start planning your vacation with our 5 Day Summer Itinerary for Big Sky.

DAY 1: STAY LOCAL IN BIG SKY

Breakfast in Town Center

Start your Big Sky vacation in the heart of Town Center. Acre Kitchen is a welcoming introduction to Big Sky’s food scene with wholesome and organic farm-to-table breakfasts for sit down and healthy grab and go options. If a quick coffee and breakfast pastry is more your style, head to Caliber Coffee Roasters, Big Sky’s only local roaster.

Hike to a Waterfall or Alpine Lake

Big Sky is surrounded by some of the best hiking trails in Montana with streams, alpine lakes, blooming wildflowers and snow clad peaks! Some of our favorites are the easy 1.6 mile family trail to Ousel Falls and the more strenuous 7.1 mile hike to Beehive Basin and a tranquil alpine lake. We suggest packing a picnic and making a full day of Big Sky’s trails.

Dinner in Town Center

Reserve a table at Michelangelo’s for award-winning Italian, dine on fresh sushi at Blue Buddha or head to Lotus Pad for tasty Thai. For late night drinks, make your way to Big Sky’s late night hot spot, The Standard cocktail lounge in Mountain Village, with over 50 handcrafted cocktails and a delicious dessert bar.

DAY 2: GET ON THE WATER!

Breakfast in Bed

After indulging in late night drinks, breakfast in bed sounds inviting! Our Big Sky rentals boast some of the best vacation kitchens in Big Sky, we’ll even arrange grocery delivery so you can lie in! If you’re keen to explore more of Big Sky’s foodie scene, we suggest the organic gourmet coffee, hot breakfasts and freshly baked cinnamon rolls at Blue Moon Bakery in Big Sky Town Center.

On the Water Activities

Book a scenic tubing trip or whitewater expedition on the Gallatin River, an exhilarating adventure for the whole family. If you prefer calmer waters, Lake Levinsky is a 10 acre lake nestled in the shadows of Lone Peak near the entrance to Mountain Village with boat rentals, pedal boats, canoes, SUPs and fishing.

Lunch in Town Center

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at The Rocks in the heart of Big Sky Town Center. This is one of Big Sky’s top lunch venues with a tasting room, restaurant, small outdoor patio and liquor store to pick up your favorite Montana spirits to take home.

Explore Big Sky

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Big Sky. Get some retail therapy in the local stores, pick up gifts and souvenirs, browse the art galleries, and perhaps even sneak in a massage or spa treatment.

Happy Hour and Dinner

Hit the happy hour and sample Big Sky’s best craft beer at the Beehive Basin Brewery. Stay in Town Center for hand-tossed pizza at Ousel & Spur (with a Bambino menu for the kids!), traditional noodles at Niseko Ramen Bar or good food, fun games and live music at Tips Up.

DAY 3: YELLOWSTONE PARK TOUR

Grab & Go Breakfast

Pick up some fresh pastries for a quick breakfast from Caliber Coffee Roasters or grab a coffee and breakfast to go from Café 191 before you head out for a day at Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Park Tour

It’s a one hour drive to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park and well worth the day trip from Big Sky. If you’re driving or have a rental car, take a self-guided tour or book a bucket-list safari adventure or guided tour of Yellowstone. The scenic route from Big Sky to Yellowstone passes through a corner of the park that is prime for viewing wolves and bears in their natural habitat so be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

Dinner on the Gallatin River

A trip to Big Sky is not complete without authentic Texan BBQ at the Gallatin Riverhouse Grille. The Riverhouse is enroute back to Big Sky with patio dining on the Gallatin River, live music, spectacular views and the best barbeque in Montana. It’s a pit stop you won’t regret!

DAY 4: THE BEST OF BIG SKY RESORT

Slopeside Breakfast

Savor a hearty breakfast overlooking the slopes of Big Sky Resort at the Carabiner Lounge on the terrace level of the Summit Hotel. Feast on decadent pancakes or a healthy omelet while soaking up spectacular views of Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak from the outdoor patio. The Carabiner Lounge opens at 6:30am for an early start.

Relax in the Great Outdoors

Big Sky offers an abundance of relaxing outdoor activities. Spend the morning fishing the blue ribbon rivers and trout streams with a local fly fishing guide, tee off on Big Sky’s award-winning golf course, go birdwatching and wildlife viewing on the trails or book a hot tub home and spend the morning relaxing in the comfort of your Big Sky vacation home.

BBQ Cook-Out

The benefits of a vacation home over a hotel are many, but you can’t BBQ in a hotel room! Our Big Sky rentals offer high-end amenities, fun games rooms and inviting outdoor living spaces with views and private hot tubs, so we encourage you to spend some time enjoying your home-away-from-home.

Big Sky Resort Activities

Book an adventure to Montana’s highest scenic overlook on the Lone Peak Expedition, an unforgettable Big Sky experience with views from the summit spanning three states and two national parks. Return to Big Sky Basecamp in Mountain Village for bungee trampolines, disc golf, archery and zipline tours.

Happy Hour & Dinner on a Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch near Big Sky, a symbol of American West heritage that is not to be missed. Share a round of drinks in the Saloon Bar followed by a unique western fine dining experience at Big Sky’s favorite Horn & Cantle. Reservations are essential.

DAY 5: A DAY OF BIG SKY ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Breakfast

It’s your last day of vacation so why not sleep in and enjoy a slow start to the day at home. Today is adventure day so carbo-loading is allowed!

Big Sky Adventure Activities

Adventure close to Big Sky for the day! If you are looking for some adrenaline, head off the beaten path on the ATV trails nearby in the Gallatin Canyon. If you are looking for a calmer activity, horseback riding in Big Sky offers spectacular views, trails and adventures. Depending on what you are looking for, you can enjoy pack trips, fishing trips, trail rides or big game hunting via horseback.

Happy Hour at Copper Whiskey Bar

Spend your final evening in Big Sky at the Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill in the Wilson Hotel in Town Center. Copper has happy hour snacks and drinks from 3pm to 6pm and elevated pub grub served till 9pm, so you can settle into the laid-back atmosphere and stay put for your last night in Big Sky!

December 9, 2021July 28, 2022

3-Day Summer Itinerary

If Big Sky’s last summer season is any indication of things to come, it’s time to start making your summer plans to visit our charming mountain town! Big Sky comes alive in the summer months with farmer’s markets, outdoor patios for dining, festive summer events, loads of activities for the kids and free family-friendly live music concerts in Big Sky Town Center.

All this fun, yet so easy to find a secluded spot to social distance. Surrounded by miles of pristine Montana wilderness, cascading waterfalls and alpine lakes for a cool dip, blue-ribbon rivers for rafting and fishing, and panoramic vistas of the Madison Mountains and Big Sky’s iconic Lone Peak, Big Sky is the ultimate playground for lovers of the great outdoors.

Our selection of luxury Big Sky vacation rentals range from cozy cabins with big views to chic modern mountain homes in Big Sky’s three main neighborhoods, Meadow Village near Big Sky Town Center, Mountain Village near the Big Sky Resort base area and Moonlight Basin perched on the slopes of Lone Peak. Here’s the top tips from our Big Sky team on how to spend 3 days in Big Sky.

DAY 1: A SCENIC HIKE AND BIG SKY SUNSETS

Breakfast

One of the top reasons our guests choose a vacation home over a hotel is the bonus of a fully-equipped kitchen to prepare your favorites in the comfort of home. We can even arrange to pre-stock your fridge and pantry so there’s no need to rush out for shopping or breakfast and you can start your first day in Big Sky slowly. After all, you are now on vacation!

Hike Around Big Sky

Switch to vacation time on a scenic Big Sky hike. Book a guided family hike to explore the trails at Big Sky Resort, discover the local trails near Big Sky or hike the trails from home if you’re staying slopeside. The Ousel Falls Trail (1.6-mile) is a top family hike near Big Sky or, for a more invigorating hike, the Beehive Basin Trail (7.1-mile) near Mountain Village boasts some of the most breathtaking views in Big Sky as you make your way through summer wildflowers to a glistening alpine lake overlooking Lone Peak.

A Mediterranean Inspired Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Olive B’s, a bistro-style eatery tucked in a corner of Meadow Village with cozy indoor booths, a scenic outdoor patio and tranquil views of Lone Peak across the Big Sky Golf Course. Olive B’s is also a great place for a lazy Sunday brunch in Big Sky.

Shopping & Sightseeing

Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with our charming mountain town. Big Sky Town Center is a great place to shop for mountain apparel, unique Big Sky souvenirs to take home and homemade goods or fresh produce from the weekly Big Sky Farmers Market in Fire Pit Park.

Dinner

Stroll from Town Center to to Beehive Brewery for the best craft beer in Big Sky before dinner. Reserve a table at Michelangelo’s for award-winning Italian, or if you are looking for great Asian-inspired food, try out the fresh sushi at the Blue Buddha or drunken noodles at Lotus Pad.

DAY 2: EXPLORE WEST YELLOWSTONE

An Early Start

There’s no time for breakfast in bed today, it’s an early start! Grab a breakfast and coffee on-the-go at Caliber Coffee Roasters in Mountain Village or at Café 191 as you turn onto Highway 191 to Yellowstone.

Day Trip to West Yellowstone

The west entrance of Yellowstone National Park is only 60 miles from Big Sky on a scenic drive along the Gallatin River. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the way down as your drive takes you through a corner of the Yellowstone National Park that is home of several wolves. If you caught a flight into Big Sky and don’t have a rental car, there are several options for a guided experience of Yellowstone.

Dinner on the Gallatin River

Stop at Riverhouse BBQ on the way back to Big Sky (45 minutes from West Yellowstone). Riverhouse BBQ is a top attraction with visitors to Big Sky, and a locals favorite! After a long day in the park, you’ll be happy to find a space on the incredible patio overlooking the Gallatin River, enjoy free live music and tuck into world-class BBQ.

DAY 3: BIG SKY ADVENTURES

Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast in bed or a hearty, organic breakfast with fresh, farm-to-table flavors at the Acre Kitchen in Big Sky Town Center.

Escape to Nature

There are endless ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Big Sky and today’s the day to pack a picnic and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Book a fly fishing tour with a local guide on our world renowned blue-ribbon rivers, tee off on an award-winning golf course, horseback ride through the wilderness or whitewater raft the Gallatin River.

Lunch

Enjoy a lunch at Copper in Town Center on the way back up the mountain. With an outdoor south-facing patio, a firepit and delicious food, you will be able to refuel in style for the rest of the day!

Big Sky Resort Adventures

Big Sky Resort has fun summer activities for an afternoon of adventures for the whole family with ziplining, disc golf, archery course, outdoor escape room and scenic chairlift rides to miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Lone Peak Expedition to Montana’s highest scenic overlook is one of Big Sky’s top attractions but be sure to book in advance.

Dinner on a Ranch

End your 3 day getaway to Big Sky with a quintessential Montana culinary experience at Lone Mountain Ranch, a historic guest ranch just a short drive or bus ride from Big Sky. Sip on summer cocktails in the Saloon Bar, indulge in an evening of fine dining at the Horn & Cantle or surprise the kids with a horse-drawn wagon ride and authentic family-style cowboy dinner.