The Infamous Stringdusters and Honey Island Swamp Band – Missoula’s Signature Celebration Returns August 21 & 22
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS AND HONEY ISLAND SWAMP BAND – MISSOULA’S SIGNATURE CELEBRATION RETURNS AUGUST 21 & 22
The entertainment lineup for the 20th annual River City Roots Festival will be headlined by The Infamous Stringdusters on Saturday night and Honey Island Swamp Band on Friday night. Roots Fest will take place August 21-22, 2026, in the streets of Downtown Missoula.
The Infamous Stringdusters, who are also celebrating their 20th year as a band in 2026, are a Grammy Award-winning ensemble whose “tone and swagger meld acoustic majesty with a full-blown rock show attitude”. They recently released their new album – 20/20 – with twenty new songs for twenty years. They last played the Roots Fest stage in 2018, where they brought out Billy Strings during their set; the moment is now fondly remembered as Guitarmagedon among Roots Fest fans. Catch The Infamous Stringdusters starting at 8:30pm Saturday, August 22.
Making their second appearance at Roots on Friday, August 21 is the New Orleans-based group Honey Island Swamp Band. Their sound has been described as “Bayou Americana” and is melody-driven, vocal-drive, and lyric-driven. The band’s latest album – Custom Deluxe – was released in October 2025. Honey Island Swamp Band’s set starts at 8:30pm.
River City Roots Festival is Missoula’s Signature Celebration. Admission-free and accessible for all, Roots Fest features live music, art from 35+ artists in the Art Show, a 4-mile run in partnership with Run Wild Missoula, a food court showcasing 12 local food trucks on Ryman Street, and the Family Roots Fest in Caras Park on Saturday.
To match Honey Island Swamp Band’s New Orleans vibe, Amanda Shaw takes the stage at 6:30pm Friday. Having previously played Roots Fest in 2010, 2015, and 2022, Amanda’s lively stage presence and fiddle skills are not to be missed. Saturday’s 6:30pm timeslot is held by Silas Herman & the Tone Unit. Hailing from Nederland, Colorado, Silas’ music is infused with elements of new acoustic, folk, bluegrass, and Americana. He has performed alongside artists and bands such as Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon, and The Lil’ Smokies.
Missoulians will know the next two bands who play at 4:30pm Friday and Saturday respectively. Reverend Slanky has been a long-time Missoula band that plays funk / soul and last played Roots Fest in 2015. Andy Dunnigan was a part of the Missoula-grown band The Lil’ Smokies and is sure to bring out familiar faces during his set.
The Unfaithful Servants take the stage Saturday at 2:30pm. Known as one of Canada’s must-see acoustic acts, they deliver a thrilling modern take on folks, bluegrass, and Americana. The band’s mandolinist, Jesse Cobb, was a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters. Another Missoula favorite – Joan Zen – takes the stage on Friday at 2:30pm. Their funk / soul / R&B set is amplified by lead singer Deb Hicks’ incredible vocals and the band is sure to get attendees up and dancing.
The 12:30pm timeslot both days is for the families and kiddos of the community. On Friday, the Zootown Arts Community Center’s Kids Rock Camp Bands get a chance to showcase their songs on a big stage, while Tangled Tones showcases talent from local teens. Missoula’s Cowboy Andy & the Salamanders continues the tradition of kicking off Saturday’s lineup. Comprised of Cowboy Andy, Oscar Hunt, Russ Gay, Ian Smith, and Matthew Bainton, the Salamanders focus on family-friendly music that makes kids want to dance.
“Celebrating 20 years of Roots Fest is such a huge milestone,” said Ellen Buchanan, Committee Chair and Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) Board Member. “The event started as a small, one-day festival and has now grown to be something folks will travel to from across the country to see their favorite national-recording artists for free. We’ve hosted many bands who have gone on to big careers such as Trampled by Turtles, Billy Strings, and even this year’s The Infamous Stringdusters. We like to think of Roots Fest as an introduction to some of the best up-and-coming bands in the Roots / Americana genre to the community.”
“It’s an honor to plan and host this free event for Missoula,” Buchanan went on to say. “Missoula wouldn’t be Missoula without the community coming together to enjoy live music, art, local food, recreation, and more. We’re incredibly grateful for the sponsors who commit to supporting our event every year in order to ensure Roots Fest stays free and accessible to all.” Dick Anderson Construction returns as the title sponsor of the event, while Big Sky Brewing and Blackfoot Communications return as Main Stage sponsors. There are over 30 local businesses who support River City Roots Festival each year. The event is produced by the Downtown Missoula Partnership (DMP).
For more information on the 20th annual Roots Fest, visit www.rivercityrootsfestival.com or contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership via phone (406-543-4238) or email ([email protected]).