River City Roots Festival
20th Annual River City Roots Fest:
August 21-22, 2026 in Downtown Missoula
Produced by the Downtown Missoula Partnership as Missoula’s signature celebration, the River City Roots Festival has quickly risen to the top of Western Montana’s must-see-list.
Recognized as the 2009 Montana Tourism Event of the Year, River City Roots Fest draws more than 15,000 individuals to the heart of Downtown Missoula for a variety of fun activities and exceptional music. This two-day FREE festival features first-class art and entertainment for both residents and visitors.
With live performances on a big stage on West Main Street, a fine art show, entertainment for children and families, and a 4-Mile run through the heart of Missoula, Roots Fest brings a weekend of family fun to the heart of the community.
For more detailed information, check out our River City Roots Festival website!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 TITLE & MAIN STAGE SPONSORS!
2026 Schedule
For more detailed information, check out our River City Roots Festival website!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
- Coming Soon!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
- Coming Soon!
THANK YOU TO OUR MAIN STAGE SPONSORS
FAMILY ROOTS FESTIVAL
Looking for the perfect kid-friendly event during Roots Festival? Well, look no further. Family Roots Fest takes place in Caras Park on August 22nd from 10am – 2pm and has a wide range of kid-friendly activities that are perfect for all ages. From exotic animals to obstacle courses, to guitar lessons, to bean bag tosses, Family Roots Fest has it all.
Interested in providing an activity for the 2026 Roots Fest? Email [email protected]
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 FAMILY ROOTS FEST SPONSORS
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2026 – 8:30AM | START E. MAIN, FINISH CARAS PARK
Register for the Roots Run will open in early June, 2026.
Our region’s largest arts and music festival showcases the gem of Western Montana – Downtown Missoula. This event, a unique public/private partnership, celebrates Missoula Downtown’s success and provides an opportunity to highlight some of Missoula’s most recently-developed attractions.
Roots Run is brought to you by Run Wild Missoula, in partnership with the Downtown Missoula Partnership.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 ROOTS RUN SPONSORS
Stay tuned for the 2026 lineup!
Art Show Hours: Friday, August 21 (12pm-7pm) & Saturday, August 22 (10am-7pm)
The Art Show application is now available. Please submit HERE.
*Deadline is Sunday, April 19th
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 ART SHOW SPONSORS
Roots Fest doesn’t just happen, it takes amazing community members like you to make the magic happen and produce an amazing event in the Heart of Missoula. Please consider a volunteer shift during the festival. It’s a great way to connect with your community, and we offer some perks too!
You get the following for FREE:
- River City Roots Festival T-Shirt
- Wristband (21+)
- Festival cup
- Special access to the volunteer hospitality food station
Sign up with your friends now, before shifts fill up!
Volunteer slots will be available in July 2026