Bigfork’s 47th Festival of the Arts takes place this weekend

Bigfork’s long-running Festival of the Arts continues to be a celebration of local artists while drawing in vendors and visitors from all across the country.

Festival Co-Chair Shannon Bagley said there’s something for everyone, whether they are looking for a monumental art piece for their home or something small to take as a memento.  

“Everybody has different likes and favorites (among the vendors) and that's the nice thing about this show too ... You could spend 10 grand on a table or an artwork, or you could spend $10 on a coffee cup or a pair of earrings,” Bagley said.  

There will be 105 artists and 10 food vendors at the festival, which runs Aug. 2 and 3 in downtown Bigfork. 

Bagley said many vendors say it’s their favorite show of the summer.  

“I think one of the main reasons, in my opinion, is that the just the quaintness of Bigfork. Everybody loves Bigfork — the people here are amazing, and not to pat our own back, but we do a darn good job putting the show together,” Bagley said.  

“I've heard multiple times about how great we have it all organized and how much they appreciate it.” 

The festival has grown over the years, with more than 145 booths in 2023. There are a wide variety of arts and crafts, like metalwork, painting, jewelry making, woodcarving, candle making and fiber arts. 

The event started in 1978, born from a conversation between community members as they stood on Electric Avenue. The first festival was held on the first weekend in August 1978, and it was a resounding success despite the committee’s inexperience, according to the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In 2005, a committee of the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce took over leadership of the event with proceeds being earmarked for the advertising and marketing Bigfork. 

Bagley said it’s important for them to keep the festival going, as it’s only gotten more popular and is great for local businesses.  

“A lot of people come back every year just for this show ...  So, there's a lot of exposure for the merchants in Bigfork. And it also is a good money maker for our Chamber. It provides the money that we use for marketing all year long,” Bagley said.  

The Chamber is still looking for volunteers to help with the event. Many hands make light work — Bagley said setup and breakdown of the festival is much easier with lots of volunteers. There is a sign-up link on the event’s page on their website bigfork.org, but those interested can also call the Chamber’s office at 406-837-5888. 

The festival is expected to bring in around 6,000 people, according to the Chamber’s website.  

There will be free shuttle service from the intersection of MT 35 and 82, as well as some parking at Bigfork Schools, on Electric Avenue via Bridge Street and by Bethany Lutheran Church on Montana 35.  There will be limited handicap parking at the UPS Store on Grand Ave., a decal is required.  

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].