Basque Cultural Festivals and Treefort Music Fest in Idaho

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Idaho is home to many cultural events that exceed expectations. From a music festival that’s about so much more than the tunes to world-renowned celebrations of the Basque culture, Idaho is your stop for activities and adventure in 2020.

Treefort Music Fest

March 25 – 29, 2020 | Boise

Treefort Music Fest is an annual music and arts festival fueled by the passion of discovery. The festivities take over downtown Boise every March. Blending the senses between nine forts covering music, film, food, beer, yoga, tech and art from national and regional creators, the festival has something for everyone.

Over 400 well-known and up-and-coming bands from nearly every genre mix with artists, authors, chefs, brewers, teachers, locals and visitors in this unique five-day experience. Learn more

Credit: Aaron Rodriguez

Jaialdi

**2020 Event Postponed** until July 27-August 1, 2021 | Boise

Possibly the biggest and certainly the most international festival in Idaho, Jaialdi brings together Basque people from around the world to celebrate their culture. The six-day festival is held in Boise every five years. This is a can’t-miss experience to learn the unique story of this little-known culture and immerse yourself in the tastes and sounds of the Basque.

The streets of the Basque Block in downtown Boise flow with food, drink, music and dance as locals and visitors honor and revive classic Basque traditions. Entertainment for Jaialdi 2020 includes folk music band Korrontzi, Basque ensemble Esne Beltza, dance group Duguna and weight lifters from the Basque Country competing in tests of strength.

Credit: Idaho Tourism

Trailing of the Sheep

October 7 – 11, 2020 | Sun Valley, Ketchum & Hailey

A festival centered around sheep may sound a bit surprising but don’t let that mislead you. Trailing of the Sheep is the annual festival honoring and preserving the sheepherding and ranching traditions that welcomed and sustained Basque, Peruvian and other cultures in Central Idaho.

The festival blends the peaceful countryside with the resort-fueled energy of the Sun Valley and Ketchum area. Festivities include culture, cuisine, art and the traditional parade of sheep on their migration to winter pastures.

Credit: Idaho Tourism

More 2020 Events in Idaho:

For more information on the Great American West state of Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.

North American Indian Days and More in Montana’s Western Glacier Country

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River City Roots Festival

Held annually the last weekend in August, 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.

Credit: Glacier Country Tourism

Under the Big Sky Concert Music & Arts

The 2nd annual celebrations will be held July 18 – 19, 2020 in Whitefish with musical guests that include, Jason Isbell, Brothers Osborne and Emmylou Harris. This annual event celebrates the tradition of gathering friends and family together under open skies to listen to music. The festival explores the breadth and legacy of Americana, taking in both traditional and contemporary takes on our country’s rich musical traditions, across two stages in naturally formed amphitheaters on Big Mountain Ranch, Whitefish.

Credit: Glacier Country Tourism

North American Indian Days

North American Indian Days, an annual celebration held the second week in July over four days is the largest and most impressive of Blackfeet tribal events. The celebration hosts Native Americans from every region of the United States and Canada. Featured events include traditional drumming and dancing contests, the crowning of Miss Blackfeet, a parade, fun run, PRCA Rodeo events and more.

Credit: Glacier Country Tourism

For more information on Montana’s Western Glacier Country, visit GlacierMT.com.

Eat Local Favorties at Ribfest, Sister Cities Smokeout, and More in Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota

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A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere… and a lot is just what you’ll find in Fargo in 2020.

While many have seen with the cult-classic movie, Fargo as well as the FX series, most are unfamiliar with the actual city. What visitors find, however, is that it’s absolutely nothing like what they would have expected.

Should you find yourself in the Midwest, here are a few attractions and events that are worth a stop in Fargo.

The Infamous Woodchipper

Sure, Fargo may not be anything like the movie, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t embraced it! Stop in the Visitor Center and take a pic with the actual woodchipper prop from the movie Fargo and check out other various movie props.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

Fargo Marathon

May 4-9, 2020

Due to the flat terrain of the Red River Valley, Fargo is a runner’s dream! The Fargo Marathon incorporates music, dogs, and events for every kind of runner. From a cyclothon and Furgo Dog Run to the half and full marathon (Boston qualifier), for a whole week in May, Fargo is the picture of fun and health.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

Ribfest

June 3-6, 2020

With a name like Ribfest, you know it’s going to be a great time. Nicknamed “the official kick-off to summer”, you can expect nationally acclaimed musical entertainment and endless ribs from the country’s best rib vendors.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

Downtown Street Fair

July 16-18, 2020

North Dakota’s largest free outdoor event which draws over 100,000 people over the course of three days. Take a stroll through historic downtown Fargo and enjoy live entertainment, delicious fair food, and plenty of shopping from vendors, artists, and makers from around the country.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

Sister Cities Smokeout

August 28 – 29, 2020

Back for its second year, the Sister Cities Smokeout is a celebration of our sister cities (Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN), great music, and amazing BBQ at the beautiful outdoor Bluestem Amphitheater. Two days packed with local and nationally acclaimed musical acts, hot BBQ, and cold beer.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

Christkindlmarkt

November 19-22, 2020

A local holiday favorite! Christkindlmarkt is a German Christmas market set in an outdoor winter wonderland. Live music, food, art demonstrations, mulled wine, and tons of activities for the kiddos. This European-inspired experience is a can’t miss.

Credit: Fargo-Moorhead CVB

So much more!

From Viking and food truck festivals to the High Plains Pow Wow and North Dakota’s largest pride week, there’s always something going on in Fargo-Moorhead. Check out the full calendar of events to see what’s happening during your next visit!

For more information on Fargo, North Dakota, visit FargoMoorhead.org.

Checkout Denver’s Biggest Events in 2020

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Summer Concert Series

(May through October)

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Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. No music lover’s bucket list is complete without experiencing a concert at the world-famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, and during the day, you can hike the park’s scenic trails amidst ancient, giant boulders.

Credit: Colorado

Denver Beer Week and Great American Beer Festival

(Sept. 18-26, 2020)

A nine-day, citywide celebration of all things beer ending with Great American Beer Festival, the biggest gathering of beer aficionados in the nation boasts more than 4,000 different beers from 800 breweries for three days at the Colorado Convention Center.

Credit: Brewers Association

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism

(Oct. 25-Jan. 17, 2021)

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Denver Art Museum (Oct. 25-Jan. 17, 2021) will explore the Mexican modernism movement through paintings and photography.

Credit Stevie Crecelius

Mile High Holidays

(November – January, 2021)

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Experience the holidays in Denver with the annual Parade of Lights, performing arts shows and millions of twinkling lights, including the brilliantly lit, 110-foot tall Mile High Tree.

Credit: Nikki A Rae

Learn more about Denver’s biggest events in 2020.

For more information on the Official Gateway City of Denver, visit VISITDENVER.com.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, Restaurant Week, & Depot Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Cheyenne Restaurant Week

Apr 5-11, 2020

Cheyenne Restaurant Week is an annual event that features restaurants from across Cheyenne offering deals on special menus. This year, contributions can be made to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, First Lady Jennie Gordon’s initiative, that will in turn be used to fund local organizations working to provide meals for children in Wyoming. Diners at participating restaurants will have the option to make a donation to support the cause.
307-778-3133
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Depot Days

May 16 & 17, 2020

After taking a year off Depot Days is back!  A weekend full of trains is in store at the Cheyenne Depot, with exhibits and tours of the historic UP roundhouse and WASATCH RR Contractors. Additionally, the Sherman Hill Model Railroad Show is at the Frontier Park Exhibition Hall across town. Your ticket includes museum admission and a brief tour of the Union Pacific Steam Shop.  A trolley will escort people to and from the steam shop, with departures scheduled every 30 minutes from the Depot.
307-632-3905
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Cheyenne Frontier Days

July 17-26, 2020

Cheyenne Frontier Days is a 10-day festival of rip-roarin’ excitement, featuring the world’s best PRCA rodeo action and Western entertainment. It’s non-stop activity and hospitality at its Western best!  Enjoy daily rodeo, concerts, Professional Bull Riders, USAF Thunderbirds, parades, pancake breakfasts, the Western Art Show & sale, a huge carnival, the Old West Museum, an Indian Village and so much more. It’s all-day, all-night fun!
1-800-22-RODEO
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Other Events:

  • June 5 & 6, 2020.  Hispanic Festival. Learn more
  • June 12 & 13, 2020.  Celtic Festival.  Learn more
  • June 19 & 20, 2020.  Wyoming Brewers Festival. Learn more
  • June 27, 2020.  Superday. Learn more
  • July 10-12, 2020.  4-Ever West Tattoo Festival. Learn more
  • July 28 -Aug 8, 2020.  Laramie County Fair. Learn more
  • Sep 11-12, 2020.  Greek Festival. Learn more
  • Nov 28, 2020.  Christmas Parade. Learn more
  • Dec. 31, 2020. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Learn more

For more information on the Cheyenne, Wyoming area, visit Cheyenne.org.

Summer Rodeos, Powwows & Haunted Forts in the Fall in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota

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Mandan Rodeo Days Celebration

July 2-4, 2020
www.mandanrodeo.com

Three nights of nationally ranked PRCA rodeo performances, specialty acts, and western entertainment – bucking broncs, swinging ropes and big, bad bulls. Also enjoy Art in the Park, concerts, street dances, pitchfork fondues, golf tourney, 5K walk & run, baseball, and the biggest Fourth of July parade and fireworks celebration in the Northern Plains.

Credit: North Dakota Tourism

Annual United Tribes Technical College International Powwow

September 11-13, 2020
www.unitedtribespowwow.com

This celebration showcases champion dancers and drums from across the US and Canada, competing for top honors. Judges selected by the powwow committee evaluate each of the dancers’ performances based on knowledge and skill of their category; keeping time with the drum; and regalia. It is one of the last large outdoor events on the northern Great Plains powwow circuit. For that reason, this annual event is known as the Home of the Champions. Grand Entries: Friday 1 & 7 pm, Saturday 1 & 7 pm, Sunday 1 pm. $20 weekend pass/$10-day pass. Seniors (65 and over) and children (5 and under) enter free.

Credit: North Dakota Tourism 

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch

September 12-October 24 , 2020
www.papaspumpkins.com

When fall rolls around, this is where you want to be! Your one-stop shop for pumpkins, gourds, squash, and corn. They offer tons of free activities including bale mazes, a corn maze, log jam, nature trail, Papa’sville wooden play structures, swings galore, and photo opportunities for you, your family, and friends. Additional activities, including their pumpkin cannons and trebuchets, are available for a minimal fee Thursdays-Sundays. They include: zip lines, horse-drawn hayrides, pony rides, train rides, sling shots, pedal carts, a side-by-side Obstacle Course, concessions and a gift store. New activities from 2019: Papa’s Splash Zone and ping pong rapids, more ziplines, human foosball, a new bale maze, and more. 12-7 pm daily, weather permitting. $5/person, under 3 free.

Credit: Bismarck-Mandan CVB

Haunted Fort

October Weekends (2020)
www.hauntedfort.com

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. North Dakota’s Scariest Haunt! Fort Abraham Lincoln, home of General George Custer and the 7th Cavalry, has long insinuated itself among the ranks of haunted places in North Dakota. Interpreters and tourists have both reported paranormal experiences and hauntings of the strange and unexplained, so in 2002 they created the Haunted Fort. Each October the buildings are transformed into a terrifying experience, attracting over 8,000 annually. Four haunts: The Custer Manor, The Old Circus Freakshow, Post Asylum, and the Guard House 2 Extreme Haunt – the only haunt that you have to enter all alone! It’s up to you whether you escape. Also introducing the all new Haunted Fort Midway with the famous Monster Shop, Zombie Battlefield Paintball, where you can shoot live zombies with paintballs, and The Cellar, the haunted craft beer lounge! Pricing varies. New, frightening experiences are added each year.

Credit: Bismarck-Mandan CVB

 

For more information North Dakota’s Bismarck-Mandan area, visit NoBoundariesND.com.

Wyoming Celebrates 150th Anniversary as ‘Home of the Women’s Vote’

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Home of the Women’s Vote – 150th Anniversary

When the nation rings in the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment in 2019, Wyoming will celebrate the 150th anniversary of women voting. In fact, the Wyoming Territory approved the first law in U.S. history granting women the right to vote and hold office in 1869 — more than 20 years before it became the 44th state. Aptly named the “Equality State,” Wyoming’s history is full of pioneering ladies, including the first woman in the world to cast a ballot and vote in a general election, Louisa Ann Swain. On Sept. 6, 2020, Wyoming will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first women’s vote under democratically enacted laws guaranteeing women equal political rights to men. To honor the first vote by Laramie’s Louisa Swain, visitors can experience must-see historic site and events throughout the year. For more information visit: travelwyoming.com/wyoming-womens-suffrage

Courtesy of: Wyoming Office of Tourism

Cody, Wyoming Multiple Anniversaries in 2020

Cody, Wyoming was founded in 1896 by the living legend, Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who at the age of 41 was one of the most famous men in the world. Founded as a hospitality center, Cody truly is the “Wildwest way into Yellowstone” located just 50 miles from the east entrance and 80 miles from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Experience the west with attractions that include nightly rodeos, gun fight re-enactments, cowboy music and the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Cody will be celebrating many anniversaries throughout 2020, including the 125th anniversary of the original townsite of Cody, 110th anniversary of the Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center, and 75th anniversary of the closing of Heart Mountain WWII Confinement Site.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sheridan Travel and Tourism

Sheridan WYO Rodeo – 90th Anniversary

The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is an elite rodeo on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) circuits. Held every July since 1931, the WYO is known for featuring world champions alongside raw beginners competing in a back-to-back format. The fastest 12 contestants during each morning’s slack move to that evening’s performance, with the remainder completing their second run during the day, allowing you get to see the best contestants each night and a potential Sheridan WYO Rodeo event winner any given night. This year’s Sheridan WYO Rodeo week runs July 6 – 12, with four nights of high-octane, PRCA rodeo action and World Championship Indian

Relay Races from July 8-11. WYO Rodeo week features the annual Boot Kick Off at Whitney Commons on July 9, Carnival at the Fairgrounds each night of the rodeo, plus Main Street Bed Races, Sneakers & Spurs 5K, Saddle Up for the WYO Rodeo Main Street Parade, Native American Pow Wow, Duck Races and Boy Scout’s Pancake Breakfast on Friday, July 10. The WYO is one of the TOP 40 PRCA Rodeos in the world. Over the last two years, guests from all 50 states and more than 20 countries attended the WYO Rodeo in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Credit: Visit Sheridan

Additional Events in 2020:

For more information on the Great American West state of Wyoming, visit TravelWyoming.com.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, Wild West Songwriters Festival and More in South Dakota

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Chislic Festival

July 25, 2020

Freeman, South Dakota

Website: https://www.sdchislicfestival.com

Chislic is a South Dakota tradition – especially in southeastern South Dakota. Legend says it was brought to that corner of our state in the 1800s by German/Russian immigrants. Today, chislic (beef or lamb on a stick) has grown from humble origins to a dish that was declared the official “nosh” of South Dakota in 2018. One year later, the first-ever Chislic Festival in Freeman attracted more than 8,000 people! Come enjoy this flavorful festival and celebrate with cooking competitions, live entertainment and more.

Chislic Festival. Credit: South Dakota Tourism

80th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

August 7-16, 2020

Sturgis, South Dakota

Website: https://sturgismotorcyclerally.com

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world’s oldest and largest motorcycle gatherings, offering incredible riding, exhibitors, motorcycle shows, demo rides, racing, concerts and much more. Find out why this international phenomenon draws motorcycle legends, superstars and hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts to the Black Hills each year. It’s also listed as one of the “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.”

Main Street at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Credit: South Dakota Tourism

Black Hills Powwow

October 9-11, 2020

Rapid City, South Dakota

Website: https://www.blackhillspowwow.com

The Black Hills Powwow (or He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate) is a preeminent Black Hills event featuring three days filled with Native American singing, dancing, drum groups, art displays, hand games, athletic competitions, and a variety of other events. Over the decades, the Black Hills Powwow has become one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, attracting hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans as well as thousands of spectators from across North America.

Black Hills Powwow. Credit: South Dakota Tourism

TOP EVENTS TIMELINE 2020

For more information on the Great American West state of South Dakota, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.

Black Hills Powwow, Crazy Horse Volksmarch & more in Rapid City, South Dakota

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Black Hills Powwow

As one of the premier cultural events and one of top three powwows in the nation, the Black Hills Powwow features a variety of dancers and events. This event attracts hundreds of spectators from around the world. Dancers come to this event from Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota. Most dancers at The Black Hills Powwow were winners from regional dances and fill the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. From the youth jingle dancers to elders, the beautiful dancers go around and around for all to see. This is a must-see event.

Learn more

Black Hills Powwow. Credit: South Dakota Tourism

Crazy Horse Volksmarch

Crazy Horse Memorial hosts a Volksmarch in the Spring and Fall. Hikers get the opportunity to climb to the arm of Crazy Horse Memorial for a close-up view of the largest mountain carving in progress. This opportunity is only offered twice a year. The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch is a 10K or 6.2-mile hike that follows dirt trails and gravel work roads up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving.

Learn more

Crazy Horse Volksmarch. Credit: Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® is the second largest event in the state of South Dakota following the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. An estimated attendance of 331,000 people attend the ten-day event held annually from the last weekend in January to the first weekend in February. The stock show features 96 different agriculture driven events. Events such as the Ranch Rodeo and Sheep Dog Trials are crowd favorites.

Learn more

Black Hills Stock Show & Ranch Rodeo. Courtesy of: Visit Rapid City

For more information on the Rapid City, South Dakota area, visit VisitRapidCity.com.

Culturally Unique Events Draw Fans by the Thousands in North Dakota

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What makes North Dakota different from anywhere else? Is the bison? The great fishing and hunting? Biking and hikings spectacular trail? The majestic scenery? Or is the people? Judge for yourself. We think the people are every bit as important to the story of North Dakota.

Summer rodeos draw fans by the thousands to arenas all across North Dakota

The largest of these are held around the Fourth of July, a time commonly referred to as “Cowboy Christmas.” Click here for more on these events and others like them in North Dakota. Or for some truly unique activities, try these:

  • United Tribes International Powwow: Sept. 11-13, 2020, in Bismarck: This is not the only powwow in the state, but it is the largest and attractions dancers, drummers and spectators for all across the country.
  • Roughrider Days, **2020 event cancelled due to COVID-19** (next year’s dates: June 23-July 4, 2021) This annual event pays homage to all the events commonly associated with an Independence Day celebration, complete with music, a pro rodeo, parade and, of course, fireworks.
  • Big Iron Farm Show, Sept. 15-17, West Fargo: The immense farm equipment show draws people and displays from around the world. More than 900 booths and 70,000 attendees will file through the Red River Valley Fairgrounds for the celebration or rural living.

Powwows and rodeos are two of the more culturally unique events in North Dakota.

Credit North Dakota Tourism

Native American powwows are celebrations of culture and you are invited to take part. Some of the larger events include United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck, the Mandaree Powwow, Twin Buttes Powwow and FM Crossroads Powwow in Fargo.

Rodeos take fans back to the bronc-busting and calf-roping days on the ranch. The performers might be professionals or neighbors from the ranch over there. Some things never change: Eight seconds is eight seconds, horses are fast, bulls are mean and the action is nonstop. North Dakota’s largest powwows include the Mandan Rodeo, Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo, the Champions Ride. Click here for a list of rodeos and powwows in North Dakota in 2020.

In the Badlands, deer and horses and bison actively herald a new season. Wildlife viewing is great at any time in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Lodging, fuel and food can be found outside the park in Medora or Watford City.

Learn more about the storied history of North Dakota at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck, the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora, the Plains Art Museum in Fargo and the Badlands Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson.

Places to Stay

Woodland Resort (below) is an all-inclusive resort on Devils Lake, one of the nation’s top fisheries.

  • Black Leg Ranch. High-end, full-service ranch accommodations. Honeymoon suites, cabins, etc. No glamping yet.
  • Yurting in North Dakota State Parks. Bring you own bedding, food and sense of adventure. Three state parks feature yurts as part of their lodging packages.
  • Hotel Donaldson. In downtown Fargo, boutique style property where all 17 suites are designed around the work of a different regional artist – sculptors, painters, photographers, modern artists…
  • Woodland Resort. Devils Lake full-service resort with a restaurant, cabins, motel, campground, bait shop and boat rental.
  • Coteau des Prairie. Full-service lodge in souitheast North Dakota. Perched on the northernmost ridge of the Coteau des Prairies, where the breathtaking view is second to none. Prairie farms and fields unfold from below like a patchwork quilt.
  • Lady on the Lake B&B. Located on the north shore of Lake Elsie. A truly romantic respite steeped in history and comfort. Has five acres and 463 feet of private shoreline.
  • Enchanted Castle. On the Enchanted Highway in Regent. A 19-room hotel in the old Regent School has lounge and restaurant.
  • Riverdale High Lodge. Full hotel and restaurant in the old school in Riverdale on the shore above Lake Sakakawea.

Credit North Dakota Tourism

Find more accommodations at “Places to Stay.“

For more information on the Great American West state of North Dakota, visit NDTourism.com.