CULBERTSON
Frontier Days
June 20-21
For more than 40 years, rodeos, parades, community follies and other entertainment has highlighted The Culbertson Saddle Club’s event. Evening rodeos can be viewed from the grounds’ unique tiered parking. Parades start at noon both days at noon. 406-787-6643.
FORT PECK
Fort Peck Summer Theatre
May 30-Aug. 31
Built as a movie house in 1934 to entertain the people who came to work during the construction of one of the world’s largest earth-filled dams, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now hosts professional actors, technicians and regional performers of all ages. This season includes “Driving Miss Daisy” May 30-June 8, “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story” June 13-29, “Cheaper by the Dozen” July 4-20, “Shrek the Musical” July 25-Aug. 10 and “A Grand Night for Singing” Aug. 15-31. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. 406-228-9216 or fortpecktheatre.org.
Longest Dam Race
June 21
Each year, the world’s largest hydraulically-earth-filled dam sets the scene for the area’s biggest race. Run a 10K course rising to 350 feet over two miles, run or walk a flat 5K course on the dam or a 1-mile paved course through Kiwanis Park, or ride a flat 10-mile bike route. This year marks the event’s 20th anniversary. The race concludes with a picnic and awards ceremony at the park. 406-228-2222 or glasgowchamber.net.
Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament
July 10-12
As part of the Walleyes Unlimited circuit, this catch-and-release tournament at Fort Peck Lake attracts anglers from 18 states and Canada, all vying for a $15,000 first-place prize. A public fish fry, Guys and Gals Tournament and youth seminars are also part of Eastern Montana’s largest fishing event. 406-228-2222 or mtgovcup.com.
MALTA
Dinosaur Digs
Throughout summer
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum’s paleontologist Dave Trexler leads authentic, scientific experiences, as dinosaur and other fossils are discovered and uncovered. Participants ages 11 and older explore new areas, as well as excavate and jacket bones, learn basic local geology, surveying techniques, how to collect and record scientific data from a site, and how to safely collect and transport fossils. Children ages 10 and younger may take part in the museum’s Junior Paleontologist Programs. The museum offers a look into a working fossil laboratory. Visitors view Leonardo the Mummy Dinosaur and other remarkably preserved members of the Brachylophosaurus family, plus a wide array of Montana specimens under preparation. 406-654-5300 or greatplainsdinosaurs.org.
PLENTYWOOD
Annual Car and Motorcycle Show
June 7
This annual show of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles has entrants from Montana, North Dakota and Canada. A craft show and food vendors are also at the fairgrounds, where the public can view the show at no cost. Later, participants drive a parade around town and 45-mile fun run to Medicine Lake for a banquet and live music. The show is open to the public at 9 a.m. 406-581-2021 or sheridanclassics.com.
Tracy Lawrence
July 26
The singer, recently listed as one of the “Must-see Country Music Tours of 2014,” makes a stop in Plentywood on his Headlights, Taillights and Radios Tours. VIP packages are available for $50. The concert takes place during the Sheridan County Fair, which includes other highlights such as free entertainment, PRCA Rodeos, a carnival, demolition derby, mud run and kids’ area. 406-765-7900 or co.sheridan.mt.us/fair.
POPLAR
Wild West Days
May 23-May 25
On May 23, Kids Day activities begin at 10 a.m. with bike races, contests and more downtown. On May 24-25, festivities include a parade downtown at noon, rodeo at the rodeo grounds at 2 p.m. Arts and crafts, food and evening activities and fun round out the weekend. 406-768-3371.
SCOBEY
Pioneer Days
June
Held the last weekend in June at The Daniels County Museum Pioneer Town, Pioneer Days features the Dirty Shame Show, five family-oriented internationally-known variety shows starring the Dirty Shame Belles and Dixieland Band. Other events include a “thresherman’s breakfast” of pancakes and sausage prepared in the old cook-cars, an antique car and tractor parade, children’s street games and an art show. The non-alcoholic Dirty Shame Saloon offers cool drinks, popcorn and entertainment all day. 406-487-5965 or scobeymt.com.
SHERIDAN COUNTY
Prairie Fest
June 29-July 5
Throughout Sheridan County, towns including Westby, Plentywood and Medicine Lake celebrate the area and its way of life with events and activities. For details, contact the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. 406-765-8500 or sheridancountychamber.org.
SIDNEY
Sunrise Festival of the Arts
July 12
Thousands of people visit scenic Veterans Memorial Park for one of Eastern Montana’s premier events, featuring displays by artists and crafters from several states, “Writers Row,” free entertainment, prizes, food and kids’ activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 406-433-1916 or sidneymt.com.
Josh Turner concert
Aug. 2
Special guest David Nail joins the country star for this special night during Richland County Fair, where “Life’s a Ride.” Other fair highlights include PRCA rodeo events and a carnival. Through July 25, concert tickets cost $45 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission. Then prices are $50 and $45. Tickets go on sale May 28 and are available only through the fair office. Richlandcountyfairandrodeo.org. n