Wellllll, here we are on Monday again. 😂 It was a busssyyy week at the BMX track for us as you can see above!

I was feeling pretty down on myself for not getting this week’s Gather out sooner… and then, while putting the finishing touches on it, I found TWO great events that were literally posted at 7am THIS MORNING.

Soooooo there’s that.

Maybe Friday Gather isn’t the goal. Maybe the goal is simply catching as much as humanly possible before I hit publish. 😂

The good news? Lots of our regular programs are BACK this week! We are officially crawling out of that weird end-of-summer limbo and into fall schedules, cooler mornings and approximately 47 more things to choose from every week.

And somewhere in the middle of compiling all of this, I’ve also been thinking a lot about balance.

Finding a balance between mothering and working and marriage and a house and LIFE is… not easy.

There’s so much conversation around postpartum, and I constantly have to remind myself that I am only a little over a year postpartum. I have two children, a husband, a house, six chickens, a garden and this incredible little community we’re building here.

It is all really wonderful.

And it is also A LOT. ❤️

There have absolutely been moments lately when I’ve thought, Maybe I should just give this up. Refund everyone. Stop spending my weekends with 100 tabs open and go lay down. 😂

And honestly? Maybe I SHOULD lay down more.

But this little spot on the internet also brings me so much joy. I love finding the things we didn’t know existed. I love hearing that you tried a class because you saw it here, found something to do on a random Tuesday, met another mom, or made a memory with your kids because of something buried in this giant list.

I want to build something genuinely useful for families here.

So I’m figuring out what that looks like while also trying to be present in this particular chapter of my own family’s life. And I appreciate every single one of you who is here while I navigate it. ❤️

Now, onto what’s happening this week… because September is waking UP.

A couple reminders as fall schedules start rolling in:

🎶 Music Together Bozeman fall classes begin September 16! Sarah has Mixed Ages classes Wednesday-Saturday, a Friday Babies class and Rhythm Kids on Saturdays. We already loved Music Together before partnering with Sarah, and I’m so excited to have it back in our fall routine.

💪 Savvy Strength’s Beyond Postpartum officially has MORE options after Labor Day! NEW classes on Mondays, Wednesdays AND Fridays at 9:15am and yes, you can bring your kiddo. 🙌 I’m usually there twice a week, and now having more days to choose from makes the scheduling Tetris of motherhood significantly easier.

🍓 And don’t sleep on U-Pick season! Cooler weather is already sneaking in, which means our local U-Picks will most likely start winding down later this month. If picking berries/flowers/produce has been sitting on your summer list, this is your reminder to squeeze it in while you still can.

Summer isn’t quite gone yet… but fall is very clearly knocking.

And apparently events can be announced at 7am on the same Monday I’m trying to publish a weekly events newsletter, so WHO KNOWS what else I’ll find before you finish reading this. 😂

Here’s a little preview of what I found this week… 👇

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

8/31 Community Music for Littles with Montana Music Mama
Ages 0-7 and caregivers
⏰ 10:00am(ish)-10:30am
📍 Bozeman Pond (Dog Park Entrance) - 700 S Fowler Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, donations greatly appreciated
Notes: Bring a blanket to sit on; NEXT ONES are 9/14 & 9/28
https://www.instagram.com/montana_music_mama/?hl=en

9/1 Roots Family Collaborative - 4th Trimester Group
Moms and babies
⏰ 10:30am-11:30am
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main Street, #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Peer support group for moms and babies during first three months after birth; Registration appreciated; come as you are
https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/workshops-classes

9/2 Thriving Together - Tools for Parenting Strong Willed Children
Parents
⏰ 6:00pm-7:30pm
📍 Thrive - 407 S Ferguson Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: registration REQUIRED; childcare provided for up to 6 children; appetizers will be served
https://allthrive.org/event/thriving-together-tools-for-parenting-strong-willed-children/

9/3 Region 3 Bear Aware Event
All ages
⏰ 11:00am-2:00pm
📍 Region 3 FWP Bozeman Regional Office (South Parking Lot) - 1400 South 19th Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: training and hands-on practice with inert bear spray and other resources for staying safe in bear country; lectures on the hour, displays, charging bear demonstration (weather permitting); leave personal bear spray home
https://montanafwpevents.com/09/03/2026/region-3-bear-aware-event-bozeman/

9/4 Annie’s Reading Corner at Heyday
For littles and their caregivers
⏰ 10:00am
📍 Heyday - 7 W Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: stories, snacks, friends and fun

9/5 Kite Festival
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-3:00pm | 12:00pm (drum circle)
📍 Madison Buffalo Jump State Park - 6990 Buffalo Jump Rd, Three Forks
Cost: FREE to attend
Notes: kite making kits for sale; food truck by Vintage Nana’s Indian Tacos; flint napping demonstrations; drum circle 12:00-1:00pm by many hands light work; Native American art vendors; bison program; traditional games
https://downtownbozeman.org/event/kite-festival

9/6 White Sulphur Springs Labor Day Rodeo - Day 1 (WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS)
All ages
⏰ 5:00pm (rodeo) | 9:00pm (street dance)
📍 6th Ave SE, White Sulphur Springs
Cost: $23 (age 15+) | $17 (age 7-14) | Age 6 and under (FREE)
Notes: online tickets are cheaper than purchasing day of; street dance on Sunday night, parade on Monday morning
https://www.labordayrodeo.com/

9/7 The Kimpton Armory End of Summer BBQ
All ages
⏰ 4:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Outdoor lot - corner of Mendenhall & North Tracy Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE to attend
Notes: live Americana music, chef crafted favorites and cold drinks

9/12-9/14 Hygge Village Co & Mom, What’s Next? Bozeman X The Mothership Collective - Moms on the Madison Campout & Float (NORRIS)
Moms & kids OR Families too!
⏰ 11:00am (9/12) - 11:00am (9/14)
📍 Madison River, Norris
Cost: $20 per campsite, some free spots along the river are an option
Notes: Come float - meet at California Corner in Norris at 11:30am. We will float from California Corner to Blacksford (about 2 hours) and coordinate a car shuttle. Life jackets required for ages 12 & under. Paddleboards work well. Host (Steph) may be able to arrange mesh-bottom raft tubes (reach out if interested). Trapper Springs Campground is the best camping option. Sites hold up to 15 people, cost $20 per night and are first come, first served. The plan is to set up camp after the float.
RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PgyYImjNZBWDvqoLlVrt? ; Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y54XxBxkpetP14XdA?g_st=ac ; Float location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxbjv7HVgETtjqLG7

9/23 MWN Butte & Bozeman - Amish Daily Farm Meet Up (WHITEHALL)
All ages (but most suitable for ages 8 and under)
⏰ 3:00pm
📍 Amish Daily Farm - 97 Carney Lane, Whitehall
Cost: $5 per family, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Notes: Advance venmo to @willbrandin (6473 are the last four of cell to confirm); Registration open until 9/16; Enjoy a craft, goats, community and a chocolate goat milk tasting
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BvkPYrQ3P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And now for the FULL list...

Everything above is JUST A LITTLE PREVIEW. Below you’ll find the full lineup of what’s happening around Gallatin Valley this week with dates, details, direct registration links and all those random little events that are ridiculously easy to miss. And believe me when I say you’re not going to want to miss this one, because I tucked some gems in there to be discovered like a treasure hunt when you go through!

Every week, I dig through 100+ tabs, newsletters, websites, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts and all the random corners of the internet so you don’t have to.

For $5/month, paid subscribers get the complete weekly Gather, plus seasonal guides, local resources and the hidden gems I find along the way.

And maybe this week’s rambling above gives you an even better idea of what your subscription supports. 😂 It helps me keep building this resource in a way that can coexist with mothering, family and the rest of this very full life.

If Gather has helped you find community, discover something you didn’t know existed, or simply spend less time searching and more time actually doing things together, I’d love to have you join us. ❤️

Okay, let’s get into the FULL Gather! 👇

Read more

Well, it’s clearly not Friday… 😂

BUT! It is Sunday afternoon instead of the wee hours of Monday morning, so I’m calling that progress. We’re inching our way toward that Friday Gather drop, folks!

And somehow, a few more of you found your way over to Substack this week. Every new subscriber still makes me ridiculously excited, and I’m eternally grateful for this little community that is starting to grow over here. ❤️

A quick heads up before we get into this week: a lot of our regular programs are still on pause or have officially wrapped for summer. We’re in that weird little end-of-August limbo where summer programming is disappearing and fall schedules haven’t quite kicked in yet.

But September is coming in HOT.

I’m especially excited to officially partner with Sarah of Music Together Bozeman and continue sharing about classes we already genuinely loved before there was ever a partnership involved. Fall classes begin September 16, with:

🎶 Wednesdays — Mixed Ages: 9:00–9:45am | 10:00–10:45am | 4:15–5:00pm
🎶 Thursdays — Mixed Ages: 10:00–10:45am | 4:15–5:00pm
🎶 Fridays — Mixed Ages: 10:00–10:45am | Babies: 11:00–11:45am
🎶 Saturdays — Mixed Ages: 10:00–10:45am | Rhythm Kids: 11:00–11:45am

Be sure to register soon so you don’t miss out on your ideal class time!

And while we’re talking about programs I genuinely use and love, Savvy Strength is another Gather partner. And if you’ve been around here awhile, you’ve probably seen me talk about Ellie before too. I take her classes twice a week pretty religiously and LOVE that I can bring my kiddo with me, which removes one of the approximately 847 obstacles to actually working out as a mom. 😂

After Labor Day, Beyond Postpartum is adding more options: Monday, Wednesday AND Friday at 9:15am! I’m very excited about having another day option to work with because, as we all know, getting anywhere with a small child is basically a scheduling Tetris game.

Also, can we talk about the fact that I have now been doing this for more than EIGHT MONTHS and this week I STILL discovered event calendars I didn’t know existed?!

This. This is exactly why Gather exists. 😂

Because there is SO MUCH happening around Gallatin Valley, and so much of it is hiding on a random website, Facebook page, Instagram post, newsletter or community calendar you didn’t even know you were supposed to be checking.

I don’t want our kids to grow up before we discover all the cool stuff happening right here in our valley and just beyond it.

So I keep digging.

Here’s a little preview of what I found… 👇

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

8/25 YAA Family Fun Night (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Outta Bounds Golf - 6640 W Dry Creek Rd, Manhattan
Cost: $35 (age 12+) | $20 (age 3-12) | FREE (age 2 & under)
Notes: top golf style hitting bays, unlimited mini golf, dinner!

8/27 Montana Mamas Walking Club - Storymill Park
Moms and kiddos of all ages
⏰ 9:30am
📍 Story Mill Park - 698 Bridger Drive, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: come move your body, let the little ones explore and connect with other moms! Join the Facebook group to get more details for each walk

8/27 Tinworks Art presents Community Clay Night with Lauren Woods
Any age
⏰ 6:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Tinworks Art - 719 N Ida Ave (between E Cottonwood and E Aspen), Bozeman
Cost: $20/person, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Notes: no experience needed; come experiment and make friends; make as much or as little in the allotted time; a new project is introduced each month, but you are not required to follow the project; clay, tools, materials, finishing, glazing and firing provided; space limited; scholarships available upon request
https://www.tinworksart.org/events/community-clay-night-27aug2026

8/29 The Gateway Bash (GALLATIN GATEWAY)
All ages
⏰ 7:00am-2:00pm
📍 Gallatin Gateway Community Center - 145 Mill Street, Gallatin Gateway
Cost: FREE to attend
Notes: 7:00-10:00am (pancake breakfast) | 8:00am-12:00pm (car show & Little Bear Schoolhouses tours) | 10:00am-1:00pm (chicken poop bingo) | 10:00am-12:00pm (logging games, scavenger hunt, pine derby car race | 12:00pm (The Gallagator Parade) | 12:30-2:00pm (Community Lunch)
https://www.gallatinvalleyevents.com/08/29/2026/the-gateway-bash/

9/12-9/14 Hygge Village Co & Mom, What’s Next? Bozeman X The Mothership Collective - Moms on the Madison Campout & Float (NORRIS)
Moms & kids OR Families too!
⏰ 11:00am (9/12) - 11:00am (9/14)
📍 Madison River, Norris
Cost: $20 per campsite, some free spots along the river are an option
Notes: Come float - meet at California Corner in Norris at 11:30am. We will float from California Corner to Blacksford (about 2 hours) and coordinate a car shuttle. Life jackets required for ages 12 & under. Paddleboards work well. Host (Steph) may be able to arrange mesh-bottom raft tubes (reach out if interested). Trapper Springs Campground is the best camping option. Sites hold up to 15 people, cost $20 per night and are first come, first served. The plan is to set up camp after the float.
RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PgyYImjNZBWDvqoLlVrt? ; Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y54XxBxkpetP14XdA?g_st=ac ; Float location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxbjv7HVgETtjqLG7

9/23 MWN Butte & Bozeman - Amish Daily Farm Meet Up (WHITEHALL)
All ages (but most suitable for ages 8 and under)
⏰ 3:00pm
📍 Amish Daily Farm - 97 Carney Lane, Whitehall
Cost: $5 per family, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Notes: Advance venmo to @willbrandin (6473 are the last four of cell to confirm); Registration open until 9/16; Enjoy a craft, goats, community and a chocolate goat milk tasting
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BvkPYrQ3P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And now for the FULL list...

Everything above is just a little preview. Below you’ll find the full lineup of what’s happening around Gallatin Valley this week with dates, details, direct registration links and all those random little events that are ridiculously easy to miss.

Every week, I dig through 100+ tabs, newsletters, websites, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts and all the random corners of the internet so you don’t have to.

For $5/month, paid subscribers get the complete weekly Gather, plus seasonal guides, local resources and the hidden gems I find along the way.

And as I shared last week, your subscription does more than unlock a list of events. It supports the hours that go into creating this resource and helps make it possible for me to keep doing this work sustainably, while hopefully spending a little less of my weekend glued to my phone. ❤️

If Gather has ever helped you find community, discover something new, or simply spend less time searching and more time actually doing things together, I’d love to have you join us.

Okay, let’s get into the FULL Gather! 👇

Read more

If you’ve been here awhile, you may have noticed this week’s Gather is… late.

Maybe I’m the only person keeping track of exactly which day this Substack lands in your inbox 😂, but I had gotten into a rhythm of late Sunday nights and, more recently, Monday mornings.

And this week, I just couldn’t do it.

Not because I’ve lost motivation for this resource. Quite the opposite. I have a slightly sickening desire to find, compile, organize and put ALL THE INFORMATION in one place. 😂

And yes, I’ve tried to get AI to help me. Turns out AI is REALLY bad at this particular job.

So much of what makes it into Gather is buried in an Instagram post, Facebook event, newsletter, random flyer or some secret Gallatin Valley word-of-mouth network. I genuinely love finding it all.

But I also really love my family.

And if I’m being blatantly honest, I’ve been neglecting them a little while chasing some dreams lately. My husband has been incredibly supportive, but I know something has to shift in the way my side hustles have been consuming my life.

I want my weekends back.

This weekend, one of my friends got married (thank you, Amy, for making me part of your special day ❤️), and for basically an entire day, I quite literally couldn’t be on my phone working.

And it made me realize something kind of horrifying:

I have not taken a FULL day off from work since APRIL.

APRIL.

That’s months of working every. single. day. And yes, “day off” is being used loosely because I am, of course, still a mother. 😂

If literally any other job had asked that of me, I would have quit.

But the weird part is, I don’t want to quit this.

I LOVE what I’m building. And I’ve met so many unapologetic women lately who are doing the same thing. Building something in the cracks of motherhood, work, finances, marriage, laundry and everything else.

Would I love to be a stay-at-home mom and live comfortably on one income without thinking about finances every day? Absolutely.

That just isn’t our reality. And I have a feeling a lot of you can relate.

We are HUSTLIN’ over here.

But if I want to keep doing this, I need to make it sustainable.

So, Gather is moving to Fridays.

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to work toward getting this newsletter into your inbox on Friday instead of Sunday/Monday. But please give me some grace as I don’t anticipate this to be a seamless transition.

I get my weekends back with my family, and you get the Gather earlier so you can actually plan for the week ahead.

Win win.

Because that’s the whole reason this resource exists.

I wanted this eight years ago when I had my son. Now, with two kids, I understand even more how much time it can save to have ONE PLACE to look instead of spending our limited free time searching Facebook, Instagram, Google and twelve different community calendars.

The goal is to help us spend LESS time on our phones searching for things to do and more time actually doing them.

So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for being here. Whether you read every week, share Gather with another mom, send me an event I missed, or support this work with a paid subscription, you’re helping me continue to build something I really believe our community needs.

And hopefully, you’re also helping me learn to take a damn day off once in a while. 😂

Okay, so what’s happening this week?

A few regulars are taking a breather. Bozeman Public Library and Roots Family Collaborative programs are on break, but September is already filling up. Savvy Strength has new class times coming, and Music Together’s fall semester starts in September with registration already open.

And the actual community calendar? Definitely not taking a break.

This week we’ve got:

🎣 A FREE kids fishing day

💦 A splash pad birthday party

🍓 U-pick berries

🎬 A drive-in movie + back-to-school bash

🏰 An entire Renaissance Festival complete with jousting

💪 Mom-friendly fitness

👀 And plenty of those random little events hiding in corners of the internet.

I did the digging.

Here’s a little preview of what I found…

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

8/18 Gallatin Walleyes Unlimited Annual Kids Fishing Day (THREE FORKS)
Kids 12 & under with caregiver
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 Three Forks Ponds - Three Forks
Cost: FREE, limited to first 100 children
Notes: Registration REQUIRED through Eventbrite; All fishing equipment provided; free lunch provided; kids will learn the basics of fishing
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gallatin-walleyes-unlimited-annual-kids-fishing-day-tickets-1994374397510

8/19 The Belgrade Splash Pad is turning 20!
All ages
⏰ 12:00pm-2:00pm
📍 Lewis and Clark Park - 205 E Main St, Belgrade
Cost: FREE
Notes: Stop by for a FREE ice cream bar!

8/20 Savvy Strength - Beyond Postpartum Fitness Class
Mamas (babies & kids welcome within reason)
⏰ 12:00pm-1:00pm
📍 Savvy Strength - 22 Shawnee Way, Suite B, Bozeman
Cost: $20/class or $105 for 6 class pack
Notes: Registration REQUIRED; Suggested prereq is taking the Postpartum Strength and Core class first; These classes are for any stage of postpartum that has been approved by Ellie or a Pelvic Floor PT and even for women who are not mothers, but want to work on connecting to their core strength.
https://www.savvystrength.net/book-a-class

8/21 Bear Canyon Farm U-Pick Raspberries & Strawberries
All ages
⏰ 8:00am-12:00pm (or until sold out)
📍 Bear Canyon Farm - 3641 Bozeman Trail Rd, Bozeman
Cost: ?
Notes: double check Instagram before heading out as they sell out quick and have a limited amount

8/22 The Pasture Drive-in presents Up! For the Back to School Bash (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 6:30pm (gates) | 9:00pm (movie)
📍 360 Little Camp Creek Way, Manhattan (Amsterdam)
Cost: $25/car
Notes: CASH ONLY! Arrive early; dinner & concessions available; bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc.; hot air balloon 8-9pm; water balloon wars 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm;

8/23 Bozeman Renaissance Festival - Day 2
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-5:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: $30 plus fees - Weekend Pass | $18 plus fees - Saturday | $17 plus fees - Sunday | 10 & under FREE?
Notes:Jousting 11am & 3pm daily; live music, fire ring, mermaid story hour and lots more entertainment
https://bozemanrenfest.com/

9/12-9/14 Hygge Village Co & Mom, What’s Next? Bozeman X The Mothership Collective - Moms on the Madison Campout & Float (NORRIS)
Moms & kids OR Families too!
⏰ 11:00am (9/12) - 11:00am (9/14)
📍 Madison River, Norris
Cost: $20 per campsite, some free spots along the river are an option
Notes: Come float - meet at California Corner in Norris at 11:30am. We will float from California Corner to Blacksford (about 2 hours) and coordinate a car shuttle. Life jackets required for ages 12 & under. Paddleboards work well. Host (Steph) may be able to arrange mesh-bottom raft tubes (reach out if interested). Trapper Springs Campground is the best camping option. Sites hold up to 15 people, cost $20 per night and are first come, first served. The plan is to set up camp after the float.
RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PgyYImjNZBWDvqoLlVrt? ; Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y54XxBxkpetP14XdA?g_st=ac ; Float location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxbjv7HVgETtjqLG7

And now for the FULL list...

Everything above is just a little preview. Below you’ll find the full lineup of what’s happening around Gallatin Valley this week with dates, details, direct registration links, and all those random little events that are ridiculously easy to miss.

Every week, I dig through 100+ tabs, newsletters, websites, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts and all the random corners of the internet so you don’t have to.

For $5/month, paid subscribers get the complete weekly Gather, plus seasonal guides, local resources and the hidden gems I find along the way.

And as I shared above, your subscription does more than unlock a list of events. It supports the hours that go into creating this resource and helps make it possible for me to keep doing this work sustainably while hopefully spending a little less of my weekend glued to my phone. ❤️

If Gather has ever helped you answer where can I find community, discover something new, or simply spend less time searching and more time actually doing things together, I’d love to have you join us.

Okay, let’s get into the FULL Gather! 👇

Read more

Summer is starting to do that thing where everything ends at once.

And if you’re anything like me, you’re going to look at this week’s list and realize there are at least three summer programs you fully intended to attend... and somehow never did. 😆

Consider this your warning. LOTS of things are wrapping up this week!

It’s the final week of the West Yellowstone Rodeo. The last week of Bozeman RecMobile. The last Summer Stewards is Thursday. Museum of the Rockies classes are about to take a break, and Roots Family Collaborative takes a break next week too…

One thing that isn’t ending quite yet? Free summer lunch! Free lunch at the Bozeman Public Library and other locations continues through August 28. BPL serves lunch from 12–1pm on the front plaza, and it’s such a great community resource to take advantage of while it’s here.

And if the smoke lingers...

This may be the week to keep a few indoor ideas in your back pocket.

Museum of the Rockies is always a favorite, and if you haven’t seen the Chorus of Colors LIVING frog exhibit yet, add it to your list. Also, it continues to surprise me how many people don’t know about the Yellowstone play area upstairs. Honestly, that space alone can make a family membership feel worth it when you need somewhere to go on a smoky, cold, or rainy day.

And if you are outside, remember to take it a little easier when the air quality isn’t great and keep that water bottle nearby. I recently visited Josh at Heartleaf Health for acupuncture, and our conversation was a good reminder that supporting our bodies doesn’t always have to be complicated. Hydrate, rest when you need it, and give yourself a little grace. Now if only I could listen to that advice too!

Also, Sweet Pea...

I can officially report back that Sweet Pea Festival was indeed VERY family friendly. We could have gone just for the kids’ area and been happy! Next year, I’m hoping we can make it for the full days, because there was so much we didn’t get to see.

But Sweet Pea ending definitely does not mean Gallatin Valley is done for the summer.

This week’s Gather is full of:

🎪 Festivals you probably haven’t heard about
🎬 Movie nights galore
🤠 One last chance at a few summer favorites
🐸 Indoor options for smoky days
☀️ Programs squeezing in their final week
👀 And those random little events that never make it onto the usual community calendars because they exist on a poster, an Instagram story, a Facebook post, or apparently through some secret Gallatin Valley word-of-mouth network.

I dug through all of it.

Here’s a little preview of what I found...

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

8/10 Community Music for Littles with Montana Music Mama
Ages 0-7 and caregivers
⏰ 10:00am(ish)-10:30am
📍 Bozeman Pond (Dog Park Entrance) - 700 S Fowler Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, donations greatly appreciated
Notes: Bring a blanket to sit on
https://www.instagram.com/montana_music_mama/?hl=en

8/11 Music Together Bozeman - Musical Play Time at The Bozeman Farmers Market
Ages 0-5 and caregivers
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Lindley Park - 900 E Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Look for Sarah’s tent!
https://www.musictogetherbozeman.com/

8/12 Roots Family Collaborative - Dads Group
Dads (babies also welcome if up late)
⏰ 5:30pm-7:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main Street, #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Registration appreciated; come as you are; 2nd Wednesday of the month
https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/workshops-classes

8/13 MOR Movie on the Lawn - National Treasure
Suggested age rating 9 and up
⏰ 8:00pm-10:30pm
📍 Museum of the Rockies - 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Registration required; concessions will be available for purchase; bring a blanket or low back chairs
https://mor.ticketapp.org/portal/product/67/event/04233764-e4e3-42b7-a25e-342711759191

8/14 Cirquepalooza at Bozeman Public Library
All ages (recommended for ages birth through 5th grade)
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library (front plaza) - 626 E. Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: featuring 406cirque & M.O.R. in partnership with Tinworks Art, Aerial Arts of Bozeman, Forge Fitness and Random Acts of Silliness
https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/events/calendar-of-events

8/15 Montana Mamas Walking Club - Downtown Stroll
Moms and kiddos of all ages
⏰ 10:00am
📍 Rockford Coffee - 18 E Main St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: come move your body, let the little ones explore and connect with other moms! Join the Facebook group to get more details for each walk

8/16 Chico Hot Springs - Annual Block Party (CHICO)
All ages
⏰ 6:00pm-9:00pm
📍 Chico Hot Springs - 163 Chico Road, Pray
Cost: FREE to attend
Notes: Live music by TWANG, food and community gathering
https://www.chicohotsprings.com/events-calendar

9/12-9/14 Hygge Village Co & Mom, What’s Next? Bozeman X The Mothership Collective - Moms on the Madison Campout & Float (NORRIS)
Moms & kids OR Families too!
⏰ 11:00am (9/12) - 11:00am (9/14)
📍 Madison River, Norris
Cost: $20 per campsite, some free spots along the river are an option
Notes: Come float - meet at California Corner in Norris at 11:30am. We will float from California Corner to Blacksford (about 2 hours) and coordinate a car shuttle. Life jackets required for ages 12 & under. Paddleboards work well. Host (Steph) may be able to arrange mesh-bottom raft tubes (reach out if interested). Trapper Springs Campground is the best camping option. Sites hold up to 15 people, cost $20 per night and are first come, first served. The plan is to set up camp after the float.
RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PgyYImjNZBWDvqoLlVrt? ; Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y54XxBxkpetP14XdA?g_st=ac ; Float location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxbjv7HVgETtjqLG7

And remember, those are just the teasers!

Because while summer programs may be winding down, the calendar absolutely is not.

Below you’ll find the FULL GATHER! Events happening across Gallatin Valley, direct registration and ticket links, dates and details I’ve double-checked, and plenty of things you probably wouldn’t know were happening unless you happened to follow the right account, see the right poster, or hear about it from the right person.

Every week, I sort through 100+ tabs, newsletters, websites, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, and all the random corners of the internet so you don’t have to.

For $5/month, paid subscribers get:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup
✔ Direct registration + ticket links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ The hidden gems that are ridiculously easy to miss
✔ One place to figure out what the heck your family is doing this week

And especially right now, I’d encourage you to look through the list before the week gets away from you. There are a lot of “last one of the summer” events hiding in there.

If Gather in Gallatin has helped you discover a new event, try a local business, meet another family, or simply answer “What should we do today?” - thank you for being here.

And to my paid subscribers, THANK YOU even more! You’re the reason I can continue this wonderfully ridiculous tradition of hunting down everything happening around the valley.

See you out there!

Read more

August somehow showed up overnight.

We’re officially entering that weird stretch of summer where half the activities are wrapping up, everyone starts talking about school, and then Sweet Pea arrives to remind us there’s still plenty of summer left to squeeze in.

This week’s Gather reflects that.

You’ll notice quite a few programs are entering their final weeks (or final days), including Music on Main, the Valley View Rodeo, and several summer series around the valley. If there’s been something you’ve been meaning to do “before summer’s over,” this is your friendly nudge.

Of course, Sweet Pea takes center stage this week. Between Chalk on the Walk, the parade, the run, concerts, art, and all the festivities leading up to the weekend, there is something happening almost every day. I’ll also be walking (or maybe skipping... we’ll see) in the Sweet Pea Parade with Roots Family Collaborative, and we’d love for you to join us! Kids can walk, bike, scooter, ride in a stroller... whatever makes for a fun morning together. If you’d like to come along, be sure to RSVP so Roots knows how many to expect.

A few other things worth putting on your radar:

🌸 U-pick flower season is in full swing. Above is the Instagram guide I put together if you’re looking for the best spots.

💪 Ellie of Savvy Strength has new postpartum classes and workshops September and October.

👶 Roots Family Collaborative will be taking a short break during the last two weeks of August before jumping into a busy fall schedule.

🏕️ And if you’re looking ahead, registration is open for our Moms on the Madison Campout & Float in September!

As always, this isn’t just a list of events.

It’s the music classes you only find through word of mouth. The pop-up events that live only on Instagram. The Facebook posts that never make it onto community calendars. Plus all the details I double check every single week so you don’t accidentally show up to something that quietly ended three weeks ago.

After spending far too much time with way too many browser tabs open, here’s a little preview of what’s inside this week’s Gather.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

8/3 Bozeman Public Library - Bozeman Art Museum Art Play
Elementary Schoolers and caregivers
⏰ 1:00pm-2:30pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library (outdoor front plaza) - 626 E. Main St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: create playful art
https://bozemanlibrary.libnet.info/bozeman-library/event/16431249

8/4 Sweet Pea - Chalk on the Walk
All ages
⏰ All day (9:30am-10:30am - pick up FREE chalk)
📍 Downtown Bozeman - 424 E Main St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: look for the flyer in the window for participating businesses and help decorate the sidewalks between Grand & Broadway
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6823a190006b8b6829ed3b30/t/6a50375bca35c83f9f954fe3/1783641947715/SPF26--Schedule-Of-Events--WEB.pdf

8/5 Amaltheia Dairy U-Pick Flowers
All ages
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Amaltheia Dairy - 4152 Penwell Bridge Road, Belgrade
Cost: $20 for a full handful | $45 to fill a bucket | $5 if you need a bucket
Notes: Cash, card or venmo. Bring snips and shoes suitable for a farm. Double check social media before showing in case they sold out.

8/6 Gallatin Conservation District - Summer Stewards Program (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 GCD Education and Outreach Center - 119 S Broadway St, Manhattan
Cost: FREE
Notes: science-based learning, interactive games and more; Last day is August 13th
https://gallatincd.org/event/summer-stewards-6/?instance_id=2759

8/7 Savvy Strength FREE Postpartum Strength Workshop
Mamas (and babies are welcome)
⏰ 10:30am-12:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St, #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, RSVP required
https://www.savvystrength.net/; savvystrengthmt@gmail.com

8/8 Walk/Bike/Skip/Scooter in the Sweet Pea Parade with Roots Family Collaborative
All ages
⏰ 9:00am - ?
📍 Downtown Bozeman - Main Street (between 8th & Church), Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Meet outside the O.G. Co-op between 9-9:30am; theme is “1776, 250 Years of Art, Music and Fashion”; If interested in joining, RSVP to mackenzie@rootsfamilycollaborative.com

9/12-9/14 Hygge Village Co & Mom, What’s Next? Bozeman X The Mothership Collective - Moms on the Madison Campout & Float (NORRIS)
Moms & kids OR Families too!
⏰ 11:00am (9/12) - 11:00am (9/14)
📍 Madison River, Norris
Cost: $20 per campsite, some free spots along the river are an option
Notes: Come float - meet at California Corner in Norris at 11:30am. We will float from California Corner to Blacksford (about 2 hours) and coordinate a car shuttle. Life jackets required for ages 12 & under. Paddleboards work well. Host (Steph) may be able to arrange mesh-bottom raft tubes (reach out if interested). Trapper Springs Campground is the best camping option. Sites hold up to 15 people, cost $20 per night and are first come, first served. The plan is to set up camp after the float.
RSVP: https://partiful.com/e/PgyYImjNZBWDvqoLlVrt?

Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y54XxBxkpetP14XdA?g_st=ac

Float location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yxbjv7HVgETtjqLG7

And those are just the teasers.

The full calendar below includes events happening all across Gallatin Valley, complete with direct registration links, ticket information, helpful notes, and plenty of hidden gems that are easy to miss if you’re only checking Facebook, Instagram, or the usual community calendars.

Every single week I sort through well over 100 tabs, newsletters, local websites, community calendars, Facebook events, and Instagram posts so you don’t have to.

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup

✔ Direct registration and event links

✔ Seasonal guides and local resources

✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise

✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling

Whether you’re looking for something to do this afternoon or planning weekends into September, I hope this helps your family make the most of everything our community has to offer.

Thank you for being here. And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you even more. Your support is what makes this wonderfully ridiculous tradition of hunting down every event I can find possible.

Alright... let’s dive into this week’s Gather.

Read more

Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “Wait... that was this weekend…” Same.

That’s exactly why this week’s lineup isn’t just about what’s happening over the next week. It’s also packed with one-time events, ticket launches, early pricing deadlines, and things you’ll want on your radar before they sneak up on us.

Because missing a community event is one thing. Missing the cheapest Bridger Bowl season pass, 50% off a popular weekly playtime, or finding out the event tickets quietly went on sale after they’re already gone? That one stings a little more.

This week is full of the summer favorites we’re all trying to squeeze in before school starts back up. Farmers markets, festivals, outdoor movies, storytimes, community hikes, dance classes, rodeos,, U-pick flowers, and so much more. But I also sprinkled in quite a few (like 11 pages worth) of “look ahead” events, because August has a habit of showing up way faster than any of us expect.

If skiing is in your family’s future, Bridger Bowl season passes are currently at their lowest price and increase after July 31. Sweet Pea Festival is almost here, and if you’re planning to go, it’s worth grabbing wristbands before prices go up (kids 12 and under are still free!). Buying wristbands now will save you $20 per person! Plus, there are a handful of ticket launches and registration deadlines this week that are easy to miss if you aren’t looking for them.

And because I know most of us don’t have time to keep up with dozens of websites and social media pages...

Here’s a little preview of what’s inside this week’s gather.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

7/27 Bozeman Public Library - Tinworks Art Paper Puppets
Elementary Schoolers and caregivers
⏰ 1:00pm-2:30pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library (outdoor front plaza) - 626 E. Main St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: build paper puppets with an artist
https://bozemanlibrary.libnet.info/bozeman-library/event/16431249

7/28 Rathvinden Farm U-Pick Season Opener!
All ages
⏰ 4:00pm-7:00pm
📍 Rathvinden Farm - 10380 Springhill Rd, Belgrade
Cost: $25 handful; $65 fill a bucket; $5 bucket or jar
Notes: Bring snips, wear appropriate footwear, buckets or vase. Best bang for your buck is to grab the whole fam or a group of friends and fill up a bucket together! Bring your own bucket or some available for purchase.

7/29 City of Bozeman Preschool Rec Mobile
Preschool Age (3-5) and guardians must attend
⏰ 11:30am-1:30pm
📍 Sandan Park - Blackbird Dr. & Downy Ln., Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: cancelled if rain or snow
https://www.bozemanmt.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/rec-mobile

7/30 Gallatin Conservation District - Summer Stewards Program (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 GCD Education and Outreach Center - 119 S Broadway St, Manhattan
Cost: FREE
Notes: science-based learning, interactive games and more
https://gallatincd.org/event/summer-stewards-6/?instance_id=2759

7/31 State of Play - Montana Music Mama + Open Play
Ages 0-6 and caregivers
⏰ 10:30am-11:45am
📍 State of Play - 221 E Oak St, Suite C, Bozeman
Cost: $30 per class, sibling discounts available
Notes: invitations to play and prompts for adults; lessons are ever changing
https://www.stateofplay.co/calendar

8/1 Outlaw Partners & Wild Lands Music present Wildlands Family Jam (BIG SKY)
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 Big Sky Events Arena - Big Sky
Cost: FREE
Notes: free concert by Papa Strings & Jamie McLean

And those are just the teasers.

The full list below includes pages of events happening all across Gallatin Valley, plus direct registration links, ticket information, notes, and plenty of hidden gems that are easy to miss if you’re only checking Facebook or Instagram.

Every single week I sort through well over 100 tabs, newsletters, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, and local websites so you don’t have to.

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly event list
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise
✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling social media

Thank you for being here. And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you even more. You’re the reason this wonderfully ridiculous tradition continues every single week.

Now let’s see what this week (and the 11 pages beyond) has in store...

Read more

32 pages…

This is getting a little out-of-hand. The document for this week’s hunt & gather was 32 pages long!!! I just couldn’t help myself! So before the week gets away from you, please take five minutes and look ahead. Because there is so much happening out there and I don’t want you to miss out!

This is the final weekend to catch The Music Man. If it’s been sitting on your summer bucket list, this is your last chance.

Sweet Pea Festival is right around the corner! If you’re planning to go, grab your wristbands before prices go up. And don’t forget - kids 12 and under are free!

U-pick flower fields are in full bloom, both splash pads are open, farmers markets are hopping, and many of our favorite summer programs are still going strong.

And for my paid subscribers... this week’s calendar is STACKED. There is SO. MUCH. HAPPENING. across Gallatin Valley and the surrounding counties, plus I’ve sprinkled in quite a few “look ahead” events because August is sneaking up fast and some of them are worth planning for now!

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

7/20 Hidden Gem Summer Market at Wild River Thrift
All ages
⏰ 4:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Wild River Thrift - 8440 Huffine Lane, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: makers market, handmade goods, vintage, yard games, etc.
https://www.hiddengemmarket.com/

7/21 Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presents Much Ado About Nothing (CHICO)
All ages (use your discretion for younger kiddos)
⏰ 6:00pm
📍 Chico Main Lawn - Chico
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Notes: Bring chairs, blankets, layers, snacks/picnic and beverages; arrive early for a good spot
https://mt-shakespeare-2024.s3.amazonaws.com/PDFs/2026-Summer-Schedule.pdf

7/22 Bodhi Farms - Farm-To-Table Food Festival
All ages
⏰ 3:00 (doors) | 5:00 (food stations open & live music)
📍 Bodhi Farms - 13624 S. Cottonwood Rd, Bozeman (Gallatin Gateway)
Cost: $103/person early bird pricing
Notes: bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair
https://www.bodhi-farms.com/community-events/montana-farm-to-table-food-festival

7/23 Gallatin Conservation District - Summer Stewards Program (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 GCD Education and Outreach Center - 119 S Broadway St, Manhattan
Cost: FREE
Notes: science-based learning, interactive games and more
https://gallatincd.org/event/summer-stewards-6/?instance_id=2759

7/25 Gallatin Valley Botanical U-Pick Flowers
All ages
⏰ 9:00am-6:00pm
📍 Gallatin Valley Botanical - , Bozeman
Cost: $25 handful; $45 fill a bucket
Notes: Bring snips, wear appropriate footwear, no dogs. Best bang for your buck is to grab the whole fam or a group of friends and fill up a bucket together! Bring your own bucket!

And those are just the teasers!

We have another packed week ahead, so pick your favorites, stay hydrated, and go make some core memories.

Every week I sort through well over 100 tabs, newsletters, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, and local websites so you don’t have to.

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The weekly event roundup
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise
✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling social media

Thank you for being here and if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you even more. You’re the reason this wonderfully ridiculous tradition continues every single week.

Now let’s see what this week has in store and remember to double check event details before you go...

Read more

Can I be honest with you?

Technically... every event in this guide exists somewhere online. You don’t have to pay to find them. Or do you?

Because there is a cost. It’s just usually paid in time.

Facebook. Instagram. Community calendars. Business websites. Newsletters. Google searches. Twenty-seven tabs you swear you’ll come back to later.

Every week I trade my time to pull it all together because, I genuinely love compiling information. In return, I ask for a little something to make that trade worth it not just for me, but for my family too.

So thank you to everyone who sees the value in this resource and supports what I’m building. It truly means a lot.

Now... Montana summer is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Farmers markets. Rodeos. Outdoor concerts. Community theatre. Storytimes. Pop-up events. Family activities.

If this week’s lineup feels familiar, that’s because summer has officially hit its stride. Many of our favorite events are back in different locations with different organizations, plus... it’s FAIR WEEK!

I’ll admit it, the fair has become a little less appealing to me over the years. But every year I watch families make incredible memories there, so I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t highlight it. The Big Sky Country State Fair kicks off Wednesday and is packed with family friendly fun. Our favorites are always the 4-H barns, the evening concerts, and of course, the rodeo. You’ll spot several fair events in the featured list below, so if that’s your thing, now’s the time to start planning.

This guide exists for one reason - to make figuring out what to do this week just a little bit easier.

Let’s start with a few highlights...

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

7/14 Music Together Bozeman - Musical Play Time at The Bozeman Farmers Market
Ages 0-5 and caregivers
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Lindley Park - 900 E Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: Look for Sarah’s tent!
https://www.musictogetherbozeman.com/

7/14 Outlaw Partners & Big Sky PBR present Big Sky Community Day (BIG SKY)
All ages
⏰ 3:30 (check-in) | 4:00 (race heats begin)
📍 Big Sky Events Arena - Big Sky
Cost: FREE
Notes: open to kids & families; bring a handcrafted pinewood derby car built from official derby kits for a chance to win tickets to Big Sky PBR!

7/17-7/18 A Night at the Opera: A Giant Puppet Show by String and Shadow Puppet Theater
All ages
⏰ 7:00pm-9:00pm
📍 Tinworks - 719 N Ida Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE but donations appreciated
Notes: Bring blankets or low clearance chairs; arrive early to claim a spot!
https://www.tinworksart.org/events/night-at-the-grand-opera-a-giant-puppet-performed-by-string-and-shadow-puppet-theater-and-in-collaboration-with-random-acts-of-silliness-17jul2026

7/19 Big Sky Country State Fair - Sensory Friendly Morning
Guests of all ages with sensory sensitivities
⏰ 10:00am - 1:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE entry
Notes: Limited tickets available; first come, first served; petting zoo, face painting, dimmed lighting, reduced sound, quiet retreat space
https://gallatincountyfairgrounds.com/events/event-187

7/21 Montana Shakespeare in the Parks presents Much Ado About Nothing (CHICO)
All ages (use your discretion for younger kiddos)
⏰ 6:00pm
📍 Chico Main Lawn - Chico
Cost: FREE, donations appreciated
Notes: Bring chairs, blankets, layers, snacks/picnic and beverages; arrive early for a good spot
https://mt-shakespeare-2024.s3.amazonaws.com/PDFs/2026-Summer-Schedule.pdf

And that’s just a small sample.

We have another packed week ahead, so pick your favorites, stay hydrated, and go make some core memories.

Every single week I sort through well over 100 tabs, newsletters, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, and local websites so you don’t have to keep asking:

“What should we do this week?”

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise
✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling social media

If Gather in Gallatin has helped your family discover a new adventure, try a new business, or simply answer the question, “What are we doing today?” Thank you for being here!

And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you even more. You’re the reason this wonderfully ridiculous tradition continues every week!

Let’s see what this week has in store below and don’t forget to check the “Looking Ahead” section where I have compiled mostly one time events in July and August that come after this week, so you can plan ahead!

Read more

A paid subscriber asked about rodeos coming up on some specific weekends and I thought, why not throw together the rest of the summer from now until Labor Day!

Growing up, the Fourth of July rodeo was one of the highlights of my summer. Give me a grandstand seat, a hot dog, the smell of dirt and horses, some team roping and I’m a happy camper. But for some, this could quite literally be… your first rodeo!

If you’re new to the scene, don’t worry! You won’t be the only one wondering what “team roping” is or why everyone suddenly starts cheering when the pickup men come flying into the arena. Or maybe you’ve seen events advertised as a rodeo, ranch rodeo, or PBR and thought... aren’t they all basically the same thing? Nope. You’re gonna learn today!

Since there are quite a few rodeo events happening around the area over the next couple of months, I figured I’d put together a quick cheat sheet with a breakdown of the different types of rodeos you’ll see while browsing, and some pro tips to make your first (or fiftieth) rodeo a little smoother.

Here are some super secret tips from someone who’s spent plenty of evenings in the grandstands, bleachers and standing room only areas. Bring sunscreen and hats for the daytime performances, but also throw a sweatshirt and rain jacket in the car because Montana loves to remind us who’s really boss. Rodeos happen rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress for dust... or mud. Bleachers get hard after a couple hours (my younger self didn’t care, my adult self absolutely does), so a blanket or stadium cushion isn’t a bad idea. Skip the white clothes unless you’re trying to naturally dye them…brown, bring cash for concessions as many places don’t accept card, and if you know you want to go, buy tickets early. Good seats (and some rodeos altogether) can sell out faster than an eight second bull ride.

Now let’s talk Rodeo 101. Never been? No worries. Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you know what you’re looking at before you grab some tickets…

Rodeo vs. Ranch Rodeo vs. PBR

Traditional Rodeo

This is what most people picture when they think “rodeo” and it’s the most common type. You’ll typically see a full lineup of events like barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and team roping. Most rodeos also include grand entries, specialty acts, and plenty of entertainment between events.

Ranch Rodeo

Think of this as cowboys and cowgirls showing off the skills they actually use while working on a ranch. Instead of individual competitors, teams from local ranches compete in events that mimic real ranch work. Depending on the rodeo, you might see wild cow milking, stray gathering, trailer loading, team sorting, doctoring, branding, or other ranch-related challenges. It’s usually a little less polished, a little more unpredictable, and a whole lot of fun.

PBR (Professional Bull Riders)

If bull riding is your favorite event, this one’s for you. PBR events are all bull riding, all night. Riders compete to stay on a bucking bull for eight seconds, with no barrel racing, roping, or bronc riding mixed in. Many PBR events also include fan activities and sometimes mutton bustin’ for the kids.

No matter which type you choose, you’re sure to have a good time and participate in a Montana summertime tradition. The full list is just a $5/month paid subscription away, plus you’ll get more random seasonal guides like this and the weekly lowdown on what’s going on in the valley in beyond!

Read more

The funny thing about creating this resource is that it actually started because I wanted to spend less time online.

A couple of years ago, I found myself wanting to step away from social media, but every time I tried, I’d inevitably hear about some amazing event after it had already happened. You know the feeling...

“Wait... there was an alpaca day?”

“There was a free concert?”

“How did I miss that?”

The fear of missing out kept pulling me right back into endless scrolling.

So I started collecting everything in one place instead.

Not because I think families should be busy every day (please don’t try to do everything on this list... you’ll need a nap by Tuesday), but because when you do feel like getting out of the house, I wanted there to be one place where you could quickly see what’s happening without opening Facebook, Instagram, six different community calendars, and seventeen browser tabs.

And this week? You are going to have options.

Farmers markets. Rodeos. Outdoor concerts. Community theatre. Storytimes. Pop-up events. Family activities. Did I mention rodeos?

It’s one of those weeks where there’s something happening nearly every day, whether you’re looking for a quick morning outing, an evening concert, or a weekend adventure together.

That’s really the heart behind Gather in Gallatin.

I intentionally share events that families can experience together. You’ll still find some parent-and-child classes sprinkled in, but you’ll notice fewer “drop your kids off” activities than other calendars.

Call me crazy, but I had kids because I actually wanted to spend time with them.

This list exists to help make that a little easier.

One quick heads-up before we dive in… If your week usually includes a trip to the Bozeman Public Library, they’ll be closed Wednesday, July 8, for staff training, so you’ll want to plan a different adventure that day.

One thing I’d love your feedback on, too...

I’ve been considering separating recurring weekly programs from one-time events to make this monster of a list a little easier to put together each week. Part of me loves seeing everything in one chronological timeline, but I can also see the appeal of having recurring classes in their own section.

Do you prefer seeing everything together in date and time order, or would it be more helpful to have recurring programs grouped separately? I’d genuinely love to hear what you think.

Now... let’s get to a few highlights.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

7/6 Bozeman Public Library - Summer Special Guest: Fish, Wildlife & Parks Montana Mammals
Elementary Schoolers and caregivers
⏰ 1:00pm-2:30pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library (outdoor front plaza) - 626 E. Main St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Notes: explore specimens & chat with a biologist
https://bozemanlibrary.libnet.info/bozeman-library/event/16431171

7/7 Savvy Strength - Beyond Postpartum Fitness Class
Mamas (and kiddos welcome)
⏰ 8:15am-9:15am | 9:15am-10:15am | 1:30pm-2:30pm
📍 True Spirit Crossfit & Yoga, Bozeman - 32 Shawnee Way, Ste D, Bozeman
Cost: $17 one class | $48 - 3 class pack | $90 - 6 class pack
Notes: Registration REQUIRED; kids are welcome within reason and some toys are available, but you are mostly responsible for entertaining them
https://www.savvystrength.net/book-a-class

7/8 Warren Miller Performing Arts Center & 406Cirque present The Tiny Theater (BIG SKY)
All ages
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Big Sky Town Center - Big Sky
Cost: FREE performances
Notes: 7-10 minute rotating shows/performances at the Big Sky Farmers Market
https://warrenmillerpac.org/event/tinythtr/

7/9 Bodhi Farms - Farm Party with BBQ & Live Music
All ages
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Bodhi Farms - 13624 S. Cottonwood Rd, Bozeman (Gallatin Gateway)
Cost: FREE to attend
Notes: food and beverages available for purchase; if severe weather, call for updates!
https://www.bodhi-farms.com/community-events/farm-parties

7/10 Montana TheatreWorks presents The Music Man (Opening Night!)
Recommended ages 6 and up
⏰ 7:30pm -10:15pm
📍 The Ellen Theatre - 17 W Main St, Bozeman
Cost: $30-$60 per ticket depending on seating choice
Notes: one intermission; runs until 7/26
https://theellen.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SVs00000i5LnHMAU

7/11 Border Farm - Potluck
All ages
⏰ 4:00pm-6:00pm
📍 Border Farm - 28 Border Lane, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
Note: Bring a dish you made from your garden, from a local farm/ranch or what you purchased at the farmers market. These potlucks focus on supporting, eating and sharing LOCAL
https://border.farm/events

And that’s just a small sample of what’s happening this week.

Inside this week’s full roundup you’ll find farmers markets, rodeos, concerts, theatre, recurring classes, community gatherings, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly events happening across Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Manhattan, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and beyond.

Every week I sort through well over 100 tabs, newsletters, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, and local websites so you don’t have to wonder:

“What should we do this week?”

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise
✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling social media

If Gather in Gallatin has helped your family discover a new adventure, find a new favorite spot, or simply answer the question of “What are we doing today?”—thank you for being here.

And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you even more. Your support is what keeps this wonderfully ridiculous tradition of maintaining 110+ tabs every week alive.

Alright... let’s see what this week has in store.

Read more

Read more

The biggest challenge this week isn’t finding something to do.

It’s keeping up.

I counted 90 family-friendly events happening across Gallatin Valley this week... and somehow that’s during a holiday week!

If you’re wondering why your favorite class isn’t on the calendar, don’t panic. Quite a few recurring programs are paused this week—including M.O.R. classes—but they’ll be back next week. Instead, the calendar is packed with Fourth of July celebrations, community events, parades, farmers markets, special pop-up activities, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

One quick favor before you load everyone into the car. Please double-check the event links before heading out. Between the rain we’ve had, the rain still in the forecast, and last week’s string of cancellations and reschedules, there’s a good chance a few plans will continue to shift. That’s exactly why I include direct links whenever possible.

Speaking of getting out...

I realized I never shared one of our favorite adventures from a couple of weeks ago because I was so wrapped up in Old Salt Festival. We spent the evening at Alpacas of Montana thanks to Thrive, and it was one of those simple outings that we talk about often. It was completely FREE, incredibly fun, and just another reminder of how many organizations around here work hard to create opportunities for local families. We appreciate all that Thrive does for our community.

Now... let’s get to a few highlights.

FEATURED EVENTS

🎣 Monday (6/29) - Cops & Bobbers
A free morning of fishing with the Bozeman Police Department for kids 12 and under.

🤱 Tuesday (6/30) - Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding Group
A welcoming morning at Roots Family Collaborative for moms and babies to connect and ask questions.

🍔 Wednesday (7/1) - Bozeman Spirits BBQ Party
One of the more unique community events this week—grab something from the new Daniels’ Meats vending machine, then head over to Bozeman Spirits for a BBQ where they’ll grill it up while you enjoy live music, lawn games, a community toast, and the release of a 10-year-aged rum.

🤠 Thursday (7/2) - Historic Livingston Roundup Parade
One of the area’s classic summer traditions, and it’s always worth the drive if you’ve never experienced it.

And that’s just a sneak peek... I can’t give away all 90 events. ;)

Inside this week’s full roundup you’ll find family dance classes, mommy workouts, Fourth of July celebrations, farmers markets, library programs, outdoor adventures, community festivals, and so much more happening across Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Manhattan, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, and beyond.

Every week I comb through 110+ tabs, community calendars, Facebook events, Instagram posts, newsletters, and local websites so you don’t have to spend your evening wondering:

“What are we doing this week?”

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup

✔ Direct registration and event links

✔ Seasonal guides and local resources

✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t have found otherwise

✔ One place to find everything without spending an hour scrolling social media

Gather in Gallatin exists because this is exactly what I wished existed when I became a parent.

One place.

One list.

One less thing to think about.

And if you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you. Every subscription helps support this slightly ridiculous (but apparently very useful) tradition of keeping 110+ tabs open in the name of helping local families make the most of living here.

Alright... let’s see what 90 events looks like.

Read more

There are weekends that leave you exhausted.

And then there are weekends that somehow leave you both exhausted and completely filled up.

Old Salt Festival does that to me every single year.

Yes, the music is wonderful. The food is incredible. The scenery is enough to make you wonder why anyone lives anywhere else.

But what keeps pulling me back are the people.

Ranchers, conservationists, artists, educators, families, nonprofits, neighbors... all gathering because they believe this land matters. That healthy communities and healthy landscapes belong together. That the work we’re doing today is really for the kids who’ll inherit Montana long after we’re gone.

It’s hopeful in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it.

This year was extra special because I dusted off my dance boots (even though they ended up not fitting) and clipped a microphone back on for the first time in a year and a half.

If you’ve ever tried doing something after becoming a parent that you used to do before kids, you probably understand the mix of excitement and absolute panic.

Mom brain had me convinced I’d forget everything I’d ever learned about teaching country swing.

Thankfully, I didn’t.

Teaching alongside my dance family—the Country Renegades—was one of my favorite moments of the weekend. Seeing so many people laughing, learning, and dancing together reminded me why community matters so much.

A huge thank you to my sweet friend Em for hauling her six-month-old all the way to Helmville, cheering me on behind the scenes, and helping me find my confidence again. And to her husband, Thad, for being my teaching partner.

And since it happened to be Father’s Day weekend, I also have to give a huge shout-out to my husband, who happily wrangled our daughter while I was teaching. Parenting often means one person gets to do something because the other quietly steps in, and I’m incredibly grateful he gave me the chance to dust off a piece of myself I’d been missing.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, father figures, and every person showing up for the children in their lives. We appreciate you more than you know.

This weekend also reminded me why Gather in Gallatin exists.

I believe families were made to spend time together. Kids don’t need every hour outsourced—they need memories, adventures, conversations, and opportunities to be part of the communities they’re growing up in.

So every week I dig through Instagram saves, Facebook events, community newsletters, emails, and roughly 110 bookmarked calendars to gather everything I can find into one place.

Because if there’s a free art class, a rodeo, a community hike, a dance party, or something wonderfully random happening around the valley... I want you to know about it.

One quick reminder before we dive in: Don’t forget about the free summer lunch programs available for kids and teens throughout the valley. It’s one of the best resources of the summer.

Now... let’s see a sneak peek at what adventures this week has in store.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

6/22 Circus Paper Sculptures with Tinworks Art at Bozeman Public Library
All ages
⏰ 1:00pm-2:30pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library - 626 E. Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, no registration required

Notes: create a three-ring circus paper sculpture
https://www.tinworksart.org/events/circus-paper-sculptures-with-tinworks-art-22june26

6/23 Music Together Bozeman - FREE Summer Music at the Bozeman Farmers Market
Age 0-5 and their families
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Lindley Park - 900 East Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE

Notes: musical play time

https://www.musictogetherbozeman.com/

6/23 Studio49 - Art & Tech Night (LIVINGSTON)
All ages
⏰ 5:30pm - 8:00pm
📍 Studio 49 – 129 S Main Street, Livingston
Cost: Always FREE
https://www.p49.org/calendar

The full roundup is waiting below, and I truly think there’s something for every family this week.

Whether you’re looking for a new adventure, a free activity, a reason to get out of the house, or a quick and easy spot to find ideas—I’ve gathered it all in one place.

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock the complete weekly roundup, registration links, seasonal guides, local resources, and plenty of hidden gems that deserve more attention.

I’d love to have your family along for the adventure.

Because childhood happens once.

And community happens when we show up.

Here’s to raising kids who know the people, places, and little moments that make this valley feel like home.

See you out there,

Lauren

WEEKLY EVENT LINEUP

*Please double check all events for accuracy before heading out*

Read more

It’s choosing.

Every week I sit down intending to make a quick list, and every week I end up with way too many tabs open, screenshots, Facebook events, Instagram posts, community calendars, and at least one moment where I ask myself, “How is there THIS much happening?”

Which is great news if you’re trying to keep little humans entertained this summer.

Not so great news if you’re hoping to stay home, because there are a lot of good excuses to leave the house this week.

Let’s start with a few highlights...

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

6/15 Savvy Strength FREE Postpartum Strength Workshop
Mamas (and babies are welcome)
⏰ 10:30am-12:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St, #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, RSVP required
savvystrengthmt@gmail.com ; https://www.savvystrength.net/

6/16 Big Sky Ballroom - Babywearing Dance Party

Moms and babies
⏰ 1:00pm
📍 The Demi Space - 1928 N 22nd Ave #2, Bozeman
Cost: $15/person

Notes: 30 min dance party, 20 min “stay&play” (toys and mats provided); bring clean sneakers, socks or dance bare foot; baby earmuffs recommended; songs are clean, family-friendly versions; cash, venmo, check

6/17 Manhattan Community Library - Summer Reading Kick-off Day! (MANHATTAN)
Ages?
⏰ 10:30am
📍 Manhattan Community Library - 200 W Fulton Ave, Manhattan
Cost: FREE

Notes: Magician Walt Woolbaugh! Registration packets and lunch on the lawn
https://www.manhattancommunitylibrary.com/_files/ugd/e2e811_bd59ae31b4ae46d7841920093ad5ef00.pdf

6/18 Gallatin Valley BMX - Race Night!

Ages 3+ and families
⏰ 5:30pm - 6:30pm (registration) | 6:30ish (racing begins)
📍 Westlake Park – N 5th Ave & W Tamarack St, Bozeman
Cost: FREE first race, striders race free every race (after a $30 annual membership)

Note: Cancelled if track is wet or raining; bike and helmet rentals available; wear closed toed shoes, pants and long sleeve; I’m biased, but I feel this is the best community!
https://www.usabmx.com/tracks/mt-gallatin-valley%20bmx/events?year=2026&month=06

6/19-6/21 Old Salt Festival - (HELMVILLE)
All Ages
⏰ 9:00am-10:30pm+
📍 Mannix Ranch - Helmville, MT
Cost: $150 weekend pass | Kids 12 & under FREE | Single day and camping passes also available

Notes: Bring layers, sunscreen, hats and a great attitude; small bites are amazing; kids have a tent with different activities throughout the weekend; buy a camp pass if you’re planning to stay for more than one day; NO CELL SERVICE
https://www.oldsaltco-op.com/pages/festival-tickets

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The full roundup includes more than 80 family-friendly events happening across Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Manhattan, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Wilsall and beyond.

Every week I comb through 110+ saved tabs, community calendars, websites, Facebook pages, newsletters, and Instagram accounts so you don’t have to wonder:

“What are we doing this weekend?”

For just $5/month, you’ll get:

✔ The complete weekly event roundup

✔ Direct registration and event links

✔ Seasonal guides and local resources

✔ Hidden gems you probably wouldn’t find otherwise

✔ One place to find it all without spending an hour scrolling social media

Honestly, Gather in Gallatin exists because this is exactly what I wished existed when I became a parent.

I wanted one place to find everything.

Now it does.

And if you’re reading this as a paid subscriber, thank you. Every subscription helps justify my completely reasonable habit of keeping 110+ tabs open in the name of community research.

Ready for the full list?

Let’s see what’s happening this week.

Read more

I left the house without a diaper bag.

Not because I forgot it.
Not because it was in the wrong vehicle.

I genuinely didn’t need it.

For the first time since my daughter was born, I had a moms’ night out.

Mumford & Sons happened to be the perfect excuse.

I showered. I wore real clothes. I listened to live music. I stayed out after bedtime. Nobody asked me for snacks.

It was glorious.

Somewhere between the guitars, nostalgia, and realizing I could hear complete thoughts again, I remembered something important:

Parents need fun too.

Which is probably why, despite declaring June my “break” month from hosting events, I somehow still ended up spending my week tracking down every family-friendly happening I could find.

I’m obsessed.

And honestly? Summer is too good right now not to share it all.

One of the biggest resources kicking off this month is FREE summer meals for kids throughout Gallatin and Park counties.

No registration.
No application.
No paperwork.

Just show up.

For families with kids 18 and under, free lunches will be available at select locations. Find the one closest to you via the links below:

https://f2spc.org/programs/

https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/get-help/summer-meals/

One of my favorite things about raising kids here is how often helpful information gets passed from one family to another. A friend once told me about this program, so now I’m paying it forward. If this could help someone you know, send it their way.

As for everything else happening this week...

We’ve got music by the pond, dads’ nights out, birds of prey, PBS characters, summer learning celebrations, postpartum strength workshops, and roughly 75 more reasons to get out of the house before the phrase “I’m bored” makes its first appearance of summer.

Let’s get into it with a few featured events...

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

6/8 Community Music for littles with Montana Music Mama (SUMMER LOCATION)
Kiddos ages 0-7 and caregivers
⏰ 10:00am(ish)-10:30am
📍 Bozeman Pond (Dog Park Entrance) - 700 S. Fowlers Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, donations greatly appreciated

Note: Bring a blanket to sit on
https://www.instagram.com/montana_music_mama/

6/10 Roots Family Collaborative - Dads Group Social
Dads/Father figures and their kiddos
⏰ 5:00pm-6:30pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative & Food Truck Park (behind) - 1716 W Main St. #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE to attend; dinner requires purchase; REGISTRATION appreciated

Notes: light snacks & beverages provided, food trucks available, “daddy & me” photos by Wanderbirth Photo

6/11 Gallatin Conservation District - Summer Stewards with Montana Raptor (MANHATTAN)
All Ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 GCD Education and Outreach Center - 119 S Broadway St, Manhattan
Cost: FREE

Notes: science-based learning, interactive games and more
https://gallatincd.org/event/summer-stewards-6/?instance_id=2759

6/13 Montana PBS - Kick off Summer Learning at Neighbor Day
Ages 3-8 and grownups
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE

Notes: meet your favorite PBS character, hands-on activities, grab-and-go snacks, water station
https://www.montanapbs.org/neighbor-day/

6/15 Savvy Strength FREE Postpartum Strength Workshop
Mamas (and babies are welcome)
⏰ 10:30am-12:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St, #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, RSVP required
savvystrengthmt@gmail.com ;

https://www.savvystrength.net/

And that’s just a small taste of what’s happening around the valley this week.

The full roundup includes roughly 75 family-friendly events across Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Manhattan, Big Sky, Gallatin Gateway, and beyond.

Every week, I dig through dozens of calendars, newsletters, websites, Facebook pages, community boards, and event listings so you don’t have to wonder:

“Are we missing anything fun this weekend?”

The answer is: probably not.

Because if it’s family-friendly and happening nearby, there’s a good chance I’ve already added it to the list.

For $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The complete weekly roundup
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems you won’t find on most event calendars

The goal has never been to send more emails.

It’s to help more families make memories, discover new places, support local organizations, and spend less time scrolling for something to do.

One of my favorite messages to receive is:

“We ended up going because we saw it in your roundup.”

That’s exactly why this exists.

Ready to see what else is happening this week?

Unlock the full list below and join hundreds of local families who never have to ask, “What’s going on this weekend?” quite as often anymore.

WEEKLY EVENT LINEUP

*Please double check all events for accuracy before heading out*

Read more

Maybe at the Roots Family Collaborative Fresh Air Families Kick-off party where over 30 families attended and found community.

Maybe at the Kids’ Clothing & Gear Swap, where nearly 200 people came through to swap, share, and snag some summer essentials.

Maybe at the Wellness Expo, where more than 3,000 people attended and I got to meet so many new faces while bouncing between events all day long.

A huge thank you to Mikaela of DiB Creative (Wanderbirth Photo) and Ellie of Savvy Strength for partnering with me on our Wellness Expo giveaway and helping make the booth such a fun place to connect. One of my favorite parts of this whole project is getting to meet the families behind the email addresses and I’m so glad they got to experience that too!

And before I move on, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the Kids’ Clothing & Gear Swap such a success. Nearly 200 people came through, and events like that truly take a village.

A special shoutout to my friend Kim, who is the spreadsheet-loving, detail-managing, behind-the-scenes wizard who is the reason these events function. Every event needs a brain, and thankfully Kim lends hers generously.

Thank you as well to Roots Family Collaborative and Mountain Meadows Montessori for partnering with us and helping create such a welcoming community event. It was incredible to see families sharing resources, connecting with one another, and helping make summer a little easier for so many local families.

Also, a little teaser for what’s coming next...

We recently snuck away to Maui, and while the beaches, local grindz, and shave ice were all incredible, one experience stood out above everything else: Old Lahaina Lu’au.

I’ve done my fair share of tourist attractions (having lived on Maui for 18 years), and this wasn’t that.

It was thoughtful, educational, incredibly well done, and the food was absolutely onolicious (ridiculously delicious).

If Maui is even remotely on your family’s bucket list, keep an eye out. I’ll be putting together a family-friendly Maui guide in the coming weeks, including what was worth it, what we’d skip next time, and why Old Lahaina Lu’au earned a spot on my “would absolutely do again” list and to be honest has been on my “do not miss” list for years even before this trip!

Now for the question I get every single week:

“How do you find all of these events?”

The answer is: obsessively.

Every week I comb through roughly 80 calendars, event pages, Facebook groups, websites, newsletters, and community boards so you don’t have to. Which means instead of spending an hour trying to figure out what to do with your kids this week, you can spend that hour actually doing something fun with them.

And this week plus the coming weeks? The lineup is ridiculous.

We’ve got fishy happenings, farm parties, bird birthdays, your favorite PBS friends, silly monsters, Theatre in the Park, kid dance parties, community garden planting, half-price playtime, mama workouts where your kids can come for FREE, and about 70 more reasons to get out of the house.

Below are a few highlights.

The other 80-ish events?

They’re waiting on the other side of a paid subscription.

Because while I love collecting every family-friendly happening I can possibly find, my browser tabs, caffeine budget, and late-night event-hunting sessions appreciate a little support, too.

For just $5/month, you’ll unlock the full roundup, seasonal guides, direct registration links, hidden gems, and all the local happenings that most people never hear about until after they’ve already happened.

One of my favorite subscriber messages is:

“We would have NEVER known about this otherwise.”

Exactly.

Less searching.
Less scrolling.
Less finding out about the cool event on Monday that happened Saturday.

More adventures.
More community.
More memories.

Now let’s get into this week’s highlights...

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

6/1 Community Music for littles with Montana Music Mama (LOCATION CHANGE)
Kiddos ages 0-7 and caregivers
⏰ 10:00am(ish)-10:30am
📍 Bozeman Pond (Dog Park Entrance) - 700 S. Fowlers Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, donations greatly appreciated

Note: Bring a blanket to sit on
https://www.instagram.com/montana_music_mama/

6/2 Savvy Strength - Beyond Postpartum Fitness Class
Mamas (and kiddos welcome)
⏰ 8:15am-9:15am
📍 True Spirit Crossfit & Yoga, Bozeman
Cost: $17 One Class | $48 - 3 Class Pack | $90 - 6 Class Pack | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Note: Prerequisite - completed 6-week postpartum program OR contact directly to see if a good fit; Kids are welcome and there are some toys available; Zoom options also available
https://www.savvystrength.net/book-a-class

6/3 Gallatin Conservation District Community Garden Planting Day! (MANHATTAN)
All ages
⏰ 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 Education and Outreach Center - 119 S Broadway Street, Manhattan
Cost: FREE

Notes: help weed, prepare and plant the community garden; all tools & refreshments supplied

6/4 Bodhi Farms Farm Party with BBQ & Live Music
All Ages
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Bodhi Farms - 13624 S. Cottonwood Road, Bozeman (Gallatin Gateway)
Cost: FREE to attend, food and beverages cost $

Notes: If severe weather, call for updates!
https://www.bodhi-farms.com/community-events/farm-parties

6/6 Livingston Fire & Rescue’s ANNUAL Kids Trout Derby! (LIVINGSTON)
Ages 3-12 years
⏰ 8:00am registration at Civic Center | 9:00am-11:00am derby
📍 Lagoon Near Sacajawea Park - 229 River Drive, Livingston
Cost: $1 entry fee

Notes: fish 2oz-4lbs; every contestant receives a prize at registration; other prize drawings at conclusion of event
https://www.livingstonmontana.org/rec/page/kids-trout-derby-1

6/7 Dancing in the Grass Series (BELGRADE)
All ages!
⏰ 6:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Lewis & Clark Park - 205 E. Main Street, Belgrade
Cost: FREE live music every Sunday
https://www.belgrademt.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=23

And yep... that’s only a tiny sample of what’s happening this week.

The full roundup includes roughly 80 family-friendly events happening across Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, Manhattan, Gallatin Gateway, and beyond.

If you’ve ever opened this newsletter and thought:

“How did she even FIND all of this?”

The answer is usually somewhere between “way too many tabs open” and “I should probably be asleep.”

But that’s exactly why this exists.

So you don’t have to spend your evenings hunting through dozens of websites, social media pages, and event calendars hoping you didn’t miss something.

For $5/month, you’ll unlock:

✔ The full weekly roundup
✔ Direct registration and event links
✔ Seasonal guides and local resources
✔ Hidden gems and lesser-known happenings
✔ A growing library of family adventures and ideas

Because the best compliment I receive isn’t “great newsletter.”

It’s:

“We went because of your roundup.”

And honestly? That’s the whole goal.

Join hundreds of local families and unlock this week’s full list below.

WEEKLY EVENT LINEUP

*Please double check all events for accuracy before heading out*

Read more

You finally figure out dinner… and suddenly someone asks,
“So what are we doing this week?”

Cue the frantic tab opening.

Facebook events.
Instagram stories.
Community calendars.
A screenshot from another mom with zero context.
Three browser tabs you swear you’ll come back to later.
And somehow you STILL end up hearing about the coolest event on Sunday night after it already happened.

Which is why this roundup exists.

Every week, I spend an honestly unreasonable amount of time digging through local calendars, checking event pages, verifying details, finding the hidden gems, and compiling everything into ONE spot so you don’t have to piece it together yourself at 10:47pm while hiding from your kids in the pantry eating chocolate chips.

This week’s roundup includes:
• summer kickoff fun
• live music & outdoor hangs
• family events + activities
• markets, classes & pop-ups
• community happenings worth leaving the house for
• and several events that deserve WAY more attention than they’re getting

Before the paywall hits, here are some featured happenings to keep on your radar this summer:

🐐 KID HAPPY HOUR at BORDER FARM
May–June 2026 | Monday–Friday | 4:00pm–4:45pm

Structured bottle feeding, pasture walks, cuddle time with baby goats, and hands-on farm chores in a calm, guided setting. A fun way for kids to learn animal handling while parents experience a slightly more wholesome version of happy hour.

We recently had the opportunity to participate and my 8-year-old was less than thrilled to be doing “chores” and not getting paid for them. By the end he was begging to go back the next day!

📍 Advance booking required (3 days ahead)
💲 $10 per person
⏰ 45 minutes

This is NOT a petting zoo or casual farm tour — it’s a structured part of daily farm life. Border Farm is also hosting community potlucks June–September, plus farm tours, camps, and classes throughout the season.

My son with his favorite “kid” - Olaf aka Snowflake. Need I say more?!

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

5/29 Roots Family Collaborative - Fresh Air Families Kickoff Party!
Families
⏰ 9:30am-12:00pm
📍 Story Mill Community Park - 698 Bridger Dr, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, Registration appreciated
https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/workshops-classes

5/30 Be Well Montana - Wellness Expo
All ages
⏰ 9:00am-3:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Buildings 1, 2 & 3 - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://gallatincountyfairgrounds.com/events@p=2/event-513

5/30 MWN, Mountain Meadows Montessori & Roots Family Collaborative - Kids Clothing, Toy & Gear Swap
All ages welcome (gear for up to 12 year olds)
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 Hope Lutheran Community Facility - 1716 W Main St, #8d, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://www.facebook.com/share/18PXRXT4b3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

5/30 Whittle Hands Custom Engraving Event at Hullabaloo Toys Bozeman
All ages
⏰ 11:00am-3:00pm
📍 Hullabaloo Toys Bozeman - 2825 W Main Street, Ste 2-J, Bozeman
Cost: FREE engraving with purchase of a Whittle Hands training pocket knife plus free lollipops & popcorn
https://www.hullabalootoysbozeman.com/service/upcoming-events/

And honestly… that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s inside this week’s full roundup.

One of my favorite paid subscriber messages will forever be:
“We never would’ve known about this otherwise.”

Because that’s exactly the point.

Less searching.
Less missing out.
Less realizing registration closed yesterday.
More spontaneous memory-making and fewer “what should we do?” spirals.

The full roundup includes dozens more local happenings, direct links, registration info, seasonal guides, and all the events I track down during my deeply glamorous late-night spreadsheet-and-calendar era.

If this roundup helps make your week easier, becoming a paid subscriber for $5/month helps support the hours that go into keeping this resource running AND unlocks the full list beyond the paywall.

Which, these days, is basically the cost of:
• one iced latte
• half a dozen eggs
• or the berries your toddler aggressively demanded and then abandoned after two bites.

And to everyone who is supporting this little corner of organized chaos I’ve built here - truly, THANK YOU! 🤍

At some point, my “I just want ONE place with all the family happenings” wish accidentally turned into a full-blown hobby/problem/personality trait… and honestly? I regret nothing.

Because now it exists!
A giant, ever-growing collection of local family happenings ALL in one place…
without having to play detective across 14 social media apps, random Facebook comments, or your friend’s blurry screenshot from 3 weeks ago.

Basically, this roundup has become my love language.

Your subscription helps support the late-night calendar digging, event verifying, link collecting, spreadsheet spirals, and the concerning number of browser tabs permanently open on my computer at all times.

And also — if there’s an organization, business, class, event series, hidden gem, or community calendar you think I should know about PLEASE send it my way.

I am always trying to make this roundup more complete, more useful, and more magical for local families… which means I will absolutely take your recommendations and immediately disappear into another internet rabbit hole researching them.

Truly so grateful you’re here helping support this resource. 🤍

Read more

Be honest.

Because somewhere between Facebook events, Instagram stories, outdated websites, random screenshots from another mom, and “wait… was that THIS weekend or next weekend?” - finding family events has basically become a part-time job.

Which is exactly why this roundup exists.

Every week, I comb through the chaos so you don’t have to. I’m checking calendars, digging through event pages, confirming details, catching cancellations, finding hidden gems, and generally doing the kind of internet detective work that makes my screen time report deeply concerning.

The result? ONE place to check before loading everyone into the car.

This week’s roundup is especially stacked:
- summer kickoff events
- markets & outdoor fun
- live music
- family activities
- and the “how did nobody know about this?!” type events that usually only get shared after the fact

And because I know scrolling through dozens of events can feel mildly overwhelming when you already have 700 other tabs open in your brain… here are a few featured events worth sending straight to the family group chat first.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

5/20 M.O.R. - Bear Aware
All ages
⏰ 5:30pm-7:00pm
📍 Museum of the Rockies - 600 W. Kagy Blvd, Bozeman
Cost: FREE and open to the public; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
https://museumoftherockies.org/calendar

5/22 Bozeman Public Library - Petite Concert
Age 0-5 and caregivers
⏰ 2:00pm-3:00pm
📍 Bozeman Public Library - 626 E. Main Street, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/events/calendar-of-events

5/29 Roots Family Collaborative - Fresh Air Families Kickoff Party!
Families
⏰ 9:30am-12:00pm
📍 Story Mill Community Park - 698 Bridger Dr, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, Registration appreciated
https://www.rootsfamilycollaborative.com/workshops-classes

5/30 Be Well Montana - Wellness Expo
All ages
⏰ 9:00am-3:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Buildings 1, 2 & 3 - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://gallatincountyfairgrounds.com/events@p=2/event-513

5/30 MWN, Mountain Meadows Montessori & Roots Family Collaborative - Kids Clothing, Toy & Gear Swap
All ages welcome (gear for up to 12 year olds)
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 Hope Lutheran Community Facility - 1716 W Main St, #8d, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://www.facebook.com/share/18PXRXT4b3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

5/30 Whittle Hands Custom Engraving Event at Hullabaloo Toys Bozeman
All ages
⏰ 11:00am-3:00pm
📍 Hullabaloo Toys Bozeman - 2825 W Main Street, Ste 2-J, Bozeman
Cost: FREE engraving with purchase of a Whittle Hands training pocket knife plus free lollipops & popcorn
https://www.hullabalootoysbozeman.com/service/upcoming-events/

And yep, there’s still a LOT more inside the full roundup.

Honestly, one of my favorite subscriber messages to get is:
“We would have NEVER known about this otherwise.”

Because that’s the whole point.

Less time searching.
Less missing out.
Less arriving somewhere only to discover it ended an hour ago.

More memory making. Less logistical chaos.

If you want the full weekly roundup, seasonal guides, direct registration links, and access to most of the local family happenings I spend way too many late night hours tracking down, you can join for just $5/month.

Which, considering the price of literally everything lately, feels almost suspiciously reasonable.

Read more

Forward this to your husband, friend, parent, neighbor, mom-to-be, etc. now so the next time they ask what’s going on this week, you can simply reply: “Check Gather in Gallatin.”

Welcome to the O.G. one-stop spot for family-friendly happenings in Gallatin Valley & beyond - where I do the detective work so you don’t have to. No sketchy autogenerated lists. No outdated event pages. Every event is checked the old-fashioned way - by an actual local human who probably has 47+ tabs open right now.

This week alone? Over 60 events. Spring programs wrapping up, summer activities starting, last calls for favorites, open studios pausing for camps, and all the little schedule changes nobody tells you about until you show up to a locked door. Now you have ONE spot to check before you go!

For less than the cost of one fancy coffee a month, you get weekly roundups, seasonal guides, and the sweet luxury of not having to scour the internet trying to piece together family plans at 10pm on a Tuesday.

Honestly, the amount of time, sanity, and FOMO this saves? Worth every penny.

And because scrolling through 60+ events can feel a little like speed dating for family plans… here are a few featured picks that might be worthy of bumping to the top of your group chat first.

A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOU GO

A few quick things before you rally the troops, pack the emergency snacks, and head out the door:

• This roundup covers events within about an hour of Bozeman — including Livingston and beyond
• Please double-check details before heading out
• Schedules can change, and cancellations do happen

I do my best to verify everything the old-fashioned way, but full transparency… A lot of this roundup gets finished late at night while I’m stretching sourdough, answering DMs, and wondering why I started “just quickly checking one more event” two hours ago. 😅

Thanks for being here, supporting this little labor of love, and always double-checking before you go.

WANT YOUR EVENT INCLUDED?

If you have an event you’d like included in a future newsletter, please reach out!

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

5/12 All Things Birth (Birth Smarter) with Whole Healthy Mama (Maggie Yount)
New and seasoned expecting parents (we took the full class from Maggie and it was SUPER informative!)
⏰ 7:00pm-8:30pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St. #8D, Bozeman
Cost: $25; REGISTRATION REQUIRED

https://www.wholehealthymama.com/allthingsbirth

5/13 Montana Mamas Walking Club & The Mothership Collective Mom Walk & Potluck
Moms & kiddos
⏰ 10:00am
📍 Hyalite Welcome Center - Hyalite Canyon Road, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, bring a potluck item if you can

https://partiful.com/e/5lzDlgUvs3HEDKc0HcTk?c=vyTN_e5T

5/15 Savvy Strength Postpartum Strength Workshop (FREE)

Postpartum moms
⏰ 10:30am-12:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St. #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE; REGISTRATION REQUIRED

https://www.savvystrength.net/

5/30 Be Well Montana - Wellness Expo
All ages
⏰ 9:00am-3:00pm
📍 Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Buildings 1, 2 & 3 - 901 N Black Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://gallatincountyfairgrounds.com/events@p=2/event-513

5/30 MWN, Mountain Meadows Montessori & Roots Family Collaborative - Kids Clothing, Toy & Gear Swap
All ages welcome (gear for up to 12 year olds)
⏰ 9:00am-12:00pm
📍 Hope Lutheran Community Facility - 1716 W Main St, #8d, Bozeman
Cost: FREE
https://www.facebook.com/share/18PXRXT4b3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And that’s still just scratching the surface.

There are SO many more events packed into this week’s full roundup - the kind you’ll absolutely be annoyed to hear about after the fact from another mom at preschool pickup.

One thing I keep hearing from paid subscribers? They LOVE having everything in one place - especially the direct links, registration info, and not having to bounce between 14 Facebook pages trying to figure out what’s actually happening.

If you’re only seeing a handful of events and want access to the full weekly roundup, seasonal guides, and all the hidden gems I spend hours digging up for you… consider becoming a paid subscriber for just $5/month.

It’s basically outsourcing your family’s social calendar for less than a latte.

Read more

And while this isn’t my best work (I promise I will keep improving!), I am working on letting go of not having the formatting perfect or EVERY SINGLE EVENT in the lineup. To be honest, the detective in me is strugggllling…

But for now, it’s midnight and I still have a couple of giveaway days to put together! Say a prayer or send a coffee or decide the ease and convenience is worth $5 each month, so that maybe someday I can afford a nanny for a couple of hours to keep making this resource even better! LOL

Until then, be sure to enter the Mother’s Day Giveaways that have already started on Instagram. 3 DAYS ARE LIVE!!! And 3 more are coming up. Posts are scheduled at 6pm and run for 72 hours before winners will be chosen. Good luck and a HUGE thank you to all the local businesses who donated in order to make mamas feel special and seen!

And truly, thank you. Whether you read, share, subscribe, or partner, this only works because of this community. I’ll highlight the amazing businesses supporting families below, many of whom are giving back in big ways.

Old Lahaina Lu’au – Complimentary adult admission to their incredible experience on Maui. I can’t wait to share more with you, because it was already an activity that I recommend folks don’t miss!
How to support them: Reserve your spot on your next trip to Maui. The food and experience is worth every penny! https://oldlahainaluau.com/

Be Well Montana – A table at the Bozeman Wellness Expo on May 30th!
How to support them: Come to the expo and check out all the vendors. https://www.bozemanwellnessexpo.com/event-rsvp

Youth Alliance Adventures aka YAA – Giveaway to their upcoming Swing Into Summer event!
How to support them: Purchase a ticket to the event or check out their many offerings including Laser Tag, Summer Camps and more. https://www.yaacamp.org/

Savvy Strength – Complimentary spot in ongoing strength programs. Postpartum strength series giveaway at the Baby Expo.
How to support them: Register for the late March session or contact for all class options. savvystrength.net

Whole and Nourished – Complimentary gift cards to try meals. Gift card giveaway for the community and Mother’s Day Giveaway.
How to support them: Order delicious and fresh food from their weekly meal service - all made locally with quality and local ingredients. https://www.wholeandnourished.com/

Wanderbirth Photo – Free studio session with one free digital and the rest extremely discounted. A photoshoot giveaway at the Baby Expo.
How to support them: Book a family session or inquire about content creation. https://www.diberardinis.com/wanderbirthphoto

Music Together Bozeman – Complimentary season attendance. A season of music giveaway at the Baby Expo. All kinds of wonderful community freebies!
How to support them: Try a free class or enroll for the season - now offering new locations in Belgrade! https://www.musictogetherbozeman.com/

Montana ISR – Complimentary swim session. 6 weeks of lesson giveaway at the Baby Expo.
How to support them: Enroll your child in upcoming ISR classes or reach out to learn more. evalle@webaccomplice.org

This newsletter exists to make community, connection, and memory-making easier to find, without the overwhelm.

Scroll on for this week’s featured events and become a PAID SUBSCRIBER if you would like to see the full list. Thank you, always, for being here.

With gratitude,
Lauren

A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE YOU GO

• Prices are included with each event

• This list aims to cover events within about an hour of Bozeman, including Livingston, and more
• Please double-check details before heading out
• Schedules can change and cancellations can happen

I do my best to verify everything, but I’m often compiling this late at night while I stretch and fold my sourdough and should be sleeping. Thank you for understanding and always double-checking before you go.

WANT YOUR EVENT INCLUDED?

If you have an event you’d like included in a future newsletter, please reach out! I am also am beta testing an event submission form! Mostly to keep myself organized, but maybe for the community too? Coming soon?!

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS:

5/4 Community Music for littles with Montana Music Mama
Kiddos ages 0-7 and caregivers
⏰ 10:00am(ish)-10:30am
📍 Story Mansion - 811 S. Willson Ave, Bozeman
Cost: FREE, donations greatly appreciated
https://www.instagram.com/montana_music_mama/

5/5 Swing Into Summer YAA Family Night
Families and friends
⏰ 5:00pm-8:00pm
📍 Outta Bounds Golf - 6640 West Dry Creek Road, Manhattan
Cost: Ages 12+, $35 | Under 12, $20 | 2 & under, FREE

ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED; Dinner provided, each ticket purchase is entered to win a FREE week of summer camp, YAA events are always family centered
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/yellowstoneallianceadventures/2159584

5/8 & 5/9 MWN & Wanderbirth - Sip & Smile
Mamas and “slow mobile” babies
⏰ 3:00pm-5:00pm | 10:00am-12:00pm
📍 Downtown Bozeman Studio (location shared once confirmed RSVP)
Cost: FREE to attend, FREE 1st photo, additional $5; REGISTRATION REQUIRED
https://forms.gle/CY8x8J5fUmZ7kizEA

5/12 All Things Birth (Birth Smarter) with Maggie Yount
New and seasoned expecting parents (we took the full class from Maggie and it was SUPER informative!)
⏰ 7:00pm-8:30pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St. #8D, Bozeman
Cost: $25; REGISTRATION REQUIRED

https://www.wholehealthymama.com/allthingsbirth

5/15 Savvy Strength Postpartum Strength Workshop (FREE)

Postpartum moms
⏰ 10:30am-12:00pm
📍 Roots Family Collaborative - 1716 W Main St. #8D, Bozeman
Cost: FREE; REGISTRATION REQUIRED

https://www.savvystrength.net/

I’m hearing wonderful feedback from paid subscribers that they LOVE having so many of our community events all in one place. Plus, the links to each event, especially when registration is required! If you’re only seeing a handful of events and want the full list, please consider a PAID SUBSCRIPTION for $5 a month to support my efforts. :)

Read more