Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation at the south end of Flathead Lake. This charming lakeside community is the center for one of Montana's most fertile farming areas and prime cherry growing region. The Flathead River that flows from Polson features whitewater rafting and Kerr Dam.
Volunteer or watch 6 murals being painted in downtown Polson. Watch Artists demonstrate their work, take part in a chalk festival. Try a new artsy activity, listen to live music and hunt for Sandpipers in 'Eye Spy Sandpipers' or Install a miniature artwork, Art in The Park and more.
The 2026 Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo in Polson, MT, is scheduled for Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at the Polson Fairgrounds. This major Northern Rodeo Association (NRA) event features nightly rodeo action, mutton bustin', live music, and concessions, serving as a primary fundraiser for the fairgrounds.
Come to Polson and enjoy a peek into the world of cheese making. The tour includes an abbreviated description of an average cheese making day along with a venture down into the vault where our cheeses ripen. It concludes with, of course, cheese tastings! Hours vary depending on the day.
The Polson Chamber of Commerce will kick off the 2026 “Big 250” Independence celebration on July 3rd with our Polson Bay Independence Eve Fireworks Show. The celebration will continue at NOON on the 4th with a hometown parade that will take you back in time. For the evening of the 4th, beautiful, private fireworks shows light up across Polson Bay. Polson is the place to be for a 2 day celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary of Independence.
The 4th of July Parade brings the magic of the holiday to the quaint and charming Polson downtown district. The streets are lined with families and children eager to collect various candy being disbursed by all the fun and creative parade floats.
We’re excited to announce the Little Stars & Stripes Ride — a mini parade just for kids and their decked-out bikes, wagons, strollers, and scooters! This fun, patriotic kicks off the main parade in downtown Polson at noon.
July 9 - 12, 2026
This spectacular outrigger adventure on Flathead Lake will host more than 200 paddlers from around the world. We acknowledge and are grateful that this event is on the aboriginal territory of the Ksanka (Kootenai) people, and we recognize and welcome all the members of the SKC tribe, including Bitterroot Salish, the Pend d’Oreille and the Kootenai tribes.
We believe in the healing power of water and the communal strength that arises when we forge connections beyond individual boundaries. The Silver Lining Paddle Palooza is about recognizing that every day is a gift. We believe that exercise is medicine, as well as the community that surrounds us and makes us whole. Along with honoring each of our sisters in the canoe, we welcome new members to our circle from around the world and from all cultures.
Thursday, July 9th: Poker Paddle
Open to paddlers and the public
Evening- details to come!
Friday, July 10th: ARE Sprint Challenge V1, V6 at 500 m. Women, men, mixed, youth races.
Registration fee for adults: $50
Registration fee for keiki/youth: $0
Saturday, July 11th: 25-mile voyage/30-mile voyage, point-to-point.
25-Mile Voyage: Iron and Change Outs options
30-Mile Voyage with Change Outs
Registration is capped at 200 paddlers (20 teams)
$150 per ADULT paddler
$100 per YOUTH paddler
Registration includes canoe, shirt, snacks at end of voyage, team shuttle back to Polson
Team Captains will be responsible for coordinating with their paddlers to pay their support boat fee
Ironing teams (6 man): $200/team (chase boat)
Change Outs Teams(more than 6): $400/team (pontoon boat)
*team captains will receive a link to pay for their team support boat 1 month before the event
Saturday evening: Musical event, TBD, at Polson Fairgrounds
Sunday, July 12th: V1 and V6 clinic, Price TBD, will be paid on day of clinic to ARE Tahiti
Location: Montana Canoe Club- 36828 HWY 93, Big Arm, MT
Come experience Live History Days at the Miracle of America Museum, Polson, MT.
With a kid and family friendly atmosphere always in mind, expect to find many photo opportunities.
A favorite for many kids is to sit in a real jet fighter and have their picture taken. Speaking of flying, nearby is a real carnival/circus ride, a 1948 Fly-O-Plane which we operate. All the squeals of delight and smiles prove the joy of riding in such a historic and rare contrivance.
Live demonstrations include glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, bead working and flint knapping.
Veterans might like to supervise the firing of our 106 recoilless rifle mounted on a Vietnam era "Mule" although we shoot tennis balls using compressed air instead of powder charges.
Whether it be music, spinning, carving or something historic we hadn't thought of yet, you could be an important link to keeping history alive.
And don't forget the rides from trains, motorcycle sidecar, tractor or military rigs!
Sandpiper Art Gallery & Gifts is thrilled to present the 2026 two-day juried Flathead Lake Festival of Art, showcasing exceptional original fine art and fine crafts from multiple artist around the area. Set in the picturesque Sacajawea Park along the stunning shores of Flathead Lake, this festival is a must-see summer event nestled by the beautiful Polson Bay, just steps from downtown Polson, Montana.
The Flathead Cherry Festival is an annual summer event in downtown Polson, Montana, celebrating the region’s famous Flathead cherries. This vibrant festival features local and regional artists showcasing handcrafted goods, cherry-themed treats, a variety of delicious food options, and activities for all ages. It’s a community-centered event that highlights local businesses, fosters connections, and offers a unique shopping experience while celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the Flathead Lake region.
Explore the rich history of cherries and indulge in a delightful shopping experience featuring a carefully curated selection of talented artists, unique vendors, and freshly baked treats. Relax, cool down under the tent by the food court, and take it all in. Stroll down the streets, meeting local and regional artists and businesses, all while satisfying your taste buds with various delectable foods and treats. In the heart of it all, Polson is a truly unique and beautiful destination, inviting you to see, savor, and appreciate its extraordinary offerings—more details to come soon about the Foodie Competition, Cherry Pit Spitting, and Chalk Art Contests.