NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE

Now in the Northwest: Music, Rodeos and Art Festivals Galore!

Jul 8, 2026, 11:00 PM

Northwest Travel Life...

Northwest Travel Life

Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.

If you didn’t have summer plans, you certainly do now. July in the Northwest comes with rodeos, music and art festival in plenty, meaning there is something to do near you—or a quick weekend getaway calling your name. Here’s what July looks like in the Northwest:

WASHINGTON

Alki Art Fair | July 17-19 | Seattle

“Art & music on the beach, free & family-friendly community event: Take in the colorful views while strolling the promenade, as you eat and shop among the expansive lineup of artists, makers and performers and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our local arts and culture.”

Learn more at alkiartfair.org.

Freedom Plane National Tour | July 30 – Aug. 16 | Seattle

“This summer, MOHAI will host the Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Featured documents include an Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence (1823), the Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form (1787), the Treaty of Paris, and the Bill of Rights…offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Pacific Northwest to experience these original records before they return to the National Archive vaults.”

Learn more at mohai.org.

Crave! NW | July 16-18 | Spokane

“CRAVE! NW, the Inland Northwest’s premier food and drink celebration, returns to Spokane Valley at Spokane Valley CenterPlace. CRAVE! NW is one of the largest culinary events in Washington that is dedicated to uplifting the culinary scene in the Northwest. This year’s festival is chef-focused, showcasing the creative talents of visionary chefs and tastemakers from around the region while highlighting the flavors of the great Northwest.”

Learn more at intermountainpnw.org

See more Washington events in our last article.

OREGON

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival | July 17-19 | Portland

“The Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is live for our 46th anniversary of this landmark jazz festival! There will be food carts and booths so you won’t need to bring any nourishment with you. Get there early to get a good parking spot (street parking only) – or better yet, take public transit to the park!”

Learn more at jazzoregon.org.

Sippin Safari | July 18 | Winston

“Join Wildlife Safari in Southern Oregon for Sippin Safari. An unforgettable 21+ After Hours Wine Walk on July 18, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This exclusive evening event invites guests to explore the walk thru Safari Village like never before, after the park closes. Stroll through beautifully landscaped pathways while sampling exceptional wines from local Southern Oregon wineries.“

Learn more at experienceroseburg.com.

Blueberry Jams | July 25 | Burns

“Public Coast Farm is hosting Blueberry Jams, a one-day U-Pick blueberry, beer, and music celebration presented by Public Coast Brewing Co. in honor of the brewery’s 10th anniversary. Guests are invited to spend a sun-soaked summer afternoon in Banks, Oregon picking fresh blueberries, sipping Public Coast Brewing Co. craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoying live world-class reggae music in a scenic farm setting.Each ticket includes one pint of blueberries, with guests free to explore the farm and pick from up to eight varieties of farm-grown blueberries.”

Learn more at publiccoastbrewing.com/public-coast-farm.

Summerfest | July 25-26 | Tumwater

“Back by popular demand, Summerfest returns in July with two days of music, an outdoor vendor market, and wine. Shop from over a dozen local vendors, enjoy live DJ music on Saturday, and live music from a fun local duo on Sunday.”

Learn more at tumwatervineyard.com.

IDAHO

Christmas in July Expo | July 11 | Boise

“Celebrate the holiday spirit early at Christmas in July! Get ready for a day filled with festive cheer as we bring the magic of Christmas to the middle of summer! Experience a winter wonderland with holiday decor, unique artisans, local vendors, and cheerful activities designed to capture the excitement of the season”

Learn more at iblevents.com/christmas-in-july.

Summer Music Festival | July 16-18 | Roseberry

“Central Idaho’s Favorite Little Mountain Music Festival! The festival is a gathering of returning old-timers, locals, and newcomers who harmonize with each other and the music coming from the stage. The end result is always a transcendent good time. In the background is a mix of dozens of volunteers, the venue itself, the festival-goers, and readily accessible performers who produce a foreground event that bursts with energy, good vibes, and memorable moments.”

Learn more at thesummermusicfestival.com.

Musuem After Dark: RevolutionALE | July 17 | Boise

“Raise your tankard at Museum After Dark: RevolutionALE as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, where history and hops converge. Learn about the Founding Fathers’ experiments with ales, colonial tavern culture, and the role beer played in early American life. Enjoy live brewing demonstrations, printing press demonstrations, live music, and food, along with curated hands-on activities throughout the Museum.”

Learn more at history.idaho.gov.

WYOMING

Cheyenne Day in Downtown | July 22 | Cheyenne

“Join us downtown for Cheyenne Day for a day of good old-fashioned family fun! Start your morning with the CFD Pancake Breakfast at the Depot Plaza at 7am, then starting at 11am, spend the day enjoying live music, local vendors, family activities, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout Downtown Cheyenne.”

Learn more at facebook.com/events/2383752258814740.

Day of the Cowboy | July 27-28 | Dubois

“The National Day of the Cowboy is a day set aside to celebrate the contributions of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage, and there is no better place to celebrate than the real old West town of Dubois, Wyoming. Begin the weekend with the Friday Night Rodeo at the Clarence Allison Arena at 7:30 p.m. This family and kid-friendly event has an authentic feel to it with locals and area ranchers competing and honing their skills.”

Learn more at windriver.org/blog/cowboy-day.

Albany County Fair Smokin BBQ | July 25 | Laramie

“THE 3RD ANNUAL ACF SMOKIN’ BBQ is Saturday, July 25, 2026. Join the UW Girls Volleyball Team at the fairgrounds under the grandstands! Be sure to attend the People’s Choice commencing at 3 p.m. and get served by the University of Wyoming Volleyball Team! The Backyard teams will compete in a Rib category and an Anything Goes category for the title of Grand Champion Backyard. The Public is INVITED and ENCOURAGED to come out to this great Wyoming barbeque and help select the People’s Choice Award for bragging rights.”

Learn more at visitlaramie.org.

MONTANA

Bannack Days | July 18- 19 | Bannack

“Every July, thepark hosts Bannack Days, which features two-days of activities, reenactments, wagon rides, gold panning and more western fun. This year’s event is taking place on July 18-19 and marks the 50th anniversary.”

Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/bannack-state-park.

Montana State Fair | July 24-Aug. 2 | Great Falls

“Montana’s State Fair is held every year in Great Falls, and it’s what you’d expect from a State Fair – musical acts, rodeo, exhibits, horse racing, rides, animals, and the FOOD! Some of that unique to Great Falls fair food is the Son’s of Norway Viking (think of it as a huge fried meatball) and a Cow Pie, which is a deep-fried burger. Check back for the artists that will be playing this year’s fair – it’s always top-level talent coming to the Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena.”

Learn more at visitgreatfallsmontana.org/event/montana-state-fair.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Big Game Days | July 16-19 | Missoula

“Coming July 16–19, 2026, RMEF invites hunters and top outdoor brands from across the country to Missoula, Montana, for the first-ever Big Game Days, a four-day celebration of conservation, innovation, and the lifestyle that fuels our hunting heritage. From competitions to live demos and immersive gear showcases, Big Game Days will turn Missoula into the ultimate destination for hunters, an industry takeover like never before.”

Learn more at glaciermt.com/montana-event/53266.

ALASKA

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics | July 15-18 | Fairbanks

“The World Eskimo‑Indian Olympics (WEIO) is a four‑day celebration of Indigenous strength, skill, and culture held each July in Fairbanks, Alaska. Athletes, families, and visitors from across Alaska and the circumpolar North gather to compete in traditional games and share dances, stories, and community since 1961.”

Learn more at weio.org.

Southeast Alaska State Fair | July 23-26 | Haines

“The Southeast Alaska State Fair Showcases our unique way of life with a variety of showcases and contests that help us celebrate what makes us who we are. From our Logging Show, to the Fishermen’s Rodeo, to the Wearable Art Review – there’s something for everyone in our communties to take part in!”

Learn more at seakfair.org/fair.

Smoked Salmon Superbowl at Salmonfest | July 31-Aug 2 | Ninilchick

“The Smoked Salmon Super Bowl will return for the 6th annual competition at the 2026 festival, July 31st, August 1st & 2nd. Delicious smoked salmon from professional smoke houses from across the state will be judged by a panel including top musical acts from the festival and local Alaskan seafood specialists including chefs, fishmongers and fishermen.”

This event is part of the Salmonfest, an annual live music festival.

Learn more at salmonfestalaska.org.

See more annual events and festivals in our recent article.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver Folk Music Festival | July 17-19 | Vancouver

“The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is back July 18-20 at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park. Come immerse yourself in a sea of music from around the globe featuring contemporary folk, spanning roots, blues, indie, and world music. Bathe yourself in new sounds and old favourites, connect with friends and community, enjoy delicious food, experience that VanFolkFest magic at one of the most beautiful venues in the world.”

Learn more at destinationvancouver.com/things-to-do.

Squamish Arts Festival | July 25-Aug. 8 | Squamish

“Join us for a celebration of arts and culture in Squamish. Enjoy workshops, performances, live art, and more! Featuring an artist market, food vendors, roaming performances, art activities and more! Bring the whole family to downtown Squamish for this memorable day of art, performances, food, and fun!”

Learn more at squamishartsfestival.com.

Chilliwack Ribfest | July 25 | Chilliwack

“Get ready for the most mouth-watering event of the summer! The fourth annual Ribfest is returning to Chilliwack, BC this July, and you won’t want to miss it. Join your neighbours at Vedder River Park for a weekend of fun and incredible food. While signature BBQ remains a highlight, this year’s festival puts the spotlight on Chilliwack’s vibrant food scene, local artisans, and community spirit. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting the Chilliwack Huskers.”

Learn more at chilliwackribfest.ca.

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