The largest free admission summer event in the state of Montana returns to Butte this summer. The Montana Folk Festival is set for July 14-16, 2023, in Uptown Butte.

Thanks in large part to The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Montana Resources this year’s event will be everything we have come to love about the Montana Folk Festival. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Montana Resources has awarded $200,000 to support this year’s Festival. An initial $100,000 will be awarded upfront. If the Montana Folk Festival organizers can match that initial $100,000, then the Foundation will disperse another $100,000, making the total contribution $200,000 for 2023’s festival.

The Original Mineyard main stage. Photo credit Tommy O/Townsquare Media
The Original Mineyard main stage. Photo credit Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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“We are now seeking corporate sponsorships to match this generous grant,” said George Everett of the Montana Folk Festival Executive Committee. "Contributions made in the coming weeks and months will have an amplified impact thanks to this critical challenge grant,” added Everett.

Business sponsorships for the festival come with benefits and recognition at different levels, you can find those details HERE.

The Montana Folk Festival (as we know it) had its start here in Butte when the National Folk Festival was held in Butte from 2008-2010. In 2011 when the National Festival continued to a different location, the local organizers decided to apply what they had learned over the last 3 years and continue on with a new event in the Mining City.

Original mineyard. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Original mineyard. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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The economic impact on Butte and all of Montana cannot be understated. According to tourist surveys, the second year of the National Festival in 2009 brought in more than $20 Million to businesses. The economic impact of the third year (2010) was reported at approximately $31 Million, and an estimated 165,000 visitors to the 3-day event.

When the festival transitioned in 2011, to the Montana Folk Festival, the economic impact continues to be in the $25 million range, an incredible accomplishment year after year. This past year, for example, organizers say the attendance exceeded projections of 150,000 festival goers.

photo credit: Montana Folk Festival
photo credit: Montana Folk Festival
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With the incredible help of The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Montana Resources, this will be another incredible year for the Montana Folk Festival.

You can find out more about the Montana Folk Festival on their website Montanafolkfestival.com

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