Frequently Asked Questions

Music is on the Main Stage in Elks Riverside Park (701 River Drive North) on Friday and Saturday, August 12 and 13.  Music starts at 5 PM on Friday and 1 PM on Saturday.  Last shows are 9 pm both days Author presentation is at the Gibson Park Bandshell (400 Park Drive North on Thursday August 11 at 7 PM.. 

            Artists, food and drink, beer and wine and other vendors will be set up near the Main Stage.

            The Disc Golf Tourney is at Warden Park, 201 13th Ave S. 

The Pickleball Tournament is at Jaycee Park, 225 23rd St NE

Horseshoe Tournament is at Elks Riverside Park, just south of the Main Stage.

            The Farmers Market is near 100 Park Drive South, within easy walking distance of the Main Stage.  

            Children’s activities will be near the Girl Scout Playhouse/Skatepark at 500 River Drive North.

ArtFest will be held downtown – check out mural locations at Visit Great Falls Montana – ArtsFest MONTANA 2021 – Visit Great Falls Montana – Adventure Awaits in Montana’s Basecamp for Art & Adventure

All ages are welcome at the BIG RIVER RUCKUS.  There are many children’s activities planned during the RUCKUS, including a story walk, art activities and puppets shows.  Check out Big River Ruckus website for updates.

Free parking is available at the following locations:

  • Gibson Park, go through tunnel by Bandshell to Main Stage
  • Civic Center 100 South Park Drive, 6 blocks from Main Stage
  • Water Park 100 River Drive South, 4 blocks from Main Stage
  • Residential side streets, go through tunnel by the Bandshell to Main Stage

 

Paid parking downtown until 5 pm on Friday and Saturday, free after 5 and all day Sunday. After parking, walk to Gibson Bandshell 400 Park Drive No, go through tunnel to the Main Stage.  

Parking garage  #17 4th Street North, 7 blocks from Main Stage

On street parking is available on Central Avenue, 1st Ave North, 2nd Ave North, 1st Ave South and 2nd Ave South

Various commercial parking lots in Central Downtown

 

Handicapped accessible parking is located near the Elks Riverside tennis Courts, 701 River Drive North, with access from the north side of the venue.  The accessible parking area will be staffed to show you where to park.

VIP ticket holders may park at the Farmer’s Union lot at 300 River Drive North

Friday tickets:  $30

Saturday ticket: $40

Two-day ticket: $60 ($10 savings)

VIP ticket:  $100.  VIP tickets include special space for your lawn or camp chair, access to special beer lines and bathrooms, and reserved parking.

Author events and children’s activities are FREE for adults and children.    

What can I bring with me?

Blankets, single person portable chairs, empty canteen or factory sealed bottle of water.

What CAN’T I bring with me?

Outside food or drinks, animals, umbrellas, weapons, fireworks, oversized chairs, cameras, audio or other recording devices (cell phones are OK), coolers, glass containers, beach balls.

Can I purchase food and drinks at the venue?

Yes, a variety of local food vendors will be on site, as well as beers and wine available for purchase.  You must show your over-21 ID at the entry gate or will call table to purchase alcohol beverages.  

Blankets, single person portable chairs, empty canteen or factory sealed bottle of water.

Outside food or drinks, animals, umbrellas, weapons, fireworks, oversized chairs, cameras, audio or other recording devices (cell phones are OK), coolers, glass containers, beach balls.

Yes, a variety of local food vendors will be on site, as well as beers and wine available for purchase.  You must show your over-21 ID at the entry gate or will call table to purchase alcohol beverages.  

Great Falls hotels within walking distance to the venue are Best Western Plus Riverfront, Hotel Arvon, O’Haire Motor Inn, Midtown Motel, Travellodge, Staybridge Suites, Springhill Suites, and Extended Stay America.  There are many other fine hotels in Great Falls, just a short drive to Elks Riverside’s main stage. www.visitgreatfallsmontana.org/where-to-stay/lodging

This is a not a camping event.  There are tent sites at the KOA camp in east Great Falls and in Dick’s RV in west Great Falls.  The nearest Forest Service Campground is Thain Creek in the Highwood Mountains.   

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