Under the Big Sky festival on stage this weekend

The Under the Big Sky music festival is back at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish this weekend.

The festival begins Friday with the doors opening at 4 p.m. The festival hours on Saturday and Sunday will be from noon to 11 p.m. The festival sold out quickly this winter after tickets went on sale in January.

The lineup includes an eclectic mix of country, soul and rock performers. Produced by Outriders Presents, Under the Big Sky will feature indie rock stars Lord Huron, returning outlaw country singer Cody Jinks, psychedelic soul from Austin’s Black Pumas, Nashville’s Margo Price, the bluegrass of Trampled by Turtles, and pop-country crossover Morgan Wade, plus many more.

Local artists such as Hannah King, Big Sky City Lights, Michelle Rivers, Honey Bandit, the Helnore Highwater Band and more will also take to the stage throughout all three days.

The festival first debuted in 2019. After taking 2020 off due to the pandemic it returned last year, drawing more than 20,000 to the site just outside of Whitefish. City officials noted after last year’s event that the large crowd strained city services, and expressed their desire for festival organizers to work to mitigate those impacts going forward.

In a press release earlier this year, organizers said new protocols will help ensure easier parking, while the festival’s daily capacity will be capped at 20,000. The number of water stations will be doubled, along with $1 water bottle sales and additional restrooms will be added to the general admission and VIP sections.

There are also a number of after parties in Whitefish and residents should expect town to be especially crowded throughout the weekend. Bars that will host the parties include Casey’s, the Great Northern and the Remington.

Under The Big Sky is open for all ages to attend, with children under 6 given free entry. For the complete lineup and more information including what to expect, visit www.underthebigskyfest.com/