Experience

Dive into the heart of Zootown Festival!

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with Western Montana’s Glacier Country, we’re inviting you to experience what makes this place special.

This page brings together travel tips, updates and regional recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Western Montana. Consider extending your Zootown trip and seeing more of the region. Clear lakes, free-flowing rivers and nine scenic travel corridors connect wide valleys, forested backroads and welcoming communities shaped by history, arts and local culture. Spend a morning on the river, hit a nearby trail and take your time exploring along the way. Come early or stay a little longer - there’s more to experience just down the road. As you explore, please recreate responsibly.

MSO Airport

Getting to Zootown is easy with Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) just minutes from downtown and the Fairgrounds. With nonstop service from major hubs across the country, you can land close to the action and start your festival weekend without any hassle.

Large white commercial airplane parked at an airport gate under a partly cloudy sky.

Missoula Guide

Between sets, explore Missoula like a local. Wander downtown for coffee, craft beer, or local art, then catch a sunset along the Clark Fork River. From mountain views to late-night bites, the city’s got something for every kind of festivalgoer.

People walking and kayaking near a sunlit river with green trees along the banks on a clear day.

Excursions

Explore the great outdoors during Zootown Festival with daily excursions offered in partnership with GuideTime! From mountain trails to river adventures, these exclusive experiences let you immerse yourself in Missoula’s breathtaking natural beauty all weekend long.

To reserve White Water Rafting trips, please visit our friends at Montana River Guides!

Four people in hats and casual clothing rowing a blue inflatable raft on a river under a bridge surrounded by greenery.

Venue

With Mt. Sentinel as the backdrop and the Clark Fork River just minutes away, the Missoula Fairgrounds are centrally located and easy to navigate. Last year’s layout featured the Trailhead Stage (Main Stage) on the lawn with the Lookout Stage in the Grandstand area, as well as plenty of room for food trucks, craft vendors, and local artists. We’ll continue to build on our footprint in 2026, combining convenience, comfort, and character in a venue that’s been bringing Missoula together for generations.

A lively outdoor event with a crowd gathered on a grassy field near stages and buildings, backed by mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Re-Entry

To keep the festival safe and enjoyable for everyone, Zootown Festival will continue to allow re-entry with a valid wristband before 5PM. Guests will need to pass through security each time they return to the grounds. Please note that outside food, drinks, and other restricted items are not permitted upon re-entry.

Crowd of people at an outdoor event beneath a blue banner reading 'Good times on tap' with artistic illustrations.

Children

Zootown is a family-friendly event, and we’re excited to welcome children of all ages to join the fun! Kids 7 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Please note that minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on the festival grounds.

Man in a brown cap and glasses smiling behind a boy with blue glasses and noise-canceling headphones at an outdoor event.

Butterfly House

Families can also explore the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium during their time at Zootown. Located directly on the Fairgrounds property, this unique space features a tropical greenhouse filled with live butterflies from around the world, plus interactive exhibits featuring insects, arachnids, and more. Open to all Zootown attendees between 1:30-5PM on both days of the event - it's the perfect kid-friendly activity to compliment your experience at the festival.

Support

Our team is here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have about the festival. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for help so we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Large diverse group of happy people posing and waving under the Missoula Fairgrounds archway in front of a VIP entrance tent.