Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on November 19, 2025
FRIDAY, JULY 4TH THROUGH SATURDAY, JULY 5TH AT THE MISSOULA FAIRGROUNDS
Announcing the inaugural Zootown Music Festival, set to take place Friday, July 4th through Saturday, July 5th at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Nestled in the shadows of five majestic mountain ranges, and among the confluence of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot rivers, Missoula, Montana’s first-ever major music festival will feature a lineup of 20+ performing artists including: Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Mt. Joy, Lake Street Dive, Modest Mouse, Julien Baker & Torres, and many more.
Watch the Zootown Music Festival Lineup Announcement Video (Vimeo / YouTube), narrated by Missoula’s own JK Simmons.
Produced by Always On, Knitting Factory Presents, and Shore Sound Entertainment in partnership with Destination Missoula and The University of Montana’s Entertainment Management program, Zootown will bring a world-class live music event to a vibrant city known for its exceptional culinary and craft brewery scene, historical landmarks and Indigenous roots, and easy access to natural wonders and outdoor adventures. With over 60,000 acres of wilderness just minutes from downtown, half-day and full-day guided excursions will be available before and after the festival through Zootown’s partnership with GuideTime. Morning activities on show days will also be offered. Excursion packages, premium lodging, and RV/camping accommodations will be available during the General On-Sale on November 22.
Limited Local Presale begins Thursday, November 21st at 10:00 AM MT. Residents with a Missoula-area zip code may purchase tickets at ZootownFestival.com, or in person at Rockin Rudy’s, including the lowest available price for Two-Day General Admission Tickets ($250).
General On-Sale begins Friday, November 22nd at 10:00 AM MT at ZootownFestival.com. Layaway plans will be available for all ticket types, with GA and GA+ starting at just $25 down, and VIP starting at $50 down.
Visit ZootownFestival.com for more information on Tickets, Lodging, and Excursion packages.
Aside from being the first-ever major music festival to take place in Missoula, Zootown will also mark Kacey Musgraves’ first festival headline performance in the state, and feature Hozier’s Montana festival debut. The festival intends to showcase the best of what Missoula and the state of Montana have to offer, pairing unforgettable performances with local culinary and craft offerings—all set against Montana’s unmatched natural beauty.
Through Zootown’s partnership with GuideTime, attendees will be able to purchase half-day and full-day excursions before and after the festival, including biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, river tubing, trail rides, guided hikes, scenic walking tours, and more. Morning activities on show days will also be available. Full excursion details can be found at ZootownFestival.com.
The idea for a major festival in Missoula has long been a dream for University of Montana alum Scott Osburn (Always On), who has maintained deep ties with the community since graduating. Each year he returns to guest instruct for the UM Entertainment Management Program, and involving both Destination Missoula and the program in Zootown’s development was a priority—ensuring the festival benefits local music fans, regional businesses, and provides invaluable real-world experience for UM students.
Zootown also benefits from the expertise of Shore Sound Entertainment and Knitting Factory Presents. Shore Sound’s Jordan Wolowitz, the festival’s co-founder and talent buyer, brings a proven track record including co-founding the Governors Ball and Sound On Sound (now Soundside). Knitting Factory Presents adds over 20 years of Missoula live event history and its operation of the Big Sky Amphitheater.
“I believe there are only a few truly iconic destinations in the U.S. ideal for hosting a festival of this caliber,” shares Osburn. “Our goal is for the local and regional community to feel a deep sense of pride and ownership in this event, while giving visitors the chance to discover the unique spirit of Missoula. We’re thrilled about this opportunity and recognize the significant responsibility to create a festival that matches the ethos and awe-inspiring quality of its setting.”
“Missoula is a city with a vibrant and growing music culture, making it an ideal home for the Zootown Festival. We’re thrilled to see this event bringing incredible talent to our community and giving visitors yet another reason to experience all that Missoula has to offer.” — Barbara Neilan, Director, Destination Missoula
“The Zootown Festival offers an unparalleled learning opportunity for our students to gain firsthand experience with a major music event right here in Missoula. Having one of the festival promoters be an alumnus of our program showcases the immense impact our alumni have on the music industry, and how they continue to give back.” — Margaret “Peggy” Keiper, Ph.D., Director, UM Entertainment Management
For more details and ticket information, visit ZootownFestival.com.
Follow Zootown on social media for news and updates:
instagram.com/zootownfestival
facebook.com/zootownfestival
