Have you ever seen live music in the middle of a cow pasture? Well, Red Ants Pants Music Festival has just that. The event is located just outside of White Sulphur Springs on a local family’s ranch. With a sea of campers and tents, it is quite noticeable from a considerable distance away. Occurring every late July, the festival offers amazing music from artists around the country, diverse food options, and a fun, neighborly, western environment.

Every year, the festival celebrates rural Montana and the community of hundreds of people. Furthermore, it is a community-run event with numerous volunteers looking to help the community and have a good time. The festival is hosted by the Red Ants Pants Foundation, founded by Sarah Calhoun. According to the Red Ants Pants Music Festival website, the “non-profit is dedicated to women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities.” Therefore, it is evident that the festival has a positive mission to make Montana a better place. Additionally, all proceeds from the festival are used to fund the White Sulphur Springs community grants, timber skills workshops, and the Girl’s Leadership Program. Overall, the festival has a good history behind it and it is a good way to support Montana communities.

In addition to all the positive motives, those attending have a great time with great people. Camping out in the middle of a cow pasture and listening to live music is a cool and unique combination. Although the festival can be quite dusty, hot, and dry, it is easy to appreciate the amazing backdrop and the experience. The festival is similar to a small village, with a grid of dirt roads, and hundreds of people in close proximity. Even when there isn’t music playing, there are plenty of fun things to do, such as eating from the variety of food buses, or taking a short drive to Newlan Reservoir to cool off. Additionally, there is a smaller side stage, apart from the main stage, that invites lesser-known artists to come and play. The point is, the festival is an eventful time that is worth the stay.