15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Red Ants Pants Music Festival—15 years of bringing people together through the power of music while shining a spotlight on rural Montana and creating lasting, positive change.
To celebrate the milestone, the festival is rolling out an unforgettable experience, including additional music, an extra night of camping, earlier-than-ever gate openings, new bonus features and campground programming. Fan-favorite traditions like the Beard & Moustache and crosscut competitions return, alongside special 15th anniversary offerings such as a panel discussion highlighting grantee storytelling and pre-festival Work Skills workshops—honoring both the music and the meaningful impact it continues to make.
15th Anniversary celebrations are happening all weekend long!
We’ll be updating details regarding our celebration activities as things are finalized. Keep checking back for more information.
The Red Ants Pants Foundation is excited to announce a special lineup of hands-on mini-workshops, films, and community conversations as we celebrate 15 years of programming.
Work Skills Mini-Workshops
Thursday, July 23rd | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Cost $40
Build practical skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Each mini- workshop is designed to build confidence through foundational techniques. Workshops are open to individuals 18 years or older, co-ed and led by a cadre of women instructors. Choose one of our two offerings:
Trailer Backing Mini-Workshop: Gain hands-on experience with bumper pull trailers, including proper hitching techniques and straight backing. This session is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence maneuvering a bumper pull trailer in a safe, guided setting. Participants must bring their own vehicle and trailer. Space is limited to 8 participants, and pre-registration is required.
Chainsaw Skills Mini-Workshop: Learn essential chainsaw operation skills, including safe starting techniques and basic cutting methods. Practice these basic cuts with cookie cutting and precision skill building. This workshop focuses on safety, control, and building comfort with the tool. Limited to 12 participants with pre-registration required.
Work Skills Warm Ups
Thursday, July 23rd | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free
Curious about the crosscut or nailed it competitions but not quite ready to compete? This is your chance to give it a try. These low-pressure, drop-in sessions are perfect for anyone who wants to learn, practice, and get a feel for the tools in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The warm up opportunities will take place in the Campground, specific locations will be listed in the Music Festival Newspaper available onsite. No pre-registration or partner is required—just sign up when you arrive and join in on one of our two practice sessions. All ages are welcome, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to complete the required waiver.
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Crosscut Practice: Try your hand at this collaborative and time-honored method of cutting wood, working together and finding the rhythm along the way.
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Nailed It Practice: Drop in to learn proper techniques and build confidence in a fun, approachable setting—did you know there is a right way to swing a hammer?
Film Shorts Launch Party
Thursday July 23rd | 4:00 PM (~1hr) | $10 Suggested Donation
This year’s short films reflect the mission of the Red Ants Pants Foundation. Together, these stories highlight themes of place, identity, and rural experience, while also uplifting the importance of developing leadership opportunities for women, supporting working family farms and ranches, and enriching rural communities. Your donation directly supports the programs of the Foundation.
Screenings will continue throughout the weekend, check out the Red Ants Pants Music Festival Newspaper, available onsite, for more details. Films will be announced soon, stay connected through our newsletter, the ANTecdote, for more information.
Community Grant Panel Discussion
Thursday, July 23rd | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Free
Join an engaging conversation focused on rural creativity, leadership, and community impact. This panel brings together inspiring voices from our Community Grant Recipients from across Montana. Each year, with proceeds from the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, the Red Ants Pants Foundation awards grants to organizations and individuals whose projects further our mission pillar of enriching and promoting rural communities. To date, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has granted $210,000 to over 150 entities across nearly every corner of Montana!
Hosted in collaboration with Megan Torgerson, founder and host of Reframing Rural and a 2026 Community Grant recipient, the discussion will highlight a range of community organizations and initiatives from across the state.
The Campground
⋅ Opening A Day EARLY | 4pm Wednesday, July 22nd
⋅ Another morning of campground YOGA | FRIDAY, Saturday, and Sunday
⋅ Quiet(er) Campground option | GENERATOR-FREE ZONE
⋅ CAMPGROUND AWARDS
Swing Dance Lessons
Kick off festival weekend with a little extra rhythm! Join us Thursday evening for brand-new swing dance lessons before the street dance. Whether you’ve got fancy footwork or two left feet, this is your chance to learn the basics, meet fellow festivalgoers, and step into the night with confidence. Come early, grab a partner (or make a new one), and get ready to dance
… and more!
⋅ ADDITIONAL hours of music added to the party
⋅ DUNK TANK & YODELING CONTEST
⋅ Red Ants Pants Music Festival’s own “Ants on a Log” | PORTA POTTY ARTWORK CONTEST
⋅ COMMEMORATIVE ANNIVERSARY MERCH!
Follow along on our socials for updates on all the fun we have planned:
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you don’t see your question answered here or in any of our Festival Info, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to help in any way we can.