My Last-Minute Guide to a Big Sky PBR Weekend
Whether you live here or you’re traveling to us, here are some of my tips on the busiest week of the year.
I'm writing this from Hawaii where in a few short days I’ll be hopping on a plane home for one of the busiest weeks of my summer. I have two events I’m hosting back-to-back on Thursday, PBR on Friday, and Big Sky for the rest of the weekend, so it felt like the perfect time to finally share my last-minute guide to one of my favorite weekends of the Montana summer.
If you're reading this, chances are you're either throwing boots into a suitcase as we speak or already making the drive up to Big Sky. PBR week is finally here.
Every July, one of my favorite little mountain towns transforms. Professional bull riders, western brands, concerts, and thousands of people descend on Big Sky for what has quietly become one of the best weekends of the Montana summer. If you planned months ago, you're probably in great shape. If you're anything like me and somehow looked up to realize the weekend is already here, don't worry. While many hotels and dinner reservations are likely be booked, there is still plenty to experience. Here's exactly how I'd spend the weekend.
First Things First: What to Wear
(This is my outfit from last year)
I wrote an entire Montana Style Guide because this is probably the question I'm asked more than anything. PBR in Big Sky isn't your average county fair rodeo.
People definitely lean into western style here, but in a way that feels a little more elevated. Think less costume— it’s a blend of not trying hard, while also remaining elevated. You'll almost always find me in one of my favorite Doên or Ulla Johnson dresses paired with my Lucchese boots. I'll usually add a simple turquoise cuff or my rodeo belt, and sometimes a hat (depending on the weather). If dresses aren't your thing, great denim, a white tank, boots, and a beautiful belt are always a safe bet.
One thing people always underestimate is the temperature. During the afternoon it can be genuinely warm, especially if you're walking around Town Center before the event. But once the sun begins to disappear behind Lone Peak, the temperature cools off quickly. By the time you're walking back through the parking lot looking for your car after the last ride, you'll be very glad you threw a sweater over your shoulders or packed a light jacket. Montana summer evenings have a way of surprising people! It’s also something I love about where we live— the shift of the temperature with the evenings.
Our Friday Night
We're lucky enough to have great passes this year, but honestly, I'd recommend getting to Big Sky earlier than you think you need to, regardless of where you're sitting.
We'll leave Bozeman around 2:00 p.m., which gets us into Big Sky around 3:00 or 3:15. Before we even think about heading to the arena, we're stopping at Montage. One of my favorite parts of event weekends is slowing down beforehand. We'll grab a cocktail on the patio, soak in the views, and enjoy an hour before everything gets busy. It has become one of my favorite traditions before concerts and larger events. From there, we'll make our way to the venue.
We'll grab a bite to eat, wander through the vendor village, stop by the Lucchese vendor to say hello, and make our way to our seats with plenty of time to spare. One thing I've learned after going a few times: build in time for conversations. I always end up running into friends, clients, or people I haven't seen in months, and every year I wish I hadn't rushed straight to my seat. Then settle in.
There really isn't anything quite like watching some of the country’s best riders compete with Lone Peak standing behind them. Afterward, we'll make the drive back down to Bozeman.
If You’re Staying Through The Week
One of the reasons I love PBR weekend is that it has become much more than just the competition itself. Outlaw Partners has built an entire week around it, with events happening throughout Big Sky before the bulls ever leave the chutes.
If you're arriving early or staying through the weekend, I'd also keep an eye out for some of the other events taking place around town, including Community Day, Mutton Bustin', the Running of the Bulls Trail Race, live music, western shopping, sponsor activations, and the evening concerts and after-parties. Every year the schedule changes slightly, so it's worth checking before you head up.
Don't spend every minute at the arena. One of the best parts of PBR weekend is that you're already in Big Sky. I'd make time for a few of my favorite places.
Start with lunch at Horn & Cantle at Lone Mountain Ranch. Grab a burger, enjoy a long lunch, and wander the property afterward. It's one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Big Sky. If you need a slower afternoon, head to Montage. Order a cocktail, spend some time by the pool, or simply sit outside overlooking the mountains before heading back into town. If you're staying at Rainbow Ranch, spend some time along the Gallatin River. Whether you're hiring a fly-fishing guide or simply sitting beside the water with a drink, it's one of the most peaceful places in the valley. Wake up early one morning and hike Beehive Basin before the trail gets busy. Even if you don't make it all the way to the lake, the views are worth every step. And if your schedule allows before heading home, drive back into Bozeman for brunch and spend an afternoon wandering Main Street. Pop into Lucchese, Meridian, Head West, and Heyday before grabbing a coffee or ice cream. It's one of my favorite ways to round out a Montana weekend.
Looking Ahead to Next Year?
If you're already realizing you'd like to make PBR weekend an annual tradition, here's my biggest piece of advice: book early. Reserve your hotel months in advance. Make dinner reservations before you arrive. If you're hoping to stay at Lone Mountain Ranch, Rainbow Ranch, or Montage, don't wait. PBR weekend has quietly become one of the busiest weekends of the Montana summer, and for good reason. Come for the bull riding. Stay for everything else— there’s so much to do and see!
A Few Other Treats For You…
A selection of all of the things I’m finding that I love. You can shop My Montana Summer Collection here.
See you out there. xx
