The Zootown Music Festival announced its highly anticipated 2026 lineup on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Missoula’s emerging music festival scene. The second annual event will take place June 19-20, 2026, at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, featuring over 20 performing artists headlined by The Lumineers and The Chicks .
Following the breakout success of the inaugural 2025 festival, which drew approximately 30,000 attendees and exceeded county expectations, organizers have assembled an impressive roster for the sophomore event. The lineup includes The Lumineers, The Chicks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Trampled By Turtles, The Head and The Heart, Built to Spill, Joy Oladokun, BALTHVS, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, High Fade, and Neighbor .
Historic Return for The Chicks
The festival holds particular significance for headliners The Chicks, as their June 20 performance will mark the band’s first show in Montana in over 20 years . The connection between The Chicks and Montana runs deeper than mere scheduling coincidence. Songwriter Susan Gibson, whose father is from Missoula, wrote the band’s hit “Wide Open Spaces” while studying forestry at the University of Montana .
This historical connection adds a layer of authenticity to The Chicks’ return to Big Sky Country, creating a narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and Montana residents. The band’s absence from Montana stages for two decades makes their Zootown appearance particularly noteworthy for regional music enthusiasts.
Strategic Date Shift Shows Festival Growth
Organizers made a strategic decision to move away from the Fourth of July weekend timing that characterized the 2025 inaugural event. The festival wisely moved its festival weekend away from the 4th of July, with expectations of an even bigger turnout since it’s not competing with the holiday weekend . This scheduling adjustment reflects lessons learned from the first year and demonstrates the festival’s commitment to optimizing the attendee experience.
The inaugural 2025 festival, held July 4-5, featured headliners including Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Mt. Joy, and Modest Mouse. The event exceeded county expectations and went off without any hitches from the county’s perspective , establishing a strong foundation for future growth.
Fresh Talent and Montana Debuts
Festival organizers have prioritized bringing new musical experiences to Montana audiences. Over 60% of the 2026 lineup has never previously performed in Montana , ensuring that longtime festival-goers and newcomers alike will experience fresh performances from nationally recognized artists.
The diverse lineup spans multiple genres, from the folk-rock sensibilities of The Lumineers to the blues-rock prowess of Tedeschi Trucks Band, reflecting the festival’s commitment to musical variety. This eclectic programming strategy mirrors successful festivals nationwide while maintaining a distinctly Montana character.
Community Partnership and Educational Integration
The festival is produced by Always On, Knitting Factory Presents, and Shore Sound Entertainment in partnership with The University of Montana’s Entertainment Management program . This educational partnership provides University of Montana students with hands-on experience in live music production, creating a pipeline of trained professionals for Montana’s growing entertainment industry.
Festival founder Scott Osburn, a University of Montana alumnus, has maintained strong ties with the institution since graduating. The collaboration ensures that Zootown serves multiple purposes: entertaining audiences, boosting the regional economy, and providing educational opportunities for the next generation of music industry professionals.
Economic Impact and Local Integration
The 2025 inaugural festival demonstrated significant economic benefits for Missoula County. The festival paid an up-front $50,000 rental fee, and the county receives $5 from each ticket sold, up to $120,000, with the two-day event likely doubling the fairgrounds’ annual rental revenue . These figures underscore the festival’s role as an economic driver for the region.
Beyond direct revenue, the festival contributes to Missoula’s broader tourism and hospitality sectors. Attendees came from across the country, contributing to the local economy , highlighting the event’s growing national profile and its ability to attract visitors to western Montana.
Adventure Tourism Integration
Through a partnership with GuideTime, Zootown is again offering for purchase half-day and full-day excursions on the days before and after the festival, including biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, river tubing, trail rides, guided hikes, scenic walking tours, and more . This integration of outdoor recreation with music reflects Missoula’s unique position as both a cultural hub and gateway to outdoor adventures.
The adventure tourism component differentiates Zootown from purely music-focused festivals, leveraging Montana’s natural assets to create a comprehensive experience. Morning activities will also be available on show days, allowing attendees to maximize their Montana experience.
Ticketing and Community Access
Pre-sale for single-day and two-day tickets begins Friday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time, available online for those who attended last year’s inaugural event or are signed up to receive SMS updates . This priority system rewards loyalty while building anticipation among potential new attendees.
A limited amount of two-day and single-day general admission tickets will also be available for purchase in person at Rockin Rudy’s in downtown Missoula at a special locals-only rate . This local priority reflects the festival’s commitment to serving the Missoula community while expanding its regional and national reach.
General on-sale begins Friday, November 21st at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time, with tickets available through the festival’s official website.
Environmental and Community Initiatives
The festival maintains its commitment to environmental stewardship through strategic partnerships. Fans interested in an official lineup poster can pre-order one via the ticketing page, with $5 from each poster donated to the Five Valleys Land Trust . This initiative demonstrates the festival’s integration with local conservation efforts and its commitment to preserving Montana’s natural landscapes.
The Five Valleys Land Trust partnership aligns with the festival’s broader mission of celebrating Montana’s unique character while supporting organizations that protect the region’s environmental assets.
Long-Term Vision and Sustainability
Lead promoter Scott Osburn says the festival is likely to grow in future years, noting that most festivals aren’t profitable for a few years, and that includes Zootown . This transparent approach to festival development reflects realistic expectations and long-term thinking rather than quick profit motives.
Zootown Festival has four more years on its contract with Missoula County, with plans to return in 2026 and continue every summer through 2029 . This extended commitment provides stability for planning and artist booking while ensuring the festival can establish itself as a permanent fixture in Montana’s cultural calendar.
The festival’s growth trajectory appears sustainable, with organizers balancing expansion ambitions with practical considerations like venue capacity and community impact. County officials are very pleased with the promoters behind the festival, with operations manager Billie Brown stating the event exceeded expectations .
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Zootown Music Festival 2026 take place?
Zootown Music Festival 2026 will take place Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in Missoula, Montana.
Who are the headliners for Zootown 2026?
The festival will be headlined by The Lumineers and The Chicks, supported by over 20 performing artists including Tedeschi Trucks Band, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Trampled By Turtles, and The Head and The Heart.
When do tickets go on sale?
Pre-sale tickets for attendees of the 2025 festival and SMS subscribers begin Friday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. General public sales begin Friday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
What makes The Chicks’ performance special?
This will be The Chicks’ first performance in Montana in over 20 years. The band also has historical connections to Montana through songwriter Susan Gibson, whose father is from Missoula and who wrote “Wide Open Spaces” while studying at the University of Montana.
Are outdoor activities available during the festival?
Yes, through a partnership with GuideTime, attendees can purchase half-day and full-day excursions including whitewater rafting, biking, fishing, hiking, and scenic tours on days before and after the festival, with morning activities available on show days.
How successful was the inaugural 2025 festival?
The 2025 inaugural festival drew approximately 30,000 attendees and exceeded county expectations, with officials noting the event went off without hitches and is likely to double the fairgrounds’ annual rental revenue.