Our ImpacT

More Than a Festival

At its heart, the Sweet Pea Festival is more than just a weekend of music, art, and celebration—it's a powerful engine for the arts and a catalyst for community connection in Bozeman

As a non-profit, our mission is simple but meaningful:

To promote and cultivate the arts.

Every ticket sold, every volunteer hour, and every joyful moment at Lindley Park helps fund that mission—not just during the festival, but all year long.

History

A Legacy of Art and Community in Bozeman

Since 1977, Sweet Pea Festival has brought Bozeman together through music, dance, visual arts, and community celebration. Inspired by the early 1900s Sweet Pea Carnivals, a group of local visionaries launched the festival to spotlight the arts and spark creative connection.

Now one of Montana’s premier arts festivals, Sweet Pea draws thousands annually and operates as a nonprofit powered by volunteers. Since 1986, all proceeds beyond festival costs are reinvested into the Bozeman community—supporting arts, education, and cultural programming.

Today, Sweet Pea is a beloved Bozeman tradition—still celebrating art, still volunteer-run, and still giving back. We’re proud of where we’ve been and can’t wait for what’s next.

Investing in Bozeman’s Creative Future

Each year, proceeds from the Sweet Pea Festival are funneled directly back into the community through grants that support arts education, public art, and creative programs. Since 1986, we’ve proudly given more than $400,000 to nearly 100 local organizations—including:

  • The Verge Theater
  • Random Acts of Silliness
  • Eagle Mount
  • Small Batch Arts
  • Children’s Museum of Bozeman
  • indepenDANCE
  • Gallatin Valley Rest Home

The more successful the festival, the more support we can give. It’s art funding art—community supporting community.

Economic Ripple Effect

Beyond our mission-based giving, the festival itself delivers a significant boost to Bozeman’s economy.
Sweet Pea generates an estimated $3.5 million in annual economic impact, with $2.1 million staying local—benefiting small businesses, restaurants, hotels, and creatives.

All of this is made possible by a small, hardworking nonprofit team, hundreds of volunteers, and a community that shows up year after year.

Your Support Matters

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Your Support Matters ⁎

When you attend Sweet Pea, you’re not just experiencing one of Montana’s most cherished festivals—you’re helping to fuel a movement that uplifts artists, enriches education, and strengthens Bozeman’s cultural identity.

Want to make an even bigger impact?

Board & Staff

Meet the Board Behind the Bloom

Sweet Pea Festival is powered by passion—and guided by a dedicated, all-volunteer Board of Directors. These community members donate their time and talent year-round to plan, organize, and grow one of Bozeman’s most beloved events.

From big-picture vision to the tiniest logistical details, the Board makes the magic happen. They set festival goals, manage budgets, review applications, and shape the experience you enjoy every August in Lindley Park.

Want to Join?

We're always looking for fresh energy and creative thinkers! New board members are nominated each fall, and the commitment begins in January.

If you're passionate about the arts, community, and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.