Get ready, Montana – the heart of the Big Sky Country is about to make music history. The inaugural Zootown Music Festival is officially set to launch over Independence Day weekend, taking place Friday, July 4 through Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Missoula Fairgrounds. Featuring a star-studded lineup and framed by Missoula’s breathtaking natural landscape, Zootown is poised to become one of the most exciting new music festivals in the country.

Headliners for the 2025 edition include global chart-toppers Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, and Americana mainstay Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Joining them are indie darlings Mt. Joy, genre-bending Lake Street Dive, and alt-rock icons Modest Mouse. Rounding out the lineup are powerful voices like Julien Baker, Torres, and more – over 20 acts in total, spanning multiple genres and styles.

The festival also marks a Montana first for several artists – Kacey Musgraves’ first time headlining a festival in the state and Hozier’s Montana festival debut.

Set against a backdrop of the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, and Bitterroot Rivers and nestled among five mountain ranges, Zootown Festival isn’t just about the music – it’s an immersive celebration of everything that makes Missoula special.

Through a partnership with GuideTime, attendees can book half-day and full-day outdoor excursions before and after the festival – including whitewater rafting, biking, river tubing, scenic hikes, fly fishing, and more. Morning activities will also be available on show days.

Tickets went on sale this past November via ZootownFestival.com. Missoula locals were treated to early access – a reaffirmation of the festival’s initiative to enhancing the local community- with tickets available to residents in the Missoula region online or in person at Rockin Rudy’s.

Two-day general admission tickets start at $250, with layaway plans available for all ticket types – including GA, GA+, and VIP tiers – with just $25 down for GA options.

Festivalgoers can also purchase premium lodging, RV parking, and camping accommodations through the official website. Whether you’re looking for comfort or want to embrace the rugged beauty of Montana, Zootown has you covered.

Zootown isn’t just a music festival – it’s a celebration of Missoula’s culture, creativity, and community. The event is produced by Always On, Knitting Factory Presents, and Shore Sound Entertainment, in partnership with Destination Missoula and the University of Montana’s Entertainment Management Program.

Festival co-founder Scott Osburn, a UM alum and founder of Always On, envisioned Zootown as a way to bring world-class music to the city that helped shape his career. “Missoula sits at the top of the list when it comes to iconic destinations perfect for a festival,” said Osburn. “We want the local community to feel proud and deeply connected to this event.”

For students at the University of Montana, Zootown also provides an invaluable hands-on learning opportunity to gain real-world experience in live music production.

Barbara Neilan, Director of Destination Missoula:
“Missoula is a city with a vibrant and growing music culture, making it an ideal home for the Zootown Festival.”

Margaret “Peggy” Keiper Ph.D., Director of UM’s Entertainment Management Program:
“This festival not only brings a dynamic experience to our community but showcases the success and commitment of our alumni.”

For more information on tickets, lineups, excursions, and lodging, visit:
ZootownFestival.com
Follow Zootown for updates:
Instagram: @zootownfestival
Facebook: facebook.com/zootownfestival