Soak up what’s left of summer in August with this guide from The Electric, Destination Great Falls and Visit Great Falls Montana.

Catch some waves on the Missouri

Get your kayaks, paddleboards, boats, etc. in the river.

There’s several places to get on or off the river in kayaks and paddleboards along the banks, including West Bank Park and Oddfellows Park.

There’s a boat launch in Broadwater Bay Park.

Check out the river map from the Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce here.

There’s also a boat launch in Ulm and great spots to get in or out of the river throughout the region, including Cottonwood Grove Fishing Access off Flood Road.

If you’re looking for a guided float, check out Missouri River Outfitters in Fort Benton and Prairie Mountain River Adventures in Cascade.

Need a kayak, paddleboard or other river supplies? You can rent kayaks at the new kiosk in West Bank Park from Treasure State Outdoors.

At the kiosk, o rent a kayak (paddle and life jacket included) just scan the QR code on the unit or download the Rent.Fun app. It’s $25 for the first two hours.

Also stop by Bighorn Outdoor Specialists, North 40 Outfitters and Scheels.

For some other paddling ideas, check out this list.

Shop til you drop

The Great Falls Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday through the last Saturday of September. The market is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Civic Center Park.

The market has also added a Thursday night market at the new Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center in Lions Park. That market is 6-8:30 p.m. through the end of August.

Get Cultured

The sixth annual ArtsFest Montana mural festival is Aug. 17-24.

This year’s festival brings eight muralists to install murals on downtown buildings.

Launched in 2019, the mural festival is about bringing people together through art and has connected Great Falls with artists from across the globe to add their creativity to downtown walls.

“It’s art, it’s really cool.” Mural festival brightens downtown [2023]

“This year’s event includes the Great Falls Public Library hosting an art project from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24.

The project is painting animal footprints beginning in front of the library, down 3rd Street North, over 4th Avenue South on to Gibson Park.

Murals spark conversations about public spaces, growth [2022]

Community members are welcome to join the painting activity and stencils will be provided.

Meet at the library’s front entrance where painting will begin and where something you’re willing to get dirty.

More details will be coming soon and watch this event page for updates.

Want to sponsor ArtsFest? Email Kellie Pierce of the BID at kellie@downtowngreatfalls.net

Ginger Day and Great Falls Greats

The fourth annual Ginger Day is Aug. 17.

It’s a locally created holiday to celebrate the birthday of a few gingers, including your favorite cranky reporter here at The Electric.

It’s a fun, quirky event celebrating those soulless redheads by spending the day with our community and highlighting local businesses who support our shenanigans.

This year’s event includes a No Souls paddle on the Missouri in the morning, a collaboration with the Touch-A-Truck event, food and drink specials and more. Ginger Trivia is also likely to return, check the Ginger Day page for details.

It’s the firth anniversary of The Electric’s Great Falls Greats contest and we’ll be announcing those winners this month with a party at Elevation. Watch The Electric’s page for updates as we firm up those details.

Luminaria Walk

The Luminaria Walk is 7-11 p.m. Aug. 23 on the River’s Edge Trail.

More than 1,500 luminaries will line the trail from West Bank Park, across Weissman Bridge and along the river to the historic 10th Street Bridge.

It’s a free, family-friendly event.

If you are interested in being a part of this event by decorating luminaria bags, playing music, or if you are a service group or food truck operator that would like to have a space, message the River’s Edge Trail Foundation page.

Please note, there will be a lot of people on the trail for this event. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after.

Patio season

Soak up some sun before the other s-word that shall not be named returns.

Check out the patios, pedlets and sidewalk cafes at the following spots, which is in no way an all-inclusive list:

Elevation 3330: Their patio overlooks Central Avenue and it’s perfect for an after work cocktail.

5th and Wine: Tucked behind the restaurant, there’s firepits, umbrellas, plus their full delicious menu.

Magpie: Cool off with a Mason jar cocktail and their southern-esque menu, plus a fire pit for cooler evenings.

Fire Pizza: Grab the super lunch special of a salad and half pizza, or mix and match pizzas with your pals for dinner. Definitely get the Wine Wednesday deals.

Celtic Cowboy: Try their great selection of Irish whiskeys.

Crooked Tree: Their sweet sidewalk cafe is a great spot for a morning coffee and a macron.

The Wild Hare: Just off their tequila bar, get some afternoon sun on their patio before trivia on Wednesdays or other fun activities.

KellerGeist: Creative cocktails and a great spot to grab a brat during the farmers’ market.

Tracy’s: A great spot for a wide range of menu options to fuel up during a day of downtown activities.

Buffalo Blanc: Try one of their specialty coffees at one of the newest spots tucked into the neighborhood.

Mighty Mo: Grab some drinks and pizzas on the dog friendly patio right in the middle of downtown.

Stein Haus: A good spot to enjoy some Montana craft beers with friends.

Enbar: Enjoy a cocktail or grilled cheese from The Block.

Morning Light Coffee: Try their coffee flights for a relaxing start to your weekend.

The Do Bar: They’ve got live music in their outdoor space often.

Rock out to live music

There’s still time to catch a summer concert.

The outdoor concerts at the Beacon Icehouse run through the end of August.

Concerts at Library Park, behind the Great Falls Public Library, continue through the end of August and the Municipal Band plays another concert in Gibson Park.

There’s one more Downtown Summer Jam on Aug. 21 and Craig Morgan plays at the Voyagers Stadium on Aug. 25.

With a short drive, BeltStock is Aug. 24.

Check out a full list of summer concerts in Great Falls compiled by The Electric, Destination Downtown and Visit Great Falls Montana:

Summer concerts in Great Falls, a list