Zootown Music Festival Delivers an Unforgettable Debut Weekend

Jenna Mitchell
Jul 6
3 min read

Missoula’s newest tradition has officially been born.

The first-ever Zootown Music Festival brought two days of unforgettable music, moments, and Montana magic to the Missoula County Fairgrounds this July 4–5. With a lineup stacked from start to finish — including headliners Hozier and Kacey Musgraves — the inaugural event balanced major star power with local talent and community energy.

We were on the ground all weekend to soak in the sets, talk with artists, and witness what will go down as a pretty killer debut.

The weekend kicked off with a radiant hometown performance from The Dead and Down, who opened the Trailhead Stage as rain came down hard. But fans didn’t care - they showed up soaked and smiling, and the band fed off that energy.

“There was so much anticipation all morning, and just, not being sure of the weather and getting everything ready...and it's just so nice seeing people still show up,” said Matt of The Dead and Down.

But come rain or shine, fans weren't letting anything get in their way of embracing the music. Ponchos, rain jackets, umbrella hats - you name it - were seen across the fairgrounds as people danced, jammed out, and celebrated.

Bandmate Taylor reflected on the surreal feeling of being in the moment on a stage like that:

“You're up there and it's sometimes, thinking about every little thing... and then just remembering that, we practice all this, I know it, I'm good, and then when you can let go of that for a second and just kinda close your eyes and just be in the moment... that is beautiful.”

The magic didn’t stop there. We caught performances from Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners (Lake Missoula in Missoula was yet again, SO MUCH FUN), the groove-heavy La Lom on the Lookout stage, and a thunderous set from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, among other incredible performances across both stages.

The rain finally cleared just in time for Hozier to take the stage.

The Trailhead Stage crowd packed in tight as he delivered a soul-shaking set, blending fan favorites like “Cherry Wine” and “Work Song” with powerful moments of intimacy and intensity. His finale, “Take Me to Church,” echoed into the hills in the Big Sky Country.

Pure magic.

Day two welcomed us with sunshine and high spirits.

Lost Canyons kicked things off on the Lookout Stage - a victory set after winning the festival’s Battle of the Bands earlier this year.

“Being a Montana band and seeing this incredible festival in Montana — means the world to us,” said Kennan of Lost Canyons. “We're just stoked that we're bringing such amazing talent here, and to the region.”

While a lightning delay shortened Stolen Gin’s early set, the NYC-based band kept in good spirits and promised they’d be back to play a longer Montana set soon (we'll be eagerly waiting). The rest of the afternoon flew by with standout performances, including a sun-drenched set from rising songwriter Evan Honer, who would return later in the day for a surprise collab with Mt. Joy.

As golden hour hit, Mt. Joy took the stage and brought Evan Honer back out for an unexpected rendition of “Teenage Dirtbag.” The crowd erupted into a full-on singalong, arms raised and voices hoarse from joy. Between that and the crowd favorites Astrovan, Strangers, and Silver Lining - Mt.Joy brought a set to remember in this beautiful state.

And then came the closer: Kacey freaking Musgraves!!!

Glittering and graceful as always, Kacey’s set brought the crowd into a dreamy, romantic haze. Singing along to hits like “Golden Hour” and “Slow Burn,” it felt like the most perfect way to end such a high hitting festival. Despite her broken rib, she toughed it out for Missoula and gave it her all. Truly will be a night to remember for ages.

And as her final song faded out, fireworks burst over the stage — a perfect way to close out Zootown’s debut.

We are so grateful and truly happy we got to expirience Zootown! Aside from the amazing artists, the event staff, secturity, and all organizers involved made this possible, and deserve a major round of applause as well. It truly couldn't have gone better, and thats all thanks to each and every one of the people who helped run the show.