Butte events

With summer slipping away, what better way to enjoy the sun than with local brews and live music at this weekend’s big event?

We are officially more than halfway through July and may have even entered the "dog days" of summer. Don't let the heat keep you in. Here are some fun things that are happening this week that are fun for the whole family.

With food trucks lining the street and music filling the air, Butte's community spirit was on full display. Another great evening planned for tonight.

Last spring, the "Munchies off Main" Food Truck Festival was so big that they added another one in the fall. So, technically anyways, the third big event is coming to East Galena Street in front of Collective Elevation this Saturday and things are looking very promising.

The Butte-Silver Bow County Fair kicks off this Thursday at the Butte Civic Center with events, shows and activities for all ages. As we get closer to the start we will be taking a closer look at different things you will find this year at the fair and will be chatting with Fair Board Chair Josh O'Neill early in the week. Before we get to all of that, here's an overall look at the Fair's daily schedule:

As is customary in Butte, America, any good celebration gets underway a day early. Just look at Christmas Eve or St. Uhro's Day if you need proof. The 3rd of July is almost a bigger deal in Butte than Independence Day itself thanks to an amazing fireworks show and leadup parties. Butte's geography only adds to the intrigue. Have you figured out where you and your family are going to watch the Town Pump fireworks show? If you haven't, here are a few suggestions.

One of Butte's most popular summer events, Lunch in the Park, returns to Emma Park this Wednesday from 11:30am until 1:30pm. Lunch in the Park is a family friendly gathering of families, community members and folks on their lunch break who want some sunshine in their afternoon along with a song or two and maybe something from the food trucks that are on hand.

The Butte Depot is going to be a busy place. Aside from bringing in country star Rodney Atkins for the big pre-fireworks concert at the Original Mineyard on Wednesday, the Depot will be the place where Eric Dowdle will unveil his new Butte, America-themed puzzle, whose image has been top-secret up until now.

Well, tomorrow is the start of a furious couple of days as Colt Anderson's "Dream Big Montana Experience" hits Uptown Butte with daredevils, concerts, family fun, a big fundraiser and, of course, the kids football camp. A huge crowd is expected so motorists should be aware of larger than usual pedestrian traffic Uptown as well as some street closures that will begin at 6am tomorrow morning (Thursday).

Uptown Hoops is in its new location at the Original Mineyard and there is so much to see and do. It's a 3-on-3 tournament with age divisions from first grade all the way up to adults. And there are some phenomenal players that show up each year. Get up there early for the first round of games. The National Anthem will start things off at 8:30am on Saturday followed by a shoot around and tipoff at 9. Games will run until 5pm and then they are going to take it up a notch. This year from 5pm to 7pm there will be a slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout and a lightning free-throw contest, all offering a $500 cash prize along with Uptown Hoops merch. They will also recognize the winners of the kids coloring contest and dedicate the kids contests in honor and memory of Jerry Hogan. On Sunday games will once agan begin at 9am with the awards ceremony and t shirt distribution.