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SLAM
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    • Summer Festival
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    • Community Jam Series
    • Sip & SLAM
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  • Public Art
  • Opportunities
    • Call for Artists
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  • About
    • MT Artist Directory >
      • Morena
      • Jill Zeidler
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Summer SLAM Festival

Our flagship event is the Summer SLAM Festival. Hosted the first weekend of August, this event earns its reputation among local artists and attendees of consistently offering an expansive roster of talented Montana artisans and musicians whose abundance and variety is matched only by its quality. The festivities play host to creatives from all over our great state, welcoming those from all genres of art into the fold.

SLAM has something for everyone, offering an Artists’ Market, live Artist Demonstrations, Family Activities, a Montana-made Libations Garden, and Culinary Artisans featuring local flavors. Entertainment of all varieties graces the main stage at this free festival that showcases the many talents of Montana residents. Performances throughout the weekend include dance, theater, and live music.

A full schedule of performances, artist demonstrations, participating artists, culinary artisans, and information about SLAM is available prior to the event. Experience Montana art in its finest form and keep the arts alive and thriving in your community by attending the SLAM Summer Festival, first weekend in August every year at Bogert Park in Bozeman, MT!
​“SLAM is a guaranteed feast for the eyes, ears and belly”
- DG House

Artist Market

At every Summer SLAM, 50+ artists, ranging from emerging artists to renowned award-winning professional artists set up their booths, showcasing a year of hard work and diligence. All day on Saturday and Sunday, creatives of all breeds sell their pieces in so many mediums and manifestations: painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glass, woodworking, textiles, photography, body products, and more. Each year the line-up changes, so it is never the exact same group of artists, though there are a few SLAM artists who can be counted on year after year. From elegant housewares to funky clothing; from baby booties to hand knit cowls; from locally forged steel blades to organic lotions made from goats milk just a few counties away, everything is handmade and made in Montana. Nothing is mass-produced or imported.  

All SLAM artistic participants are true masters of their craft, and are excited to share it with you. Shopping at the SLAM festival is a perfect example of conscientious capitalism...not only do your dollars go directly to the creator, but you have the opportunity to develop a personal connection with the artist. Learning more about the inspiration for a given work of art directly from its creator will undoubtedly give you a deeper appreciation for the end result.  

So be sure to come check out the Artist Market at SLAM where you will find your latest treasure from the Treasure state
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Live Music And Performances

Each year when planning the lineup for SLAM, we are blown away by the talent of musicians in our state. Folk, Rock and Roll, Funk, Americana, Jazz, Pop..the bands that grace the stage are sure to impress and represent a wide range of genres for your listening pleasure!  

In addition to the world class music lineup, the stage at SLAM showcases performances of many types of dance including clogging, belly dancing, salsa, Mexican and Peruvian folk dance, hula hooping, live theater performances, Sunday yoga, and even martial arts. There’s never a dull moment on stage at SLAM. Every year the line up is different, so be sure to check out the schedule online or in the paper. Whatever you like, the stage is set to put a smile on your face and a jump in your step!

Information on how to get involved with any of these local dance, theater, yoga, and martial arts groups will be available at the event if you see something that you feel inspired to try!
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​“FINALLY! An art show run by artists FOR artists!”
- Marcia Q. Miller

Silent Auction

One of the best tents to check out at the Summer Festival houses the Silent Auction. Each of the artists at Summer SLAM is encouraged to donate a piece of their work to the Silent Auction. As all the profits go to SLAM and its efforts-- from providing resources for artists to funding scholarships. Often there are reproductions of paintings, jewelry, crafts, clothing—a showcase of all that the festival has to offer under one tent. Being that SLAM artists are always skilled makers, there is no donation insignificant or poorly made: all the objects are of fine quality and craftsmanship. As a bidder, you can feel good spending money that will be directly reinvested into your community.

In addition, there are always tons of donations for the Silent Auction provided by incredibly generous local businesses and community members. Every year, the Silent Auction contains donations of massages, oil changes, pet toys, spirits, clothing, gift certificates, swag, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and so many more “Made in Montana” goods and services.

What does this mean for you? Well, sometimes it is like a lucky lottery ticket: you put in a little and get out a lot! It is possible to get an item under its retail value (as most of the items begin at 20% of their retail value), or a unique, one-of-a kind piece at a great price. Sometimes, you can get into a good-natured bidding war with strangers you have never met, and come out the victor filled with the rush of anticipation and excitement that comes from winning an auction. No matter what you spend, you can rest easy knowing that your money will go back into the community, be it through scholarships, events that promote the arts, or community projects.
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Montana Libations Garden

A refreshing adult beverage can really compliment a meal from one of the food artisans at SLAM. Step into our libations garden and you’ll find something that is sure to hit the spot, no matter your preference of pour. The microbrewery scene in Montana has exploded in the past few years, and SLAM is proud to exclusively serve delicious beers from Montana breweries. If liquor is more your speed, distilleries from around the state will be offering samples of some of their products, and will have a featured cocktail available for purchase at the bar that showcase the inspired cocktails that can be made from their craft alcohols. The libations garden is open to SLAM patrons who are 21+ years of age. Please bring your ID if you plan on partaking.
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"Love it! This show is definitely at the top of the list. Easy to set up and very laid back made for a stress free show!"
​-Larry Blackwood

Artists Demonstration Tent

Ever look at a work of art and say, “ I wish I could do that,” or, “How was this made? Its impossible?!” Well, here is your chance to get some answers!  

Throughout the weekend of SLAM, festival attendees have the opportunity to be amazed by artistic masters in action as they present their craft. Each year, SLAM organizes a series of live demos that last less than an hour each, offering patrons an opportunity to travel with the artists through their creative process. The lineup every year is sure to please, with a variety of artistic styles and mediums to learn about, and enthusiastic artists to meet-- from batik silk, bronz​e sculpting, wheel thrown ceramics, glass blowing, cyanotype photography, craft brewing, culinary cuisine, and guitar making just to name a few. Often there are samples to be devoured (such as exquisite finger foods or experimental craft brews) or special projects that have been provided by the artist for the audience to complete (like silk-screen printing or book binding). 

The goal and true purpose of the demonstration tent has always been to connect artists with the community; to create an opportunity to meet, ask questions, and observe the diversity of art; and to inspire, motivate, or tickle the creative urge in everyone. Event coordinators hope you’ll make time to attend these magical sessions! Many of the demonstrating artists teach classes locally, and after immersing yourself in their innovative processes, you just might feel compelled to explore your own artistic side!
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Other Parts Of Summer SLAM

Family Activities
We encourage families to come and enjoy all that SLAM has to offer! Each day, there are activities and crafts that are specifically geared toward our younger patrons. This year, we are excited to offer a new Saturday afternoon craft! Not to mention, throughout the weekend there are bounce houses, sidewalk chalk, and the playground to keep your little ones entertained. Be sure to check the schedule for the family activities schedule.  

Bike Valet
SLAM takes place in one of Bozeman’s best parks, and biking to the park is good for everyone! You don’t have to worry about parking, you get a bit of exercise, and it’s an environmentally responsible mode of transportation. To encourage you to bike to the park, SLAM provides a safe place to park your bike in the bike valet. We’ll check in your bike, keep it safe while you enjoy the festival, and you can collect it when you are ready to leave. The bike valet is FREE, so please take advantage of this perk if you ride your bike to SLAM.

Merchandise and Info Booth
If you are looking for this year’s SLAM t-shirt or our latest swag, be sure to stop by the info booth where we also sell water bottles, hats, bags, and a plethora of SLAM merchandise perfect for your life. If you are also in need of anything, there is always people stationed nearby to help.

Live Art
Each festival there is always a few live artists stationed around the park. In the past, there have been jewelers, ceramicists, glass blowers, and graffiti artists creating work for hours on end, just for your amazement. Be sure to keep an eye out for these random craftsman, often near the Demo Tent or Main Stage.
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SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS
(406) 219-7773
​P.O. Box 2008
​Bozeman, MT 59771
©SLAM 2020
  • Events
    • Summer Festival
    • Winter Showcase
    • Community Jam Series
    • Sip & SLAM
  • Scholarships
  • Public Art
  • Opportunities
    • Call for Artists
    • Become A Board Member
    • Volunteer
    • Sponsor SLAM
  • About
    • MT Artist Directory >
      • Morena
      • Jill Zeidler
  • Artist Relief Fund
  • Contact
  • Donate