Zootown Festival Returns to Missoula for Second Year, Showcasing Major Headliners and Expanded Amenities

Missoula’s Fairgrounds will echo with rock, folk, and blues as the Zootown Festival returns on June 19‑20, 2026. The two‑day event will feature two stages and a lineup that includes The Lumineers, The Chicks, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Founded by University of Montana alumnus Scott Osburn, the festival was conceived to invite visitors to enjoy Missoula’s natural surroundings while soaking in quality music. “What we look to see is a beautiful weekend here in Missoula and great music too,” Osburn told local media, adding that the return for a second consecutive year reflects his investment in the community.

Last year’s inaugural edition drew crowds from across the country, headlined by Hozier and Kacey Musgraves. This year, the program builds on that success with more merchandise stalls and a partnership with the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium, which will open for paid attendees during afternoon hours.

Parking has been expanded to accommodate the anticipated larger crowd. Osburn explained that several lots around the Fairgrounds—ranging from Sentinel High School to Splash and the Christian Life Center—have been rented specifically for festival‑goers. A shuttle service will run from the University of Montana and a stop in front of the Elks Lodge in downtown Missoula.

Ticket sales data released by the festival indicate that 60 % of tickets have been sold ahead of the same period last year, a figure that suggests strong demand. Osburn said the festival aims to create a significant economic impact for Missoula, noting that the city’s population was estimated at 78,204 in 2024 and its metropolitan area at 128,000.

Missoula, the county seat of Missoula County, hosts the University of Montana, a public research university. The city’s economy historically relied on lumber and the university, but today its largest employers include the university, county schools, and local hospitals.

The schedule will feature two stages with overlapping sets, allowing attendees to experience a range of genres from folk‑rock to blues. The inclusion of The Lumineers, known for hits such as “Ho Hey” and “Cleopatra,” and The Chicks, formerly the Dixie Chicks, underscores the festival’s appeal to a broad audience.

Osburn emphasized that the festival’s growth is tied to community support. “We just really want everyone to get together, have a good time, and enjoy the music,” he said. The event’s website provides details on ticket pricing, parking reservations, and the shuttle timetable.

The Zootown Festival’s return is part of a broader trend of regional festivals seeking to boost local economies through tourism and entertainment. While the organizers have not announced future dates beyond the current year, the strong ticket sales and expanded amenities suggest a continued focus on growth.

For those interested in attending, tickets remain available through the festival’s official website. Parking reservations can be made online, and shuttle schedules are posted for the event days.

In summary, the 2026 Zootown Festival will deliver a two‑day lineup of prominent artists, enhanced visitor services, and a commitment to supporting Missoula’s economy, building on the success of its inaugural 2025 event.