Broadway hits by the lake in Bigfork's summer theater
Experience Broadway by the bay at Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s 66th season with shows like Catch Me If You Can and Shrek the Musical. Join us for unforgettable performances.
Event details
Bigfork may be best known for its turquoise bays, lakefront drives, and fly-fishing shops, but summer here is about more than just water and mountain air. It’s also about standing ovations and shouted bingo calls. Two beloved experiences—distinct in tone but united by place—anchor the season: the Bigfork Summer Playhouse and Bingo Sundays at the Sitting Duck.
These aren’t overlapping events, but together they map the rhythm of a Bigfork summer: performance by night, play by day.
Part One: Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Broadway by Flathead
Now entering its 66th season, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse is known locally as “the theatre by the bay”—an intimate playhouse just off Electric Avenue that draws big talent to a small stage overlooking Flathead Lake.
From June through late August, this acclaimed venue delivers a rotating lineup of Broadway musicals, comedies, and special events. In 2026, the season includes productions of Crazy for You and Jersey Boys, plus the annual Benefit Revue, a scholarship-driven gala showcasing top performers of the season. Evening curtains make space for full summer days—perfect for paddleboarding, brewery visits, or an afternoon swim.
Founded in 1960 and a recipient of the Montana Governor’s Award for the Arts, the Playhouse boasts alumni who have gone on to national acclaim, including Emmy and Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons. But its heart remains local: cast and crew are handpicked from across the country and mentored onsite, with a commitment to education and artistic growth. Many performers return year after year, creating a family-like energy that carries from backstage to the front row.
Tickets go on sale each April (for 2026, mark April 15), and shows typically run six nights a week during peak summer months. The atmosphere is polished but never stuffy—more high-talent repertory company than black-tie affair.
Located in downtown Bigfork, accessible via Highway 35 and just 35 miles south of Glacier Park International Airport.
Who it’s for: Theater lovers, families, Flathead vacationers, and anyone who wants a little Broadway energy in a mountain town.
Why go: For the rare combination of professional performance and lakeside charm—and the thrill of seeing future stars in their early roles.
Information not accurate?
Help us improve by making a suggestion.
