Small Town, Big Sound: Harlo Music Project Returns for Its 7th Year

When most people think of summer music festivals, their minds drift to sprawling fields packed with thousands of fans and corporate sponsors. But in Harlowton, Montana, population roughly 1,000, the Harlo Music Project proves that sometimes the best music happens where you least expect it.

Returning for its seventh year on Saturday, August 9, 2025, this beloved festival has carved out a unique niche by pairing nationally recognized artists with the timeless charm of a good old-fashioned street dance. The result? An intimate gathering that feels more like a community celebration than a commercial enterprise.

This year's headliner, Colby Acuff, embodies everything the festival stands for. The Idaho-raised artist brings a gritty, no-frills approach to country music that's refreshingly free from modern industry polish. His raw, honest style speaks to fans hungry for authenticity in an increasingly manufactured musical landscape. It's the kind of sound that feels right at home on Harlowton's Main Street.

Joining Acuff on the main stage are The Wilder Blue, a five-piece Texas outfit whose harmonies and rootsy blend of Americana, rock, and bluegrass have earned them a devoted following across the country. Tyler Halverson rounds out the main stage lineup with his distinctive mix of twang and edge, delivering songs that balance heartache and humor with a restless spirit that captures the modern American experience.

The festival's intimate scale allows for a second stage at Gally's, where the local flavor really shines through. Wyoming songwriter Kalyn Beasley brings cowboy authenticity to her reflective tunes, while Montana's own Lindsay Lawlis and the Running Wild offer smoky vocals and indie-infused outlaw country. Billings-based Jenna Greenwell kicks off the day at 3:20 PM with songs that capture life's nuances with remarkable clarity and warmth.

Beyond the music, Harlo Music Project maintains its community roots through thoughtful touches that larger festivals often overlook. Kids 12 and under get free admission, families can enjoy complimentary face painting, and food vendors like Dean's Dogs, Habana 406, Poky Smoky BBQ, Montana Melt, and Happy Tummy Kusina ensure nobody goes hungry. For those wanting to extend the experience, camping is available at nearby Chief Joseph Park, less than half a mile from the action.

Perhaps most telling is the festival's choice of community partner: the Wheatland County Food Bank will receive a portion of this year's proceeds, demonstrating the event's commitment to supporting the very community that makes it possible.

In an era when authentic experiences feel increasingly rare, Harlo Music Project offers something genuinely special—a place where world-class music meets small-town hospitality, where artists and audiences connect on a human scale, and where the magic happens not despite the rural setting, but because of it.

Advance tickets are $45 and available online at harlomusicproject.com/tickets or at Gally's Brewing Company in Harlowton. Gates open at 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 9.