Local Events & Happenings

This annual cleanup event takes place the 3rd Saturday in April and focuses on organizing efforts to engage our community towards a cleaner and brighter space. Trash bags and safety  vests are supplied; you rally your friends and family, choose a route, and  feel good about picking up around our beautiful spaces.

As Spring arrives and fills our days with sunshine and warmth, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and tidy up before we fully embrace the delights of summer. Join us, alongside your fellow community members, in sprucing up our beloved home – the place where we work, live, and play. This event is suitable for the whole family,  we recommend bringing your own work gloves, dressing in bright colors for visibility, and wearing comfy shoes.

The Lakeside 4th of July Fireworks Show is a hallmark summer event on Flathead Lake and an annual family tradition for countless generations. Once again, it's that time of year, and the Lakeside Somers Chamber of Commerce is leading the fundraising efforts for this event that so many of us enjoy every Independence Day.

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Some may not realize, but this show is entirely community funded, made possible solely by the generous contributions of our community members, local businesses, and visitors. We are grateful for your past involvement and thank you for helping make this cherished local tradition a success! We look forward to your continued support and sharing this delightful experience with your friends, family, and neighbors.

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Consider a donation to keep this Flathead Lake tradition alive. Click 'More Details' to easily donate online or to learn more.

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Join us for a day of family fun and community spirit at the Lakeside Fair on July 12th in beautiful Lakeside, Montana! Organized by the ladies of the Lakeside Community Club, the Lakeside Somers Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses, this event promises something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

Pancake Breakfast • Start your day with a delicious Pancake Breakfast at The Gathering Place. Enjoy fluffy pancakes and other breakfast delights while mingling with friends and neighbors.

Treasure Sale • 9am-3pm • Find hidden gems and great deals at the Treasure Sale! Early bird shopping is available on the Thursday prior from 7-9pm with an entry fee. There is also an exclusive gift certificate sale, silent auction, and split-the-pot! All proceeds from this sale support local nonprofits and community events through the Lakeside Community Club's mission of giving back.

Community Parade • 11am w. Lineup at 10am • Show off your creativity and community spirit in the Community Parade! All are welcome to attend and participate; there are no fees for floats and all you have to do is show up at the Glacier Bank parking lot at lineup time and get a number from our parade organizers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business or organization to the community - or - to catch candy along the west side of Highway 93.

Food Trucks! TBA.

Kid’s Carnival • 11:30am-1pm • The fun Kid’s Carnival is better than ever! Kid’s can enjoy a variety of games, win exciting prizes, savor shaved ice treats, and explore the kid's treasure sale - all within The Gathering Place’s parking lot (right across from Lakeside Elementary School).

Watermelon Eating Contest • 12:30pm • Get ready to sink your teeth into the sweetest, juiciest event of the day! Only 24 spots available; signup after the parade at the flatbed trailer after the parade ends!

Duck Races • 4pm • Don’t miss the infamous Duck Races at Tamarack Brewing Company! Bet $5 a duck and cheer on your favorite rubber ducks as they race down Stoner Creek to the finish line. This event is a favorite among both children and adults!

Join us at the Lakeside Fair for a day filled with fun and community camaraderie. We can’t wait to see you there!

Run for the love of Flathead Lake on Sunday, July 27! This is an exclusive and professionally timed  run, the only one along the shores of Flathead Lake! Featuring our popular 5k, in  addition to a 10k and kid’s 1-mile run! 

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Our mission for this event is to not only create a fun family-friendly event for our  community, but ultimately to create awareness around protecting and preserving  Flathead Lake. This year, we’ve teamed up with not one, but two incredible local non-profits with like-minded missions. We are happy to announce a portion of  proceeds will be donated to the Flathead Lake Bio Station and the Flathead Lakers.  Both of these organizations focus on research, stewardship, education and  outreach as a means to provide a voice and advocacy for our spectacular lake. 

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With our communities growing all around us, the use of Flathead Lake naturally  increases, and our goal is to create increased awareness about the importance of  continued lake health so future generations can continue to enjoy. Flathead Lake is  paramount not only to the many forms of life it serves, but to the success of the  small communities surrounding it.  

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Proceeds from this event ensure that not only the awareness continues to grow,  but that the visitors it attracts stay for a night or two, buy coffee, beer and goods  from our local, family-owned and operated businesses. 

The 5k and 10k are open to all ages and families (strollers welcome), and the kids  1-mile run is limited to 12 and under. Join us in Volunteer Park on Sunday, July  21st, 2024! Your contribution directly supports Flathead Lake and our beautiful  community to ensure it may be enjoyed for generations to come. 

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This event will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Volunteer Park. All registrants  will be given a Flathead Lake t-shirt; select your size when you register at  FlatheadLakeRun.com. To guarantee your size, please signup prior to July 10.

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Event Times: 

7AM: Registration begins + pickup your bib and t-shirt 

8:00AM: 10K race begins 

8:30AM: 5K race begins 

9:00AM: Lineup for Kid’s Mile Run begins (start time will depend on when  majority of 5k/10k runners are back) 

9:30AM: Winners will be announced and cash prizes will be given out

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Join us for a spooktacular evening of family fun at Lakeside's annual Trunk or Treat!

With over 25 creatively decorated trunks from local businesses, organizations, and families, this event is perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy a safe, candy-filled Halloween celebration. While it's the same exciting event you've come to love, this year we’re asking all participating trunks to register in advance, so we can plan the perfect amount of space for everyone.

This year we've got you covered for dinner! The Corndog House and Mother Chorizos will be on site to satisfy your family's hunger after a full day of spooky fun—because we all know how those sugar crashes hit. Come in costume and bring your Halloween spirit—we can’t wait to see you there!

Again, if you're interested in hosting a trunk, please register by emailing lakesidesomers@gmail.com by October 24th.

Save the date to celebrate all things Lakeside and Somers!

Join us September 26th from 5:30-9pm at the Historic Somers Mansion featuring live music from Big Sky City Lights, charcuterie, bar from Glacier Perks, delicious catered dinner from S&M Catering, community networking, interactive game of Heads & Tails, silent auction, raffle baskets galore, and more! We look forward to celebrating our community and its dedicated members and businesses, along with the Chamber Member of the Year, Captain's Award, and Ambassador of the Year!

Chamber Member of the Year Award: This award is given to a person who has displayed outstanding participation and productivity within the Chamber. Their efforts have allowed the Chamber and its members to achieve their goals. This individual has gone above and beyond the
call of duty to contribute a great deal to the success of the Chamber and deserves to be recognized.

Captain's Award (Community Service Volunteer of the Year): This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an individual who has made a devoted commitment to our community. This award honors a civic and volunteer spirit that spans a lifetime. This person has made the communities of Lakeside and Somers better places to live and work and should be proud of their
overwhelming contributions.

Please submit all nominations via this link by Sept 1st:

‍https://forms.gle/areyVmwuQsDXpQy5aMK6

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Join us on Tuesday, October 29th, from 4pm to 5pm, for a thrilling Chamber BASH hosted by Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster! This is the perfect opportunity to network with fellow members and community enthusiasts while exploring the haunted coaster and other exciting activities FLAC has to offer.

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In addition to coaster rides, Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster will be grilling up delicious burgers and hotdogs, and you’ll also get to try their newest attraction: gem mining! Stay informed on upcoming community events and initiatives, all while enjoying a fun-filled fall afternoon.

Be sure to dress warmly, or cross your fingers for a beautiful autumn day. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Free for chamber members, $5 for guests

Get ready to celebrate the magic of the season at Lakeside's 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a heartwarming, family-friendly event that brings the community together!

Our festivities include a dazzling lighted tree display, a cozy s'mores bar by the fire pits, cheerful live music by El Tico Y La Macha, and delicious treats from local drink and food trucks. Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, and their jolly crew of elves will be there to spread holiday cheer!

Please share the joy by bringing a donation (or a few) for the West Shore Food Bank. We welcome non-expired, unopened non-perishable items and toiletries to help our neighbors in need.

Join us for the tree lighting at 6:30PM, with Santa arriving just before to kick off the holiday season!

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This year you can expect a great lineup of food, bev and family-friendly activities!

Food & Bev: Harbor Grille, Tamarack Brewing Company, Glacier Perks, Mavericks Roadhouse, Mother Chorizos, and The Frey Guys

Complimentary Activities & Tents: S'mores Bar by Camp Martini, Treasure State Coffee Co serving cider and coffee, hot cocoa by 24/7 Vintage & Thrift, Under 5 "Glow Tent" by Vacation Flathead, Color-Your-Own Ornament by Lakeside Development Community Foundation/Wendi Phelps Massage, Gem Jewelry Making by Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster, and a Warming Tent by Pure West Real Estate.

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January BASH: Kick Off 2025 with the Lakeside Somers Chamber!

Join us for the first Business Associates Social Hour (BASH) of 2025! Let’s reconnect after the holidays, welcome new members, and collaborate on exciting plans for the year ahead.

🗓 Date: Tuesday, January 28th
🕔 Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Harbor Grille (7135 US Hwy 93, Lakeside)

Enjoy beer and wine from Harbor Grille, light nibbles, and the unbeatable dining views of Flathead Lake. This is the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and kickstart the new year with fellow business professionals.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and community! We look forward to seeing you there.

Free for active members, $5 for all guests.

Winterfest 2025 is a celebration of winter, community, and local charm in Lakeside. This event invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the season with a variety of activities that capture the spirit of the Flathead Valley. From outdoor adventures in the snow to cozy gatherings by the fire, Winterfest offers something for everyone. It’s a time to connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and revel in the beauty of winter while creating lasting traditions. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring snowy trails, or warming up with friends over hearty food and drinks, Winterfest is the perfect way to experience the magic of Lakeside in winter.

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10AM • Family Cup Ski Races • Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Kick off the day with a family-friendly ski race at Blacktail Mountain; whether you compete for awards or watch the fun, it’s always a good time up on the slopes! Various awards sponsored by Glacier Perks. Catch all the details including registration time at blacktailmountain.com/family-cup-races. The Family Cup Race promises fun for all ages and abilities. Stick around after the races for the awards ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the fastest families and best moments of the day.

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11AM-5PM • Winter Coaster Rides • Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster

A fun family-activity, grab your mittens and head to the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster! Mention 'Winterfest' for a Buy One, Get One Free Ride!

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12PM • Guided Snowshoeing • Foys to Blacktail SOLD OUT

Join Justin from Sea Me Paddle for a 1-hour beginner-friendly snowshoe adventure starting at the Foys to Blacktail Trailhead. Complimentary rentals available upon request. 15 spots available; call or text (406) 709-2124 to reserve your spot!

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2-4PM • Community Sauna & Cold Plunge • The Cabins At Blacktail

Relax and recharge with a healing sauna and invigorating natural spring cold plunge at The Cabins at Blacktail. Hot drinks and fire pits available for mingling. Specials run all day! Use code WINTERFEST for 50% off your 1hr session or drop-in during the event from 2-4pm for $6 30min sessions starting on the hour and half hour! Reserve your 1hr session at thecabinsatblacktail.com/sauna or drop in during the event. Code only valid for 2.1.25.

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4:30PM • Outdoor Movie & Chili Bar • Harbor Grille
Gather at Harbor Grill for an outdoor movie experience with the viewing of a family-friendly classic, Ice Age, surrounded by cozy fire pits and heaters; don’t forget to bring your own camp chairs and blankets! Enjoy happy hour specials and a chili bar.

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5PM • Montana Luau • Tamarack Brewing Company
Escape the winter blues and dive into the Montana Tropics at Tamarack Brewing Company’s with their signature Winterfest pig roast! Think leis, tiki torches, and summer cocktail specials—because nothing says “Montana winter” like pretending you’re at a beach luau with snow-capped mountains in the background.

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8PM • Disco DJ Dance Party • Mavericks Roadhouse
End the night with a groovy disco party at Mavs! Throw on your best retro or neon attire—or rock some throwback ski gear—and dance the night away with the DJ!

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