15th Anniversary Programs

Work Skills Mini-Workshops

Thursday, July 23rd | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM  | Cost $40

Build practical skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Each mini- workshop is designed to build confidence through foundational techniques. Workshops are open to individuals 18 years or older, co-ed and led by a cadre of women instructors. Choose one of our two offerings:

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• Trailer Backing Mini-Workshop: Gain hands-on experience with bumper pull trailers, including proper hitching techniques and straight backing. This session is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence maneuvering a bumper pull trailer in a safe, guided setting. Participants must bring their own vehicle and trailer. Space is limited to 8 participants, and pre-registration is required. 

• Chainsaw Skills Mini-Workshop: Learn essential chainsaw operation skills, including safe starting techniques and basic cutting methods. Practice these basic cuts with cookie cutting and precision skill building. This workshop focuses on safety, control, and building comfort with the tool. Limited to 12  participants with pre-registration required.

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Register today as these opportunities will not last. Payment will be processed through the Red Ants Pants Foundation. Registrations are final non-transferrable and non-refundable. A spot in the workshop cannot be held without payment. Mini-Workshop locations and program details will be shared with registered participants.​

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Work Skills Warm Ups

Thursday, July 23rd | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Free

Curious about the crosscut or nailed it competitions but not quite ready to compete? This is your chance to give it a try. These low-pressure, drop-in sessions are perfect for anyone who wants to learn, practice, and get a feel for the tools in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The warm up opportunities will take place in the Campground, specific locations will be listed in the Music Festival Newspaper available onsite. No pre-registration or partner is required—just sign up when you arrive and join in on one of our two practice sessions. All ages are welcome, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to complete the required waiver.

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• Crosscut Practice: Try your hand at this collaborative and time-honored method of cutting wood, working together and finding the rhythm along the way.

• Nailed It Practice: Drop in to learn proper techniques and build confidence in a fun, approachable setting—did you know there is a right way to swing a hammer?​

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Film Shorts Launch Party

Thursday July 23rd | 4:00 PM (~1hr) | $10 Suggested Donation

This year’s short films reflect the mission of the Red Ants Pants Foundation. Together, these stories highlight themes of place, identity, and rural experience, while also uplifting the importance of developing leadership opportunities for women, supporting working family farms and ranches, and enriching rural communities. Your donation directly supports the programs of the Foundation.

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Screenings will continue throughout the weekend, check out the Red Ants Pants Music Festival Newspaper, available onsite, for more details. Films will be announced soon, stay connected through our newsletter, the ANTecdote, for more information.

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Community Grant Panel Discussion

Thursday, July 23rd | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Free

Join an engaging conversation focused on rural creativity, leadership, and community impact. This panel brings together inspiring voices from our Community Grant Recipients from across Montana. Each year, with proceeds from the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, the Red Ants Pants Foundation awards grants to organizations and individuals whose projects further our mission pillar of enriching and promoting rural communities. To date, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has granted $210,000 to over 150 entities across nearly every corner of Montana!

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Hosted in collaboration with Megan Torgerson, founder and host of Reframing Rural and a 2026 Community Grant recipient, the discussion will highlight a range of community organizations and initiatives from across the state.

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