International Festival Set for May 1 in Dillon

DILLON — The University of Montana Western, in partnership with downtown Dillon businesses, will host an International Festival on Friday, May 1, 2026, featuring a full day of cultural activities, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences throughout the community.

The festival will highlight traditions from around the world with events taking place at multiple downtown locations.

A featured International Luncheon will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Andrus Hotel Gathering Place.

Festival Activities Include:

• The Cottage — Mini spell jars and ritual fire bags celebrating Gaelic Beltane traditions

• Dillon Public Library (9 a.m. & 3 p.m.) — Red lantern making and calligraphy workshops

• Spellbound Piercing (1–2 p.m.) — History and culture of body modification, plus jewelry-making workshop and all-day nose piercing special

• Bank of Commerce (12 p.m.) — “Money From the World” presentation

• Badger Archery (12:15 p.m.) — The rich history of archery from around the world

• Beaverhead Bikes — Trail biking in the Swiss Alps

• Andrus Hotel — Exhibition: A Prehistoric Legacy: Jade Artifacts from the Lingjiatan Culture of Anhui, China

• Beaverhead County Museum (9–11 a.m.) — Translating Chinese documents exploring local historical connections

• The Bookstore — Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes feature

• Patagonia (1–2 p.m.) — “The Art of Repair: Boro and Sashiko Traditions”

• Sweetwater Coffee — Coffee and tea from around the world

• The Tabletop Vault — Board games from around the world

Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together while celebrating global cultures through food, art, history, and hands-on learning.