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2026 Summer Dances
Be sure to check this webpage often as fire/smoke/heat may require us to cancel a dance.
Summer Dances
Lubrecht Forest - Outdoor Summer Contra & Potluck!
The UM Folklore Society & MFS are partnering to offer outdoor summer contra dances at UM's Lubrecht Experimental Forest. Dates listed below.
We have access to Lubrecht starting at 10 am on Saturday until 10 am on Sunday. Bring your camp chairs, musical instruments, hiking shoes, mountain bikes, frisbees, picnic lunches, and potluck dishes for the pre-dance supper! Explore the beautiful forest while hanging out with friends! Bands and callers are listed below.
After the potluck – all food must be stowed in cabins or hard-side vehicles (there are bears !).
Location
The Lubrecht Experimental Forest is located 30 miles east of Missoula on Hwy 200. Coming from Missoula, the turn-in sign for Lubrecht will be on the right (east) side of the highway. After turning in, stay to the right to drive the camp loop (yes, it's a circular loop) to the dance pavillion and the cabins.) Click here for excellent directions.
Cost
$10 donation. Cash or check. Venmo and PayPal (credit card) don't work at Lubrecht. Costs for the venue and band/caller/sound are about $500, so we ask that attendees donate to help with these costs. Our rental includes a dance pavilion & access to bathhouse/restrooms.
Schedule
Saturday
10am to 5pm – Enjoy forest trails on foot or bike, or hang out while picnicking with friends. Bring your musical instrument, dance shoes, and a dish for the potluck dinner. Help us set up for the dance and dinner. There may be some workshops offered (dancing, calling, dance music.)
5pm to 6:30 pm – Potluck in the Pavilion. After the potluck – all food must be stowed in cabins or hard-side vehicles (there are bears !).
7pm to whenever -- Dance, dance, dance! In the pavilion.
Sunday
Morning (for those who stay overnight) – breakfast on your own.
We must be gone by 10 am ... after a good cleaning! ... because we want to be invited back!
Accommodations
Want to stay overnight? (Cash or check. Venmo and PayPal (credit card) don't work at Lubrecht.)
1. Tent & RV camping spaces are $15/person (pay at the dance).
2. Some Cabins & Boxcars have been reserved for us! Gather some friends to fill a cabin or boxcar.
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3-person cabins cost $54
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6-person boxcars cost $65
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Beds are twin beds & bunk beds.
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Bedding is not included – bring your own sleeping bag & pillow.
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If interested in renting a cabin, contact vicki.watson@umontana.edu no later than Thursday before the dance (reservations are made at that time so cabin will be unlocked). Last minute cancellations must pay the full rental rate – so reserve only if you are sure you are coming.
Bands & Callers
Summer 2026 Bands, Callers, & Venues
June 20 - 21, 2026 (Sat-Sun)
Location = Lubrecht Forest
Band = Death Camas
Callers = Sky Cova & Others
Potluck 5pm; Dance 7pm
See above description for more details.
Fairgrounds
July 18 - 19, 2026 (Sat-Sun)
Location = Lubrecht Forest
Band = Swing Away
Callers = Mark Matthews & Others
Potluck 5pm; Dance 7pm
After the potluck – all food must be stowed in cabins or hard-side vehicles (there are bears !).
Aug 15 - 16, 2026 (Sat-Sun)
Location = Lubrecht Forest
Band = TBA
Callers = Mark Matthews/Sky Cova
Potluck 5pm; Dance 7pm
See above description for more details.
Last updated May 23, 2026
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