Entertainment is at the heart of the Russell Legacy experience. We are curating a lineup that reflects the spirit of Charlie Russell himself — bold, authentic, rooted in the West, and full of life. We are currently working on securing our musical performers and will be announcing our headliner soon. Being at the Legacy Concert means being part of a historic moment that the Great Falls community and the broader Montana region will remember for generations.

10am – 10:45am

On October 10, 2026, Central Avenue in Great Falls will come alive with a once-in-a-century celebration honoring the life, art, and enduring legacy of Charlie Russell. One hundred years after his passing, the Charlie Russell Legacy Parade brings together cowboys, First Peoples, artists, musicians, ranchers, and communities from across the region to march alongside history. Rooted in the themes Russell held closest – the open range, the untamed Montana wilderness, the nations he painted and admired, and the spirit of the West – this parade is a living tribute to the stories, landscapes, and people that defined his legacy. From living art that breathes new life into his paintings to the traditions of the frontier carried forward by generations, the Legacy Parade is a celebration that Great Falls and all of Montana will treasure for years to come.

11am – 3pm

Great Falls, Montana will come alive on the C.M. Russell Museum campus for a once-in-a-century celebration honoring Charlie Russell’s extraordinary legacy through art, history, music, food, and community. This free, Saturday event is a true celebration for everyone – drawing art lovers, history enthusiasts, and Western culture fans from across the region and beyond. Explore the grounds with live entertainment, food trucks, Traditional Native Games, interactive demonstrations, arts and crafts, educational programming, speakers, film, and a vibrant marketplace of vendors and artists. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer of Russell’s work or simply looking to be part of something historic, the Legacy Celebration is a gathering of community spirit, Western heritage, and shared pride – all set on the very campus where his legend lives on.

11am – 3pm

The legacy of Charlie Russell doesn’t end with his brush – it lives on in the artists he continues to inspire. The Next Generation Art Showcase is a special exhibition dedicated entirely to the creative voices of today’s high school students, inviting young artists from across the region to stand alongside a legend and show the world what the next chapter of Western art looks like. This is not a competition – it is a celebration. Every participating student is an exhibiting artist and an honored part of this once-in-a-century moment. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, with People’s Choice Awards recognizing the top three works as chosen by the community. All artwork will remain on display for 30 days following the October 10th celebration – a lasting tribute to the next generation carrying Russell’s spirit forward.