A herd of sheep are running down a dirt road.

Labor Day Sheep Drive in Reed Point, MT: A Must-Visit Celebration

Labor Day weekend brings some fun, one-of-a-kind celebrations throughout the United States, celebrating the American workers’ social and economic achievements. Parades, festivals, and often fireworks can be seen throughout different events, with family and friends gathering to enjoy each other’s company. If you’re looking for things to do on Labor Day, look no further than the Reed Point Labor Day Sheep Drive. 


Each year, the small Montana town becomes the centerpiece of a quirky, fun-filled celebration. Visitors from all over the country come to see hundreds of woolly sheep flood Main Street, along with other events taking place throughout the festivities. It’s as authentic as it gets over here in Reed Point, MT. Join us today as we explore why this is a must-visit celebration and what to expect during your time there.

A car is driving down a road surrounded by a herd of sheep.

What is the Reed Point Sheep Drive?

It’s exactly how it sounds: an old-fashioned sheep drive through the heart of Reed Point. For over 30 years, Reed Point has celebrated Labor Day weekend with a flock of sheep being paraded down Main Street, cheered on by spectators, with a bunch of festival activities following suit. 


This isn’t just a parade, either. It’s a celebration of the ranching roots of Montana, as well as the overall community in Reed Point. The event is filled with good food, music, and so much more. It’s a refreshing day from the typical big-city Labor Day crowds, and once you’ve experienced it for the first time, it’ll be easy to see why this is one of the best things to see and do in all of Montana.

Sheep Drive Traditions

The main attraction is, of course, the sheep drive itself. Picture hundreds of sheep herded by ranchers, their sheepdogs, and volunteers, making their way through the center of town. Crowds form on the sidewalks, snapping photos and laughing as the sheep bustle their way along, sometimes getting up close and personal with the visitors.


Over the years, however, the Sheep Drive has grown to include plenty of other traditions, such as:


  • Sheep Races: One of the best things to do in Montana with kids, cheer on your sponsored sheep in a friendly competition.
  • Parade: In addition to the sheep, the town has a classic parade with floats, horses, and vintage cars.
  • Street Vendors: Expect to see local crafts, food booths, and homemade goods.
  • Live Music: Bands jump on stage, bringing lively music to an ever-growing crowd.
  • Community Breakfast: Who doesn’t love a good pancake breakfast?
  • Contests and Games: There are plenty of fun competitions throughout the day, getting your competitive juices flowing!
A red fire truck is parked in front of a crowd of people watching a parade.

What You Can Expect 

Reed Point, MT is a small town. The benefits of this are that the events here feel welcoming and personalized, and you’ll quickly notice an overall buzz in the air. Main Street fills up quickly, so make sure you arrive early to stake out not only a good spot for parking, but a good place to watch the sheep and parade.


One of the best parts of the Sheep Drive festivals is how there’s something for every traveler: families with kids, couples, solo travelers, and more. With so many activities to choose from, plan on spending most of your time wandering from one event to the next, stopping to chat with locals and grab a bite along the way.

The schedule can vary year to year, but it generally follows this pattern:


Morning

  • 8:00 AM: Community Breakfast
  • 9:00-10:00 AM: Vendors open shops
  • 10:30 AM: The parade starts


Midday

  • 12:00 PM: Sheep Drive
  • 12:30 PM: Sheep races and children’s games kick off
  • 1:30 PM: Live music and performances begin
  • All Afternoon: Food trucks, vendors, and games continue 


Evening

  • 5:00 PM or later: Events wind down


It’s a full day, but it’s not rushed. The schedule is flexible and leaves plenty of time to explore and enjoy each other’s company.

Labor Day Sheep Drive Schedule

Stay at Old West RV Park

If you’re planning on making a weekend trip, our property, Old West RV Park, is just down the road from all the action. We have full hookups for your family haulers, clean restrooms, and best of all, free WiFi. Plus, with our free hot showers and large coin-op laundry facilities, rest easy knowing all the luxuries in life are right within walking distance from your RV.


So the next time you’re searching “Labor Day events near me”, consider heading over to Reed Point for the Sheep Drive. Come and experience one of the most memorable celebrations in Big Sky Country.