Celebrating Community Heartbeat: Watford City Homefest 2026
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Independence day may be over, but the celebratory spirit is still in full swing as the city gears up for Homefest 2026, a weekend full of festivities where neighbors truly come together. This July 10th and 11th, the event returns, and is intended to serve as a reminder about why Watford City is a great place to call home. Whether you are hitting the pavement for the Homefest Run, watching the foam fly at a family party, or cheering on local talent at the Tourist Park, the weekend is designed to pull residents away from their screens and back into the center of what matters most, each other.
This year, the celebration organizers are hopeful it will carry a deeper meaning as community members gather to honor the land and the history that shaped our region. On Friday evening, the community will assemble at the Long X Visitor Center to unveil “Jonesy,” a stunning, life-sized longhorn sculpture crafted by renowned artist John Lopez. By fusing discarded farm equipment and scrap iron, Lopez has created a masterpiece that stands as a tribute to the historic Long X Cattle Trail. It is a moment to pause and appreciate the rugged legacy of the cowboys and ranchers who traversed these Badlands long ago, connecting our modern lives to the traditions that defined the American West.
The true magic of Homefest, however, lies in its ability to anchor us in the present. As Jessie Scofield beautifully captured the spirit of the weekend: “In our ever-changing community, events like Art in the Park, class reunions at Homefest and street dances aren’t just dates on a calendar, they are the heartbeat of our community that remind us that it’s the people that make this a wonderful place to live, work and visit. These events serve as invitations for us to pause our busy lives, step outside, and reconnect with the people who make this place home.”
Beyond the unveiling of the longhorn sculpture, the weekend is packed with a high-energy lineup that offers something for everyone, turning the entire city into a stage for community spirit. Friday night sets the tone with a performance of Rapunzel by the Missoula Children’s Theater at the WCHS Theater, followed by a lively street dance on Main Street featuring the music of Rock Creek Revival. Saturday morning shifts into high gear with the Parks and Recreation’s Homefest Run, while the friendly competition continues with the mud volleyball tournament and the afternoon cornhole tournament on Main Street. Families can also head to the Tourist Park for the beloved Art in the Park, which features local artists, food, face painting, and the highly anticipated foam parties. Young families will have their chance to shine at the Beaver Creek Kids Baby Pageant, and the day reaches a creative crescendo with the Homefest Talent Contest and a performance by the MHA Nation Cultural Dancers, before the weekend wraps up with a second street dance featuring the Mere Mortals.
Whether you are participating in the tournaments, browsing the local art, or simply catching up with neighbors over free ice cream, this weekend is truly designed to bring everyone together. Homefest is meant to be a shared invitation to celebrate the people, the art, and the memories that keep our community’s heartbeat strong.
For a full schedule, vendor list, or details on how to get involved, you can visit longxarts.com or reach out to the event organizers for more information. Organizers are looking forward to seeing the community come alive and celebrating everything that makes Watford City a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.