Montana offers vast and varied cultural, recreational and historical events that highlight all of the quirky, authentic flavor of the Big Sky state. Here's a sampling of what's on the calendar for the months ahead. For a complete listing go to visitmt.com
October
First Friday Gallery Night
Missoula, MT
10/2-12/4
406.532.3240
First Friday Gallery Night features various art exhibition openings between 15 and 20 galleries and museums from local and national artists the first Friday of every month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Beautiful art, the opportunity to meet artists, complimentary appetizers and refreshments that creates a wonderful experience for both tourists and residents
Bridger Raptor Festival
Bozeman, MT
10/3-10/4
406.556.5672
The Bridger Raptor Festival is an annual event held in and around Bozeman Montana. The festival, which is free to the public, centers around an annual count each Fall of the largest known golden eagle migration in the United States. The Bridger Raptor Festival takes place at the Bridger Bowl ski area in the Gallatin National Forest just north of Bozeman. Activities include a Wildlife Film Festival, interpretive programs with live raptors, nature walks and talks, face painting, storytelling, education and entertainment programs for people of all ages.
Oktoberfest
Glasgow, MT
10/10
406.228.2222
Fun family day in downtown Glasgow. The day will include pancake breakfast, vendors, pumpkin carving contest, pie and hotdog eating contest, outhouse races, tug a war, a children's parade. The NE Children's Museum will have a vendor booth with kids learning activities. There will be a farmers market, vendors, beer gardens, jam session and featuring the Saskatoon Police Pipe Band.
Humanities Montana: Festival of the Book
Missoula, MT
10/22-10/24
406.243.6022
For three days and nights, Montana celebrates reading, writing and books. Humanities Montana Festival of the Book features over 70 of the region's writers in a variety of readings, panels, exhibits, demonstrations, a literary contest, signings, entertainment, receptions and tours connected to festival events.
Bannack Ghost Walks
Bannack, MT
10/23-10/24
406.834.3413
Bannack's wild past comes alive at Ghost Walks. Co-sponsored with the Bannack Association. The ghosts of Henry Plummer, Chief Snag, Dutch John Wagonor and others come to life in this spooky and entertaining Halloween event.
All Hallows Eve and Terror Train
Nevada City, MT
10/30-10/31
406.843.5247
Head to a place with safe Halloween trick-or-treating, gypsy fortune telling, apple bobbing, face painting, cookie decorating, ghost walk tours and a ride on the spooky train!
November
Billings Symphony & Chorale: American Favorites
Billings, MT
11/7
406.252.3610
On November 7th the Symphony presents 'American Favorites' when Broadway singer Doug LaBrecque, whose beautiful tenor voice has been enjoyed beyond Broadway by audiences across the nation, joins the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, prepared by Steven Hart, to deliver memorable tunes like Over The Rainbow, Lion King, Before the Parade Passes, Luck Be A Lady and Leonard Bernstein's Candide Suite.
Bigfork Elves Decorate for Christmas
Bigfork, MT
11/21
406.837.5888
Elves gather at the Bigfork Inn, then disperse throughout the village decorating for the Christmas Season. Sleigh rides set the stage for Christmas. Art Walk is from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Tree Lighting will be at 7:00pm.
Yellowstone Ski Festival
West Yellowstone, MT
11/24-11/28
406.599.4465
Thanksgiving week, as always, will feature the Fall Camp Nordic Ski, manufacturer's exhibits, motivational talks, wax clinics, racing events and an overall warm feeling of camaraderie. The clinics are of varying lengths and fees. Everyone is welcome from novice to expert.
December
Christmas Stroll
Bozeman, MT
12/5
406.586.4008
The Children's Parade kicks off the Main Street activities at 4:30pm, which include music, food vendors, children's outdoor activities, horse drawn hay wagon rides, caroling, street performers and shopping. Outdoor activities include a children's parade and hay rides. Entertainment will be provided at the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture and other downtown business locations through out the day and into the night.
A Real Country Christmas, At A Real Country Store
Virgelle, MT
12/5-12/6
406.378.3110
Celebrate the season at Virgelle, Montana. A ghost town along the 'Wild and Scenic' Missouri River. The Virgelle Merc. & Antiques will offer antiques, art, collectibles, refreshments, silent auction, Artist and Friends.
West Yellowstone Sled Dog Races
West Yellowstone, MT
12/10-12/12
406.646.4988
Klondike Dreams Kennel, along with the town of West Yellowstone would like to invite you to attend this years Sled Dog Race! Our area normally enjoys a good early season snow pack, making for the perfect first race of the season. We have good trails, beautiful scenery, and a fun atmosphere, so come and join us!
RUST - Rails Under The Stars
Big Sky, MT
12/19
406.995.5765
RUST is a nighttime rail event that features local and regional skiers and snowboarders who entertain the crowd, showing off their newest tricks on the rails and funboxes that are illuminated in the base area. After the fireworks show the crowd can visit parties held in the Mountain Mall.
Holiday Candlelight Tours of Lewis and Clark Caverns
Whitehall, MT
12/19-12/29
406.287.3541
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park offers candlelight tours in December, weather permitting. See the cave as the original discoverers did, by candlelight. These guided tours take 2 hours and require a 2-mile round trip walk. Visitors should be prepared to hike outside in wintertime conditions to the mouth of the cave. Be prepared for snow and cold temperatures.
Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade With Santa
Whitefish, MT
12/24
406.862.2900
Santa and his elves arrive on the Whitefish Mountain Resort escorted by a spectacular torchlight parade. This annual event has thrilled thousands over the years. Torchlight Parade begins at 7:00pm when Santa joins mountain employees in a spectacular procession down Toni Matt. Best viewing is from the main village area outside of Moguls or by the Chalet. Hot chocolate and Schnapps will be served slopeside.
New Years Eve Gala Event
Fort Benton, MT
12/31
406.622.1882
This New Year's Eve the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton is offering a special package. The event includes an elegant 5-course dinner in our three diamond riverside Union Grille Restaurant, live music in the lobby, champagne toast at midnight, luxurious guest rooms, special prizes and New Year's Day Brunch. This is your chance to dress in black tie or western and enjoy an evening of historical elegance, excellent cuisine and fantastic service.
January
Annual Flathead Lake Polar Bear PlungeBigfork, MT
1/1
406.837.2836
The Polar Bear Plunge is every January 1st, 2:00pm at the Raven Brew Pub in Woods Bay on Flathead Lake. The Raven is open for those wishing to eat and drink. T-shirts are available to Plungers at $8.00 each. It is a family event to welcome the New Year with a chilling dip. Spectators are welcome also. Bring your suit, towel, camera and good humor. Costumes are encouraged.
Annual Ski Fest
Essex, MT
1/16-1/17
406.888.5700
The Annual Ski Fest is a worldwide celebration of cross-country skiing. Featuring family activities, equipment demonstrations, free ski lessons, discounted ski rentals and free ski trail passes. Special room rates are available.
Skin to Win Randonnee Festival
Bozeman, MT
1/29-1/30
406.586.1518
This is the 6th year for this mountaineering event at Bridger. Recreational and professional divisions for men and women available. This is a high endurance event requiring the ascent of several thousand feet and then descending steep expert terrain. Great prizes for top finishing competitors. Door prizes, too!
Micro Brew Review and Cool Dog Ball
Helena, MT
1/29
406.447.1535
Annual Micro-Brew Review & Cool Dog event will be at the Helena Civic Center Ballroom from 6:00 to midnight. This party is way too cool to miss out on and it is a major fundraiser for Race to the Sky. Come support the race and sample some amazing microbrews and come listen to some great dance music of Big Mumbo Blues! The Big Mumbo Blues Band made their Helena debut at the Mount Helena Music Festival. For this performance they will add both their sax and trumpet player to the mix to accompany Northwest Inland Award Winning band.
