First Friday with Race to the Sky at Bernice's Bakery
2026-01-02 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Bernice’s Bakery, 190 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States
The art of Montana’s Race to the Sky long-distance sled dog race is featured on First Friday, January 2 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bernice’s Bakery in Missoula

Race to the Sky is the annual, long-distance, sled dog race. It challenges dog teams and mushers from many of the States, Canada, and other Countries. Many of the works show as they cross the Continental Divide through spectacular Montana scenery. The race is an Iditarod Qualifier and commemorates the World War Two Camp Rimini War Dog Reception and Training Center west of Helena and the dogs and mushers who were there.The dogs are real athletes, and only make the team if they show the enthusiasm for distance running. They bark and yip and jump until the command to “hike” is given, then they are all business! The only sounds are foot pats on the snow and the whoosh of sled runners as they take off up the trail into silence. The musher depends on his/her dogs, especially lead dogs, as a team travels remote mountain trails from checkpoint to checkpoint.

This collection of signed and limited edition prints showcases the visually stunning aspects of the sport. Featured artists include Sharon Hiner, Jerry Inman, Judy Johnson, Steven Oiestad, Jeff Schultz, Mike Simpson, Alan Snell, Alex Worthy and Karen Williams-Williams. These artists with two exceptions live and work in Montana. If you like what you see, go to their websites and contact them!

Volunteers make the race possible, and if you have always wanted to get up close to this exciting sport please contact Race to the Sky at: racetothesky.org or (406)881-DOGS. Race to the Sky is organized by Montana Sled Dog Inc, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with a volunteer board of directors. Sponsorship is always welcome!

First Friday Art Exhibit "The Mirror Talks Back" by Lillian Nelson at Zootown Arts Community Center
2026-01-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana, 598802, United States
Meet artist Lillian Nelson for the exhibit opening “The Mirror Talks Back” at Zootown Arts Community Center in Downtown Missoula 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm First Friday, January 2

The thought that each and every one of us is a universe unto itself fills me with wonder. Each of us is filled and built up from completely unique sets of genes, circumstances, joys, traumas, interests, and on and on and on. The scope of our varying individual identity is dizzying in its complexity and nuance, a sharp juxtaposition to the categorical boxes in which we attempt to organize ourselves.

Through deep introspection into my own late diagnosis with autism as well as the observations of the world around me, with this exhibit I have attempted to capture even the tiniest spectrum of the notion: What makes the Self “self”? What is at the root of it all? The way we are shaped affects not just ourselves but everyone around us, including the natural world. What would happen if we were truly honest, not just with each other, but with the reflections staring back at us.”

Nelson is a Montana native, earning her BFA from the University of Montana in 2007. She has collaborated and created a number of art programs in Missoula over the years including the Gallery E3 Convergence, VonCommon, Allez and currentlyTorrents Art at the Confluence Center. She has shown in multiple local, national, and international galleries and museums, is represented by Radius Gallery in Missoula, MT, and is a proficient muralist in the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys. She lives with her husband and three children in Missoula.

Join the artist for the exhibit opening at the Zootown Arts Community Center, Friday, January 2 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

First Friday with The Benevolents at Cranky Sam Public House
2026-01-02 17:00 - 21:00 | Cranky Sam Public House, 233 W. Main Street, Missoula, MT, 59802, United States
Cranky Sam Public House in Downtown Missoula hosts their First Friday Party starting 5:00 pm January 2 with art by Pat Clayton and live music from The Benevolents

Come kick 2026 off the right way with The Benevolents Trio! We’ve got fish photography by Pat Clayton on the walls and tasty drinks and grub! There are plenty of mocktail and non-alcoholic options as well to help keep you on track with your Dry January goals.

Hotdayum! live at the Gunsight Saloon
2026-01-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Gunsight Saloon, 624 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls, 59912, United States
Hotdayum! plays live at the Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls starting at 6:00 pm Friday, January 2

Hotdayum! plays live at the Gunsight Saloon starting 6:00 pm Friday, January 2

January Full Moon Event with The Pack Strings at Lolo Pass Visitor Center
2026-01-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Lolo Pass Visitor Center, 44000 US Hwy 12, Lolo, Montana, 59847, United States
The Pack Strings will be playing live bluegrass in the warming hut for the next Full Moon Event at Lolo Pass Visitor Center 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, January 2

Next live music for Lolo Pass Visitor Center’s Full Moon Event: The Pack Strings! An Americana string band hailing from Missoula, the Pack Strings deliver lively performances full of catchy originals and creative cover tunes. These folks are always a hit up here, so mark your calendars and kick your new year off right!

We’ll have music and hot chocolate in the warming hut from 6:00 pm to 9:00 Pacific time (7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Mountain), plus parking is free. Keep an eye on the forecast— if there’s snow, you won’t want to miss a moonlit ski!

PONS with Doris Doom at Zootown Arts Community Center
2026-01-02 18:30 - 21:30 | Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana, 598802, United States
Experience the face-melting rock spectacle that is PONS at Zootown Arts Community Center in Downtown Missoula at 6:30 pm Friday, January 2

IF YOU STOP YOU DIE –

Rock n’ Roll will never be a lazy game. PONS is here to set the record straight. Channeling the wild, untamable spirit of the masters of the road that came before them, PONS brings a relentless, “NO MERCY” approach to DIY touring. Burning more calories in one night than most bands do in a year, PONS doesn’t play music—they detonate on stage.

Named “NYC’s Hardest Working Band” in 2022 (and a blistering runner-up in 2023) by Oh My Rockness, PONS has earned their place as one of the most vital and chaotic forces in the NYC underground.

In 2024, PONS evolved into a solo project of visionary frontman Jack Parker, and the transformation is nothing short of a sonic nuclear meltdown. A storm of sound, fury, and passion so fierce, a PONS show can only be described as sublime madness. It’s angular. It’s aggressive. It’s a relentless sonic assault that drags you into the future, kicking and screaming.

Sharing the stage with heavyweights like Gogol Bordello, Lambrini Girls, Geese, Vundabar, and A Place To Bury Strangers, PONS take no prisoners. Leaving behind a trail of smashed gear, contorted bodies, blinding lights, and frenetic, throttling beats, it’s pure glam-rock bravado colliding with punk’s raw edge and electronica’s dystopian pulse.

Taking cues from the anarchic swagger of Iggy Pop, the electronic chaos of Suicide, the slick groove of LCD Soundsystem, and the haunting, glitch-filled world of Crystal Castles, PONS spits the digital bile of our decaying, internet-saturated world straight in your face.

BEAR WITNESS TO PONS.

Purchase Tickets LINK

Open Mic / Open Jam Friday with Western Montana Musicians Cooperative at The Entertainer Theatre in Ronan
2026-01-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Pearl (Entertainer) Theatre, 410 Main Street SW, Montana, 59864, United States
Experience the vibrant spirit of community at the historic Pearl Entertainer Theatre in Ronan, where Western Montana Musicians Cooperative hosts its weekly Friday Open Mic / Open Jam from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Experience the vibrant spirit of community at the historic Pearl Entertainer Theatre in Ronan, where Western Montana Musicians Cooperative hosts its weekly Friday Open Mic / Open Jam from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Karaoke Night at The Jack Saloon
2026-01-02 19:00 - 23:00 | The Jack Saloon, 7000 Graves Creek Road, Lolo, Montana, 59847, United States
Karaoke Night with Kaleidoscope Entertainment at The Jack Saloon in Lolo every Friday night from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Come sing the night away with Kaleidoscope Entertainment every Friday night at The Jack Saloon in Lolo

Josh Farmer First Friday at The Old Post
2026-01-02 20:00 - 22:00 | The Old Post Pub, 103 W. Spruce Street, Missoula, Montana, 59802, United States
Don’t miss Josh Farmer performing live at The Old Post in Downtown Missoula 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on First Friday, January 2

Don’t miss Josh Farmer performing live at The Old Post 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on First Friday, January 2!

The Groove Riders at The Great Northern Bar
2026-01-02 20:30 - 2026-01-03 00:30, 2026-01-03 20:30 - 2026-01-04 00:30 | Great Northern Bar & Grill, 27 Central Avenue, Whitefish, 59937, United States
Rock into January with The Groove Riders at 8:30 pm Friday and Saturday night at the Great Northern Bar in Downtown Whitefish

ROCK into January with The Groove Riders at 8:30 pm Friday night at the Great Northern Bar!

Friday Night Karaoke at A Sip of Montana
2026-01-02 21:00 - 23:30 | A Sip of Montana – Woods Bay Tap House, Bar & Casino, 14509 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, Montana, 59911, United States
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your best songs for Karaoke Friday Night starting at 7:00 pm at A Sip of Montana at Woods Bay in Bigfork

Karaoke Night Alert!

Join A Sip of Montana for a night of singing, laughter, and delicious food!

Kitchen is open til 9:00 pm or later!

Singing starts at 9:00 pm with your host KJ Cole-Train.

Bring your friends, your appetite, and your best songs! Let’s make it a night to remember – see you there!

Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes
2026-01-02 21:00 - 2026-01-03 01:30, 2026-01-03 21:00 - 2026-01-04 01:30 | Westside Lanes & Fun Center, 1615 Wyoming, Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States
Solid Sound Karaoke is hosted Fridays & Saturdays in the Bowl Dog Lounge at Missoula’s Westside Lanes 9:00 pm til closing time

Solid Sound Karaoke hosted Friday & Saturday in the Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes 9:00 pm til closing time

Loki Karaoke Fridays at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge
2026-01-02 22:00 - 2026-01-03 01:00 | The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge, 101 Heritage Lane, Polson, Montana, 59860, United States
Sign up for Loki Karaoke starting at 10:00 pm Friday at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson

Join Loki Karaoke every Friday night at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson. Show starts at 10:00 pm.

Clark Fork Winter Market at The Badlander / Locals Only
2026-01-03 09:00 - 13:00 | The Badlander, 208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana, 59802, United States
Join the Clark Fork River Market for our first-ever Winter Market season happening 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays from November 15 thru April 4 at The Badlander / Locals Only in Downtown Missoula

Join the Clark Fork River Market for our first-ever Winter Market season happening 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays from November 15 thru April 4 at The Badlander / Locals Only in Downtown Missoula.Fresh produce, cozy baked goods, handmade goods, and community spirit will keep the market warm and alive all winter long!

Missoula Valley Winter Market at Southgate Mall
2026-01-03 09:00 - 14:00 | Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, Montana, 59801, United States
The Missoula Valley Winter Market happens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every Saturday from November 8 through December 27, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm January 3 through April 11 inside Southgate Mall near the Scheels entrance

The Missoula Valley Winter Market is an outlet to extend the summer farmers and crafts market season from November through April in Western Montana. We have over 40 vendors with everything from local produce to cheese and eggs, as well as quality art and crafts. Stop by, grab a pastry and a coffee, shop for the week’s groceries or buy a holiday gift for that special someone.This will be the 11th anniversary for the Missoula Valley Winter Market. There will be a terrific mix of vendors, some of your favorites are returning along with some new vendors.

Zootown Karaoke at KT's Hayloft Saloon
2026-01-03 09:00 - 2026-01-04 02:00 | KT’s Hayloft Saloon, 11885 US Highway 93 S, Lolo, Montana, 59847, United States
It’s always a good ol’ time when Zootown Karaoke hosts Karaoke Night starting at 9:00 pm every Saturday at KT’s Hayloft Saloon in Lolo

Zootown Karaoke hosts Karaoke Night starting at 9:00 pm every Saturday at KT’s Hayloft Saloon in Lolo.

Bad Larrys live at the Gunsight Saloon
2026-01-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Gunsight Saloon, 624 Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls, 59912, United States
The Bad Larrys play live starting at 6:00 pm Saturday, January 3 at the Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls

The Bad Larrys play live starting at 6:00 pm Saturday, January 3 at the Gunsight Saloon

Polson Moonlight Paddle 2026 at Salish Point
2026-01-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Salish Point Park, Kootenai Avenue, Polson, Montana, 59860, United States
Dress your kayak in lights and wear warm clothes for the Polson Moonlight Paddle 2026 at 7:00 pm Saturday, January 3 from the Salish Point Park boat launch to Boettcher Park and back

Dress your Kayak in lights and wear warm clothes, we will paddle from Salish Point boat launch to Boettcher Park and back!

Community Open Jam Night with Western Montana Musicians Cooperative at The Entertainer Theatre in Ronan
2026-01-03 19:00 - 22:00 | The Pearl (Entertainer) Theatre, 410 Main Street SW, Montana, 59864, United States
Experience the vibrant spirit of community at the historic Pearl Entertainer Theatre in Ronan, where Western Montana Musicians Cooperative hosts its weekly Saturday Community Open Jam, starting at 7:00 pm

Experience the vibrant spirit of community at the historic Pearl Entertainer Theatre in Ronan, where Western Montana Musicians Cooperative hosts its Saturday Community Open Jam, starting at 7:00 pm

Golden Mean with Look Busy at Zootown Arts Community Center
2026-01-03 19:30 - 22:00 | Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana, 598802, United States
Golden Mean performs live with Look Busy opening at Zootown Arts Community Center in Downtown Missoula at 7:30 pm Saturday, January 3

Doors @ 6:30 pm

Golden Mean features original compositions by Bill Kautz inspired by questions, conversations, harmony, discord and the search for authenticity. The music features thoroughly composed melodies while integrating improvisation in various structures. Golden Mean is Bill Kautz, trumpet and cornet; Steve Kalling, double bass; Aria Peters, violin; Hannah Ransom, percussion and Jake Ransom, vibraphone.

Shuffled and reshuffled from an endless stack of blank paper, scribbled with a thousand thoughtless notes, and emerging from a dramatic cloud of chalk dust, Missoula’s LOOK BUSY (Ken Grinde, Matt Riley, Johannah Kohorst, Drew Fetherolf) meld driving pop and lofty ballads to achieve new dimensions of appearing businesslike and occupied

Mark Duboise and Crossroads Trio at the Sunrise Saloon
2026-01-03 21:00 - 2026-01-04 02:00 | Sunrise Saloon and Casino, 1101 Strand Avenue, Missoula, MT, 59801
Ring in the first Saturday of 2026 with Mark Duboise and the Crossroads Trio with Richard Sinkler on steel guitar at Missoula’s Sunrise Saloon starting at 9:00 pm

Ring in the first Saturday of 2026 with Mark Duboise and Crossroads with Richard Sinkler on steel guitar, at The Sunrise Saloon!

Absolutely Saturday Dance Party with DJ Kris Moon at The Badlander
2026-01-03 22:00 - 2026-01-04 02:00 | The Badlander, 208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana, 59802, United States
Get down at the Absolutely Saturday Dance Party hosted by DJ Kris Moon at 10:00 pm Saturday at The Badlander in Downtown Missoula

Join us for a Saturday Night at The Badlander with @absolutelydance !

Absolutely Saturday Dance Party with DJ Kris Moon at The Badlander
2026-01-03 22:00 - 2026-01-04 02:00 | The Badlander, 208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana, 59802, United States
Keep the New Year party going with the post-holiday recovery Absolutely Saturday Dance Party hosted by DJ Kris Moon at 10:00 pm Saturday at The Badlander in Downtown Missoula

Yes it’s true, not only did DJ Kris Moon @absolutelydance throw it down for NYE, he’ll be spinning tracks on Saturday night as well! Doors open at 10:00 pm, $3 double wells until 11:00 pm. Keep the NYE party rolling through the weekend with The Badlander!

Bingo in the Bay Sunday at A Sip of Montana
2026-01-04 12:00 - 15:00 | A Sip of Montana – Woods Bay Tap House, Bar & Casino, 14509 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, Montana, 59911, United States
Come on down to A Sip of Montana on Woods Bay, and play BINGO from Noon to 3:00 pm Sunday with your favorite host Sultry Sarah

Come on down to A Sip of Montana on Woods Bay, and play BINGO from Noon to 3:00 pm Sunday with your favorite host Sultry Sarah! We’ve got food, drink, and fun for your Sunday entertainment!

​Welcome In!

Bingo at Ronan Cooperative Brewery
2026-01-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronan Cooperative Brewery, 23 4th Avenue SW, Ronan, Montana, 59864, United States
Join Ronan Cooperative Brewery for Bingo at 4:00 pm on the 1st Sunday of each month

Bingo Card Sales Start at 3:00 pm

Join Ronan Cooperative Brewery for Bingo on the 1st Sunday of each month, and a chance to win fun prizes! Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let the games begin, everyone is welcome.

Irish Music at Wildwood Brewing
2026-01-04 17:00 - 20:00 | WildWood Brewing, 4018 Hwy 93 N, Stevensville, Montana, 59870, United States
Irish Music at Wildwood Brewing in Stevensville from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Sunday

Put on your Irish dancing shoes for Irish music at Wildwood Brewery in Stevensville. It is free. Everyone of all ages are welcome. Music starts at around 5:00 pm. Beer and pizza are available for purchase on site. Beer is from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and pizza from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Don’t be late or you are going to miss it!

Soundcheck Bingo Sundays at KT's Hayloft Saloon
2026-01-04 18:00 - 20:00 | KT’s Hayloft Saloon, 11885 US Highway 93 S, Lolo, Montana, 59847, United States
It’s Bingo with a Beat! – Soundcheck Bingo at 6:00 pm every Sunday at KT’s Hayloft Saloon in Lolo

Soundcheck Bingo every Sunday at 6:00 pm at KT’s Hayloft Saloon! Cash prizes for every round!

Sunday Night Winter Jazz Series at Draught Works
2026-01-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Draught Works, 915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana, 59802, United States
Unwind and enjoy the sounds of jazz in Draught Works’ taproom in Missoula every Sunday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm during the Winter Sunday Night Jazz Series

Unwind and enjoy the sounds of jazz in Draught Works’ taproom every Sunday night from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm during the Winter Sunday Night Jazz Series! Immerse yourself in an evening of musical brilliance as a rotating selection of talented jazz musicians take the stage, delivering a diverse and captivating repertoire.

DecemberDecember 7 – Missoula Jazz CollectiveDecember 14 – Captain Wilson ConspiracyDecember 21 – Evan NesbittDecember 28 – Naomi Moon Siegel

JanuaryJanuary 4 – Missoula Jazz CollectiveJanuary 11 – Owen RossJanuary 18 – Johan Eriksson and Strange MeetingJanuary 25 – Loren Stillman and Haymaker

FebruaryFebruary 1 – Missoula Jazz CollectiveFebruary 8 – Naomi Moon SiegelFebruary 15 – Loren Stillman and HaymakerFebruary 22 – JoLoTo
