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Finally, a long holiday weekend – we can relax and breathe. Top of the list is considering the things we have to be thankful for – our family, friends and this amazing place we collectively call home in Western Montana. We are truly lucky to live here.

Once again, The MUG has compiled the most comprehensive list of events in Missoula and around Western Montana, all right here for you to make your own Thanksgiving Weekend PICKS – Thursday thru Sunday. If you’re visiting, or have relatives visiting from out of town, we have you covered for all the good stuff going on to do!

Washington-Grizzly stadium roars back to life on Saturday with Round 1 of the FCS playoffs squaring up your Montana Griz Football vs the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. With tickets available for just $35 per seat, and kickoff at 8:00 pm Saturday night, it’ll be the biggest party in town. For those at home or at the corner bar, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Small Business Saturday highlight supporting locally owned businesses for your holiday shopping. We very highly recommend putting down the mouse, and getting out into the community for your gift giving adventures. Mr. Bezos doesn’t need your money, but our local stores and vendors certainly do, and your dollars will continue to circulate in the community long after you take down the tree.

The Missoula Valley Winter Market’s season is underway – Saturdays near Scheels inside Southgate Mall.
Holiday Bazaars & Markets are well underway, and happening this weekend in Missoula (multiple locations Saturday), Corvallis (Saturday), Hamilton (Saturday), Charlo (Saturday), Kalispell (Friday-Sunday).

Steve Vai will be en fuego Saturday night at The Wilma with his legendary guitar hero prowess on display.
We’re counting over 50 music shows of one kind or another in the area. We’ve got options!

No matter what direction you wanna get outta town, you can’t go wrong. Activities and events are happening not only around Missoula, but all the way up the Flathead and the Bitterroot valleys, east to Phillipsburg and Anaconda, and out west past Alberton.

Get out and enjoy our locally-owned bars & restaurants with Montana grown / made food and beverages. Support our local farmers and crafts people. Go for a crisp hike or get in your first XC or downhill ski of the season! Catch a classic movie screening or a stand-up comedy night. Stretch that big brain at one of the local trivia nights. Sing your favorite karaoke song, or catch a live music show. Enjoy safely and responsibly.

Please confirm event details at the source before you go. Last minute changes are common, especially due to weather. With each event listing, we try to include a web page or event link with more information you can check for changes.

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Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!

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Thanksgiving THURSDAY, November 24

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“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”

– Willie Nelson

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Thursday, November 24
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Mineral County Turkey Trot
Community Food Bank of Mineral County
111 Mullan Rd West, Superior, Montana

TROT = Run, Walk, Skip, or Jog
Come TROT for Fun – Before you FEAST for THANKSGIVING

The Run begins at 9:00 am on a course of approximately 5k or 3.1 miles. There is no shame in going less. Everyone returning will be celebrated for participating.

Each participant must bring a food item to donate to the Food Bank. Which will earn them a place in the race and a raffle ticket to win pies donated by our super sponsors, DARLOWS! (please support them as they always support us).

If you are away from the area visiting family, you can still participate. Select virtual on the registration, donate a food item through a proxy, or reach out to the Mineral County Rec Club and run at any location. Virtual runners will be entered into a separate drawing for something nonperishable.
Run as much or as little as you want. Or just come and watch.
Post pictures on Instagram – tag or hashtag #visitsuperiormt @visitsuperiormt
Strollers Welcome
Nice Dogs on Leashes are Also Welcome

WAYS TO REGISTER:
1. Pre Register by clicking on the link below. If you pre-register, please try to drop your food items off at the food bank prior to the event. The food bank wants to include items in their Thanksgiving meals before the holiday.
2. Show up with your food item by 8:45 am on the 24th. We will get you registered and ready to TROT.
ITEMS NEEDED before Thanksgiving day:
Canned Pumpkin
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Canned Mixed Vegetables

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Thursday, November 24
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
TNR / Thanksgiving Morning HIKE
Sousa Trail to Barmeyer Overlook
Missoula, Montana

Once a year, on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Night moves to the morning. This year we’ll gather at the Sousa Trailhead on Spanish Peaks Drive and hike the Sousa Trail. A nice short option for people hiking with kids, or those who have to get home and start cooking, is an out-and-back to the Barmeyer Overlook. For those looking for a bit more exercise to balance out the upcoming meal we’ll add on a loop going up Woodsy Spur and down Developer Road.

Meet at the Sousa Trailhead at 10:00 am!

Parking
On street parking is located just above the Sousa trailhead. Park on the uphill side of the road where there are no houses.

See you out there!

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Thursday, November 24
9:00 pm
Country Rock Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Avenue, Missoula, Montana

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FRIDAY, November 25

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Friday, November 25 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 26 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 27 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
ACF Christmas at the Fairgrounds Art & Craft Show – 41st Annual
Northwest Montana Fairgrounds
265 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell, Montana

ACF’s 41st Annual Christmas Show will be held in the Trade Center Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Over 100 HANDMADE vendors will be displaying their fabulous creations.
Five food trucks will also be onsite.
Check out our website for more information https://www.artistsandcraftsmen.org

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Friday, November 25
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Imagine Ireland
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana

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Friday, November 25
5:30 pm
Anaconda Stroll Night
Discover Anaconda
Main Street, Anaconda, Montana

LIGHT PARADE: 5:30 pm
The parade will have a different route this year! It will start at the top of Main Street. It will continue down and take a left on Commercial Street. When on commercial the parade will take a left on Hickory Street and end on fourth street! Register your vehicle today! Winning lighted vehicle gets $150 ANACONDA BUCKS!
Register here: https://discoveranaconda.com/2022-light-parade-registration/

TREE LIGHTING: 6:00 pm
After the light parade, Santa will light the tree from the Band Stand! He will also pick a stroll button winner. One lucky winner will be $1500!!!! *Must be present to win*

DOWNTOWN: Following lighting
Stroll downtown to see all the live mannequins and shopping deals!
Starting at Pintler Portal Hostel all the way to Anode Design
-Live music by The Mauldin Brothers in front of Old Wells Fargo
-ACI’s “snowball” fight at Durston Park!
-Grinch at Donivans
-Kids Craft at Century 21 Real Estate
-Santa at Visitor Center
-Elsa, Anna, Abominable Snowman around Glacier Bank area
-Kids Craft at Clearwater Real Estate
-Live Music by Juniper Creek in front Of Pizza Hut

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Friday, November 25
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Fetveit Brothers
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana

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Friday, November 25
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Texas Tom
Fin’s Taphouse
352 Woodside Cutoff Rd, Corvallis, Montana

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Friday, November 25
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Travis Yost
Cowboy Troy’s
2359 Hwy 93 N, Victor, Montana

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Friday, November 25
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jordan Smith
Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery
4175 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, Montana

$5 Cover / Kids Free

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Friday, November 25
6:00 pm
Joe Martinez
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana

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Friday, November 25
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kelly Diane
MontaVino Winery
38 1st Ave E, Suite D, Kalispell, Montana

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Friday, November 25
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Black Eye Friday
Washoe Theater
305 Main St, Anaconda, Montana

Boxing Returns to Anaconda. This time in the Historic Washoe Theatre with jam packed card full of surprises! Limited VIP Tables Available, 10 Ticket bundle save 20%, click the link below!
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/black-eye-friday-tickets… 

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Friday, November 25
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Northern Lights Band
Sunrise Saloon
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana

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Friday, November 25
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Karaoke with DJ Hecka
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent St, Missoula, Montana

Free

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Friday, November 25
9:00 pm
Karaoke with DJ Nitewolf
Evaro Bar
17025 US Highway 93 North, Evaro, Montana

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Friday, November 25
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Jaden Decker
Perfect Shot Tavern
218 Main St, Polson, Montana

Jaden Decker is a country music performer from Missoula, Montana. Drawing on his family’s midwestern roots, Jaden’s music is fueled by a goal to blend country/americana with a psychedelic jam-band sound, to ultimately create his labeled genre of “Rocky Mountain Country.” The 16-year-old has played 70+ shows in 2022, embarking on two national tours already, which were both completely independently booked.

Jaden’s live performance consists of him and his acoustic guitar, accompanied by a pedalboard, which greatly adds to the jam-band sound, previously mentioned. Decker knows how to get a crowd moving, and his live set reflects that beautifully. Taking the audience on a journey, they are not only left in awe by the 16-year-old, but it feels as if there is also a connection created between Jaden and the crowd.

You can find Jaden on FB or @jadendecker.com

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Friday, November 25
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Joan Zen
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana

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Friday, November 25
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
MYNXX
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana

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SATURDAY, November 26

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Missoula Valley Winter Market – Small Business Saturday
Southgate Mall
2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, Montana

Join us to celebrate Small Business Saturday! We have over 40 local vendors that include farmers, food artisans, artists, and crafters. Make a stop for your weekly groceries and also shop a wide selection of locally made holiday gifts.

Free

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 am
2022 Corvallis Bazaar
Corvallis High School
1045 Main St, Corvallis, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sentinel Craft Fair
Sentinel High School
901 South Ave W #7910, Missoula, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Orchard Homes 35th Annual Market & Bazaar
Orchard Homes Country Life Club
2537 S 3rd St W, Missoula, Montana

Produce, baked goods, jams & jellies, clothing. jewelry, holiday items, and SO MUCH MORE

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Saturday, November 26
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Peoples’ Winter Market
Missoula Fairgrounds Building 13
1101 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana

Free & Open to all – Shop Indigenous Entrepreneurs – DJ & Performers – Raffle Drawings – Info Booths – Food Trucks

Indigenous Made Missoula is proud to have the support of the following sponsors:

• Jeanette Rankin Peace Center
• All Nations Health Center
• First Interstate Bank

Applications for new & returning Indigenous businesses and organizations available now in our website www.indigenousmademissoula.org

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Saturday, November 26
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday Learning Adventure Series: Bird Treats
Ravalli County Museum
205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana

Let’s bring some comfort to our feathered friends as they brace for winter! Tie a sturdy string to a large Ponderosa Pine cone, slather it with peanut butter, and roll it in a bin of birdseed. Hang it securely from a tree branch and watch the birdies feast!

All family events are at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton 406-363-3338
FREE

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Saturday, November 26
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Holiday Market
Ninepipes Lodge
69286 Hwy 93, Charlo, Montana

Event by Big Sky Leather & Wood Co.

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Saturday, November 26
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas
National Museum of Forest Service History
6305 US Hwy 10 West, Missoula, Montana

The National Museum of Forest Service History will be hosting the 5th Annual “Old Fashioned Forest Service Christmas” on Saturday November 26th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will feature: Santa Claus, Horse drawn wagon rides, Cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes, Scavenger hunt, Snow Pants Dance, Bonfire, and Gift Shop specials.

The National Museum of Forest Service History, who is hosting the event, is a nonprofit organization independent from the U.S. Forest Service, whose mission is to share the rich story and history of America’s Conservation legacy. They tell this story through a 50,000-item archival collection, virtual and traveling exhibits, National Teacher Training Workshops with the Library of Congress, and a 31-acre campus located one mile west of the Missoula Airport. The Museum is working towards building the National Conservation Legacy and Education Center- a world class conservation history center which will be located at their Missoula campus.

Free

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Saturday, November 26
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Winter Mercantile
Western Cider
501 N California St, Missoula, Montana

Join us for our annual Winter Mercantile at Western Cider on Shop Small Saturday, November 26th. Featuring some of Missoula’s hardest working designers and artists selling jewelry, clothes, vintage, and more. This pop up shop is the best spot to find a curated selection of well made goods! Come by for a drink and enjoy a lazy Saturday spree!

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Saturday, November 26
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hamilton Holiday Sip & Shop
Hamilton Fair Grounds
100 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton, Montana

Event by T n K Sports LLC

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Saturday, November 26 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, November 27 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas With The Clydesdales
Clydesdale Outpost
100 Outpost Dr, Whitefish, Montana

​Gather your friends & family for the inaugural Christmas With The Clydesdales. Visit Santa’s Barn with local artists, specialty cocktails & mulled wine a the BRR… BAR with benefits going to Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana and hosted by Treasure State Hospitality, Photos with Santa and a Clydesdale decorated by Home Consign and Design… and of course our Clydesdales! Join us for a holiday spectacular unlike anything else in the Flathead including VIP Igloos, furnished by Empress Tents & Events, & 300 ft ice skate trail (weather dependent)! See website for more details.

​DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

We also offer Daytime Activities separate from the Main Event including Clydesdale-driven sleigh rides, a Children’s Storytime of our original children’s book, Santa’s Secret Sleigh, and other winter day activities as well. See website for more details.

(Schedule and Events may be weather dependent and some are subject to change, including the ice skate trail which depending on routine freezing temperature.) $15 admission, Children under the age of 3 receive complimentary access. See website for more details.

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Saturday, November 26
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Zachary Christ
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, Montana

Free

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Barncat Country Band
Highlander Beer
200 International Dr, Missoula, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Justin Harris
Harbor Grille Lakeside
7135 Hwy 93, Lakeside, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm
Live Music with Brian Dennis
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Joan Zen Duo
FINN
100 Madison Street, Missoula, Montana

FREE

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rita Richardson Live
Knotty Nymph
5388 Hwy 93, Conner, Montana

To check out more you can visit Rita’s website www.ritarichardsonofficial.com

Come on out for a delicious meal and she will keep you entertained with a wide variety of cover songs ranging across genres including country, folk, pop, light rock and more as well as playing you some originals. 

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Saturday, November 26
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Way Down North
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Ave, Missoula, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Northern Lights Band
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Road, Lolo, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
AET presents Actor Roulette: A Christmas Carol
Presented by Anaconda Ensemble Theatre
The Revolver
221 E Park Ave, Anaconda, Montana

Directed/Produced by Jackie Vetter featuring Steve Collins as Ebeneezer Scrooge and David Coleman II, Heather Lynn Meeks, Ruthe Meeks, Melanie Rae Wendt and Brent Market as the Actor Roulette Players

This event does have a PG-13 rating for some light language. If you have questions about this, please email [email protected]

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and
Yet to Come. This comedic retelling features a fast-talking narrator, as well as your favorite characters from the original! But the best part, the actors don’t know who they are playing until you, the audience, watches us draw their parts out of a hat!

Part sketch comedy, part staged reading and partly fun for everyone (we hope!)

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Saturday, November 26
8:00 pm
Mike Eldred & Friends “A Season Of Soul” with Wendy Moten, Big Sky City Lights
Whitefish Performing Arts Center
127 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, Montana

Join Mike Eldred with friends – vocal powerhouse Wendy Moten, harmonistic Big Sky City Lights, saxalicious Erica Von Kleist, keyboarderrfic Ross Bridgeman and the Bodacious Band (and more!) for a soulful evening of gratitude, Thanksgiving, cheer and amazing music! A great way to begin the SEASON with your family and friends! Tickets will go on sale October 26.
$25 General Admission. Let’s welcome the winter together with heart & SOUL….and Thanksgiving.

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Saturday, November 26
Doors 7:00 pm // Show 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Steve Vai
The Wilma Theater
131 Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana

Tickets are on sale now at the Top Hat, online or by phone at 1 (800) 514-3849. Reserved premium balcony seating, reserved standard balcony and reserved floor seating tickets are available. All ages are welcome.
$42 Reserved Floor Seating (subject to fees) | Allows access to the reserved seating on the main floor of the theater.

$42 Reserved Standard Balcony Seating (subject to fees) Allows access to the reserved seating in the upper section of the balcony.

$50 Reserved Premium Balcony Seating (subject to fees) Allows access to the reserved seating in the section of the balcony closest to the stage.

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Saturday, November 26
8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
FCS Playoffs, Round 1: UM Grizzly Football vs SE Missouri State Redhawks
Washington-Grizzly Stadium
32 Campus Drive, Missoula, Montana

It all comes down to this! Get the family out of the house and make new holiday memories watching post-season football with your Griz family.

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Saturday, November 26
8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Kyle Hunter and the Party Favors
Rustic Hut
5415 Hwy 93, Florence, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 pm
Country Rock Karaoke hosted by DJ Nite Wolf
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
9:00 pm
Band in Motion
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana

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CANCELLED

Saturday, November 26
9:00 pm
DJ Brandon Johnson
Perfect Shot Tavern
218 Main Street, Polson, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Tommy Edwards
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana

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Saturday, November 26
10:00 pm – 2:00 am
DJ Kris Moon
The Badlander
208 Ryman St, Missoula, Montana

A veteran DJ of 30 years, Kris has been rocking dancefloors in Missoula for half his career. After a move to Seattle in the late nineties, Kris established himself as a versatile DJ with impeccable taste.
He helped to shape the legendary electro-debauched Robo.trash night and elevate Laptop Battles to global recognition. Also ordering vinyl for Zion’s Gate Records and playing weekends at The Ballroom.

Missoula welcomed Kris in 2008, where he began working at Earcandy Records and playing every Saturday night at The Badlander. 15 years later and his residency continues on, providing a diverse selection of music to discerning fans every weekend.

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SUNDAY, November 27

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Sunday, November 27
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cranky Partners Cribbage Tournament
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana

Cranky Cribbage has arrived! Join us every month for a Doubles Cribbage tournament. Sign you and your teammate up in advance to ensure a spot in this FREE tournament! Signing up the day of the tournament is contingent on available space.

Please bring your own board to play on and a deck of cards. Match ups will be randomly determined and play will begin at 2:00 pm sharp. Each match will consist of 3 games to 121. The tournament format will be single match elimination, so if you lose 2 out of 3 games in a match you are out!

Please be familiar with how to play DOUBLES cribbage before beginning the tournament.

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Sunday, November 27
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday Pinball Tournament
OddPitch Brewing
1200 W. Kent, Suite #103, Missoula, Montana

No Entry Fee. Prizes for the Top Three Players including gift cards and merchandise.
All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to play. The pinball community is very welcoming and eager to teach newcomers how to play.
Top Five players will earn points in our ongoing, multi-month league. At the end of each league prizes are awarded to the top five players. Random participants will also have a chance to win prizes through a drawing. Check out our website to see our current lineup of ten machines.

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Sunday, November 27
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling Benefit for Samaritan House
Whitefish United Methodist Church
1150 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish, Montana

John Floridis on guitar and vocals, Jennifer Slayden on cello and Ed Stalling on percussion perform songs of the journey from darkness to light to benefit Samaritan House in Kalispell, Montana.

Sponsored by The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

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Sunday, November 27
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lang Termes
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana

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Sunday, November 27
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
OPEN MIC with Colton C
Bias Brewing
412 S Main Street, Kalispell, Montana

Sign up in person, or text Colton at 406-407-0732 for a 10-15 minute time slot. Microphones thoroughly sanitized between performers. A public nylon string guitar is here if you don’t have an instrument. Performers 21 and older get a FREE pint!

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Sunday, November 27
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Laurie Berg
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, Montana

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Sunday, November 27
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dram Tough Trivia Sundays hosted by Paul & Stu
Dram Shop Central
2700 Paxson Street, Ste G, Missoula, Montana

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Please confirm event details at the source before you go. Last minute changes are common, especially due to weather. With each event listing, we try to include a web page or event link with more information you can check for changes.

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Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!

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