Weekend PICKS: Thursday, December 15th thru Sunday, December 18th
Tick-tock, this is the last weekend before Christmas, and you’re gonna need a plan to squeeze in all the must-do’s with the wanna-do’s. The MUG is here to help!
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 Weekend PICKS – Thursday thru Sunday.
Winter doesn’t even officially start until next week – but it’s winter right here, right now. Montana Snowbowl in Missoula, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Lost Trail, Discovery, Blacktail, and most other area resorts are open this weekend skiing. All the local cross-country hotspots are being groomed and skiied and are waiting for you. Go!
Most of the big holiday craft shows have passed, but if you slackers still have gifts and stocking stuffers to pick up for your loved ones, there are still a good handful of pop-up sales to choose from with local vendors. Many of them happen to be at our favorite breweries and entertainment establishments, making your shopping entertaining and convenient. Scroll the Weekend PICKS listings to see ’em all.
Friday just happens to be National Ugly Sweater Day, and there are tons of bars celebrating accordingly. Somehow, ugly sweaters and karaoke go together like chocolate and peanut butter – might as well go big or go home, we always say. Be sure to get the little kids out of the house on Friday night around 6:30 to 8:00 pm when Santa makes his annual Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover around the Missoula Valley! Draught Works’ annual Christmas Steamer featuring the Tuba Santas and all sorts of merriment happens Friday. Also on Friday night, Josh Farmer and Dr. Doug Olson will be “Dueling Pianos” (Holiday Edition” at the Stave & Hoop Speakeasy in Downtown Missoula – fun will be had by all.
On Saturday night, come handsome and glamorous to the Black Tie Holiday Party at the historic Philipsburg Theatre. Get out those old prom tuxedos and dresses for an evening of live music by Ben and The Grown Ass Men, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks.
We’re counting at least 70 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 some amazing skiing before the crowds show up next week. Catch a classic Christmas movie screening or a stand-up comedy night. Stretch that big brain at one of the local trivia nights. Sing your favorite Christmas 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.
Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
THURSDAY, December 15
“Baby, it’s cold outside”
– songwriter Frank Loesser
Thursday, December 15
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Imagine Ireland
Imagine Nation Brewing Company
1151 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 15
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
GBC: The Ugly Sweater Potluck
Glacier Brewing Company
6 10th Ave E, Polson, Montana
It’s that time of year. Time to break out those ugly sweaters.
Bring a dish to share. There will be games and prizes!
Thursday, December 15
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Ten Cent Mule
Old Bull Brewing
16862 Beckwith Street, Frenchtown, Montana
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
TNR / Thursday Night XC SKI
Marshall Grade Road to Woods Gulch
Missoula, Montana
This week we’ll head over to Marshall Canyon and ski up to the Marshall Grade Road to the top of Woods Gulch. Meet at the Marshall Grade Parking area about halfway up Marshall Canyon Road.
See you out there!
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sacred Waters Trivia
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East Kalispell, Montana
It’s always a packed house so be sure to arrive early to snag a table and, most importantly, a beer! Max 8 people per team. No phones. Just those brains! Top three teams win beer money. See you there!
1st place team: $30 gift card
2nd place team: $20 gift card
3rd place team: $10 gift card
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kimberlee Carlson Jazz
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Ave, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Isabelle Parell
Bitter Root Brewing
101 Marcus Street, Hamilton, Montana
Isabelle Parell is a folksy cover artist with a mission to support local businesses & a deep appreciation for good beer. She performs songs spanning multiple generations, so if you hear one you know, please sing right along!
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm
Jazz with Jerry Clemens
The Shoe, Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Thursday, December 15
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Eric Alan
Harbor Grille
7135 Hwy 93, Lakeside, Montana
Thursday, December 15
6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Rob Travolta Album Release
The Badlander
208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
$7 at the door with an optional donation jar for the bands
Featuring:
Monument
But I’m a Cheerleader
Thursday, December 15 – SOLD OUT
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tell Us Something: “It’s the Little Things”
The Wilma
131 Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
All tickets are general admission seating with fixed theatre seating available in the balcony on a first-come, first-served basis. All ages are welcome.
Additional ticketing and venue information can be found here.
SOLD OUT
Thursday, December 15
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Smarty Pants Trivia Night
Waters Edge Winery Kalispell
2593 Hwy 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
Thursday, December 15
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jazz-Esque
The Old Post
103 W Spruce Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 15
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Trivia
Western Cider
501 N. California Street, Missoula, Montana
Trivia at Western Cider! Come alone or bring your team for five rounds of questions ranging from current events and music to team-selected categories and much more. Plus, there are weekly prizes! We start right at 7:00 pm, so make sure to arrive early to settle in, get your drinks, and prepare to strain your brain!
Thursday, December 15 – 7:30 pm
Friday, December 16 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 17 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 18 – 2:00 pm
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Cutler Bros. Theatre
301 Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana
A theatrical adaptation of the Christmas Classic about a kid getting lost in New York while his family is on Christmas Vacation.
Thursday, December 15 – 7:30 pm
Friday, December 16 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 17 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 18 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
“The Happy Elf”
MCT Center for the Performing Arts
200 N. Adams, Missoula, Montana
Music & Lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr.
Book by Lauren Gunderson & Andrew Fishman
Based on the song by Harry Connick, Jr.
Adapted from the television show written by Andrew Fishman
THE HAPPY ELF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Based on the animated film written by Harry Connick Jr, this hilarious and jazzy-styled show is destined to become a new holiday classic! It’s Christmas Eve and Eubie the Elf wants nothing more than to be on Santa’s sleigh team. But he is stuck checking the nice and naughty list. When he realizes the entire town of Bluesville has zero people on the nice list, Eubie uses this opportunity to make his way down to this dreary little town and bring some Christmas joy to the folks that live there. But can he get a fresh batch of people for the nice list before Santa hits the night sky?
Rated G – General Audiences
For more information about content, please call the Box Office at 406-728-7529.
The show has an approximate runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes with an intermission included.
Please Be Advised: Water-based stage fog is used in this production.
Thursday, December 15
Doors 7:00 pm // Music 7:30 pm
Benefit Concert for The Poverello Center w/ John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden, & Ed Stalling
Zootown Arts Community Center / ZACC
216 W Main, Missoula, Montana
$10 // $15 Artist Supporter Ticket
Pick Your Ticket Price $10-$50 // Box Office Proceeds Benefit the Poverello Center
Missoula guitarist and singer-songwriter John Floridis, along with percussionist Ed Stalling and cellist Jennifer Slayden, will be performing at the ZACC to benefit the Poverello Center in Missoula. The trio will play material from Floridis’ two seasonal releases ‘December’s Quiet Joy’ and ‘The Peaceful Season’ both of which feature his fingerstyle acoustic guitar arrangements of traditional Christmas/winter melodies, as well as original compositions. The trio also includes seasonal vocal tunes, both original and by other artists such as Bruce Cockburn, Patty Larkin, Ben Harper, and John Gorka in the performance. The songs feature lyrics speaking to the journey from darkness to light, seasonally, emotionally, and spiritually.
This concert is one of four benefit concerts scheduled by Floridis throughout the week in Missoula, each focusing on a different nonprofit and highlighting different musicians. The concerts welcome the audience to escape the frantic stress that too often pervades the holiday season and relax in an intimate listening environment with music to warm the heart and soul.
Floridis is a 25 year Missoula resident and has been recognized as one of the state’s most popular and respected musicians, having performed in a variety of venues, festivals, and concert halls in support of his eight independently released albums. He will be releasing a ninth recording, ‘Thankful’ in early 2023. Floridis has been featured in an Emmy Award winning episode on ‘11th and Grant’ on Montana PBS and is also the host and producer of ‘Musician’s Spotlight’ on Montana Public Radio and ‘Live From Home’ as well, on Montana PBS.
This performance is sponsored by Main Street Realty: https://www.mainstreetmissoula.com/
For more information about the concerts and John Floridis visit www.johnfloridis.com.
For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Thursday, December 15
8:00 pm
Live Music – Tom Catmull
Stave & Hoop
223 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
$5 cover added to tabs after 8:00 pm.
Tom Catmull has spent the last 25 years in Missoula delivering infectious melodies & thoughtful arrangements through his acoustic guitar & harmonica. His love of words & ability to convey amazing story through them has made him a local favorite.
Thursday, December 15
Trivia 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm / Karaoke 8:30 pm – 1:00 am
Hosted by Pro DJ Entertainment
Eagles Lodge
2420 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 15
9:00 pm
Country Rock Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent St, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 15
9:00 pm
Annual Ugly Sweater Party & Contest
The Thomas Meagher Bar
130 W Pine Street, Missoula, Montana
FREE ENTRY
Gift Card PRIZES to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners!
Winter Cocktails & Shots, prizes & giveaways!
DJ DASIOS at 9:00 pm
Contest kicks off at 10:30 pm! We will pick the top 10-15 BEST sweaters to be in the final contest!
Help us vote for best team member sweater, too!
Thursday, December 15
9:30 pm – 1:00 am
John Dunnigan
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
Thursday, December 15
Doors 9:00 pm // Show 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
InComing Days, Devilution and Doja
The Badlander
208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
$5 Tickets at the Door
In Coming Days:
InComing Days (ICD) is a 5-piece party metal band with influences from punk and hardcore thrown in. Formed in 2017 in Spokane by guitarist Travis Hewson and bassist Chris Corey, InComing Days
began writing with a focus on songs that are fun, groovy, and their own brand of heavy party style metal.
Doja:
Doja is an outspoken hip-hop, funk, hard-rock fusion group.
Formed in 2018 in Kalispell, the five-piece band has focused on curating a fully live hip-hop/fusion experience. An experience complete with drum, guitar, sax and bass solos on top of furious lyrically driven beats. Crunchy grooves galore.
FRIDAY, December 16
Friday, December 16
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Christmas Bash
EmPower Place
1720 Wyoming Street, Missoula, Montana
Join us for our second annual Christmas Bash at EmPower Place! Santa will be on hand for photos and storytelling! We will also have gingerbread house building, an ornament creating station, and plenty of sweet treats!
Friday, December 16
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
10th Annual Christmas Steamer
Draught Works
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
FREE
Dust off those hideous holiday sweaters and prepare your palate for Missoula’s most undeniably delicious holiday happening. The Draught Works Christmas Steamer, Friday, December 16th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Our Annual Christmas Steamer is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season, so round up your in-laws, obscure relatives, and trusty dusty friends for a serious evening of unforgettable holiday fun!
Add a bowl of fresh Penn Cove mussels, masterfully prepared and steamed by our chums at Sonora Shack, to any pint purchase for $2!
Enjoy our dark and dangerously delicious Graupelbock Doppelbock, flash-caramelized with a hot fire poke! Just stop by our set-up on the deck and get your Doppelbock flash-caramelized for FREE!
A crew of Christmas carolers will be performing a heap of holiday favorites throughout the evening and we MIGHT just have a special musical number of our own planned that you won’t want to miss! Maybe an audience participation with the 12 Beers of Christmas!
The beloved brass-wielding Tuba Santas are set to take the stage for a boisterous performance you won’t soon forget beginning at 6:00 pm!
Prepare your peepers to witness a frosty spectacle like never before! Come watch our friend, and exceptional ice sorceress, Megan Toenyes wave her magic wand (ahem… chainsaw) to carve out an awe-inspiring ice creation throughout the evening.
Friday, December 16
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Party
Philipsburg Brewing Company
101 W Broadway Street, Philipsburg, Montana
Prizes for Ugly, Uglier, and Ugliest! Live swingin’ music by Russ and Sam Nassett from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It’s about to get Ugly & Bright!
Friday, December 16
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Restless Pines
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana
Friday, December 16
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Dan Dubuque
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 16
6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Ugly Sweater Skate
Glacier Ice Rink
1101 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana
Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day at our 4th annual Ugly Sweater Skate on Friday, December 16 from 6:00 pm to 7:45 pm on our outdoor rink. The wearers of the “ugliest” sweaters will win prizes!
Admission is $7 and skate rentals are $3. This session is capped at 200 skaters, so advance registration is recommended (you will need to create an online account to sign up). Passes and punch cards are not accepted for this session.
Friday, December 16
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Parts & Labor
Highlander Beer
200 International Drive, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 16
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Party
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Cranky Sam wants to see you at your ugliest! Break out that sweater Grandma knitted you all those years ago and come join our Ugly Sweater Party!
The ugliest sweater will be judged at 8:00 pm and the winning sweater will earn a prize! There will also be ugly sweater coloring sheets for you to create your best (worst) design!
We’ll have our newest Hazy IPA, the “Ugly Sweater” on tap and will be serving up some special hot winter drinks as well!
Friday, December 16
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jazz Night with Beth Lo, Dave Horgan & Naomi Moon Siegel
Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery
4175 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, Montana
$5 Cover / Kids Free
Friday, December 15
6:00 pm
Joe Martinez
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Friday, December 16
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kelly Diane
Waters Edge Winery Kalispell
2593 Hwy 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 16
Doors 6:00 pm // Show 6:30 pm – 1:00 am
Infestations, Hybrids and Mutations
Legacy Lounge
529 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
All Ages Show
$12 for those in Sci-fi costumes // $15 for those without
Performances by:
Disco Hammer
Milkcrate Mechanic
Intice
UK Hendawg
Xenomonger
PNUT BUTR
Blessiddoom
Gruv42
Visuals by zootech
This is a very limited capacity show, it’s highly recommended to get there early before it sells out. We are aiming for something memorable and small, you won’t want to miss out on this weirdness.
Recommend parking is 250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801 (by the Boone and Crockett Club).
Friday, December 16
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover
around the Missoula Valley
FREE
Weather permitting, Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover 2022 is planned for Friday, December 16th at 6:30 pm. We still need donations to make this happen so please help Santa fly by donating at https://donations.missouladowntown.com/
Western Montana Santa Flyover is a non-profit organization that, with the help of the Missoula Downtown Foundation, is keeping the tradition of having Santa do a flight over Missoula. Throughout the years this flight has evolved and is now known as Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover. This flyover will take place several days before Christmas Eve and will only happen ONCE. Updates about this flyover can be found on our official Facebook page.
Santa’s Dash Through the Big Sky Flyover is only possible with the help of our sponsors and community. To see how you can help, you can click here to be directed to the donation page. Hearing the kids, and adults, screaming “Santa” with cheer is what makes this flight a true Christmas miracle.
Watch for updates and current information on Facebook
Friday, December 16
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
John Floridis, Jen Slayden, and Ed Stalling benefit for Soft Landing Missoula
Longstaff House
601 Longstaff Street, Missoula, Montana
John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden and Ed Stalling will be performing at Longstaff House to benefit Soft Landing Missoula. John has done benefit shows here before and we are pleased to lend a hand helping out this worthy cause.
An introduction to Soft Landing: Here at Soft Landing, we provide a long welcome for refugee and immigrant families who arrive in Missoula eager to build a new life and put down roots of their own. We strive to work with new neighbors to tap into all the resources and wonderful opportunities this community has to offer so that we all can thrive. At Soft Landing Missoula, we believe in the power of shared human experience, the celebration of milestones big and small, and the building of cultural bridges through common languages such as food, soccer and music.
$20 Suggested Donation
Friday, December 16
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Andrew Sweeney
MontaVino Winery
38 1st Ave E, Suite D, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 16
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Ride
Cowboy Troy’s Victor
2359 Hwy 93 N, Victor, Montana
Friday, December 16
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Kaleidoscope Karaoke
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Rd, Lolo, Montana
Friday, December 16
7:00 pm
Guthrie Brown
Max’s Market
125 Village Lane, Bigfork, Montana
Friday, December 16 – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 17 – 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday, December 18 – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Bigfork Playhouse Childrens Theatre – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
526 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, Montana
$11 – $15 Advance Tickets (+ applicable fees)
Based on the classic animated movie, the Bigfork Playhouse Childrens Theatre tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys and trouble from the abominable Snow Monster. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer features classic songs including the title song, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter, Holly Jolly Christmas, Jingle Jingle Jingle, The Most Wonderful Day of the Year and more.
Friday, December 16
7:30 pm
Hans Bohrnsen
The Revolver
221 E Park Ave, Anaconda, Montana
Friday, December 16
8:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Dueling Pianos (Holiday Edition) with Josh Farmer & Dr. Doug
Stave & Hoop
223 N. Higgins – Alley Entrance, Missoula, Montana
FREE
Enjoy a festive, semi-raucous and fully fun holiday evening with Dr. Doug Olson and Josh Farmer – request your favorite holiday songs (or any song really), feel free to join in, sing along and enjoy the spirited duel.
Friday, December 16
8:00 pm
Karaoke (White Lies Party) W/Terra and Donna
The Corner Bar
402 Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana
We will be providing T shirts for purchase for your white lies! Prizes for 1st and 2nd place “Best White Lie” Everyone wears a plain white t-shirt with a white lie written on it, in thick black Sharpie. In general, a white lie tends to be a small, inconsequential falsity.
Let’s get to know each other on a deeper level.
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Karaoke with DJ Hecka
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent St, Missoula, Montana
Free
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm
Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Evaro Bar & Casino
17025 US Highway 93 North, Evaro, Montana
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm
Karaoke
The Rustic Hut
5415 US Hwy 93 South, Florence, Montana
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes
1615 Wyoming Street, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Uncle Funk
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 16
9:00 pm
Mark Duboise and Crossroads
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 16
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Flat Black Band
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana
Friday, December 16
Doors 9:00 pm // Show 10:00 pm
The Drip
Monk’s Bar Missoula
221 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
$5 Cover
SATURDAY, December 17
Saturday, December 17
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Missoula Valley Winter Market
Southgate Mall (Scheels Entrance)
2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, Montana
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.
Free
Saturday, December 17
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Country Christmas Bazaar
American Legion Stevensville MT #94
754 Middle Burnt Fork Rd, Stevensville, Montana
So many handmade items to choose from. This Country Christmas Bazaar has something for everyone! There will be Jams, Jellies, Wooden Items, Greeting Cards, Local Honey, Soaps, Lotions, Knitted Items, Handmade Jewelry, Hand made Bags, Purses, Baked Goods, and so much more.
Many of these vendors are from the local Stevensville Farmers Market. Shop local for all your holiday gift giving.
Lunch will be provided for purchase by the Ladies Auxiliary.
Saturday, December 17
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday Learning Adventure Series: Sentimental Decorations
Ravalli County Museum
205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana
All family events are at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton 406-363-3338
FREE
Bring your own special photo for our sentimental decorations! This project will incorporate repurposed canning lids, glitter, jewels, and ribbons. Once the canning lid is embellished, the sentimental photo will be glued on to make a lovely heart-felt decoration!
Saturday, December 17
1:00 pm
Ravalli Kids Christmas – Chili Cook-off Toy Drive
The Stumble Back Inn
2420 Railroad Avenue, Victor, Montana
Ravalli Kids Christmas is hosting a Chili Cook-off and Toy Drive! Including Raffles, pictures with Santa, 50/50 drawing, and Chili Cook-off!
1:00 pm : Chili Drop-off
1:30 pm : Chili/Hot chocolate available to the public
2:00 pm : Pictures with Santa on a Harley start
2:00 pm : 1st Raffle Drawing
3:00 pm : 2nd Raffle Drawing
4:00 pm : 3rd Raffle Drawing
5:00 pm : Pictures with Santa End
5:00 pm : 50/50 Drawing- must be present to win
Chili Cook-off entry fee is $10, prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place.
Enjoy Chili and hot chocolate starting at 1:30, cost is $5 per person, or a new, unwrapped toy.
Pictures with Santa are $5. Need not be present to win for Raffle prizes.
Saturday, December 17
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Winter Wonderland Extravaganza!
King Ranch Golf Course
17775 Mullan Road, Frenchtown, Montana
Join us for our very first Winter Wonderland Extravaganza! We’re going ALL out. Santa and Mrs. Clause are coming, complete with their own photographer for FREE professional photos! Pronking Pastures Rescue will be there with your new family members, just in time for Christmas! Did we mention the Mac N Cheese Bar? Homemade Mac N Cheese with dozens of topping and side choices, only $11 for 12 and older or $7 for kiddos! How about vendors? Yes, we have local vendors coming with all sorts of perfect Christmas goodies. Of course, it isn’t a party without a Bon Fire and drink specials! Come meet the new owners of King Ranch Golf Course and see all the new things happening. Test your luck with the golfing simulator or check out the new cross country skiing options. It’s guaranteed to be a BLAST.
Saturday, December 17 & Sunday, December 18
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas With The Clydesdales
Clydesdale Outpost
100 Outpost Drive, Whitefish, Montana
$15 admission, Children under the age of 3 receive complimentary access.
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 depends on routine freezing temperatures.)
Saturday, December 17
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Jordan Plays Guitar
Draught Works
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Jordan Smith plays guitar & sings Saturday at Draught Works from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
FREE
Saturday, December 17
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
4th Annual Tacky Sweater Party
Bias Brewing
412 S Main Street, Kalispell, Montana
Come dressed in your tackiest and get your 1st beer on us! Prizes for the 3 best/tackiest ensembles of the evening!
Saturday, December 17
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Merry Mullet Christmas Party
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, Montana
Free
It’s gonna be a fun one! Join us for a night of ugly Christmas sweaters and mullets. Grand prize winner takes home a PONY KEG of SACRED BEER! Business in the front, party in the back. You know it! Judging begins at 7:00 pm. Mullets of all genders are encouraged.
#respectthemullet #rockthemullet #mullet406
Saturday, December 17
5:30 pm
Light The Way 5K
The Runners Edge
304 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
For complete details and registration, visit Runners Edge website
This festive 5k takes place on the paved and gravel paths surrounding Fort Missoula Park. There will be lights along the course, cookies and cocoa at the finish, and a Light the Way 5k tree ornament for all finishers.
Because this is a night race, we strongly recommend bring a headlamp or flashlight to wear during the race. The 1/2 Mile (free!) Kid’s Fun Run starts at 5:30 pm followed by the Light the Way 5k at 6:00 pm.
Saturday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
John Floridis, Jen Slayden, and Ed Stalling Benefit Concert for Missoula Youth Homes
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
FREE
Montana guitarist and singer songwriter John Floridis is joined by cellist Jennifer Slayden and percussionist Ed Stalling for a series of benefit performances in Missoula. Four shows, four nights in a row, four different benefiting organizations in four different venues!
Saturday, December 17th will be at Imagine Nation Brewing; generous donations encouraged including a complimentary beverage for each contribution to Missoula Youth Homes.
Saturday, December 17
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Russ Nasset
FINN Restaurant
100 Madison Street, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
6:00 pm
Live music with Ron & Wally
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Saturday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas Bluegrass Show
Highlander Beer
200 International Dr., Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Angel & Davey
Harbor Grille
7135 S US 93, Lakeside, Montana
Saturday, December 17
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Live Music with David Crismore
Waters Edge Winery
2593 Highway 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
David Crismore is going to be playing for YOU & he’s bringing the most talented fiddle player around – Max Armstrong! Have you heard this duo? They are nothing short of awesome!
Come early, grab a seat for dinner & wine, then sit back and enjoy the music! Or, better yet, get up and dance to it!
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Lights Cruise
Paradise Falls
3621 Brooks St, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dan Henry
The Revolver
221 E Park Avenue, Anaconda, Montana
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Richie Reinholdt
Cranky Sam Public House
233 W Main St., Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sundog North
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Rd, Lolo, Montana
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
MyTrueFreedom Show
Buffalo Saloon and Casino
5 Swan Way, Bigfork, Montana
Saturday, December 17
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ben and The Grown Ass Men / Black Tie Party
Philipsburg Theatre
140 S. Sansome Street, Philipsburg, Montana
Come handsome and glamorous to the Black Tie Holiday Party at the historic Philipsburg Theatre. Get out those old prom tuxedos and dresses for an evening of live music by Ben and The Grown Ass Men, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks.
$10 Admission
Saturday, December 17
8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Ninepipes Ugly Sweater Party
Allentown Restaurant
69286 Hwy 93, Charlo, Montana
Guess what time it is!? Yep, it’s ugly sweater time…..we can’t wait to see what you all come up with! Prizes for ugliest sweater! DJ Music, great food and great drinks! Kick off the holiday season at The Pipes dancing the night away with all your friends. Its the place to be!
Saturday, December 17
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Amy Miller live
Ole Beck VFW Post 209
245 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Amy Miller was one of Comedy Central’s “Up Next” comics, and has a brand new Half Hour Special called Ham Mouth on the Comedy Central YouTube channel. As a brand new comic she was a breakout favorite in the final season of Last Comic Standing. She has a half hour comedy special on Epix’s Unprotected Sets and her Comedy Central Presents set has been viewed over 3 million times on Youtube and Facebook. She was also a featured comic on Viceland’s Flophouse. On Last Comic Standing, Keenen Ivory Wayans said she had one of the “fiercest jokes he had ever heard.” Originally from the East Bay, Amy found her comedy chops in Oakland and is still a regular at the SF Punch Line and Cobb’s Comedy Club. Her material is personal, political, and 100% authentic. The Laugh Button says “She found a wildly creative way to find empowerment while simultaneously sparking laughter” and Courting Comedy says “Miller juxtaposes an unassuming demeanor with unflinching assurance.” After a move to Portland, Amy quickly rose to the top of the Pacific Northwest comedy scene, winning Portland’s Funniest in Helium’s 2015 contest, as well as being voted Portland’s Funniest Comedian for 2013 and 2015 in the Willamette Week. She was the first woman to win each position and the only one to win all three.
Amy’s debut album Solid Gold is available on Kill Rock Stars, and was named one of the top 10 comedy albums of 2016 by The Interrobang. You may have also seen Amy on Viceland or heard her on Sirius XM, NPR, Doug Loves Movies, The Adam Carolla Show, The Bennington Show, Put Your Hands Together, All Fantasy Everything, Keith and the Girl, or her own podcast “Who’s Your God?.”
Amy is a nationally touring festival and comedy club headliner, and she has performed in the Moontower Comedy Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Fest, SxSW, the High Plains Comedy Fest, Laughing Skull, Big Sky, San Francisco Sketchfest, the Bumbershoot Festival and more.
$20 Tickets
Saturday, December 17
8:00 pm
Dress as your spouse/type Party W/ NXT GEN ENTERTAINMENT
The Corner Bar
402 Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana
Saturday, December 17
Doors 8:00 pm // Show 9:00 pm
Sarah Frazier + Modular Haze + Jesse the Ocelot
Monk’s Bar
221 Ryman St, Missoula, Montana
21+ // $5 at the door
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm
Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent Street, Missoula, Montana
FREE
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm
Mark Duboise and Crossroads
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm
Cash for Junkers
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana
FREE
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes
1615 Wyoming Street, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm
InComing Days & Doja
Casey’s Whitefish
101 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
21+ // $10 at the door
Saturday, December 17
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Artist Robinson
Perfect Shot Tavern
218 Main Street, Polson, Montana
Considered a prolific storyteller, Artist Robinson delivers a nice blend of traditional country, slow ballads
and southern rock. It’s been said his originals will transport you to another place in time.
Hailing from Dallas, his country music roots run deep. As a young man, his daycares were the honkytonks and bars where his dad was playing. Artist has lived the stories he sings about.
Saturday, December 17
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
K’Niption Fit
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana
Saturday, December 17
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.
SUNDAY, December 18
Sunday, December 18
12:00 pm Noon – 3:00 pm
Holiday on the Farm Pop Up Market
Turner Farms
3515 S 3rd Street West, Missoula, Montana
Annual Holiday Farm pop-up market with a few other local vendors! Great gift ideas, goodies for your celebrations and much more! Bonfire will be roaring, hot cocoa and donuts too! And maybe a visit from a special guest!
Sunday, December 18
12:00 pm Noon – 7:00 pm
Makers’ Pop-Up n Sip Holiday Market
GILD Brewing
515 S. Higgins, Missoula, Montana
Stop in to GILD on Missoula’s Hip Strip from 12 Noon to 7:00 pm Sunday and finish up your holiday shopping with some of the coolest makers in town! Let’s be honest, a handcrafted gift just adds more sparkle and love!
We will be pouring beers and making tacos, arcade will be open 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and upstairs will be filled with 14 badasses who pour themselves into making beautiful items for all sorts of folks. Come cheer them on!
@anomal_press
@barb.schelling
@briggsbeardco
@colibri_stitch_co
@montanamapleworks
@406_candle
@cositas.bonitas.botanicals
@wustnerbroshoney
@feliciawillow
@hammerandtine
@howlgate
@missoulamugulents
@redrockpottery
@threadparade
#makersgild
#madeinmontana
#shopmissoula
#shopsmall
#missoulahipstrip
FREE
Sunday, December 18
2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cranky Double Cribbage Tournament
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Join us for our second Cranky Cribbage Tournament! We will be playing doubles cribbage, so grab that friend that is a bit of a hustler. This will be a FREE double elimination tournament with prizes for 1st and 2nd place.
Sunday, December 18
2:15 pm – 4:30 pm
2022 Holiday Ice Extravaganza
Event by Missoula Figure Skating Club
Glacier Ice Rink
1101 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana
The holiday season is now in full swing and we have the perfect event to add to your calendars! Join us for the Holiday Ice Extravaganza, December 18th. The show begins at 2:15 pm at Glacier Ice Rink and features Learn to Skate group numbers and Missoula Figure Skating Club solos and duets! You don’t want to miss this festive winter event!
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for those under 12 and families of four are $20.
Sunday, December 18
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Homemade Holidays – Pop Up Craft Fair
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W Broadway St., Missoula, Montana
Come by Imagine Nation on Sundays in December to check out crafts from local artists. These gifts are guaranteed to be unique and personal. Best of all, you’ll be supporting your local community! We’ll also have a weekly craft project that you can sign up for. We’ll help you wrap it up with ornament making on the 18th. Bring the kids – these projects will be fun for the whole family!
Sunday, December 18
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.
Sunday, December 18
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sean Kavanaugh
Draught Works
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Wrap up your weekend with Sean Kavanaugh on the Draught Works murphy stage from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sunday
FREE
Sunday, December 18
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
OPEN MIC with Colton C
Bias Brewing
412 S Main Street, Kalispell, Montana
Open Mic is BACK 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm every Sunday at Bias Brewing’s new location in Downtown Kalispell! 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 & older get a FREE pint!
Sunday, December 18
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dan Henry
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana
Sunday, December 18
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dram Tough Trivia Sundays hosted by Paul & Stu
Dram Shop Central
2700 Paxson Street, Ste G, Missoula, Montana
Sunday, December 18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
John Floridis & Jennifer Slayden Duet Benefit Concert for Missoula Interfaith Collaborative Missoula First United Methodist Church
300 E. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Montana guitarist and singer-songwriter John Floridis along with cellist Jennifer Slayden will perform. Proceeds benefit the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative.
FREE ADMISSION!
Free Donations / Proceeds benefit the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative
Sunday, December 18
Doors 7:00 pm // Show 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Holiday Ball with Ed Norton Big Band
Zootown Arts Community Center / ZACC
216 W Main St., Missoula, Montana
$15 Tickets
Get into the holiday spirit with an Ed Norton Big Band Holiday Ball! The Ed Norton Big Band was founded around 1987 after trombonists Tom Wogsland and Scot Ray performed in the pit Orchestra for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s first production of The 1940’s Radio Hour – and didn’t want to stop. Since then the 18-piece band, made up of Missoula musicians from multiple generations, has been a staple of traditional and modern big band music throughout western Montana. Ed Norton Big Band has a long history of entertaining audiences of all ages from birthday parties, fundraisers, Out to Lunch, Second Sunday Jazz, and First Night.
Photo credit to Max Hill (taken at the former Downtown Dance Collective). To learn more about Max’s work visit: https://www.facebook.com/GalileoLookedUp/ & https://www.instagram.com/galileolookedup/
For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Sunday, December 18
8:30 pm
Country Music Dance Party with DJ Nitewolf
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana
Sunday Funday at the Sunrise Saloon and Casino! Karaoke on Missoula’s largest stage and dancing on our huge dance floor! The party starts at 8:30 pm! Bring your friends, end the weekend right!
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.
Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!