Weekend PICKS: Thursday, December 16th thru Sunday, December 19th
Tami Hubbard
Posted On December 16, 2021
The last weekend before Christmas? How did that happen?!
The MUG is here to guide you around town and western Montana for all the good stuff happening this weekend.
Ugly Christmas Sweater parties abound, and if you don’t have a good (bad?) one yet, there are plenty to be found at all our local vintage clothing stores and thrift shops. The tackier the better.
For all you procrastinators (yes, we’re talking to the dudes), this’ll be your last chance to snag a locally made gift and the handful of remaining Christmas Craft & Vendor Fairs. Support our local Montana vendors – the best gifts are not sitting on a container ship off the coast!
There’s enough snow on the ground at some of the higher elevations to get out the skis and snowboards for the first swoosh of the season. Several of our local ski areas are open this weekend including Snowbowl, Lost Trail, and Whitefish . We’re hearing it’s ski-able for XC at Lolo Pass and Pattee Canyon. FatBike Missoula has new groomers, and is looking to have Twin Creeks and other areas rideable soon, too.
There’s live local music at all the regular places all around, all the way through the weekend – around 65 music happenings, by our count! We’re fortunate to have a bunch of great stage performance shows happening around the area – take your pick.
No matter what direction you wanna get outta town, you can’t go wrong. There are several fantastic events happening this weekend in Philipsburg. And ditto all the way up the Flathead, and the Bitterroot valleys.
Get out and enjoy our locally-owned bars & restaurants with Montana grown / made food and beverages. See a comedy show. Sing your favorite Christmas karaoke song (’tis the season), or catch a live 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 New Year’s Eve event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time.”
– Laura Ingalls Wilder
THURSDAY, December 16
Thursday, December 16
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Roxy Theater
718 S. Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 16
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
John Floridis and Jen Slayden
KettleHouse Brewing Co. / Bonner Taproom
605 Cold Smoke Avenue, Bonner, Montana
Thursday, December 16
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Imagine Irish
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 16
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday Night Music with Colton Sea
Bias Brewing
409 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana
Join us Thursday evenings for some live music by local favorite, Colton Sea. Colton’s originals and covers are sure to entertain, he’s been known to even break out the kazoo! Come check him out and liven up your Thursday nights!
Thursday, December 16
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jeff Troxel
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Jeff Troxel blends into diverse musical roles the way a chameleon blends into its surrounding environment. An award-winning musician who easily crosses musical boundaries, he is, in equal parts, a jazz and flatpicking guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, educator, and recording engineer.
Thursday, December 16
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 16
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Smarty Pants Trivia
Waters Edge Winery
2593 Hwy 2 East, Ste #8, Kalispell, Montana
Smarty Pants Trivia night at Waters Edge Winery & Bistro!
Challenge your mind in this fun game that gets everyone involved.
Enjoy great food & amazing wine while you ponder life’s head-scratching questions!
Music is involved too, so brush up. Win and get your name up on our Smarty Pants Wall of Fame!
Brought to you by Waters Edge Winery and David Crismore & Co.
Thursday, December 16
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
TNR Thursday Night Hike (XC Ski)
Pattee Canyon, Missoula, Montana
Pattee Canyon Ski
This week we’ll meet at 6:00 pm at the Sam Braxton Trailhead (top of Pattee Canyon) for our first ski of the season. The Pattee groomed trails are rolled and there is enough snow to ski with potentially more on the way Thursday. The West Fork Deer Creek Road above the Braxton trailhead has excellent coverage with tracks set by skiers.
Missoula Nordic Pattee Canyon Ski Reports
Have a good one!
Thursday, December 16
6:30 pm
Comedy Revival
Ten Spoon Vineyard & Winery
4175 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 16
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Live music with Chuck and JD
The Shoe – Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Thursday, December 16
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Andrea Harsell
Cranky Sam Public House
233 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 16
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Trivia
Western Cider
501 N. California Street, Missoula, Montana
Trivia at Western Cider! Come alone or bring your team for 5 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 7pm, so make sure to arrive early to settle in, get your drinks, and prepare to strain your brain!
Thursday, December 16 (Canceled)
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursty Ear Thursday – Christy Hays Duo
Stave & Hoop
223 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
“Like Lucinda Williams in a Carhartt jacket, Christy Hays works rugged metaphors into emotionally charged country folk.” (Austin Chronicle).
$5 cover added to tabs after 7:00 pm
Thursday, December 16 – Saturday, December 18
6:30 pm each night
A Christmas Carol
Philipsburg Theatre
140 S. Sansome Street, Philipsburg, Montana
Philipsburg is excited to present to the public an iconic portrayal of Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Directed by the returning Cassandra Hopkins, and performed by a talented cast, A Christmas Carol is sure to bring back memories, tears, and laughter throughout the night.
For a complete list of dates/times and to purchase tickets, click here.
December 16, 17, & 18 at the ZACC Show Room
216 W Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Doors at 7 PM // Show at 7:30 PM
Montana Repertory Theatre presents ‘Hearth: A Yuletide Tale’
By Tyson Gerhardt // Featuring The Recession Special
Tickets sold by the Montana Repertory Theatre and are ‘Pick What You Pay’ – To purchase tickets in advance visit: https://bityl.co/9y6K
On a cold December night, a young boy wanders off into a world of ragpickers, tramps, and buskers struggling to survive the winter. As they share their songs and stories, he hatches a plan to help them. But one wrong step could upset the balance of a way of life already on the edge. What begins as an act of childhood rebellion becomes a window into the wonder and the cruelty of the world.
Part concert, part reading, part new play development, Hearth is a story of hope, childhood rebellion, and the capacity for both wonder and cruelty in the world. Join us for the show and stay after to give your feedback and help us create a new holiday tradition for Missoula.
Masks are required for attendees for all Show Room events at this time. Masks may be removed for beverage consumption, but we ask that they please be worn at any time when not actively drinking. For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Thursday is Trivia (7:30 pm to 8:30 pm) and Karaoke (8:30 pm to 12 Midnight) at Eagles Lodge in Missoula
Thursday, December 16
Trivia 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm / Karaoke 8:30 pm – 12:00 am
Hosted by Pro DJ Entertainment
Eagles Lodge
2420 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2021
Thursday, December 16, 2021 7:30 pm
Friday, December 17, 2021 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 18, 2021 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 19, 2021 2:00 pm & 6:30 pm
Missoula Community Theatre
200 N Adams Street, Missoula, Montana
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is an iconic story that it needs little description—will it be fun for children? Absolutely. Will grown-ups think back to their childhood? Good grief, YES! All the familiar and beloved characters will be brought to life on stage, portrayed by a cast of adult actors. Snoopy’s enthusiastic “Suppertime”, a full-cast rendition of Schroeder’s favorite composer’s birthday “Beethoven Day” and Linus’ ode to his beloved possession, “My Blanket and Me” are among the many numbers sure to wrap up the audience in a warm, musical blanket. (Kids– of all ages– can even bring their favorite blanket).
This full-length production features six adult actors in the roles brought to life by Clark Gesner, who wrote the book, music and lyrics for the original 1967 version and subsequent revival, which won several Tony Awards and nominations, a Grammy nomination and other honors while also winning the hearts of children and adults of all ages. Gesner noted that “None of the cast is actually six years old. And they don’t really look like Charles Schulz’ “Peanuts” cartoon characters. But this doesn’t seem to make that much difference once we are into the play, because what they are saying to each other is with the openness of that early childhood time, and the obvious fact is that they are all really quite fond of each other.”
Click HERE for Tickets!
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is a production of the Missoula Community Theatre and sponsored by PayneWest Insurance, US Bank, and Rhoades, Seifert & Erickson, PLLP.
Thursday, December 16
9:00 pm – close
Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Sunrise Saloon
1101 Strand Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 16
9:30 pm
John Dunnigan
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
Thursday, December 16
9:30 pm – 2:00 am
Swamp Ritual, w/ Black Shore & Night Witch
The Badlander
208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
$3 Cover | 21+
FRIDAY, December 17
Friday, December 17
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Luke Dowler
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
Friday, December 17
3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Draught Works Annual Christmas Steamer
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Our Annual Christmas Steamer is nigh! Start drumming up some spectacular Christmas cheer, dig out your ugliest holiday sweaters & get to the good hood on Friday, December 17th from 3-8PM for festive music, flash caramelized Graupelbock Doppelbock, and fresh delicious Penn Cove mussels!
Our Annual Christmas Steamer is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with your friends and family! So round up those in-laws, obscure relatives, and trusty dusty ole friends for a serious evening of unforgettable holiday fun! As always, you can add a bowl of fresh Penn Cove mussels sourced by Taste of Alaska Seafood & masterfully prepared by Burns St. Bistro to any pint purchase for just $1!
The Tuba Santas will take the patio for another special outdoor performance, and we MIGHT just have a musical number of our own planned that you won’t want to miss! Brace yourselves! We’re brining back our favorite NEW tradition! Prepare your tastebuds for our dark and dangerously delicious Graupelbock Doppelbock! Wanna kick it up a notch? Stop by our set-up on the deck and get your Doppelbock flash caramelized for FREE! Poking your beer with a sterilized red hot rod caramelizes the malt in the beer, and imparts a smokey flavor and creamier mouthfeel, making it extra delicious.
Friday, December 17
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
David Crismore live
Rough Cut Hard Cider
3250 US Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Shopping Under The Lights
K&S Greenhouse
204 Black Lane, Corvallis, Montana
Once it gets dark our whole store lights up with lots of beautiful Christmas lights for you to shop under until 9pm! Bring the whole family and enjoy!
Friday, December 17
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mike Murray
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY with Steve Eckels
Bias Brewing
409 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Andrew Sweeney
MontaVino Winery
38 1st Avenue E, Suite D. Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Montana Bonfire
15300 MT-35, Woods Bay, Montana
Fancy up your ugliest sweater with all the Christmas tinsel, bulbs, and candy canes your heart desires! We will have specialty cocktails, appetizers and live music with Eric Alan. Winner will be determined by patron votes! So come one, come all and party the night away. Winner will receive Bonfire merch, Gift Certificate, a bottle of Whistling Andy Spirit and a one night stay at The Islander Inn down in beautiful Woods Bay!
Check out Eric Alan’s “12 Days of Christmas” https://fb.watch/9WqcW7Mnbb/
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Luke Dowler
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pinegrass Christmas
Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery
4175 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm
Ronan Parade of Lights
Ronan, Montana
The parade will go down Main Street, through town, back down Round Butte and end at the Fairgrounds at Lights Under the Big Sky! There will be no candy thrown on Main Street (for the safety of kids in the dark.) Please see route in photo. If you would like to participate in the parade please see the flyer in the discussion and email: [email protected]
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Annual Ugly Sweater Party
The Thomas Meagher Bar
130 West Pine Street, Missoula, Montana
Prizes to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners! Winter Drink Specials, SWAG, & much more! The uglier the better!
Drink & Shot specials all night!
Friday, December 17
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Colton Sea
Unleashed: A Winery
20 Spokane Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
Get entered into a raffle for wearing an ugly sweater. BOGO half off glass pours all night.
Friday, December 17
6:30 pm
Western Montana Santa Fly Over
The Big Skies of Western Montana
If the weather cooperates, Santa is planning on doing his test flight Friday at 6:30pm. This is Santa’s test flight that he does to make sure his sleigh and reindeer harnesses are ready for his flight around the world. He only does one test flight around Missoula and once the test flight is done, he is ready to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. To help know where Santa is we have built a Santa Tracker that can be viewed on our website at https://406santaflyover.org/santa Due to the nature of the test flight, the tracker is where you will also receive the most up to date information on the flight status. We have also attached the planned flight path. We hope everyone has a wonderful time and from all of us at The Western Montana Santa Flyover we wish you all a Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 17
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Todd Cowart
The KM Bar
29 3rd Street East, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Luke Lautaret Project
Waters Edge Winery Kalispell
2593 Highway 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
This duo is seriously one of the BEST in the Valley! They will have you out of your seat in no time! Wash off the week with some of our expertly crafted global wines and satisfy your hunger with our perfectly paired dinner menu! Located at the corner of Hwy 2 & Reserve Kalispell. See you soon, Flathead!
Friday, December 17
7:00 pm
Reggie Watts
The Wilma
131 Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Tickets & more info: https://bit.ly/2XnUNJE
Friday, December 17
7:00 pm
Karaoke with Kaleidoscope Entertainment
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Road, Lolo, Montana
Friday, December 17
7:00 pm
Guthrie Brown
Maxs Market
125 Village Lane, Bigfork, Montana
Friday, December 17
Doors 7:00 pm | Comedy 8:00 pm
Comedy Night
The Barn on Mullan
8500 Mullan Road, Missoula, Montana
Featuring 5 local comedians and emceed by the wonderful Blake Yarnall!
Tickets are $15/presale or $20/door.
For more info or to purchase tickets email Brandy at [email protected]
Includes small bites. Full bar available for purchase.
December 17 & December 18 – 7:30 pm
December 19 – 2:00 pm
Elf Jr the Musical
Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre
526 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, Montana
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
Tickets will be available online and at the box office 1 hour before performance times.
Friday, December 17
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Unwound – Garth Brooks tribute band
Kalispell Elks Club
1820 US Highway 93 South , Kalispell, Montana
Hey everybody – a very cool special update for our UNWOUND show this Friday night at the Elks Club in Kalispell. Mark Hendricks from Comatose Posse will be joining us on stage to blow the roof off the place.
Friday, December 17
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Nashville 406
Cowboy Troy’s
2359 US Highway 93 N, Victor, Montana
Friday, December 17
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Christmas Karaoke
The Tailing Loop Winery
1498 Mt Highway 35, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 17
8:00 pm
Dueling Pianos – Holiday Edition
Stave & Hoop
223 N. Higgins – Alley Entrance, Missoula, Montana
Enjoy an all holiday, interactive, semi-raucous and fully fun evening with Dr. Doug & Josh Farmer – No Cover!
Friday, December 17
8:30 pm
Whiskey Rose
Maverick’s Road House
7254 US Highway 93, Lakeside, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm
SantaCon Missoula ’21
XXXX in Missoula (If you know, you know)
*All times subject to change depending on the flow of the beer*
Songbooks will be provided.
Singing twisted Christmas carols to the patrons of the bars! So grab your “sexiest” Christmas getup because SantaCon is hittin’ up Missoula, Montana! Whether you’re a Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves or reindeer, bring your sexiness and join us on a bar crawl to spread Christmas cheer. There is no better reason to dress up in Santa suits then to run around town, sing songs, get drunk, have strangers sit on our laps, and having us decide who is naughty or nice.
Some Santa Guidelines:
1.) Stay on top of your bar tabs and pay for your drinks in a timely fashion. Other Santa’s get tired of waiting on Santa’s to clear their tab before being able to move on. This entire adventure should be CASH only if possible. Credit cards only take longer. And of course TIP the bartenders generously for putting up with us; we want to be able to do this again. Bribery gets you everywhere!
2.) No Santas left behind. Don’t go leaving one or two Santas in the process. Santa’s don’t like that. Pick a few people you know and keep an eye out for them when it’s time to move to the next location. If you don’t see them, speak up so everyone waits. Every Santa should have at least 2-3 other Santa’s they look out for and that look out for them. We don’t want to leave someone in the crapper and have them wandering around looking for us. Santa is safer in numbers. What one Santa couldn’t get away with without getting questioned, 50 can. Stick together Santas!
3.) Holiday apparel is mandatory! Dress the hell up! A Santa hat is not enough. Get a Santa suit. Buy a Santa suit. Make a Santa suit. Steal a Santa suit. If you don’t have any money, be creative. If you don’t have any creativity, slap yourself three times and ask your mom to help you. You don’t have to dress as Santa proper. That’s BORING! Variations of Santa-ness are deeply appreciated, both by those we bring joy to – as well as the other Santas! Glue cotton balls to red long johns. Make it purple. Make it pink. Make it plaid. Some examples from other places: Santa Claws, Santa Garcia, Santa’s naughty little helper, misfit toy, elf, Grinch, angel, Jesus, snowman, nutcracker, reindeer. Hell, other locations have even had a chicken, a panda, a bunny, and a gay French monkey, so we’re pretty flexible here. Variants of elves or reindeer or what-have-you are fine as well! Already have a Santa suit? Bring spare parts for the Santafication of strangers.
4.) Please realize that this indeed is an event to have a hell of a lot of fun, and of course, with the assistance of liquor. It’s not, however, an event to get trashed to the point that Santa’s end up insulting, fighting, degrading, or being an all around asshole to people that run the places that we visit – or to the regular patrons that are there. Remember, we’re LUCKY that they let THIS many jackasses into their places of business – and we’d like to keep coming back. Also, there is no “bail fund” for incarcerated Santa(s) – so you’ll be on your own with that.
5.) Santas that drink should make sure that they are also Santas that can drive home, or make arrangements so that they don’t need to. This is a no-brainer, but alas, I feel it needs to be said. Santa doesn’t want any casualties. We need as many soldiers for “return tours”, so to speak. With mass transit being what it is in Missoula (some of it free!) we suggest making use of this fine opportunity to get to know your local Free Ride drivers. If you don’t plan on taking advantage of this accommodation, we strongly suggest bringing a designated driver and of course carpooling as much as possible. The more Santas in each vehicle, the fewer individuals need to remain dry.
6.) Twisting the holiday paradigm until it screams for mercy is fun! Getting arrested is not. Santa Claus is friendly, respectful, and cooperative with cops, security guards, park rangers, secret service agents, and store owners and doesn’t break any laws! “Disorderly Conduct” is not a city in China. Have your own special twisted fun, but DON’T SCREW IT UP FOR THE REST OF US. Our Santas do not destroy property, steal merchandise, or do harm to others. The authorities and local businesses usually take Santas antics in the loving holiday spirit Santa intends, so be nice to them.
7.) Please pay for your drinks as soon as you get them. Santas get tired of waiting on other Santas to clear their tab before being able to move on. This entire adventure should be CASH only. Yes this is a repeat rule, Santa is just trying to get the point across.
Memorize these answers to important questions that may arise:
Q. Who’s in charge? A. “Santa”
Q. What organization are you with? A. “Santa”
Q. What are you protesting? A. “Crappy holiday parties”
Q. How did you get here? A. “A sleigh and eight tiny reindeer”
Q. Where are you going next? A. “Only Santa knows. I’m only allowed to tell you if you wear this hat and buy me a drink.”
Any other question: “HO!” (best coupled with a slight pause and a stupid look on your face).
Friday, December 17 & Saturday, December 18 – SOLD OUT
9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
Paul Cauthen
Remington Bar and Casino
130 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
For tickets & info, click here
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Nurse Ratchet Take Over
Monk’s Bar Missoula
225 Ryman, Missoula, Montana
Come down to Monk’s Bar & support your local artists!
Doors open at 9 pm, music starts at 10 pm!
Amanda, aka Nurse Ratchet, and crew playing tunes 12/17/21 featuring Mumblebee + IAO + Botlpop and Nurse Ratchet.
21+ | $5 cover
After that, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm to 1:00 am
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes & Fun Center
1615 Wyoming St., Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Karaoke with Bluette
The Sitting Duck
15265 Mt Highway 35, Bigfork, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm
Uncle Funk
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm to close
Karaoke w/DJ Nitewolf
Evaro Bar and Casino
17025 US Highway 93 North, Evaro, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:00 pm
Nitewolf Productions
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent Street, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 17
9:30 pm – 1:00 am
Laney Lou and The Bird Dogs with Way Down North
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
$5 at the Door
Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs are an energetic Americana band from Bozeman, Montana, that infuses four-part harmonies, engaging songwriting, and rock-n-roll drive into a modern approach to traditional folk music. Coming from varied musical backgrounds, the five-person ensemble creates a sound unique to them, but one that finds common ground by adding the energy of Montana’s big sky country into their music. The Bird Dogs weave stories through their songs that are reflective, joyous, longing, or meant to share a journey with the listener. Through it all, the band is able to convey heartfelt honesty, getting the audience to immerse themselves in the moment by dancing, singing and laughing along.
$10 at the door
Friday, December 17
10:00 pm – 2:00 am
Dead Hipster presents-‘Tis the Season to Party
The Badlander
208 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 17
11:55 pm – 7:00 am
Midnight Life Crisis w. Kris Moon and Mic Mercury
Legacy Lounge
529 S. Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
SATURDAY, December 18
Saturday, December 18
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Missoula Valley Winter Market
2901 Brooks Street (inside the halls of Southgate Mall, near Scheels), Missoula, Montana
The weekly #missoulavalleywintermarket happens Saturday at 9 am – 2 pm in the Southgate Mall! We’re located inside the newly remodeled WEST entrance behind Scheels. Approximately 40 LOCAL vendors each Saturday.
We also have a weekly Wednesday evening market from 4:30-7:00 pm in case you miss Saturday.
Our local vendors are so excited to see you!
And don’t forget to take advantage of TRIPLE SNAP dollars this year!
Saturday, December 18
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Full Moon
Ravalli County Museum
205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana
Paint a night sky and decorate it with a full moon and glittery stars! We will use a watercolor wash to make an evening sky, then sprinkle salt crystals on to create magical stars. The paintings will be blown dry, and a glow-in-the-dark moon will be glued into place to finish the heavenly scene!
All family events are at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton, MT (406)363-3338.
Saturday, December 18
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Holiday Blitz Market
Ravalli County Fairgrounds
100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, Montana
Saturday, December 18
10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Bitterroot Baggers Cornhole #1
Hamilton Eagles Lodge #1693
125 N 2nd Street, Hamilton, Montana
ACL Cornhole Tournament
First Local/Regional Cornhole Tournament in the Bitterroot. .Doubles and/or Singles competition at all levels. $15-30 per person. Double elimination brackets. ACL points, Start at 10am done by 5pm, Sign up now or contact the Eagles ASAP. Need a minimum of 6 singles and 12 doubles.
Saturday, December 18
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Procrastinators Sale
Kalispell Brewing Company
412 Main Street, Kalispell, Montana
Christmas is approaching at warp speed, and if you’re as surprised by that fact as I am, we have the solution! This is a great chance to finish up your shopping while supporting local makers and artists! Colton Sea and Robo will be performing from 5-8pm.
Saturday, December 18
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Holiday Shoot by Zootown Tea
BN Plaza by the XXXX’s on Higgins
100 E. Railroad St.
Downtown Missoula, Montana 59802
Come fight your seasonal depression with a photoshoot near the XXXX’s at the end of Higgins from Noon to 3 with some cozy coffeeshop bonding from 3-4 pm. Downtown will be decked out for the season and will be perfect for seasonal costumes!
Saturday, December 18
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Skate with Santa
Glacier Ice Rink
1101 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana
Join Santa on Saturday, December 18, 2021 for family fun as he skates with kids and poses for photos. The skating session runs from 12:30-2:30 pm on the outdoor rink and features holiday caroling from MPower Voices. Admission is $9 and skate rentals are $3. This session is capped at 150 skaters, and advance registration is required (you will need to create an online account to sign up). Passes and punch cards are not accepted for this session. Special holiday public skating sessions are offered December 19, 2021 through January 1, 2022 (closed Christmas). Visit our website for additional information or to sign up for sessions.
Saturday, December 18
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sundog North
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana
Saturday, December 18
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Bash – Philipsburg Brewing Co
Philipsburg Brewing Company
106 Brewery Road, Philipsburg, Montana
Prizes for the ugliest of them all! Spread the holiday cheer with us in cozy, but ugly sweaters over some pints of good beer!
Tom Catmull will provide live music on the mezzanine from 5-8pm
Saturday, December 18
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Michelle Rivers Duo
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana
Saturday, December 18
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Music is Medicine with Maria Zepeda
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 18
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas Lights Decoration Cruise around Kalispell
Event by ElevatioN
540 S Main Street, Kalispell, Montana
Come cruise and look at all the local Christmas lights. We have a route set up. This will be alot of fun. Meet at the church at 540 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901 @ 6pm and leave for cruise once everyone has shown up.
Saturday, December 18
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Evil Twin Brother Band
Blacksmith Brewing Company
114 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana
Saturday, December 18
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
John Dunnigan Live
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Ave Whitefish, Montana
Saturday, December 18
6:00 pm
Live music
The Shoe – Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Saturday, December 18
6:30 pm
Tommy Edwards & Alex Lambert
Kalispell Elks Club & Event Center
1820 US Highway 93 S, Kalispell, Montana
This Saturday! – $10 Cover
ARTISTS :: Tommy Edwards & Dallas Recording Artist- Alex Lambert
Tommy & Alex met during Tommy’s time at The Voice and are teaming up to take over the Kalispell Elks Lodge for an incredible night of music! You won’t want to miss this event! We are thrilled to have Toys for Tots on site taking toy donations all evening!
If you are able to bring a donation, Toys for Tots accepts donations ALL YEAR ROUND! They provide help to families for so much more than just Christmas time, helping with Birthdays, providing Books for EVERY AGE, and so much more.
Saturday, December 18
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Travis Yost
Cranky Sam Public House
233 West Main Street, Missoula, Montana
It’s been asked if Travis Yost is a singer/comedian or if he just so happens to have the charm and humor of the devil himself. Come find out the answer when he plays his lively variety of tunes that are sure to please everyone with ears.
Saturday, December 18
8:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The Northern Lights Band
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Road, Lolo, Montana
Come early and have dinner, stay for the music. The grill closes at 8 pm, we will keep the fryer on till close for quick bites to keep you dancing! The campground is open for dry camping for superstars, first come first serve, must check-in at the Bar and register. Call 406-273-6264 for cabin availability. Anyone that cannot stay, please be responsible.
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm
Luke Dowler Live Duo with Kelly Diane plus Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Perfect Shot Tavern
218 Main Street, Polson, Montana
It’s time to bust out those Ugly Christmas Sweaters! Join us for a fun night with Luke Dowler & Kelly Diane – you can check Luke out at www.lukedowler.com or find him on Facebook. Kelly Diane is joining Luke for a killer duo. You don’t want to miss the show they put on! You can find out more about Kelly @kellyspiano on Facebook.
Wear your Ugly Christmas Sweater & you just might win a prize.
After that, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm to 1:00 am
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes & Fun Center
1615 Wyoming St., Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Karaoke with Bluette
The Sitting Duck
15265 MT Highway 35, Bigfork, Montana
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm
Three Chord Junkies
Union Club
208 E Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Latin Dancing December
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent Street, Missoula, Montana
Free admission – Start your night at 9pm with a free dance lesson, followed by music and dancing from 10-2.
21+
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm – 2:00 am
The Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Chaddabox & Friends featuring Mt. Souls + Dj Witty
Monk’s Bar Missoula
221 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
21+ $5 cover charge at the door
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm to Close
Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Sunrise Saloon
1101 Strand Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 18
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs w/ special guest Way Down North
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Avenue, Whitefish, Montana
SUNDAY, December 12
Sunday, December 19
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Holidays on the Farm: Christmas Pop-Up Market
Turner Farms
3515 S. 3rd Street West, Missoula, Montana
We’ll have ArtCake MT, Zootown Cookies, Bates Beanery and a few other vendors with treats for stockings and great gifts for you family and friends! Plus, Kelly from Yellow Butterfly 406 Photography will be doing mini sessions for $35!
We’ll have a bonfire, S’mores makings and we also heard Santa may stop by to say to the goats!
Come, celebrate the season at the farm and finish all your holiday shopping by supporting local businesses!
Sunday, December 19
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sunday Funday Board Games
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Celebrate Sunday Funday with us at Cranky Sam Public House! Every Sunday earn you and your gamer friends a buy-one-get-one-free flight of Cranky Sam beer just for bringing in a game to play at the pub! It doesn’t matter if it’s Cribbage or Catan, Dominoes or DnD, we love to see the gamers using our nice big tables! So, shake off the hangover, grab some food, sip a bevvy, and bring some friends to enjoy your Sunday with us game nerds!
Sunday, December 19
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Indigenous Holiday Market
Missoula Public Library
455 East Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center and All Nations Health Center at the Missoula Public Library on the 4th floor from 1-4 pm on Sunday, December 19th for the Indigenous Holiday Market. If you had the chance to see the 11 artists we hosted in November, then you know this is an event that you won’t want to miss. We appreciate Golden Yolk Griddle for their sponsorship which is allowing us to bring more native artists to Missoula.
Sunday, December 19
2:30 pm
2021 Holiday Ice Extravaganza
Glacier Ice Rink
1101 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana
The holiday season is now in full swing and we have the perfect event to add to your calendars! The show begins at 2:30pm 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 $5 for adults and children older than 5. Kids under 5 get in free!
Buy tickets on our website: https://www.missoulafsc.org/christmas-954350.html
Sunday, December 19
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Audacious – Rollerblades & Skates
Fort Missoula
2725 CCC Road, Missoula, Montana
We gather every week to meet new friends who love to skate, blade, longboard, or simply hang out.
Traditional and electric personal vehicles are welcome!
Don’t worry if that’s your first time on wheels under your feet, we are always happy to help! We offer a class on the basics that spans across two weekends. We just love to blade and skate and we want to help people connect, improve their skills and share their exitement for that liberating sport.
Classes are designed for beginners and last 45min. They are free and take place with a minimum of 3 participants.
Skates – Learn the basics including 2 different ways to stop, how to fall, turn, ride on one blade, maintenance and rollerblade types.
Electric Longboards – Startup guide. Posture, turning, carving, emergency breaking, surface awareness and maintenance.
We are excited to meet e-skaters, one-wheelers, EUCs and electric scooters. There is a growing electric community in Missoula and we are happy to be part of it. Come and meet others who choose to move the way you do.
Please note that everyone is responsible for the level of safety they consider appropriate and that the organizer bears no responsibility.
Sunday, December 19
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Winter Solstice Walk
Travelers’ Rest State Park
6717 Highway 12 W, Lolo, Montana
Pre-registration is required and space is limited – email [email protected] for details and to sign up.
Sunday, December 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mary Place and Blue Moon
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Sunday, December 19
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
A Merry Mullet Christmas & Music by Tommy Edwards Sr.
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, Montana
Business in the front.
Party in the back.
A murder of crows.
A pod of dolphins.
A caravan of camels.
But what do you call a group of mullets?
Join us for the most unique Christmas party ever. Flaunt your stuff, ladies and gents! Let’s see your best mullet haircut. Mullets + Ugly Christmas Sweaters = Fun & Prizes! Judging starts at 7pm.
The best mullet/sweater combo wins the title of Grand Prize Winner AND gets a PONY KEG of Sacred Waters craft beer!
2nd place: $50 gift card • 3rd place: $25 gift card • 4th place: Free growler fill
Book that haircut in December! It’s time to channel your inner Billy Ray Cyrus, 90s Ellen DeGeneres, bandana-wearing Hulk Hogan, and Kenny Powers style! PS: why isn’t there a mullet emoji? Let’s protest.
Sunday, December 19
9:00 pm to Close
Karaoke w/DJ Nitewolf
The Sunrise Saloon
1101 Strand Avenue, Missoula, Montana
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 New Year’s Eve event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
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