Weekend PICKS: Thursday, December 1st thru Sunday, December 4th
It’s December – unofficially one of our other in-between seasons we call “not yet winter – but it’s winter.” Embrace it! There are tons of fantastic things to get out and see and do.
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.
With all this week’s snow + what’s ahead, this is the weekend most all the local ski areas are officially open – fresh powder, and it’s not too cold – go! (Don’t forget to keep your tips up.)
First Friday is happening in Downtown Missoula – lots of locations with art, music, snacks, beverages and a holiday twist.
Washington-Grizzly stadium is quiet this weekend, but it’s the biggest Griz Football game of the year over in Fargo as your University of Montana Griz play the National Champions North Dakota State Bison in the second round of the FCS Playoffs, with kickoff at 1:30 pm CST. Just about every bar in Western Montana will have the game on TV for you to settle in & watch the battle on ESPN+. Pick one, and settle in for the afternoon – #GoGriz !
Did somebody say Corgis in ugly Christmas sweaters?! Christmas / Holiday Bazaars & Markets are well underway, and happening all over this weekend…And there are already a huge number of Christmas strolls, light parades, and tree lighting events to attend and enjoy. The new Marshall Mountain Park is hosting Christmas Tree cutting and Winter Celebration on Saturday afternoon. Downtown Missoula’s Parade of Lights is happening on Saturday. Way up in Whitefish, you can have Christmas with the Clydesdales! Scroll the Weekend PICKS listings to see ’em all. Nearby or a short road trip away, you’ll find plenty of winter wonderlands to choose from.
We’re counting at least 65 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 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.
Do you have a Western Montana event you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
THURSDAY, December 1
“I don’t sing about politics or anything like that. I sing about love. That’s what I know about.”
Rest in peace – Christine McVie, 1943-2022
Thursday, December 1
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sundog North
Kettlehouse Tap House Bonner
605 Cold Smoke Avenue, Bonner, Montana
Combining psychedelics, folk, rock, and world music, The Benevolents offer their listeners a unique blend of sounds that transcend traditional genres and offer a musical and lyrical experience like no other.
Free
Thursday, December 1
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Imagine Ireland
Imagine Nation Brewing Company
1151 W. Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 1
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hot Wax Night with Gull Ski and Snowboard
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Our friends at Gull Ski and Snowboard will be giving away free ski and board waxes with your drink purchase!
Bring your skis or board down to Cranky from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a free hot wax while you sip a tasty Cranky Sam beverage. Arrive early to be the first one up! The fire pit will be roaring and we’ll be doing a little snow dance to keep the fluffy stuff falling!
Thursday, December 1
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Open Decks
Legacy Lounge
529 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
CANCELLED
This event is free and spotlights talent from all genres, but we primarily host DJs who play bass, dubstep, house, breakbeats and other electronic dance genres. If you’d like to play, message the Legacy Lounge through Facebook or Instagram. Beginners are welcome to play the 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm time slot. We will teach you how to use CDJs. Everyone is required to play on our system (CDJ-3000s and a 900-NSX2 Mixer) for open decks. All you need to bring is your headphones and a USB drive with some music downloaded from Rekordbox.
Thursday, December 1
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
TNR / Thursday Night XC SKI
Rattlesnake Canyon
Missoula, Montana
With snow falling Wednesday and more forecast for Thursday we’ll meet for a ski in the Rattlesnake. The route will be determined by the conditions when we arrive at 6:00 pm. If there is enough snow we’ll ski a loop going up Curry Gulch and down Sawmill Gulch. Backup options are a loop in Spring Gulch or up the Main Corridor. Meet at the main Rattlesnake Trailhead.
Reminder: the Rattlesnake winter dog closure starts on Thursday 12/1.
See you out there!
Thursday, December 1
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 1
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Timber Rattlers
Bitter Root Brewing
101 Marcus Street, Hamilton, Montana
Thursday, December 1
6:00 pm
Luke Lautaret Project
The Shoe, Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Thursday, December 1
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Name That Tune Trivia Night
Waters Edge Winery Kalispell
2593 Hwy 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
Thursday, December 1
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jazz-Esque
The Old Post
103 W Spruce Street, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 1
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 1 – 7:30 pm
Friday, December 2 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 3 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 4 – 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 approxomiate runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes with an intermission included.
Please Be Advised: Water-based stage fog is used in this production.
Thursday, November 10
Doors 7:00 pm // Open Mic/Music 7:30 pm
MAMA Open Mic Night
Zootown Arts Community Center / ZACC
216 W Main, Missoula, Montana
FREE
The ZACC and the Montana Area Music Association have teamed up to create a space for music, community, collaboration, and artistic expression. Learn about MAMA’s mission, what we’re working on, and how to get involved. Meet fellow musicians, test out new songs, and build new connections! Every open mic has been a blast, and we would love to see you again on December 1 for MAMA Open Mic, for the final MAMA open mic of 2022. (Stay tuned too, cause it’s continuing throughout 2023!)
To learn more about the Montana Area Music Association (MAMA) visit https://mama4mt.org/.
Thursday, December 1
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 1
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tree Form
Stave & Hoop
223 N. Higgins – Alley Entrance, Missoula, Montana
Tree Form, a new Missoula quartet, is inspired by the traditions of soul, funk, and jazz. The band dedicates themselves to rhythmic exploration and a creative harmonic palette. Come enjoy a selection of originals, standards, and ear worm jams, designed to serenade the senses and leave behind all terrestrial ties.
$5 cover added to all tabs after music begins at 8:00 pm.
Thursday, December 1
9:00 pm
Country Rock Karaoke with DJ Nite Wolf
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent St, Missoula, Montana
Thursday, December 1
Doors 8:00 pm // Show 9:00 pm
Poverello Center Benefit Concert
The Badlander
208 Ryman St, Missoula, Montana
Doors open at 8:00 pm and music will be starting at 9:00 pm. Live music and DJs! We’ll still be holding a sock and glove drive outside!
Thursday, December 1
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Missoula’s HomeGrown Stand Up Comedy-Open Mic
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Sign up at 8:30 pm! Show starts at 9:00 pm!
It’s time for some HomeGrown Stand up Comedy! Show is open to anyone who would like to watch or perform. And it is a FREE show!
Comedians, please show up around 8:30 pm to sign up. Beginners will get 3-4 minutes of stage time, intermediates (people who have done stand-up at least 4 times) will get 4-5 minutes, and headliner/veterans/features will get 4-5 minutes. Performers who bring notes on Stage only get 3 minutes. Sign-up closes at 8:45 pm.
FRIDAY, December 2
Friday, December 2 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 3 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Little Red Truck’s European Christmas Market
1101 South Avenue West, Missoula, Montana
OUR BIGGEST ONE YET…
Since 2014…. Little Red Truck’s Annual European Style Christmas Market has been at the historic Missoula County Fairgrounds! The two 2-Story Barns PLUS the Floriculture building and the Home Arts Building and the Historic Plaza will be full to the brim with fabulous Vintage, Handmade and Gift Vendors!
Our Indoor/ Outdoor Venue features creative vendor booths with cozy, warming bonfires, twinkly lights, tasty local food trucks, hot spiced Gluhwein , Hot Spiced Nuts, German Brats, baked goods & treats and to enhance the festival atmosphere: international holiday music in the courtyard as well as Live Music in the “Winter Wonderland”…all with the flavor of an outdoor European Christmas Market! Join all the fun at the two day, family-friendly event! Don’t miss Santa on Friday night from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm!
We’ll be open for a special Early Bird Night Friday, December 2nd from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This $10 ticket gives you first choice on our vendors one-of-a-kind goods plus it gets you in again free on Saturday!
OR One-Day Tickets available for Saturday-only, December 3rd 10:00 am – 4:00 pm $5.00.
Prepay Tickets will be available, but all tickets for *both days* are available at the gate as you enter.
This year we’ll have two ticket booths,… one by the South Avenue Entrance, and one by the Ice Rink. We’ll use a wristband system this year!
$10 Weekend Ticket OR $5 for Saturday-only
Friday, December 2
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Annual Holiday Open House at the ZACC
Zootown Arts Community Center / ZACC
216 W Main St, Missoula, Montana
Free & Open to All
** Fun Activities for the Whole Family – Including Ornament Painting, Bring-Your-Own-T-Shirt Screen-printing, Card-Making & Collages, and Live Music
** ZACC & Friends Annual Holiday Show in the Main Gallery
** Works by mixed-media artist and sculptor Melissa Thompson in the Blackfoot Communications Gallery
** Magic Rainbow, Works by Blue Rose Lusk in the Youth Gallery
** Josh Farmer Piano in the Show Room (with Caroling Sing-Along!)
** Cash Bar with beer, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options
** Free Hot Cider!
** THREE Santa Selfie Stations!
Head to the ZACC between the hours of 5 and 8 PM on First Friday, December 2, and experience a magical holiday wonderland! Attendees will be given easy to follow maps at entry, and ZACC staff and Santa’s elves will be on hand to give tours of our three-story downtown building. Our 2022 Holiday Open House includes a variety of free – and super fun – activities for folks of all ages, including ornament painting, screenprinting (just bring your own T-shirt or other fabric!), winter card-making and collages, and THREE Santa Selfie Stations (complete with hilariously candid, life-size Santa cardboard cut-outs). And for those who would prefer to watch a wonderful performance or even join in the fun and perform themselves, Josh Farmer will be playing the baby grand piano in our venue, The Show Room, for folks to carol along. And warm up with a beverage from the Show Room bar, serving beer, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options – and free hot cider!
In addition to these awesome and totally free festivities, our annual ZACC & Friends Holiday Show is opening that night in the Main Gallery, with an array of affordable artwork made with love by artists who love the ZACC. Every year this show includes dozens of local and regional artists with works spanning all price points, so there really is something for everyone. Works by multi-media artist and sculptor Melissa Thompson will be featured in our Blackfoot Communications Gallery, and Magic Rainbow, artwork by Blue Rose Lusk, who is the daughter of Samantha Balk and printmaker David Miles Lusk and who was born above the ZACC in 2019 when it was at its previous location on the Northside, will be featured in our Youth Gallery.
Last but certainly not least, our Artist Shop (full of thoughtful, locally made gift ideas) will be open and stocked with perfect presents for anyone on your list. This very special annual Holiday Open House is totally free, though we would very much appreciate your consideration of an end-of-year donation to the ZACC.
For further information, accessibility, and inquiries please visit https://www.zootownarts.org/meet-the-zacc/about/.
Friday, December 2
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
First Friday
Missoula Art Museum
335 N. Pattee Street, Missoula, Montana
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with music, a no-host bar, and contemporary art at MAM! Find gifts for all the art lovers in your life, such as Rudy Autio ornaments, memberships to MAM’s Contemporary Collectors Circle, and many discounted books and catalogs.
Friday, December 2
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Allison Stayer
MontaVino Winery
38 1st Ave E, Suite D, Kalispell, Montana
Please join us in the tasting room on Friday for the Historical Downtown Kalispell’s annual Holiday/Art Stroll.
Come in and warm up while you stroll. Support local downtown businesses!
MontaVino will have live music featuring the beautifully talented Allison Stayer, complimentary glasses of Rose’, and great deals on wine!
Friday, December 2
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
First Friday Party feat. The Benevolents, w/art from Girls on Shred
Cranky Sam Public House
233 W Main St, Missoula, Montana
Join us for your favorite monthly party! This December’s First Friday has some pretty awesome things to offer!
5:00 pm: The rad Girls on Shred non-profit is putting together a First Friday show for the ages! They will have decorated skateboard decks up for silent auction all month long! Come get a look at these beauties before they all get sold!
6:30 pm: Girls on Shred and the Hipstrip Honeyz are teaming up for a fashion show! Clothes will be shown and then for sale throughout the evening. Get a peak at what these talented ladies have been making!
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: The Benevolents Trio will be bringing a string strumming good time with their guitars, mandolin, and violin.
Friday, December 2
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mike Murray
Sacred Waters Brewing
3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 2
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pesky Varmints
Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery
4175 Rattlesnake Drive, Missoula, Montana
$5 Cover / Kids Free
Friday, December 2
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Country Christmas & Parade of Lights
Stevensville Civic Club
Main Street, Stevensville, Montana
Friday, December 2
6:00 pm
Joe Martinez
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Friday, December 2
6:00 pm
2022 Parade of Lights
Polson Business Community
Polson, Montana
Spectacular floats, food vendors, late night shopping, and of course Santa are all part of this fun, family holiday event! Please follow the link for online registration of parade entries.
Friday, December 2
6:30 pm
Christmas Stroll Parade
Powell County Chamber of Commerce
Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana
Annual Christmas Stroll Parade. Gather family and friends to create a float using this year’s theme “Santa’s Workshop”
Prizes for winners: 1st place $100, 2nd Place $75 3rd Place $50. Sponsored by the Powell County Chamber of Commerce and Renaissance Senior Care, Broken Arrow, Deer Lodge Family Dental, Deer Park Golf Course, The Vonnie Louise Inn Mountain View Retreat.
Friday, December 2
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Luke Lautaret Music
Waters Edge Winery Kalispell
2593 Hwy 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
Friday, December 2
7:00 pm
Tanner Laws
Wear Your Roots Store
225 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2
7:00 pm
Off in the Woods/ Shark Buffalo
Free Cycles
732 S 1st St West, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2 – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 4 – 2:00 pm
A Christmas Carol (with Actors Roulette)
Philipsburg Theatre
140 S. Sansome Street, Philipsburg, Montana
Anaconda Ensemble Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol.” Come enjoy this hilarious skit where the actors don’t know who is playing what role until the start of the show! Come out for the fun!
$15 per person / Tickets in Advance or At the Door
Friday, December 2
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Billy G ~ Live
Cowboy Troy’s Victor
2359 Hwy 93 N, Victor, Montana
Friday, December 2
8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Chez Live
Monk’s Bar
221 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana
Hailing from Billings, Chez has worked through several trials and tribulations to be where he is today: at the TOP of his game.
Putting his heart and soul into the microphone each time he hits the stage, this young man has honed his craft to a level we’ve never seen before. Don’t miss your chance to catch hit singles like “Papi Chulo” and “Flip The Switch” LIVE in concert!
Friday, December 2
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Hammerhead Jack
Evaro Bar & Casino
17025 US Hwy 93 North, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2 – Sunday, December 4
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Bare Bait Dance Company “Hello Winter!”
Westside Theater
1200 Shakespeare Street, Missoula, Montana
Join us in ringing in the start of the holiday season with Hello Winter! Heart-warming, playful, and escapist… all the things you need as we begin to dive into the season of glitz and jingle. Performed by the Bare Bait Dance Company and guests, Hello Winter! features the choreography talents of BBDC Director, Joy French, alongside guest choreographers, Nicole Wolcott and Faith Morrison. Dust off your Santa hats and get into the holiday spirit!
$28 Single Tickets / $22 Student Tickets
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm
~406~
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Karaoke with DJ Hecka
Dark Horse Bar
1805 Regent St, Missoula, Montana
Free
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm
Karaoke
The Rustic Hut
5415 US Hwy 93 South, Florence, Montana
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes
1615 Wyoming Street, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm – 12:00 am
JST Us
Perfect Shot Tavern
218 Main St, Polson, Montana
Friday, December 2
9:00 pm – 1:00 am
Josh Farmer
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana
Friday, December 2
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Honey Bandit
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana
SATURDAY, December 3
Saturday, December 3
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Rigs & Coffee
J&K Customs
2904 W Broadway St, Missoula, Montana
Thanks to loosecaboosemissoula for donating the Coffee
Saturday, December 3
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 3
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Big Sky Drama Winter Craft Fair
Big Sky High School
3100 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Florence Community Craft Bazaar
Florence – Carlton High School
5602 Old U.S. 93, Florence, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Frenchtown PTA Craft Fair
Frenchtown High School
17620 Frenchtown Frontage Rd, Frenchtown, Montana
Saturday, December 3
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday Learning Adventure Series: Wine Cork Ornaments
Ravalli County Museum
205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana
Tis’ the season for decorations and merry-making! Today, we will take ordinary wine corks and turn them into delightful ornaments using craft wire and decorative beads. Each ornament will be a uniquely beautiful keepsake!
All family events are at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton 406-363-3338
FREE
Saturday, December 3
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Drummond Christmas Bazaar
Drummond Community Hall & Senior Center
54 E Broad Street, Drummond, Montana
The 2nd Annual Drummond Christmas Bazaar will feature a variety of local crafters and bakers with items and treats to help you usher in the holiday season. Handmade Christmas Gifts that are Made in Montana by local artists. Quilts, soaps, crocheted items, knitted items, quilted items, bags, nightlights, cups and more.
Sponsored by Drummond Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will be selling walking tacos to benefit the New Chicago Schoolhouse roof project.
Saturday, December 3
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Christmas Village Markets in Bigfork
115 Swan River Road, Bigfork, Montana
𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
• 20+ Local Artisans and Food Trucks
• Enter in the Christmas Raffle
• Capture Memories at Linz Photo Booth
• Enjoy Live Music by Mike Russ
The Christmas Raffle includes three raffle baskets made with curated gifts, gift cards, and certificates from local small businesses. Funds from the Raffle allow us to provide a low-cost venue for local artisans as well as sponsored booth spaces for young entrepreneurs.
After the Market, we encourage you to visit downtown Bigfork for the Christmas Parade and Santa’s Arrival.
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝐾𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑤𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑛, 𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑒𝑒’𝑠 𝐾𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑠 ‘𝑛’ 𝐾𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑖𝑔𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒. 𝐵𝑦 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑒𝑡𝑠, 𝑤𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑎 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑎. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑏𝑦 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑝, 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙.
Saturday, December 3
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tree Cutting and Winter Celebration
Marshall Mountain Park
5250 Marshall Canyon Road, Missoula, Montana
Join Missoula Parks and Recreation at Marshall Mountain Park for an afternoon of winter celebration and pick out the perfect Christmas Tree.
Christmas Tree cutting, bonfire, cocoa and winter games will make this the perfect winter holiday tradition.
We will have some cutting implements available on a first come first serve basis – so bring your own non-motorized cutting tool if you have one.
$25 per family suggestion donation – cash or check at the gate – all proceeds go towards Marshall Mountain Park.
Saturday, December 3
2:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Corgi Stroll
Missoula Valley Corgis
North Higgins, Missoula, Montana
Join us downtown to meet up for a group walking meetup/stroll on Saturday, December 3rd- a few hours before the Downtown Missoula Parade of Lights! Corgis and humans are welcomed and encouraged to wear your Ugly Sweaters!
We will meet near the small roundabout on North Higgins, walk up and down to the bridge, just a short up and back Corgi Stroll! We will do a group picture before we start walking. Let’s flood downtown with Holiday Corgis and their amazing owners!
Saturday, December 3
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Lolo Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Lolo Community Center
12345 Hwy 93 South, Lolo, Montana
Come and see Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday at the Lolo Community Center! 4pm-6pm. This is a FREE event. Join us for fun games & hayrides! Treats for the kiddos too! Bring your camera or phone to take photos with Santa!
Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4
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 depending on routine freezing temperature.)
Saturday, December 3
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
John Montoya
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana
Saturday, December 3
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Parade of Lights: Holiday Village
Downtown Missoula, Montana
Enjoy Missoula’s own holiday village with floats lighting up Higgins, a Winter Makers Market, burn barrels, caroling, hot cocoa, toddies and more!
Stationary floats will be lighting up Downtown Missoula with a hot cocoa or hot toddy in hand. There will be plenty of merriment with Tuba Santa’s, carolers, dancing troupes, & more on December 3 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
There will also be a street closure from the XXXX’s to Spruce, with a Winter Makers Market brought to you by Missoula Makers Collective. Get your holiday shopping done (or treat yourself) to one of the many local vendors! From jewelry to macramé, you’ll be sure to find something to fill a stocking.
The holiday cheer will be spread all day throughout Downtown Missoula! Bring your kiddos Downtown to meet Santa and take photos on December 3. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving to the Missoula Public Library at 1:00 pm and will be there until 4:00 pm to read stories, hear all about holiday wishes and pose for photos on your phone. Santa’s sleigh will be leaving promptly at 4:00 pm so be sure to get in line!
Lots of our Downtown Missoula businesses will be hosting low to no-cost family friendly activities all day. Take a look at our website for an updated list of businesses.
We hope to see you there!
Many thanks to our title sponsors, Dick Anderson Construction and Windfall!
Saturday, December 3
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Modified Lockdown
Blacksmith Brewing Company
114 Main St, Stevensville, Montana
Saturday, December 3
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Walburn & Atherton Duo
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
3250 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, Montana
Free
Saturday, December 3
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Live Music with Billy G
Fin’s Taphouse
352 Woodside Cutoff Road, Corvallis, Montana
Saturday, December 3 – SOLD OUT
6:00 pm
Hall of Fame Event & Dinner
Stevi STARS Foundation
100 Fort Owen Ranch Rd, Stevensville, Montana
You don’t want to miss this inaugural event. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner while supporting a worthy cause with fantastic company!
All proceeds will help fund a new track and tennis courts for Stevensville Schools.
Saturday, December 3
6:00 pm
Live music with Joe Martinez
The Shoe Lakeview Dining & Spirits
820 Shoreline Drive, Polson, Montana
Saturday, December 3
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Live Music with The Nick Crawford Band
Waters Edge Winery
2593 Highway 2 East #8, Kalispell, Montana
Two-Steppin’ Country Music is what we have for you with these entertainers! Love classic George Strait and the songs you grew up to in the 80’s & 90’s? That’s what we have for you this evening!
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 3
7:00 pm
An Evening with 710 Ashbury
Monk’s Bar
221 Ryman St, Missoula, Montana
710 Ashbury, a Grateful Dead cover band, is beyond thrilled to be playing in Missoula again! Everyone’s invited to come on down to Monk’s on Saturday, December 3rd to dance the night away with us. Doors open at 7:00 and we’ll start playing as soon as you all show up!
Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.
Saturday, December 3
7:30 pm
A Touch of Christmas
Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts
526 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, Montana
The Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre presents “A Touch of Christmas” – Brach Thomson & Friends in concert, Saturday December 3rd at 7:30 PM at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.
A Touch of Christmas is a fundraising concert to benefit the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre – right after the Holiday Parade. Hot Cocoa and Peppermint Schnapps and Hot Buttered Rums will be available.
Come support BPCT and have a great evening of holiday entertainment.
Brach Thomson will play rock, fusion, jazz, funk, blues and more to familiar Christmas favorites. Watch and enjoy as he plays live on multiple keyboards, synthesizers and piano. “…just like Manheim Steamroller Christmas and Transiberian Orchestra”.
All music is arranged by Thomson using MIDI and computer to give the feel of a larger orchestra and rock/jazz combos.
Special guests include Vocal Vertigo, a special SSA womens group and BPCT Choirs.
$10 Advance Tickets (+ applicable fees)
Saturday, December 3 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 4 – 3:00 pm
Glacier Symphony: Handel’s Messiah
Wachholz College Center
795 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, Montana
The absolutely most popular sacred choral work for the Christmas season. Join the Glacier Symphony for this inspiring performance of Handel’s oratorio masterpiece featuring chorale, orchestra, and voice soloists.
Glacier Symphony and Chorale
Amy Justman, soprano; Kirsten Sollek, contralto; Norman Shankle, tenor; Daren Small; bass baritone
John Zoltek, conductor
$19 – $79 Advanced Reserved Seating
Saturday, December 3
8:00 pm
Daniel Kosel
The Revolver
221 E Park Ave, Anaconda, Montana
Saturday, December 3
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Kyle Hunter & The Mountain Standard
The Jack Saloon
7000 Graves Creek Rd, Lolo, Montana
Saturday, December 3
8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Hammerhead Jack
The Old Post
103 W Spruce St, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:00 pm
Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party
Wheel Inn Tavern
123 Main St, Lincoln, Montana
Come down to the Wheel Inn for a fun night of Karaoke! Best ugly sweater will win a prize!
Saturday, December 3
9:00 pm
~406~
Sunrise Saloon and Casino
1101 Strand Ave, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:00 pm
Mudslide Charley
Union Club Bar & Grill
208 E Main St, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:00 pm
Solid Sound Karaoke in the Bowl Dog Lounge
Westside Lanes
1615 Wyoming Street, Missoula, Montana
Saturday, December 3
9:30 pm – 1:30 am
Moonshine Mountain Family Reunion
Great Northern Bar
27 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana
Saturday, December 3
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 4
Sunday, December 4
Noon – 9:00 pm
Sunday Funday Board Games
Cranky Sam Public House
235 W. Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Relax on Sunday Funday 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 Cataan, Dominoes or Dungeons n Dragons, 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 4
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Cranky Sam’s Holiday Market
Cranky Sam Public House
233 W Main Street, Missoula, Montana
The holidays are here, and that means shopping for gifts (and much deserved treats for yourself)!
Cranky Sam is excited to be hosting TEN awesome, local vendors with tons of goodies! Everything from crafts, ceramics, jewelry, home decor, clothes, candles and more! There is something for EVERYONE on your list.
Local Makers include:
Skinny Dip Candles
Ashes and Arbor
True South Wood Designs
Alexis Hove Studio
Michael Lax Tees
Lucky Stone Ceramics
Sammy T Ceramics
Blackfoot Canyon Design
Snowy Day Leather
More!
Come do some shopping, support local Makers, and sip a tasty bevvy while you’re at it!
Sunday, December 4
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 4
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Left For Dead
Smelter City Brewing
101 Main Street, Anaconda, Montana
Left for Dead is a fiddle and banjo duo that play an exciting array of old time, folk and country music.
Sunday, December 4
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! 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 4
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 4
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Two Bit Jug Band
Longstaff House
601 Longstaff Street, Missoula, Montana
There Ain’t Nobody Like Those Guys! …. Papa John Gilroy (1904-1973) Take it from Papa John, the 2 Bit Jug Band is one of a kind! Ken Glastre knows how to deliver those old bluesy, jazzy tunes ….. with a Bit of Fun! His finger-picking guitar playing is powerful & dazzling, his vocal story-telling memorable & entertaining. “Where do you get those songs?”, asked of Ken at a recent performance. “The garbage can!”, his response. (Think of their songs as those that others have thrown away or forgotten.) Playing the bass line is Gut Bucket Giff (that’s Michael Gifford) …. masterfully! His washtub bass sounds great, his jug juicy (that’s a good thing), his tuba fat! With his kazoo, cornet & strong harmony vocals, he’s a versatile fellow, another Bit of Fun! Their songs have roots in old blues and jazz from 1920s to the 40s, even several from the 50s and 60s! They cover universal themes – food songs, sad love songs, happy love songs, and other stuff songs. Add it all up … you got the 2 BIT JUG BAND! Recently added to the 2BJB collection on YouTube are: Buffalo Skinners; Don’t Go Reachin’ Across My Plate; Beedle Um Bum; Stealin’; Honey, It Must Be Love; Ukulele Lady; Somebody Stole My Gal
$25 Suggested Donation
Sunday, December 4
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!