Weekend PICKS: Thursday, November 30th thru Sunday, December 3rd
Bid November goodbye, bust out the mistletoe, and kiss hello to December! Now that we can officially turn the Christmas music up to 11, 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!
First Friday is happening – on the 1st! Downtown Missoula will be hopping with it’s monthly mix of free art showings, beverages, snacks and music at many businesses early in the evening. Not to be outdone, Downtown Polson is holding its annual Parade of Lights on Friday, as is Columbia Falls with their Night of Lights Parade.
Get some sleep Friday night, because Saturday is stacked! Holiday craft shows are happening all over, including in Florence, Lolo and Huson (in addition to Missoula). Help keep your money circulating in Montana, do your gift shopping with local vendors and businesses.
Most of the day Saturday is all about Downtown Missoula again with the big Holidays on Higgins celebration happening from 10:00 am til 7:00 pm, with an Ugly Sweater Corgi Stroll through starting at 10:00 am at the XXXXs (trust us, it’s a hoot!). And then, the lighting of the giant tree at the north end of Higgins happens at 6:00 pm
#2-ranked University of Montana Griz Football meets the #11/12 ranked Delaware Blue Hens for the FCS Playoff game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, with kickoff at 7:00 pm. We might see some snow this weekend…Go Griz!
The Wilma hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival Sunday evening. Some of our Montana ski areas are open, or opening this weekend (we’re lookin’ at you, Discovery). It’ll likely be another week or two for the rest, if you’re not getting out yet, seeing the action on the big screen at the Wilma will get the itch going for you.
There are over 55 local music shows of one kind or another in the area throughout the weekend… we have options!
No matter what direction you wanna get outta town, you can’t go wrong. Lots of holiday 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. If you’re headed up to Whitefish and Glacier, there are some outstanding pit stops to make along the way.
Get out and enjoy our locally-owned bars & restaurants with Montana grown / made food and beverages – they need your business! Try a new local brew! Support our local artists and vendors at the winter holiday craft markets. Take the family for a brisk hike. 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.
“There’s something about a Christmas sweater that will always make me laugh.”
– Kristen Wiig
Do you have a Western Montana event coming up that you would like to have included on The MUG? Click HERE to submit your event!
THURSDAY, November 30
Jay Alm live at Big Sky Brewing
Big Sky Brewing Company 5417 Trumpeter Way, MissoulaJay Alm live at Big Sky Brewing in Missoula Thursday at 5:00 pm
Imagine Ireland at Imagine Nation Brewing Company
Imagine Nation Brewing 1151 W. Broadway Street, MissoulaImagine Ireland music at Imagine Nation Brewing in Missoula every Thursday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Night Blooming Jasmine at Bitter Root Brewing
Bitter Root Brewing 101 Marcus Street, HamiltonNight Blooming Jasmine at Bitter Root Brewing in Hamilton Thursday at 6:00 pm
Justin Harris live at Draught Works
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaJustin Harris journeys to Missoula's Draught Works for a Thursday session of Montana rockabilly, country and dark bluegrass from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm November 30
TNR / Thursday Night HIKE Missoula – Jumbo Closing Day; Hot Soup & Hike
Mount Jumbo Trailhead Parking Area - Lincoln Hills, Missoula 46°53'52.1"N 113°56'57.3"W, MissoulaJoin TNR for a hike and hot soup after on Jumbo Closing Day at 6:00 pm in the Lincoln Hills on Missoula's Mount Jumbo
21 Questions Trivia Thursdays at The Revolver
The Revolver 221 E Park Ave, Anaconda +1 more21 Questions Trivia at The Revolver in Anaconda every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Miller Campbell at The Buffalo Saloon and Casino
Buffalo Saloon and Casino 5 Swan Way, BigforkMiller Campbell at The Buffalo Saloon and Casino in Bigfork Thursday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Open Mic Thursday Night at VFW Post 3596 in Plains
Plains VFW Post 3596 201 West Lynch Street, PlainsThursday night's a good reason to get out for Open Mic Music, Poetry and Comedy at 6:30 pm at VFW Post 3596 in Plains, Montana
Trivia Night Thursdays at Iron Griz
Iron Griz: American Bistro 515 South Avenue E., MissoulaBring your brainy-est friends to sign up for Trivia Night Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Iron Griz: American Bistro in Missoula
Karaoke at VFW Plains Post 3596
Plains VFW Post 3596 201 West Lynch Street, PlainsKaraoke every other Thursday from 7:00 pm til 2:00 am at Plains VFW Post 3596
Loren Stillman Trio: Time and Again Album Release at The ZACC
Zootown Arts Community Center 216 W. Main Street, MissoulaLoren Stillman Trio - Time and Again Album Release at The ZACC in Missoula Thursday at 7:30 pm
Acoustic Open Mic Nite at Stave & Hoop
Stave & Hoop 223 N. Higgins - Alley Entrance, MissoulaSing your heart out Thursday Nights from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm with Acoustic Open Mic Nite at Stave & Hoop in Downtown Missoula
Country Dance Lessons at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaGet in the swing of things with free Country Dance Lessons every Thursday at the Sunrise Saloon in Missoula beginning at 8:00 pm
Karaoke Thursday Nights at Kegler’s Pub in Ravalli Fun Center
Ravalli Fun Center 300 Skeels Avenue, HamiltonKeglers Pub & Casino presents Karaoke Thursday Nights from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the Ravalli Fun Center in Hamilton - come sing your heart out!
Karaoke Thursdays at Missoula Eagles Lodge
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #32 2420 South Avenue West, MissoulaKaraoke at the Missoula Eagles Lodge 8:00 pm to Midnight every Thursday night - come sing your heart out!
Friday, December 1
Funky Junk at Ravalli County Fairgrounds
Ravalli County Fairgrounds 100 Old Corvallis Road, HamiltonFunky Junk at Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm both days
First Friday / ARTS Missoula Pop-Up Gallery at The Wren featuring Abby Elliot
The Wren Hotel 201 E. Main Street, MissoulaAbby Elliot is ARTS Missoula's featured artist at The Wren from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on First Friday, December 1
Five Valleys Land Trust Holiday Party
Five Valleys Land Trust 120 Hickory Street, MissoulaCelebrate 2023 with Five Valleys Land Trust at their annual Holiday Party in Missoula from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday - the public is invited and welcome to attend
Max Laporte and Eddie Roy at Firefly – A Craft Dispensary
Firefly - A Craft Dispensary 314 North 1st St West, MissoulaMax Laporte and Eddie Roy at Firefly - A Craft Dispensary in Missoula Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:45 pm
Clark Fork Coalition Holiday Party
Clark Fork Coalition 140 South 4th Street West, MissoulaHelp the Clark Fork Coalition celebrate another successful year of restoring and protecting the Clark Fork River at their Holiday Party in Missoula from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, December 1
First Friday with D. L. Johnson at Betty V Vintage
Betty Venom Vintage 104 East Main Street, MissoulaFirst Friday with D. L. Johnson at Betty V Vintage in Missoula Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
First Friday with PureWest in Missoula
PureWest Missoula - Christie's International Real Estate 101 Railroad Street West, MissoulaFirst Friday with PureWest Christie's International Real Estate in Missoula from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Kalispell Christmas Stroll with Justin Harris at MontaVino Winery
Montavino Winery & Tasting Room 38 1st Ave E, Ste D, KalispellCelebrate Kalispell's Christmas Stroll with Justin Harris at MontaVino Winery Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Holiday Open House at the ZACC
Zootown Arts Community Center 216 W. Main Street, MissoulaHoliday Open House at the ZACC in Missoula Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
First Friday Party at Cranky Sam Public House
Cranky Sam Public House 233 W. Main Street, MissoulaFirst Friday Party at Cranky Sam Public House in Missoula with music by Blue Point and art by Michael Lax from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Polson Parade of Lights
Downtown Polson, Montana Main Street, PolsonPolson Parade of Lights Friday at 6:00 pm
Russell Perri live at Ten Spoon
Ten Spoon Winery & Vineyard 4175 Rattlesnake Drive, MissoulaRussell Perri professionally tickles the keys from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday at Ten Spoon Vineyard + Winery in Missoula
Tommy Edwards Sr. at The Dusty Star Saloon
Dusty Star Saloon 2205 US Hwy 93 South, KalispellTommy Edwards Sr. with live music that pairs nicely with your BBQ at the Dusty Star Saloon in Kalispell from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Friday
2023 Night of Lights at The Coop
The Coop in Columbia Falls returns with their post-Night of Lights Parade festivities from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Friday, December 1 with Christmas Carols and Holiday Tunes from the CFHS Sonifers and Columbians, Food Trucks, and free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Winter Car Meet at The River Coffee Company
The River Coffee Company 1275 US Hwy 2 W, KalispellWinter Car Meet with ElevatioN Cars of Kalispell at The River Coffee Company on Fridays at 7:00 pm
Country Nights with Miller Campbell at Andy’s Crafthouse
Andy's Crafthouse 8030 MT Hwy 35, BigforkCountry Nights with Miller Campbell at Andy's Crafthouse in Bigfork Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
WMMC Friday Open Mic at The Red Poppy
Red Poppy Building 1 Eisenhower Street West, RonanFriday Night Open Mic with Western Montana Musicians Cooperative from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at The Red Poppy in Ronan
Flash Panda Plays Dead at The Badlander
The Badlander 208 Ryman Street, MissoulaFlash Panda Plays Dead at The Badlander in Missoula Friday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Karaoke Night at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloKaraoke Night with Kaleidoscope Entertainment at The Jack Saloon in Lolo every Friday night from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Kelley Sinclair and Benny Weag at Perfect Shot Tavern
Perfect Shot Tavern 218 Main Street, PolsonKelley Sinclair and Benny Weag at Perfect Shot Tavern in Polson Friday at 7:30 pm
The Night Before with Bare Bait Dance at Westside Theater
Westside Theater 1200 Shakespeare Street, MissoulaBare Bait Dance is back with a brand-new winter show "The Night Before" with performances at Missoula's Westside Theater through December 10
The Last of the Loftees at the Elks
Missoula "Hellgate" Elks Lodge #383 112 N. Pattee Street, MissoulaThe Last of the Loftees at the Elks in Missoula Friday from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Trivia Friday at Plains American Legion Post 129
American Legion Post 129 450 Railroad Avenue, ParadiseTrivia every other Friday starting at 8:00 pm at American Legion Post 129 in Paradise, Montana
Nashville 406 at The Rustic Hut
Kick off December with Nashville 406 at The Rustic Hut in Florence starting at 8:00 pm Friday
Rendez-Vous at Monk’s Bar
Monk's Bar 221 Ryman Street, MissoulaRendez-Vous at Monk's Bar in Missoula Friday at 9:00 pm
Karaoke at The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck 15265 Montana Highway 35, BigforkKaraoke at The Sitting Duck on Woods Bay / Flathead Lake starting at 9:00 pm
Moonshine Mountain at Great Northern Bar
Great Northern Bar & Grill 27 Central Avenue, WhitefishMoonshine Mountain at Great Northern Bar in Whitefish Friday at 9:30 pm
The Muddy Creek Band at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaMuddy Creek live on the big stage at Missoula's Sunrise Saloon 9:30 pm til closing time this Friday and Saturday
Throwback Jamz Party at The Badlander
The Badlander 208 Ryman Street, MissoulaThrowback Jamz Party at The Badlander in Missoula Friday at 10:00 pm
Loki Karaoke Fridays at The Sportspage
The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge 101 Heritage Lane, PolsonBring your best songs to sing with Loki Karaoke hosted by KJs Hope and Brandon every Friday from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson
Loki Karaoke Fridays at The Sportspage
The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge 101 Heritage Lane, PolsonBring your best songs to sing with Loki Karaoke hosted by KJs Hope and Brandon every Friday from 10:00 pm to 1:00 pm at The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge in Polson
Ben Larson and The Grownass Men at The Top Hat
Top Hat 134 W. Front Street, MissoulaGroove Solventless & Logjam Presents welcome Ben Larson and the Grownass Men for a FREE live concert performance at the Top Hat in Downtown Missoula at 10:15 pm on First Friday, December 1
SATURDAY, December 2
Rigs & Coffee at J&K Customs
J&K Customs, LLP 2904 W. Broadway, MissoulaRigs & Coffee at J&K Customs in Missoula from 9:00 am to 11:00 am the first Saturday each month - Meet up with your offroad vehicle, custom truck, show car, race car or whatever vehicle you enjoy on the weekend, and have some free coffee & meet new and exciting people sharing your same interests
Florence Community Craft Bazaar
Florence-Carlton High School 5602 Old US Hwy 93, FlorenceFlorence Community Craft Bazaar at Florence-Carlton High School Saturday from 9:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Missoula Valley Winter Market at Southgate Mall (Scheels Entrance)
Southgate Mall 2901 Brooks Street, MissoulaThe Missoula Valley Winter Market happens from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every Saturday from November 11 through December 30, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm January 6 through April 13 inside Southgate Mall near the Scheels entrance
Lolo PTSA Craft Show at Lolo School
Lolo School District 5305 Farm Lane, LoloLolo PTSA Craft Show at Lolo School Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Big Sky Drama Winter Craft Fair
Big Sky High School 3100 South Ave West, MissoulaBig Sky Drama Winter Craft Fair at Big Sky High School Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Funky Junk at Ravalli County Fairgrounds
Ravalli County Fairgrounds 100 Old Corvallis Road, HamiltonFunky Junk at Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm both days
Ugly Sweater Corgi Stroll in Downtown Missoula
XXXXs on Higgins 531 N. Higgins Avenue, MissoulaGo for a fun Ugly Sweater Stroll with the Missoula Valley Corgis (and their humans) starting at 10:00 am Saturday, December 2 near the XXXX's on the north end of Higgins
Holidays on Higgins in Downtown Missoula
Downtown Missoula MissoulaHolidays on Higgins (previously the Parade of Lights) happens from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday, December 2 in Downtown Missoula, with the big tree lighting at the XXXX's at 6:00 pm
9 Mile Schoolhouse Presents: Enchanted Christmas Village
9 Mile Schoolhouse 18815 Remount Rd, Huson9 Mile Schoolhouse Presents: Enchanted Christmas Village in Huson Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Calcium at The Badlander: Dead on Arrival Tour
The Badlander 208 Ryman Street, MissoulaLiquid Bass Productions presents Calcium with local support from Raskl, Tonbo (Double Damage), and McMoney starting at 5:00 pm Saturday, December 2 at The Badlander in Downtown Missoula
Wolf & The Moons at Draught Works
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaWolf and The Moons take over Missoula's Draught Works murphy stage with their glorious musical madness from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday
Let’s Get Trivial at Nimble Goat Pub in Bigfork
Nimble Goat Pub 8541 MT Hwy 35, BigforkLet's Get Trivial at Nimble Goat Pub in Bigfork every Saturday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
WMMC Saturday Community Jam at The Red Poppy
Red Poppy Building 1 Eisenhower Street West, RonanEvery Saturday is Jam Night from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm with the Western Montana Musicians Cooperative at The Red Poppy in Ronan
UM Griz Football vs Delaware Blue Hens in FCS Playoffs at Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Washington-Grizzly Stadium 32 Campus Drive, MissoulaGet your tickets for the FCS Playoff football game when your Montana Grizzlies meet the Delaware Blue Hens at Washington-Grizzly Stadium with a 7:00 pm kickoff Saturday, December 2
Russ Nasset and The Revelators at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloRuss Nasset and The Revelators pull in for a Saturday night of honky tonk from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at The Jack Saloon in Lolo
The Night Before with Bare Bait Dance at Westside Theater
Westside Theater 1200 Shakespeare Street, MissoulaBare Bait Dance is back with a brand-new winter show "The Night Before" with performances at Missoula's Westside Theater through December 10
Karaoke Saturday Night at A Bar, Montana
A Bar 11032 MT State Highway 83, BigforkBring your Karaoke A-game Saturday from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm at A-Bar, Montana in Bigfork
The Western Front Band at The Rustic Hut
Saturday night will see "The Front at The Hut", when The Western Front Band takes the stage at 8:00 pm at The Rustic Hut's Carpet Bar in Florence
Solid Sound Karaoke at Westside Lanes
Westside Lanes & Fun Center 1615 Wyoming, MissoulaSing your heart out at Solid Sound Karaoke 9:00 pm to 1:00 am every Friday and Saturday in the Bowl Dog Lounge at Westside Lanes in Missoula
Zootown Karaoke Saturday Nights at KT’s Hayloft
KT's Hayloft Saloon 11885 US Highway 93 S, LoloKT's Hayloft Saloon in Lolo is the place to be for Zootown Karaoke starting at 9:00 pm Saturday nights
The Muddy Creek Band at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaMuddy Creek live on the big stage at Missoula's Sunrise Saloon 9:30 pm til closing time this Friday and Saturday
SUNDAY, December 3
A Merry Little Market at The Historic Florence Building
The Historic Florence Building 111 N. Higgins Avenue, MissoulaSpend a relaxing time Christmas shopping in the lobby of Downtown Missoula's historic Florence Building at A Merry Little Market from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday, December 3
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Missoula Center for the Performing Arts
Missoula Center for the Performing Arts 200 N. Adams, MissoulaMCT presents a live stage performance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with shows November 30 thru December 17 at the Missoula Center for the Performing Arts
Open Mic Sunday at The Jack Saloon
The Jack Saloon 7000 Graves Creek Road, LoloOpen Mic for musicians, singer-songwriters, and comedians from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Sunday afternoons at The Jack Saloon in Lolo
Hula at the U
University Center at the University of Montana 32 Campus Drive, MissoulaHula at the U! - weekly hula dance classes hosted free every Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm by the University of Montana Pacific Islanders Club in the University Center on the UM campus in Missoula
Alabaster Palace (Carla Green & Friends) at Draught Works
Draught Works 915 Toole Avenue, MissoulaSoak up jazzy vibes with Alabaster Palace (Carla Green and Friends) at Missoula's Draught Works on Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Open Mic Sunday Night hosted by Colton C at Bias Brewing
Bias Brewing 412 Main Street, KalispellOpen Mic hosted by Colton C at Bias Brewing in Kalispell from starting at 5:00 pm every Sunday
Dram Tuff Trivia Sundays at Dram Shop Central
Dram Shop Central 2700 Paxson Street, Ste G, MissoulaDram Tuff Trivia hosted by Paul & Stu is going down at 6:00 pm Sunday at Dram Shop Central in Midtown Missoula
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Missoula Center for the Performing Arts
Missoula Center for the Performing Arts 200 N. Adams, MissoulaMCT presents a live stage performance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with shows November 30 thru December 17 at the Missoula Center for the Performing Arts
Banff Mountain Film Festival at The Wilma
The Wilma Theater 131 Higgins Avenue, MissoulaLogjam Presents welcomes back the Banff Mountain Film Festival for a screening at The Wilma in Downtown Missoula on Sunday, December 3
Holiday Ball with The Ed Norton Big Band at The ZACC
Zootown Arts Community Center 216 W. Main Street, MissoulaGet into the swing of the holidays at the Holiday Ball with The Ed Norton Big Band at 7:30 pm Sunday, December 3 at The ZACC in Downtown Missoula
Very Funny Weekly – Sunday Open Mic Comedy at Ole Beck VFW
Ole Beck VFW Post 209 245 W. Main Street, MissoulaVery Funny Weekly = Missoula's weekly Sunday Comedy Open Mic hosted by Jordan Demander at 8:00 pm at Ole Beck VFW Post 209
Sunday Night Karaoke w/ DJ Nite Wolf at The Sunrise Saloon
Sunrise Saloon and Casino 1101 Strand Avenue, MissoulaClose out your weekend like the star you are on the main stage at The Sunrise Saloon with Sunday Night Karaoke hosted by DJ Nite Wolf starting at 9:00 pm
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!