Arts and Culture

CULTURE INSPIRED BY NATURE

The arts abound in Western Montana.

Allez! Missoula. © TAYLAR ROBBINS/DESTINATION MISSOULA

Tucked into our pristine Montana landscapes are cultural treasures that aren’t always expected in a state known more for its natural beauty. But it’s precisely this landscape that inspires the artists, writers and performers who create here. With a cultural personality that includes American Indian traditions, western lore and a splash of cosmopolitan flair, there’s plenty to discover.

The visual arts are celebrated here. The Sunti World Art Gallery in Whitefish is just one example of the caliber of galleries you’ll find in our small towns. Lively art walks liven up downtown streets, and many renowned artists call the region home. You’ll also find the work of local artists proudly displayed on the walls of businesses throughout the region.

History buffs: Visit Holt Heritage Museum in Lolo (by appointment only), Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana in Charlo, the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville and Missoula’s Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.

If you’re curious about “big-city” living in Montana, Missoula—our state’s cultural hub—is the place. With a vibrant, historic and walkable downtown, Missoula is one of the region’s most well-rounded cities for live music, art galleries—including the Missoula Art Museum and the Radius Gallery—a year-round First Friday art walk, multiple museums, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Smokejumper visitor centers, and live performances at the Missoula Community Theatre.

The Flathead Valley is another hotbed for arts, culture and Montana history. Home to several museums—like the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell—and a Broadway-caliber performing arts scene that includes the Alpine Theatre Project, Bigfork Summer Playhouse, Glacier Symphony and Chorale, and Port Polson Players, you’ll find plenty of year-round entertainment here.

Round out your arts and culture experience by attending a local community farmers market or annual event like Trout Creek’s Huckleberry Festival, Whitefish Winter Carnival, Polson’s Flathead Cherry Festival, the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering in Hamilton, Missoula’s Symphony in the Park or Kalispell’s Arts in the Park.

Know before you go! Galleries, museums and events may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit SafetyFirstMT.com for more information. Also visit glaciermt.com/arts-and-culture, glaciermt.com/music-festivals and glaciermt.com/museums for general information.

BIG SKY BEATS

Montana’s mountain music scene.

Taking in the live music at the KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner.

© NEUBAUER MEDIA COURTESY OF LOGJAM PRESENTS Nature usually plays first chair here, but Montana hosts some of the world’s finest musicians, drawn to the Rocky Mountains, the expansive sky and the beauty around every bend. Unique, historic, and state-of-the-art music venues can be found throughout the region, and we hope to get back to our musical offerings soon.

Catch a symphony in the park or a lively music festival in the downtown streets of one of our charming small towns. Missoula boasts a phenomenal live music scene, with outdoor amphitheaters at two of the city’s largest breweries. See a national act in concert at one of a handful of Logjam Presents venues, the University of Montana’s Adams Center or the Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Here’s a list of some of the best music events west of the Continental Divide: Under the Big Sky in Whitefish, Flathead Lake Blues Festival in Polson, the Bob Marshall Music Festival in Seeley Lake, Montana Baroque Music Festival in Paradise and Missoula’s River City Roots Festival.

LIVE THEATRE Bonnie & Clyde • Jersey Boys 9 to 5 • Lucky Stiff The Hits from the 50s, 60s & 70s

526 Electric Ave. • Bigfork, MT 59911 After May 13, phone: (406) 837-4886 Or visit our website: www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com

hope.

free expression. free admission.

classes // tours // art park

335 N. Pattee // Downtown Missoula Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM

missoulaartmuseum.org

in the heart of western montana.

JULIA TAI, MUSIC DIRECTOR (406) 721-3194 missoulasymphony.org

Ride a Wild Pony

on one of the fastest carousels in the world!

Meet a Friendly Dragon

at Dragon Hollow, an all-abilities play area!

#1 ATTRACTION ON YELP

carouselformissoula.com • Caras Park • 406-549-8382 Please check for possible COVID closures.