Arts and Culture

CULTURE INSPIRED BY NATURE

The arts abound in Western Montana.

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

If you’re curious about “big-city” living in Western 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 (including the Missoula Symphony), art galleries (including the Missoula Art Museum and the Radius Gallery), a year-round First Friday art walk, multiple museums (like the Montana Natural History Center), 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, the Miracle of America Museum in Polson and the Whitefish Ski Heritage Museum), art galleries (including Stumptown Art Studio), 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 community farmers market or annual event, like Trout Creek’s Huckleberry Festival, the Whitefish Winter Carnival, Polson’s Flathead Cherry Festival, McIntosh Apple Day in Hamilton, Missoula’s Symphony in the Park or Kalispell’s Arts in the Park.

Daly Mansion. © JASON SAVAGE

Know before you go! Galleries, museums and events may be affected by lack of staffing. 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 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.

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, including one that overlooks the Blackfoot River.

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, which have hosted the likes of Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Paul McCartney and Guns N’ Roses, so keep that in mind when you’re planning a visit as you’ll need to buy tickets in advance.

Here’s a list of some of the best music events in Montana: Whitefish Songwriter Festival, Flathead Lake Blues Festival in Polson, the Bob Marshall Music Festival in Seeley Lake, Riverfront Blues Festival in Libby and Missoula’s River City Roots Festival.

CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

1 BITTERROOT CELTIC GAMES & GATHERING Every August at the historic Daly Mansion in Hamilton, celebrate Montana’s Celtic heritage with Irish dance, pipe bands, Irish whisky, clan gatherings and more.

2 HUCKLEBERRY FESTIVAL Trout Creek turns on the charm every August with one of Montana’s favorite flavors. Enjoy events, activities, arts and crafts, and everything huckleberry.

3 RENDEZVOUS DAYS Visit Eureka in April for Black Powder Shoot events, a parade, quilt show, arts and crafts, car show, arm wrestling championship, games for kids, mud bog, sand drags and live music.

4 LEWIS & CLARK FESTIVAL Spend four fun-filled days in Cut Bank at this small-town celebration featuring a parade, fun run, street dance, live music, vendors, cornhole and more.