21 Things to do in Missoula this Summer

Farmer’s Market

Missoula Farmer's Market

It just wouldn’t be a Summer in Missoula, MT without the Farmer’s Market.  Drive, bike, or take the bus downtown and walk around Caras Park to get fresh vegetables, hand-squeezed lemonade, delicious food, and so much more!  While you are enjoying the Farmer’s Market make sure to walk over to Brennan’s Wave to watch the kayakers and surfers do their thing.

For information on days and times you can visit their website:

Missoula Farmer’s Market

 

Raft the Gorge

 Raft the Gorge

Although not technically in Missoula, rafting the Alberton Gorge is definitely a must on the to do list this summer.  Take a few friends, or a small group, find your favorite raft guide and hit the water!

 

Float the Clark Fork

Float the Clark Fork

Of course floating the Clark Fork made the list!  Grab a paddle board, tube, kayak, or raft and get in the water!

 

River City Roots Festival

 River City Roots Festival

End your summer right by attending River City Roots Festival on August 28 and 29 in downtown Missoula.  River City Roots Festival is two days of great food and drinks, live music, activities for the family, and even a 4-mile fun run!

For more information on the River City Roots Festival you can visit their website:

River City Roots Festival

 

Big Sky Brewing Company’s 21st Anniversary

 Big Sky Brewing Company

That’s right! Big Sky Brewing Company has been a fixture in the Missoula community for 21 years!  To celebrate, Big Sky Brewing Company will be hosting their Anniversary party in downtown Missoula at Caras Park on Friday, June 17th from 4pm – 6pm.  There will be 21 world class beers to choose from along with live music, street performers, food, and fun!  The event is free but they will be charging for beer.  What’s better?  100% of the money made from the sale of beer will help a Missoula non-profit group connect the public trail systems around the city.  How could this not be on your Missoula Summer to-do list?

 

Love Boat

 Love Boat

Whether you are a professional kayaker or you are just starting out Love Boat is something that everyone needs to experience.  Every Tuesday night a group of kayakers (from beginners to professionals) go paddling.  It is a great time to connect with others, learn new skills, and just enjoy the Missoula summer.  Never kayaked before? Not a problem.  Stop in at LB Snow and get yourself set up with some gear!

 

Go on a run!

 Missoula Dirty Dash

Typically, I would not suggest running as a fun thing that you have to do this summer.  But, with all of the fun runs in Missoula?  Go on a run!  This summer you can pick from runs like the Insane Inflatable 5k, Missoula Ultimate Wine Run, The Peak Triathlon, The Dirty Dash, and so many more.

To see a full list of runs in Missoula this summer visit:

Running in the USA – Missoula

 

Take a Bike Trolley Tour

 Thirst Gear Bike Trolley Tour

We have all seen Thirst Gear’s Bike Trolley Tour going around downtown Missoula.  This is summertime in Missoula, MT so why wouldn’t you want to go on a 3-hour pub crawl on a bike trolley with a group of people?

To get more information or book your bike trolley tour visit:

Thirst Gear

 

First Friday

 First Friday

Enjoy Missoula’s downtown on the first Friday of each month for the First Friday Art & Food walk.

 

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

 Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

Serene, beautiful, and located less than an hour outside of Missoula.  The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is open from dawn til dusk every day and anyone that has visited will tell you it belongs on the list of things to do this summer.

For more information you can visit:

Ewam Buddha Garden

 

Find a favorite hiking spot

 Go on a hike

I know, I know.  It is Missoula so everyone pretty much has their favorite hiking spot already, right?  Well, get out of your comfort zone and find a new one!

 

Explore Rattlesnake Recreation Area

 Rattlesnake Recreation Area

It is all in the title.  Go explore the Rattlesnake Recreation Area and enjoy the beautiful views that Western Montana has to offer.  It is located in Lolo National Forest and is less than an hour drive from Missoula.

 

Mountain bike at SnowBowl

 Mountain Bike at Snowbowl

Mix it up and go mountain biking at SnowBowl!  This mountain is not just for skiing and in the summertime it offers amazing views.  It is definitely a must on the to-do list.

  

Catch an Osprey Game

 Osprey Mascot

Who doesn’t like to grab a hot dog and a beer and catch a baseball game in the summer?  Go support your local Ospreys this summer!

For the schedule you can visit:

Missoula Osprey Schedule 

 

Garden City BrewFest

Garden City Brewfest 

Garden City Brewfest is another item that earned its spot on the list.  End the Missoula Craft Beer Week (April 29 – May 6) right by going to Garden City Brewfest on Saturday, May 7.

For more information on times and pricing you can visit:

Garden City Brewfest – Missoula Downtown

 

Big Sky Brewing Company’s Summer Concert Series

 Concert Series

Big Sky Brewing Company made the list a second time!  Bring a blanket and enjoy the nice weather as you see the amazing artists perform.  Shows are also all ages so how do you beat that?

For more information on featured artists and tickets visit:

Big Sky Brewing Company’s Concert Series

  

Swim at Nimrod Warm Springs

 Nimrod Warm Springs

Did you know there is an underwater cave near Missoula?  This item on the to-do list is, perhaps, the furthest from Missoula but it is an underwater cave!  You can actually swim under the cave and pop out at the other side so of course it is a must.

  

Folf at Blue Mountain, Pattee Canyon, or SnowBowl

Folf Missoula 

Instead of folfing at a typical park this summer change it up and folf at Blue Mountain, Pattee Canyon, or SnowBowl.  Enjoy the amazing views and the great Summer weather.  Even better?  Blue Mountain and Pattee Canyon are dog-friendly.

 

Drink some wine and paint with friends

 Painting with a Twist

This new trend is catching on everywhere and Missoula is no exception.  Grab some friends and paint a picture the right way (holding a glass of wine).

To see upcoming events or schedule a time visit:

Painting With A Twist – Missoula

 

Take a cooking class

 Taste Buds Kitchen

For those of you who do not like spending your entire Summer outdoors take a cooking class at Taste Buds Kitchen.  Although Taste Buds does cater to kids during the day, by night it turns into an adult BYOB kitchen.

For more information you can visit:

Taste Buds Kitchen – Missoula

 

Paddle Board at Seeley Lake

 Seeley Lake

If you want a relaxing day in the outdoors there is nothing more relaxing than paddle boarding.  What better place to paddle board than the beautiful Seeley Lake?