Missoula is a vibrant and super friendly place filled with great activities. As an exchange student basically everything you do is new and exciting, but I wanted to highlight these five things. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
1.Hike the M. This is the number one thing to do whilst you are here. The views are spectacular and if you enjoy doing this, you’ll be tempted to try out the other hiking places in Missoula too.
2.Go watch a Griz game! American sports culture is something else and this is an experience you don’t get anywhere else. The atmosphere is amazing and the Grizz community is hilarious. And the best thing is that you have a variety of sports to choose from: football, soccer, volleyball, basketball…
3.Water sports. Rent a tube from rec center (uni students) or buy one, and then go float the Clark Fork river. If you are into different kind of water activities there’s plenty of rafting, canoeing and paddle opportunities. On a warm summer day there’s probably nothing better to do than this.
4.Build a bike! You can do this at the http://www.freecycles.org/ and I guarantee that that you’ll love it. You volunteer for 4 hours and then you get to make your own bike with the help of oh-so-wonderful volunteers. This place truly is a community.
5. Downtown events. Missoula has different kind of festivals, music events, brewery tours etc. You can find more about them here: https://www.missoulaevents.net/. Check at least Caras Park and Roots Festival. You will be able to access all these with you brand new bike too!
Top Hat Lounge is a great local venue. Through the upcoming months they offer many free shows including,
Friday, November 4th, 2016
Mon, Nov07, 2016
Wed, Nov09, 2016
Sharin’ in the Groove
Fri, Nov25, 2016
Andrea Harsell & Luna Roja
Missoula’s Best Drink Specials
Iron Horse Bar and Grill
Martini Mondays: 5pm-Close Any of Our Martinis$5
Shaken Tuesdays: 5pm-Close Everything on the shaken and stirred list$5
Wednesday: 7pm-Close Blue Moon$3.50and Skip & Go Naked $5
Thursday: 9pm-MidnightTwo for One Well Drinks$3.50
Thomas Meagher Bar
Pie Hole
Missoula’s new downtown pizza shop that gives you a bang for your buck! For all you late night munchers, Pie Hole is throwin’ dough Er’day from 11AM-3AM!
The Roxy Theater
For any movie lover that doesn’t want to pay the astonishing 12 dollars, The Roxy is a theater like non other. As you walk in THE ROXY has the Missoula vibe painted on its walls. I highly suggest anyone looking for cheap theatrical entertainment hit up the Roxy…. By the way they serve booze there too!
Hub Family Entertainment Center
The Hub Family Entertainment Center has 50,000 square feet of fun and excitement for the whole family. The Hub is a perfect place to have birthday parties, team parties, corporate events including team building, graduation parties, day camp parties, and youth group events. GO KARTS, LAZER TAG, ARCADE, FOOD… Hell Yeah!
Montana residents are defined by their unique character and an attitude that is focused on getting the most of life through experiences rather than possessions. When it comes to events that provide a unique experience, Montana has a lot to offer. Montana’s small town populations have always been able to provide a good time and the events they feature do a great job portraying Montana’s character. You may not have heard of some of these events but keep your calenders open as these events listed in chronological order should be at the top of your bucket list if you want to experience the true character of Montana!
If the historic content surrounding Virginia City is not enough incentive for an interesting and educational trip to southwest Montana, Winterfest events include a very unique broomball tournament, a two-man log-sawing contest, kids sledding, snowmobiling activities and any other exciting events the wonderful people of this town can think of (2014 featured dog wheel barrel races, fire hose rolling competitions, and of course drinking).
2. Miles City Bucking Horse Sale- May 14-17
The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is a major auction of rodeo stock held the third weekend every May in Miles City. This event attracts rodeo stock contractors from the United States and Canada who are looking for saddle bronc, bareback bronc and bucking bull prospects. The rodeo culture that accompanies this event makes it the premier social event for the community. Known as a Cowboy Mardi Gras this weekend’s events include a parade, a concert, a horse racing meet, a bull riding rodeo and a number of other social activities. Although this may be the only time eastern Montana makes this list, The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale proves eastern Montana still has an exciting Montana experience to offer.
3. Headwaters Country Jam: Bridge near Three Forks, MT – June 25-27
Headwaters Country Jam was created to bring live country music in a festival atmosphere to Montana and the Northwest. The festival is held at the venue known as The Bridge, near Three Forks. Live music from national and local acts plays all day and into the night. The three-day festival has brought in high caliber stars including Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry, The Charlie Daniels Band, Eli Young Band, Dustin Lynch, Tracy Lawrence, Sammy Kershaw, The Bellamy Brothers, Pat Green, Lonestar, Emerson Drive, John Anderson, Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and many more. Besides the live music, festival-goers can enjoy horse shoe tournaments, dance contests, karaoke, mechanical bull riding as well as food and merchandise vendors.
Montana’s “birthplace” community knows how to celebrate! Selected As Montana’s Event of the Year, Fort Benton’s annual celebration of its heritage has scheduled activities that include a parade, arts and crafts on the Levee, the Missouri River Traders Market, historical tours, free entertainment, street dance, fishing derby and a fireworks display on the Levee. There is always plenty of food and fun to be had. With room to camp overnight, take a tour of old Fort Benton and celebrate this upcoming summer.
This is one of the largest one-day rodeos in Montana. The annual Augusta Rodeo features a parade and rodeo. Located under the Rocky Mountain Front, Augusta is in close proximity to the Bob Marshall Wilderness as well as many other recreational areas. Visiting the Augusta rodeo and surrounding areas is a great way to turn a weekend into a beautiful and unforgettable experience!
The Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana comes alive with a timber sports event that makes for an awesome experience for the whole family. Seventeen traditional logging competitions have been scheduled, including axe throwing, pole climbing, log roll and cross-cut sawing. Every year this family-oriented weekend draws thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and expert competitors. Also included are plenty of activities for the little Lumberjacks. Other features of Logger Days include family games, live music and a parade.
Return to the early days in Montana’s history with a celebration of mining and life in Montana’s first territorial capital. Located at the ghost town of Bannack in southwest Montana, this interactive event allows visitors to take part in a wagon ride, candle making and gold-panning. Along with main street gunfights, old time dancing, pioneer craft demonstrations and lots of music and family fun, this event creates an experience that is hard to be found anywhere else. Bannack Days awakens this old ghost town with life and offers plenty to do and see for the entire family.
8. Evel Knievel days: Butte – July 23-25
No Montanan embodies the wild spirit of Montana more than Evel Knievel. From July 23-25th, Evel’s hometown of Butte will host Evel Knievel Days. The celebration will feature a huge array of exciting events including: a parade, poker run, social, fireworks, live music, dare-devil stunts, vendors and a classic motorcycle & car show. The event is timed to attract riders on their way to Sturgis and any other visitors/locals of Montana. Evel Knievel inspired a nation for years with his daredevil stunts. Come feel the excitement in Butte, MT the place where Evel took his first jumps, honed his nerves of steel, and got started in the daredevil business.
9. Huckleberry Festival: Trout Creek – August 14-16
Don’t miss the upcoming 36th annual Huckleberry Festival located at Trout Creek, MT. Every year people flock to taste and purchase these magical berries that are native to Montana. Food vendors feature the tasty “purple gold” in huckleberry ice cream cones, on cheesecake, in drinks, and even atop Polish dogs. Scheduled events include entertainment, the Huckeberry Festival Parade, a 5K Fun Run, dancing under the stars, karaoke, Huckleberry Hounds Dog Agility Demonstration, Huckleberry Homesteader Pentathlon, food by community groups, a Children’s Talent Show, The Huckleberry Auction, children’s activities, horseshoe contest, Huckleberry Dessert Contest, and an interfaith worship service on Sunday morning. The Huckleberry Festival has become a place where the community gathers, families reunite, and those who discover its charms come back year after year.
10. Montana’s Biggest Weekend: Dillon, MT – August 30-31
Aptly described as “Montana’s Biggest Weekend”, the Dillon Jaycee Labor Day Rodeo, Concert, and Parade provides an exciting and colorful end to summer. This events rodeo action lures America’s top riders, ropers, and rodeo stock in two days of exhilarating action. Other highlights of the weekend include: 4-H and arts contests, award winning 4-H animals, carnival style rides, food and prize vendors, along with souvenirs and everything you would expect from a spectacular summer fair. To top off the weekend Sunday night’s concert features popular country artists that spectators flock to. Stay one more night and catch the Labor Day Parade the next morning which has also gained an enviable reputation for its colorful display of entries.
114th Brawl of the Wild
Saturday, November 22 in Missoula
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.
When you grow up in Montana, one thing that is decided upon very quickly is whether you will be a Griz or Cat. The importance of this decision varies, and is often based off of a variety of factors. All Griz and Cat fans gather for the annual, end of the year showdown between the two teams. Whatever you may call it – Brawl of the Wild, Cat/Griz, or Griz/Cat – this rivalry game is fierce and exciting, and often has huge playoff implications.
1st things 1st – Essentials
Game day forecast: 39 F
Precipitation: 20%
Humidity: 92%
Wind: 6 mph
Gloves
Boots
Winter coat
Beanie (maybe with face cover)
Alcohol (personal preference)
Wool socks
Hand warmers
Long johns
Snow pants
Friends
Tickets
Fan gear
Team spirit
Next Up – History
Current record: Griz lead, 70-37-5 (.647)
Total meetings: 113
Last Meeting: November 23, 2013 – Montana 28, Montana State 14
Largest win: Montana 70, Montana State 0 (1904)
Current win streak: Montana (2013)
Longest win streak: Montana 16 (1986-2001)
Get to know ‘em
#12 Montana State Bobcats
Head coach: Rob Ash
All-time record: 481-467-32 (.507)
’14 Record: 8-3 (6-1) – 2nd in Big Sky
Big Sky Championships: 20
National Championships: 3 (1956, 1976, 1984)
Colors: Navy Blue & Gold
Fight song: Stand up and Cheer!
Stadium: Bobcat Stadium, capacity – 20,767
Why Cat fans should attend
It’s a rivalry game – #13 ranked Grizzlies vs. #12 ranked Bobcats
It’s hard to get a W in Wa-Griz stadium – come find out if your team is up to the challenge
I know you have some friends in maroon – come hang out with them in beautiful Missoula!
The atmosphere at Griz games is impressive as is – so imagine what it will be like for Cat-Griz?
Find out who ends up winning the Canned Food Drive , which is announced at half time. This is an annual competition between the two universities to see who can donate the most canned goods. FYI The Cats have won 13 out of 14
Lastly – Why wouldn’t you?
Hashtags to use this weekend – #FTG, #BrawloftheWild, #MSUBobcats, #EatShitGrizzliesGoCatsGo, #CanTheGriz #BigSkyFB
#13 Montana Grizzlies
Head coach: Mick Delaney
All-time record: 549-475-26 (.535)
’14 Record: 7-4 (5-2) – 5th in Big Sky
Big Sky Championships: 18
National Championships: 2 (1995, 2001)
Colors: Maroon & Silver
Fight song: Up With Montana
Stadium: Washington-Grizzly Stadium, capacity – 25,217
Why Griz fans should attend
It’s a rivalry game – #13 ranked Grizzlies vs. #12 ranked Bobcats
Mick Delaney’s last regular season game as head coach – He announced his retirement earlier this week
This is a huge conference game for the Griz! – Griz have one more conference loss than the Cats do
SoBA tailgate – great chance to see/meet some alumni and faculty
Find out who ends up winning the Canned Food Drive , which is announced at half time. This is an annual competition between the two universities to see who can donate the most canned goods. FYI The Cats have won 13 out of 14
The majority of you live in Missoula – SO JUST GO
Hashtags to use this weekend – #FTC, #BrawloftheWild, #BeatState, #HereKittyKitty, #GrizNation, #grizstagram, #WeAreMT
So what’s at stake on Saturday?
Besides being state champs and earning bragging rights….
There’s more to enjoy than the beautiful scenery and great outdoors while living in Montana, and that’s because the state also plays host to a variety of great events held throughout the year. You can’t beat life while living in Montana, and you sure as heck can’t live in Montana without attending some of these events!!
Mullet Fest is an annual co-ed softball tournament put on by the M-Club at Montana Tech University. You are sure to have a great time with friends from all over the state when you meet up in chilly Butte, America for some fun softball action. Oh yeah, and have a mullet (even you ladies)!
Haha just messing, ladies please don’t do that.
Brawl of the Wild (Cat/Griz or Griz-Cat)
Where: Missoula, MT
When: November 22nd, 2014
Attire: Dress Warm!!!! Muck boots are the best for this one!!
Beverage: Any type of beer (have gloves, hand warmers and a koozie though)
It’s time to show your colors – whether you’re a Griz, Cat, or House Divided, you better be ready to cheer loud and proud at the state’s largest sporting event. Featuring a showdown between two of the state’s top football programs, the Brawl of the Wild is a true testament of what it means to be a die-hard football fan. Be brave and face the elements. Have fun and support your state.
Note: Attendance is a MUST for any college student.
Headwaters Country Jam
Where: The Bridge near Three Forks, MT
When: June 25th-27th, 2015
Attire: Country duh
Beverage: Coors or Budweiser
If you like country music and drinking beer then Country Jam is the right place for you. This Watershed spinoff has slowly grown into one of Montana’s biggest summer hits, and it continues to attract more big name artists year after year. Attendees can also enjoy mechanical bull riding, dancing, food vendors and horseshoe tournaments.
Montana State Fair
Where: Great Falls, MT
When: July 25 – August 2, 2015
Attire: Whatever
Beverage: Go to the beer garden or food concessionaires
The Montana State Fair is one gnarly way to celebrate a summer full of fun, with animals, motor sports, exhibits, concerts, rodeo, fair food and much more on display. Don’t be that dude who doesn’t go to the fair, no one likes them. Go and enjoy life.
Testicle Festival (Testy Festy)
Where: Rock Creek Lodge in Clinton, MT
When: August 1-5, 2015 (Unconfirmed)
Attire: Not much…at all
Beverage: Alcohol
Better bring a strong appetite and a parka if you’re attending this event because you are sure to leave bear-soaked and full of Rocky Mountain Oysters. Testy Festy is packed with all sorts of wild fun; featuring wet T-shirt and hairy chest contests, some oil wrestling, and other R-rated shenanigans. Go big or go home with this one ladies n gents.
Big Sky Pond Skim
Where: Ambush headwall at Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village
When: April 18, 2015
Attire: Snow pants and a pullover
Beverage: Twisted Tea
If you are looking for a slightly sketchy, yet totally BA way to rock out during the winter, then participate in the Big Sky Pond Skim. If you are a big fan of Jack Ass and like watching people perform dangerous stuff then go watch! Overall, the Big Sky Pond Skim is a great event that sponsors lots of fun and entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Day
Where: Butte, MT
When: March 17, 2015
Attire: Green, green, green my friends
Beverage: Green beer and shots of celebration
What better place is there to celebrate St. Patty’s Day then in Butte, America? The city is rich with Irish history and tradition, and considers itself Ireland’s Fifth Province. Get ready for bagpipers, green-died beards, parades and dancing, drinking, and one hell of a good time.
Tip: Go wherever the green beer tastes the best. Good luck!
Brewfest
Where: Missoula, MT
When: Depends – Winter Brewfest (Feb.), Maverick Brew Fest (Sept.), Garden City Brewfest (May)
Attire: Depends on which one you attend. Always bring some gloves or a koozie to hold your brewskies though
Beverage: Try everything
Brewfest features an array of taps that are mainly made in Montana. This is a great event to go to if you are looking to casually drink and hang out with friends before a night out on the town. There’s also live music and food available for purchase.
Tip: Enjoy ALL of the brewskies. Cheers!
Miles City Bucking Horse Sale
Where: Miles City, MT
When: May 14-17, 2015
Attire: Country
Beverage: PBR
The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale has it all: showdowns between cowboy and bronc, street dances, live music, a parade and much more. Chances are you’ll find what you are looking for at this extravaganza.
Yeehaw!!
Montana Folk Festival
Where: Butte, MT
When: July 10-12, 2015
Attire: Shorts and a T-shirt
Beverage: Water & beer
The Montana Folk Festival is one of the largest, free outdoor musical festivals in the Northwest. This is a great family event that features some of the best traditional performers in the nation, Folklife workshops, regional artists, and ethnic and festival foods. You, your family, and friends are sure to have a good time in Butte for this one.
