FIRST FRIDAY Experience an Authentic Missoula Evening

Join us in Downtown Missoula for First Fridays!  Held on the first Friday of every month, businesses showcase an important part of the heart and soul of our community – art! Experience an authentic Missoula evening as you stroll along Downtown’s historic streets where art galleries and local businesses open their doors to feature stunning art exhibits, live music, and special events.

You can also savor exclusive deals and specials at Downtown’s unique retailers and restaurants, making it a perfect night out for friends, families, and art enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists, enjoy fantastic food, shop at our retailers, and immerse yourself in the creative spirit that makes Downtown Missoula so special.

 

First Friday Special Happenings:

*for more First Friday happenings, visit missoulaevents.org or download the Arts Missoula Directory from Arts Missoula to get First Friday schedules, peruse artistic resources, check out the guide to local artists, and more!

 

February 2026
  • 4 Ravens Gallery (216 N. Higgins): Featuring the meticulously crafted pottery of Matt Conlon through February. Matt creates high-fired porcelain with intricate hand-carved patterns, drawing influence from past design eras such as Art Deco and mid-century modern. Mugs, vases, teapots and pitchers are individually carved and glazed in complicated designs creating unique and functional pieces. Event begins at 5pm.
  • Après Alley: Turn First Friday into après hour! Après Alley brings a winter-inspired alley pop-up with the Rhino pop-up bar, live DJ set from DJ TRX, and all the cozy winter vibes. Located in the alley between Toiffer Pet Outfitter (422 N. Higgins) and Rice Thai (424 N. Higgins). Sponsored by the Downtown Missoula Partnership. Event runs 4:30-7pm.
  • Artists’ Shop (127 N. Higgins): Opening reception for ‘Prior Lives: Anatomy of a Ghost Town’ by Judy Anne Johnson. Interiors and artifacts of the Western Montana ghost towns of Bannack and Garnet that conjure up lives of settlers among the ghosts of their sovereign Indigenous predecessors and contemporaries. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Bernice’s Bakery (190 S. 3rd St. W): Odd Era is a local artist whose work explores nostalgia, memory, and the quiet beauty of things that feel slightly out of time. Sharing work rooted in craftsmanship, texture, and intentional imperfection. Each piece invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with the familiar and the strange—art made to be lived with, not rushed past.
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): Missoula artist Aaron Jennings presents the exhibit What Does the Fight for Justice Sound Like?, which explores the human impact of unjust convictions. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in- and interact with- the stories behind the work of the Montana Innocence Project. In collaboration with the installation by Aaron Jennings, there will also be a selection of artworks by: Michael Dinning, Christine Martin, Tim Thornton, Patricia Thornton, Crystal McCallie, D.L. Johnson, Ladypajama, Leland Buck, and Lauren Norby. Event runs 5-8pm. Stay afterwards for an After Party, featuring live music by local punk band Seditious Activity, 8-10pm.
  • Cranky Sam Public House (233 W. Main): Live music from Night Blooming Jasmine and art displays from the Cranky Sam staff! Open from 11am-10pm.
  • Draught Works Brewery (915 Toole): Get down to the brewery early this First Friday to check out the new art on the walls by Tabitha B. Martinez! Open 12-11pm.
  • Engle & Volkers Western Frontier (321 N. Higgins): Featuring art from Alpine Line Art, and fundraising for Friends of the Children on at our Downtown Missoula office. Hosted by Real Estate Advisor William Ward, we will provide small bites and beverages for your enjoyment. See you there! Event runs 5-8pm
  • FMC Books (123 W. Main): This winter, FMC is trying something a little different: Dry First Fridays. No booze—just vibes, treats, and a little mischief between the stacks. Join us as we welcome back boudoir photographer Carin Rene for an evening of beauty, boldness, and things that peek where they maybe shouldn’t. Come see what’s hiding between the shelves this February. Event runs 4-8pm.
  • Historic Florence (111 N. Higgins): Two great events in one space! Hosted by Missoula Aging Services: Warm up, learn more, and meet your neighbors! Come for the cocoa, stay for the conversation. Join Missoula Villages founders, MAS staff, and community partners in the elegant Historic Florence lobby. Chat around the fireplace and enjoy our free Hot Cocoa Golden Milk Bar (golden milk is a gorgeous, extra-healthy, caffeine free chai). Craft cocktails available for purchase at the Historic Florence lobby bar. Space will be shared with artwork presented by the Missoula Makers Collective. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Imagination Station (227 N. Higgins): Brio play date! Trains out and ready for the kiddos to enjoy with open play along with wine available for the grown-ups. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Import Market (201 W. Broadway): Visit Horse Teeth Gallery on the top floor! First Friday happenings 5-8pm.
  • Leaf + Quiet (235 N. 1st. St. W – Suite F): Jazz Off the Rails is officially hibernating in the secret garden all winter long. Snuggle up inside Leaf & Quiet’s lush plant-filled space and café every Friday night for live jazz, warm fireplace glow, and the coziest vibes in Missoula. We’ll be pouring Floreo Coffee’s wonderful drip coffee (free!), puzzles & board games on the tables, and the UM jazz students & friends bringing the smooth sounds. Feel free to BYO snacks or drinks to make it your own. Event runs 7-9pm.
  • Missoula Aging Services: Warm up, learn more, and meet your neighbors! Come for the cocoa, stay for the conversation. Join Missoula Villages founders, MAS staff, and community partners in the elegant Historic Florence lobby. Chat around the fireplace and enjoy our free Hot Cocoa Golden Milk Bar (golden milk is a gorgeous, extra-healthy, caffeine free chai). Craft cocktails available for purchase at the Historic Florence lobby bar. Space will be shared with artwork presented by Missoula Makers, so enjoy the art, learn more, and meet your neighbors! Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Missoula Parks & Rec (Base Camp located at 301 E. Main – the old library space): Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a night of fun! First Friday Date Night Childcare provides a safe, supervised environment for children ages 2 and up, with activities like obstacle courses, strider bikes, and arts & crafts. Sign up over the phone by calling 406-721-7275 (ext 1). Pizza dinner provided. Childcare available 5:30-8:30pm.
  • Missoula Public Library (455 E. Main): Stop by the library for a showing of Dana Boussard’s powerful art exhibition, Like Mother, Like Daughter. This performance piece is now an artifact of the work as photographic images. Event starts at 5pm.
  • Missoula Symphony & Chorale (200 N. Higgins): Join us for another incredible First Friday event! Get ready for music, magic, and community fun! Home ReSource, a Community Sustainability Center, is joining the party alongside the joyful sounds of The Queens and Mr. G. It’s going to be a blast, don’t miss it! Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad): Dealer sales, complimentary food and beverages & more! Open 5-8pm.
  • Pearl Boba Tea (420 N. Higgins): Pearl Boba Tea will be hosting the Missoula Moonlight Market team. Join us for Asian treats, vendors, games, a raffle and more! $1 per drink sold between 5 and 8 pm will be donated to the Missoula Moonlight Market. Open 11am – 8pm, event runs 5-8pm.
  • Pelz MT (403 N. Higgins – co-located w/in 3B Bagels): Come see 20 original paintings by Mickey Haldi and enjoy pelmeni and complimentary beverages from 5-8pm.
  • Revolvr Menswear (301 N. Higgins): Displaying art by Artists of Opportunity Resources. Open 10am – 7pm.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott (125 N. Pattee): Pint Night benefitting Animeals! $1 from every beer and $2 from every wine or cocktail will be donated to AniMeals! Plus, we will have lots of raffles and prizes for you to win! Event runs 4-11pm.
  • Rice Thai (424 N. Higgins): Special First Friday menu featuring crispy rolls, fried potstickers, chicken satay, green chicken curry, yellow curry tofu, pad thai chicken, and lo mien vegetable.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): Cacao bar open for sale and our spiritual practitioners offering mini services. In addition, our featured artist, Eleanor will be running a metal engraving demonstration. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • The Clay Studio of Missoula (1106 Hawthorne): International Cup 2026 is an exhibition showcasing ceramic work that explores the infinite possibilities of the idea of a cup. Included works range from well-crafted utilitarian mugs to cups used as an exploration of metaphor and abstract content. Works by 31 artists have been selected from entries from all around the world. This year’s exhibit was juried by Julia Galloway, a locally based but internationally renowned utilitarian potter and professor of ceramics at the University of Montana. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • The Montana Scene (170 E. Front): From 10am-6pm, shop our sale items, and receive an additional 20% off marked down prices!
  • The Old Post (103 W. Spruce): John Floridis performs a special First Friday set featuring acoustic originals, instrumental guitar work, and a blend of folk and blues influences. His expressive fingerstyle playing and layered arrangements create an inviting atmosphere for the evening. Music starts at 7:30pm.
  • The Rhino (158 Ryman St.): When you’re done cruising around town on First Friday, stop by for Rhino Ross Art Nite – our coloring contest for a cause. $10 entry includes drink ticket and coloring supplies. PLUS $4 of every entry will be donated to Tell Us Something. Now featuring a regular lineup of 0.00% Alt-tails (NA mocktails). Event begins at 7pm.
  • Toiffer Pet Outfitter (422 N. Higgins): Offering 20% off your purchase (excluding food). Open until 7pm.
  • Union Club Bar & Grill (208 E. Main): Josh Farmer Band takes the stage at 9pm.
  • University of Montana: Three gallery openings on campus! Montana Museum of Art and Culture (across from Campus Recreation): Enjoy refreshments, a free public docent tour at 5pm, and Batts Gallery exhibition “Rand Robbin.” Event runs 4-7pm.; University Center Gallery: Stop by the second floor of the University Center to view “Trivia Night: Missoula Printmakers Union.” Event runs 4-6pm; Gallery of Arts: Stop by the first floor of the Social Science Building to view “Vessels of War & Recovery” by Jesse Albrecht. Events run 4-6pm.
  • Zootown Hype & Vintage (111 W. Alder): Hosting a pop-up featuring Yumiko Sakuma, Japanese activist, author, and partner with Kuwano Home. Yumi will be offering a stunning selection of Japanese Hanten jackets as well as accessories and goodies from Japan for sale. Open until 8pm.
Downtown Galleries

 

Are you a local business or artist looking to participate in First Fridays? Here are some ways you can be a part of the First Friday magic.

  • Businesses: Are you a business looking to host an artist in your location? Connect with Arts Missoula at [email protected]
  • Artists: Are you an artist looking to get your art in a business? Connect with Arts Missoula at [email protected]
  • Members of the Missoula Downtown Association: Participate in any way that works for your business (stay open later, host a special pop-up event, host live music, etc.). For more info on how to participate, email [email protected] or submit your First Friday information HERE.
  • Host a parklet! Also known as pop-up parks, parklets convert on-street parking spaces into temporary people places in support of a friendly environment for people biking and walking. It’s free for Missoula businesses to host a First Friday Parklet so sign up today!  CLICK HERE to get more info and sign up via Missoula in Motion.