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!

MARCH 2026
  • 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.
  • Calypso Sandwich Shop (311 E. Front): Artist Chloe Buising will be at the shop selling her beautiful, Montana nature inspired artwork…..and don’t forget to get some sammies for dinner while you check out her work! Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Collective Elevation (211 W. Broadway): 21+ only. Featuring art by Rough Buffalo all month long. Open from 9am – 7:45pm.
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): Missoula artist Grace Lawless presents the exhibit Human Error, a whole lot of everything, because that is the human experience. She is fueled by doubters and nay sayers. She believes in dreaming more than most things. Lawless’s paintings often resemble playful and childlike imagery because she loves the authenticity and rawness that those states of mind are able to evoke. Also featuring live music by the jazz quartet featuring MJ Williams, Beth Lo, David Horgan and Naomi Siegel! Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Cranky Sam Public House (233 W. Main): Live music from Florabelle and Friends and art from John Piacquadio. Open from 11am-10pm.
  • 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): Continuing with our alcohol-free First Fridays, in March Chloe Lyons transforms FMC into a breathing, blooming dreamscape. Her work fuses realism with the electric inner life of living organisms—succulents saturated in color, coral rendered with hypnotic depth. It is nature seen not just as it appears, but as it feels. Join us for tantalizing treats to tickle you just in time for spring! Event runs 4-8pm.
  • Frame of Mind (1706 Brooks): Frame of Mind is hosting Opportunity Resources and the ARC Western Montana for a SECOND Friday on March 13th opening reception in recognition of Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Event runs from 5:30-8pm.
  • Historic Florence (111 N. Higgins): Art by Ink Worm Press, Soup in the Woods, Bird Brain Creations, Augi Birds, and The Gastropod Press. Music by Shapes Hi-Fi and DJ Mark Myriad. Sponsored by One Eleven and The Historic Florence Building. 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.
  • Local Missoula Walking Tours: Local Missoula Walking Tours offers 50% off historic downtown audio tours on First Fridays. Grab your charged cell phone and headphones and follow Missoula’s evolution from a rough trading post to the lively cultural hub it is today. You’ll meet founders, rivals, madams, railroad workers, and visionaries; explore architectural gems like the Florence Hotel and the historic railroad depots; and cross the Clark Fork with a view of Brennan’s Wave. From free-speech battles to “Gasoline Alley” to the iconic M on Mount Sentinel, this walk brings Missoula’s stories to life. Visit localmissoulatours.com to book your half-off audio tour, or call 406-304-7241 for details, or email [email protected] for more information!
  • Missoula Art Museum (335 N. Pattee): Opening of Beyond Bison: Returning Land to the Original Stewards by Tailyr Irvine, a Salish and Kootenai journalist and photographer raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The evening features live music by Elephant Gerald and marks the opening of a powerful exhibition exploring land, stewardship, and Indigenous sovereignty. Event runs 5-7pm; artist talk at 5:30pm.
  • Missoula Children’s Theatre (200 N. Adams): The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Show starts at 7:30pm. Purchase tickets at www.mctinc.org/. Additional performances March 7-15.
  • Missoula Public Library (455 E. Main): Hellgate Art and the Missoula Public Library present the 4th annual juried First Friday art show on March 6th from 5-7 p.m., featuring the Hellgate Jazz band. At this fun, festive show, attendees can vote for their favorite art piece, and Community judges will elect their favorite works for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Event starts at 5pm.
  • Missoula Symphony Association (200 N. Higgins): Enjoy an evening of music, art, and community! Live music from Jerry Fletcher (who has toured and recorded with folks like John Denver and Steve Martin). Featured artist Erin K. Huggman will display her vibrant acrylics, pastels, and mixed media works. Event runs 5-7pm.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad): Come see poet Emily Walter alongside drinks, snacks, and antiques. Event runts 5:30-8:00pm.
  • Pearl Boba Tea (420 N. Higgins): Missoula Moonlight Market and 5 Asian! Come get a drink, some food and locally made goods! Like a preview of what Missoula’s First Night is going to look like. Open 11am – 8pm, market runs 5-8pm.
  • Pelz MT (403 N. Higgins – co-located w/in 3B Bagels): Join us on First Friday with featured local artist, Mickey Haldi. Pelz will be open at 403 N Higgins, selling pelmeni dumplings and serving complimentary beverages. Open 5-8pm.
  • PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate (101 Railroad): PureWest Christies International Real Estate and Front Step Community Land Trust host a reception to celebrate the opening of Ravara Homes on the Northside. This thoughtfully designed Missoula neighborhood offers a mix of market-rate and permanently attainable homes—united by quality design, shared stewardship, and a long-term commitment to community. Learn more about this project, enjoy some refreshments, and find out about the attainable homes now open for application. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Radius Gallery (120 N. Higgins): Hop into Radius’ latest exhibit, an animal themed show featuring soaring new works from 7 artists. Open 11am – 8pm.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): Live music from guest musician, Becca Kelley, of Strummingbird Vegabond; Feather earrings from jewelery artist Short Tree; hand engraving from jewlery artist Angel Aberdeen. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • The Old Post (103 W. Spruce): First Friday at The Old Post features the unveiling of a new local artist along with a live performance by Way Down North. The evening includes bluegrass influenced acoustic music and a fresh art installation debut. Music starts at 8 pm.
  • The Rhino (158 Ryman): Rhino Ross benefitting Wilderness Watch. $10 gets you a drink ticket, coloring supplies. $4 of every entry donated to Wilderness Watch. Event starts at 7pm.
  • University of Montana: Three gallery openings on campus! Montana Museum of Art and Culture (across from Campus Recreation): Stop by the MMAC for a free public docent tour at 5 PM, refreshments, and exhibitions “ReAssessing Aden Arnold,” “InSequence: Geoffrey Stocking,” and “Rand Robbin.” Event runs 4-7pm.; Gallery of Arts: Stop by the first floor of the Social Science Building to view the “SVMA MFA Candidate Group Show,” a multimedia exhibition featuring works created by twelve current Graduate students pursuing an MFA in Studio or Media Art. Event runs 4-6pm; Knowles Gallery: Stop by the 2nd floor of the Fine Arts Building to play community and student games from Global Game Jam 26, featuring video games and interactive media inspired by the theme of “masks.” Events run 4-6pm.
  • Wear Your Roots / My Montana Roots (225 N. Higgins): Come down to Wear Your Roots clothing store and have a drink and enjoy original artwork by Mike D. Huberman. There will be DJs, beer and of course, mustaches!Alcohol will only be served to those 21 and older***. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Zootown Arts Community Center (216 W. Main): Performance of The Inn at Derbeyshire! Outside the rain may be falling in heavy torrents but under the heavy beams of the Inn at Derbyshire’s roof a fire has just been lit and is ready to warm its guests. Three distinguished gentlemen have braved the foul weather anticipating a romantic rendezvous. But who has lured them all together here and for what purpose? A night of mystery, mayhem and murder awaits. Come on in and out of the storm. Starts at 7:30pm.
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.