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!

JULY 2025
  • Due to the 4th of July holiday, limited First Friday happenings will occur. Thanks for supporting the galleries and businesses that are open!
  • Cranky Sam Public House (233 W. Main): Come celebrate Independence Day and First Friday at the pub! James Lanman will be belting out some rocking tunes to get you feeling the right way. Grab a beer and some tasty grub and kick back and enjoy the show!
  • FMC Books (123 W. Main): We’re staying open on July 4th—because what better way to kick off your long weekend than with a little self-care and a whole lot of steam? Whether you’re escaping to the lake, hiding from the heat, or dodging small talk with extended family, we’ve got the perfect romance novel to keep you company. Swing by for a spicy beach read, a swoony second chance, or a dark and dirty distraction. Independence looks like choosing yourself—and maybe a morally gray himbo with a grudge and a soft spot. Open regular hours (11am-7pm). Bring your tote. Fireworks optional. Smut absolutely not.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad St.): Please join us at the Montana Antique Mall each First Friday for a wine and cheese pairing, while you peruse four floors of curated art, pottery, furniture, and more! Open 11am daily. Event from 5-8pm.
  • Radius Gallery (120 N. Higgins): Come see the final weekend of our Ceramics Invitational–a testament to the versatility and dynamism of clay arts, with beautifully expressive pots, eye-popping sculpture, and stylish furniture. In our adjacent gallery, you’ll find beautiful, refined, unexpected, and distinctly contemporary, works made with needle and thread in our current exhibition, SEWN. Open 5-8pm.
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.