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 Missoula Mosaic App from Arts Missoula to get First Friday schedules, peruse artistic resources, check out the guide to local artists, and more!

JANUARY 2025
  • A Carousel for Missoula (101 Carousel Dr.): Happy Hours at A Carousel For Missoula! We invite First Friday participants to head out a little early and kick the evening off with a spin on the fastest carousel in the west with BOGO Carousel Rides on Fridays in October from 3:30-5:30 pm.
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): The Confluence Center (Western Montana’s Home for Nonprofit Events) art program Torrents is thrilled to present a magical evening of art, music, and community! We’re packing the house with Solstice, our second annual group exhibit featuring 60 local and regional artists. Begins at 5pm.
  • Cranky Sam Public House (223 W. Main): Get down with the Cranky Crew and enjoy some new art on the walls and some live tunes from Old Man Ben and the Grown Ass Men. Begins at 7:30pm.
  • Dana Gallery (246 N. Higgins): Local artist Matt O’Connor returns with an avian encore, “Local Birds: Last Call.” Experience over 30 paintings, drawings, and photographs celebrating our feathery friends. Meet Matt while enjoying light refreshments and live music by Tucker and the Twig. Begins at 5pm.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad): Come Join us for wine, cheese, and shopping for First Friday! Begins at 5pm.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): Help us welcome the light of 2025 with: Local Illustrator Leah Leitch, Intention Setting Station with Lizzi Juda, Live harp music by Lawrence Duncan. Event runs 5-9pm.
  • The Rhino Bar (158 Ryman): Rhino Ross Art Nite for a Cause – When you’re done cruising around town on First Friday, stop by for “Rhino Ross Art Nite.” $10 entry includes drink ticket and coloring supplies. Plus $4 of every entry will be donated to a local non-profit.
  • Tosca Olive Oils (137 E. Main): Join us every First Friday for a yummy snack made with our featured oil/vinegar pairing of the month and 10% off all Tosca oil/vinegar. Open 10am-7pm.
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.