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

SEPTEMBER 2024
  • Bernice’s Bakery (190 S. 3rd St. W): Forest Sanctuaries by Suzanne Warren
  • Brasserie Port Rouge (231 E. Front): Every First Friday: $5 off of any shells or shareables valued at $10 or more
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): This month we proudly present A Sense of Place, a solo exhibit by Meghan Hanson. This exhibit will showcase the full range of Hanson’s artistic abilities from her reclaimed wood landscapes, to acrylic and watercolors. Event is 5-8pm.
  • Dana Gallery (246 N. Higgins): Reception by the Public Art Committee featuring artists painting signal boxes (Larry Pirnie, Shelby Humphries, and Ava Names)
  • Draught Works Brewery (915 Toole Ave): Art by Tanya Lee – Tanya is an artist based in Missoula, Montana that create modern, colorful paintings and murals that inspire, empower and connect.
  • Flippers Tavern (125 S. 3rd St. W): Lukas Phelan: new paintings. Starts at 5pm.
  • Glacier Wealth Management (210 N. Higgins – Suite 200): Supporting our local Artist Kassidy Malcolm and gift basket raffle
  • Home ReSource (1515 Wyoming): Reuse art show. 5-7pm.
  • Lake Missoula Tea Company (136 E. Broadway): View photographer Tamra Hatch’s work on our wall and sip tea. More about Tamra: The places and people I connect with through my photography add up to incredible experiences: The awe of watching the Milky Way slowly appear in the night sky. The wind, a relentless locomotive, bursting through the trees on the ridges. The soft curl of the dahlia’s petals, the blending of pinks and yellows. The family of four skipping down the dirt road, laughing as snowflakes coat their heads. I take the picture, play it back, and catch my breath at where I live and the people I am surrounded by.
  • Missoula Art Museum (335 N. Pattee): Join MAM to celebrate two new exhibitions with the artists: Jonathan Marquis: The Glacier Drawing Project, and BT Livermore: Oh, the Wait of It All. Join Marquis and Livermore for artist talks at 5:15. Get some dinner from Zeera Pakistani food truck to enjoy in the classroom. Live music by The Dawn Patrol. No-host bar.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad): Sip on some local beer from Cranky Sam’s and shop around, or just come check out everything the Montana Antique Mall has to offer!
  • Montana Gift Corral (117 W. Front): Daphne Lorna Jewlery pop-up
  • Out of the Box Cigars (629 Woody): We will be teaching a class on cigar selection, cutting, lighting and telling stories from our experiences in Central America and The Dominican Republic. Cost is the purchase of one cigar. Drinks are included. Starts at 6pm.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): Join us this September for First Friday as we showcase the incredible work of photographer Jenna Nord and author Dr. Tova Sardot.
  • The Artists’ Shop (127 N. Higgins): “Between Two Pines’ – by Bobbe Almer Oil and watercolor paintings of light falling on the landscapes of western Montana. The show runs September 1-28, 2024.
  • The Montana Scene (170 E. Front): 50% off rack for both First Friday and our Roots Sidewalk Sale!
  • The Wren Hotel (201 E. Main): This month, we’re excited to feature Annaliese Mann, a talented painter, outdoor enthusiast, and family medicine resident based in Missoula, MT. Her art draws inspiration from the stunning landscapes of the Western United States and her adventures with loved ones. Live performance by Dylan Bautista Duo. Event from 5-7pm.
  • 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-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.