By LINDA MCCARTHY
The first weekend in September will be extremely business in Downtown Missoula, Montana, as several events throughout the weekend will draw thousands of folks to the heart of the community.
First Friday Gallery Night – this Friday, Sept. 6 – is always popular as all the museums and art galleries showcase new artists and their work on the first Friday of each month from 5-8 pm. Thousands of Missoulians and their guests will wander throughout downtown enjoying samples of beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to meet some our region’s most creative individuals. Information on the artists and their hosts can be found on the Missoula Cultural Council’s website.
Friday night also features the 15th annual Maverick BrewFest from 4-10 pm in Caras Park. Serving as a fundraiser for local athletic teams for scholarships, equipment and travel expenses, the Maverick BrewFest features more than 40 beers on tap and live music yet to be named. Entry is just $10 per person, and sample beers are $2 each.
Saturday, Sept. 7 opens with the Saturday Morning Markets, and they are brimming with beautiful fruits, vegetables, means, eggs, cheeses, flowers, plans, prepared foods, arts, crafts and much more. Saturday will also see Caras Park filled with vendors, sponsors, food, beer and music at the 18th annual Missoula Hempfest. Hosted by the Montana Hemp Council, the event starts at 12:30 pm and ends around 10pm. Entertainment will be provided by Miller Creek and Musikata.
Sunday, Sept. 8 will showcase three distinct events that are interwoven together to make for a major celebration of Missoula outdoor culture and fun. The Missoula Cultural Council will host Germanfest in Caras Park from 2-8 pm. An annual celebration of our Sister City relationship with Neckargemünd, Germany, the event will feature German beers, brats, pretzels and pastries thanks to Bayern Brewing Company, the Shack Restaurant, and the Black Cat Bakery. Traditional German music and dancing will be provided by the Bavarian Echoes.
Sunday Streets Missoula returns to Higgins Avenue this weekend with downtown’s main thoroughfare open only to non-motorized activities from 10 am to 4 pm. Those who wish to bring their cars to the event should arrive in Downtown Missoula from Madison Street or Orange Street and park on the side streets or in the parking structures. More than 50 activities for children and families will take place over the course of the day with the goals of promoting physical fitness, building neighbor-to-neighbor relationships, and supporting active transportation choices.
Also on Sunday, Sept. 8 is the annual Hip Strip Block Party from 3:30-8:30 pm at the intersection of Third & Myrtle streets. An annual celebration of Downtown’s most unique commercial cluster, the Hip Strip Block Party will showcase live music, local food and beer for sale, entertainment for children and adults and the best fashion show in town, which commences at 6:30 pm. Hip strippers Leah Morrow from Selvedge Studio, Aimee McQuikin from Betty’s Divine, Marco Littig from Bernice’s Bakery and a whole bunch of others make this event Missoula’s best neighborhood party!
Downtown Missoula is the destination to be this weekend, and the weather is expected to be fabulous! There are lots of wonderful shopping, dining, entertainment, cultural, recreational and other fun opportunities to enjoy in the heart of our community. Downtown is where our community connects. Come check it out!