X marks the spot

The "XXX" sculpture on North Higgins has become one of downtown Missoula's most recognizable landmarks.

Arts & Culture

Although many may not realize it, Missoula’s scenic beauty has actually helped shape its culture. The majestic mountains and forests that surround this community, as well as the three rivers that converge within it, have inspired countless artisans to honor the area’s unique setting and scenic surrounds.

The most culturally-diverse community in Montana, Missoula is home to hundreds of artists, actors, musicians, and writers, and plays host to the many who visit here each year.

Today, you can experience all that the Garden City has to offer at local art galleries, museums, music venues, riverfront parks, and historic theaters. With so many attractions and offerings, it’s no wonder Missoula is ranked 37th in the nation by Norman Crampton in The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.

 

"John Updike once called Missoula the Paris of the Nineties, because of the city’s legendary population of writers, but Paris lacks three world-renowned trout rivers and proximity to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks."

- Outside Magazine

MCT is Singin’ in the Rain!

The Missoula Children’s Theatre Youth Series invites grades 8-12 stud... more

Journey Through America’s Top Three Music Cities

The United States boasts a musical heritage as rich and varied as its h... more

18th Annual River City Roots Fest: The High Hawks to Headline Admission-Free Festival

The Missoula Downtown Association’s River City Roots Festival returns... more

Exploring the Unique Blend of Urban and Outdoor Living in Western Montana

Western Montana offers a remarkable combination of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure.... more

MCT’s The Addams Family Young@Part

MCT’s Next Step Prep Presents announces the kick-off of the 2024-2025 Youth Series with a ‘snap-snappy’ version of The Addams Family young@Part.  This 65-minute version of the ridiculously popular Broadw... more

Explore Missoula’s Rich History With Unseen Missoula’s Guided Walking Tours

Historical Guided Walking Tours Running Weekly through September.... more

MCT’s The Play That Goes Wrong

The Missoula Community Theatre presents The Play That Goes Wrong March 7-17, 2024 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

The Missoula Community Theatre’s AUDITION for The Play That Goes Wrong

The Missoula Community Theatre's AUDITION for The Play That Goes Wrong is Sunday, January 7th, 2024.... more

New Missoula Murals Highlight Local Artists and Downtown Partnerships

Two new art murals highlight local artists and partnerships and add life and vibrancy to the streets and alleys in Downtown Missoula.... more

Missoula Community Theatre’s AUDITIONS for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Missoula Community Theatre is thrilled to announce an OPEN AUDITION for Rudolph The RedNosed Reindeer on Sunday, September 24th.... more

17th Annual River City Roots Fest Celebrates Missoula

The MDA's River City Roots Festival returns to the streets of Downtown Friday and Saturday August 25-26.... more

MCT Performing Arts Camp Show: Working

MCT's Performing Arts Camp (PAC) welcomes 100 talented teenagers from 15 states and Canadian provinces for a 90-minute musical journey of Working, Aug. 10-12.... more

Unseen Missoula Expands Guided Walking Tour Offerings

New Tour Explores Downtown Missoula’s “Restricted District”... more

2023-2024 Missoula Community Theatre Season on Sale June 5th!

Missoula Community Theatre subscription packages and single tickets are on sale starting Monday, June 5th for the following shows:... more

Things to Do in Missoula: Tourist Attractions and More

With a rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and lively local cuisine, there's something for everyone in Missoula, MT.... more

4 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Montana

This article will provide insider knowledge that will help you prepare for your move to the Garden City or anywhere in Montana. ... more

MCT Presents: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

The Missoula Community Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, April 27-May 14 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

9 Perfect Spots In and Around Missoula for Plein Air Painting

If you love plein air painting, Missoula is an outdoor painting paradise. Check out some of the spots:... more

Sip’n Shop for MCT

If you love spring, sipping, shopping and supporting a worthy organization, then Sip n’ Shop for MCT is where you want to be on Thursday, March 30th from 6-8PM.... more

The Missoula Community Theatre Presents: The Bridges of Madison County

The Missoula Community Theatre presents The Bridges of Madison County, March 9-19, 2023 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

Missoula Community Theatre AUDITION: The Bridges of Madison County

The Missoula Community Theatre audition for The Bridges of Madison County is Sunday, January 15th, 2023, from Noon to 4PM at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

2022-2023 Children’s Theatre Season Announcement

The Missoula Children’s Theatre announces a full season of fun for children and families, beginning with a celebration of Arts in Education Week. ... more

MCT Performing Arts Camp Presents: Broadway Junior Revue: RAISE YOUR VOICE

PAC is BACK!  The Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Performing Arts Camp (PAC) Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior collection, "Raise Your Voice."... more

3 Wheelchair Accessible Attractions Fit for the Whole Family in Missoula, MT

When it comes to finding family-friendly activities that are also accessible in Missoula, Montana, there are a variety to choose from.... more

Main Reasons to Travel to Missoula as a Student

Do you want to visit Missoula and have a good time enjoying your holiday? Here are the main reasons why this city is suitable for any student.... more

MCT’s Nickelodeon The SpongeBob Musical

What began as an extremely popular animated cartoon on Nickelodeon (seen in more than 170 countries) has become a full-blown Broadway musical that in 2018 received 12 Tony award nominations and the Drama Desk A... more

MCT presents Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods

The Missoula Community Theatre is incredibly honored to produce one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved shows, Into the Woods, March 10-20, 2022.... more

MCT Audition for nickelodeon The SpongeBob Musical

MCT is proud to announce that on Sunday, February 20th from 1-4PM there will be an audition for the final entree of the 2021-2022 Missoula Community Theatre’s à la carte season. ... more

Gilligan’s Island: The Musical at MCT

Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, live on stage at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts, January 20*- 23 and 27-30, 2022.... more

Missoula Community Theatre Presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Perfectly timed for the Holiday season, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" will run December 9*-12 and 16-19 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

How to Holiday at Home in Missoula

Here are some of the things you could try in Missoula, but use our website to do a little searching and you'll be amazed at what you can find.... more

MCT Presents Broadway off Broadway, A Musical Revue

MCT Presents Broadway off Broadway, A Musical Revue, November 12-14, 2021, at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. ... more

MCT Executive Director Michael McGill to Retire in 2022

After a span of 40 years performing nearly every role, on and off stage, MCT’s Executive Director, Michael McGill, will make his final curtain call next spring.... more

Audition for MCT’s Nunsense Jamboree

The Missoula Community Theatre is holding an open audition on Sunday, August 29th for Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree.... more

A Year with Frong and Toad KIDS Classes Begin Sept.14th

This fun class is back on track and ready for your K-8 student to begin September 14th, exploring the classic friendship of Frog and Toad!... more

Missoula Children’s Theatre Explores Inventions

MCT is closing out the 2021 summer of fun with one more day camp called Inventions--August 16-20 for students grades 4-12.... more

Missoula Favorite Lil’ Smokies to Headline River City Roots Festival

The Lil’ Smokies will be the Saturday night headliner for the 15th annual River City Roots Festival in the streets of Downtown Missoula August 27-28, 2021.... more

Missoula’s Beloved Out to Lunch & Downtown ToNight Summer Series are Back!

Downtown Missoula comes to life with the 35th season of Out to Lunch on Wednesday, June 2 and the 20th season of Downtown ToNight on Thursday, June 3. ... more

Missoula Children’s Theatre in-person Performances!

The MCT Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce a summer of Beanstalks, Frogs, Princes, Buzzards and so much more! ... more

River City Roots Festival Moving Forward

Music. Art. Food. Community. The Missoula Downtown Association’s River City Roots Festival returns to the streets of Downtown Friday and Saturday August 27-28.... more

MCT Presents Schoolhoue Rock Live!

To close the 50th Anniversary year, the Missoula Community Theatre is going back to school and the stage with Schoolhouse Rock Live! ... more

MCT Presents Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS

Come on inside the Magic Tree House with the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT), as they present the musical adaptation of Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS. ... more

MDA Commences Planning & Production of Summer Events with Cautious Optimism

The Missoula Downtown Association will plan to host a modified (i.e. limited) version of the beloved Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series events, beginning the first week of June.... more

MCT Announces Summer Day Camps

MCT is excited to host 6 summer day camps: Jack and the Beanstalk (June 14-18 and July 5-9); The Frog Prince (June 21-25 and July 12-16) and The Wiz of the West (June 28-July 2 and July 19-23).... more

Beauty Lou and the Country Beast Day Camp March 15-19

Beauty Lou and the Country Beast will mosey on to the stage of the MCT Center for the Performing Arts March 15-19. Open to students in grades K-12.... more

MCT Upcoming Show: Shrek the Musical JR

The Missoula Children's Theatre is excited to wave the “freak flag” and raise the collective laughter level of the world as it presents Shrek The Musical JR. ... more

Stream MCT’s Robin Hood Jan. 2-11

Laugh all the way to magical, mythical Sherwood Forest Jan. 2-11 with the Missoula Children’s Theatre family-friendly production of Robin Hood!... more

MCT’s Elf Comes off the Shelf

Available on-demand Dec. 21-30 for just $5, Elf the Musical is available to view as many times as you wish in the 48 hours after you first begin to view it.... more

MCT presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Take a holiday trip back to the 1940’s with the Missoula Community Theatre during It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Dec. 10-20. ... more

MCT Presents On-Stage and Live Streaming of Souvenir

In the wake of cancelling the Missoula Community Theatre’s production of Matilda, MCT has found a true gem to bring to the stage that can be produced while following health and safety protocols. ... more

Missoula Community Theatre’s Matilda CANCELLED

MCT’s Executive Director, Michael McGill, has announced the final decision to cancel the Missoula Community Theatre’s Matilda.... more

Great Activities for Students in Missoula

Planning to visit Missoula but don't know how to have fun? The city has many interesting locations. Here are great activities for students in Missoula.... more

Registration Open for the Wizard of Oz with MCT

The Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) is excited to announce that registration is open for all of its local chil-dren’s programming, beginning with the fall production of The Wizard of Oz. ... more

Missoula Community Theatre Postpones Matilda the Musical

the Missoula Community Theatre has made the difficult decision to postpone Matilda the Musical, the final production of the 2019-2020 season.... more

Missoula Children’s Theatre Presents Disney’s Frozen, JR.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is ecstatic to present Disney’s Frozen JR., February 6-8, 2020. ... more

MCT Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE on Stage!

The Missoula Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Fort Peck Summer Theatre, is proud to present A Charlie Brown Christmas live on stage. ... more

MCT Presents Freaky Friday Oct. 24-Nov. 3

The Missoula Community Theatre (MCT) proudly presents the new musical, Freaky Friday, Oct. 24-Nov. 3 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. ... more

MCT Holds Auditions for Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies

The Missoula Community Theatre will hold an open audition for the non-musical farce Leading Ladies on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 1:00-4:00 PM.... more

New International Speaker Series Kicks Off Oct 21 at the Roxy Theater

NEW ZEALAND - The first International Community Speaker Series (ICSS) event,is this Monday, Oct 21, at 7:00 p.m., at the Roxy theater. The event is FREE and open to the public! ... more

14th Annual River City Roots Festival Begins Friday, August 23

River City Roots Festival is on Friday, August 23 featuring Honey Island Swamp Band as the headliner Friday night and Leftover Salmon will close out the festival Saturday, August 24.... more

The Markets Are Back in Town

Clark Fork Farmer's Market, Missoula Farmers Market, Missoula People's Market is starting in Missoula in May!... more

2019 International Fly Fishing Film Festival Features Trout-To-Taimen Around the World

World-wide fly-fishing adventures will be premiered at the 2019 International Fly Fishing Film Festival, April 27 at the Wilma Theater, Missoula, MT.... more

Fort Missoula Regional Park Hosts Old-Fashioned Fall Family Fest on Oct 20

By BECKY GOODRICH - Fort Missoula Regional Park invites kids and their families to the 18th Annual Fall Family Fest and Kaboom! Play Day on Saturday, October 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Auditions for Elf The Musical at Missoula Community Theatre

By MICHELLE NYE - The Missoula Community Theatre will hold an open audition for Elf the Musical on Sunday, September 30 from 12:30-4:30 PM. ... more

Missoula Community Theatre Announces Auditions for Sister Act

The Missoula Community Theatre is holding an open audition on Sunday, August 26 for Sister Act. The audition will take place from 12:30-6:00 PM.... more

Andorcles and the Lion with MCT

The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) will present a fast-paced, funny version of Aesop’s classic story Adocles and the Lion, Sept 13-14.... more

Thirty Artists Selected For River City Roots Festival Art Show

Thirty artists have been selected for the Juried Art Show on Main Street Friday and Saturday, August 24-25, during the 13th Annual River City Roots Festival in Downtown Missoula.... more

Audition for Sister Act

by MICHELLE NIGH - Get your “Sunday Morning Fever” burning and groove your spirit on over to the MCT Center for the Performing Arts! ... more

MCT’s 7th Annual Adapted Performance

On Tuesday, May 8, MCT will present an adapted performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.... more

Handel’s Julius Caesar February 9-11th

Handel’s Julius Caesar runs February 9-11at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. ... more

The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents Willy Wonka Kids

Get Your lucky tickets for Willy Wonka Kids--playing Nov. 10-11 at MCT.... more

MCT’s Fall Season of Fun for Kids!

Hakuna matata! Grab your golden ticket because it’s going to be a fall of musical theatre adventures with the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT).... more

The World of Broadway at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts

By MICHELLE NIGH - Nearly 200 kids to perform The World of Broadway Thurs., Aug. 10-Sat., Aug. 12 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

MCT: Register for Fall Children’s Programming

Check out MCT's new fall line-up of fun, educational opportunities for kids in our area.... more

Summer at the Bigfork Playhouse

By DILLON TABISH - Bigfork’s local theater is one of the only smaller companies in the country to receive the rights to perform “Mamma Mia!... more

10 Heavenly Montana Hikes West of the Continental Divide

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Nothing inspires like a heart-pounding hike into Montana's high country. Put these ten picks for memorable hikes on your Montana bucket list!... more

Missoula Casino Guide

Missoula has become home to some excellent hotel casinos and gambling houses that make this compact city something of a Las Vegas in the mountains. ... more

30+ Things for Kids to Do in Missoula, Montana

By LINDA McCARTHY - I am amazed at how many free and low cost things there are to do with kids in Missoula, Montana. My daughter and I compiled a list of more than 30 Things to Do With Kids in Missoula:... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 22

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

11th Annual Roots Fest Opens Friday, August 26

The 11th Annual River City Roots Festival opens on Friday, August 26 featuring Missoula’s own Lil’ Smokies as the headliner Friday night and multi-Grammy Award winning Rodney Crowell Sat. night. ... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 15

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Aug 1

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | July 25

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | July 18

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | July 4

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

America’s Most Acclaimed Baroque Musicians to Perform in Montana

They come from all corners of North America, bringing gut-string instruments, virtuoso talent, encyclopedic knowledge of a bygone era and acclaim as the modern masters of their art.... more

Cultural Spotlight: VonCommon Studios

By GRACE STOPHER - Nestled in an unsuspecting corner at Wyoming and Johnson streets, you may notice a little door in a string of warehouses with a blue sandwich board nearby, ushering you inside to VonCommon St... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | June 20

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

MCT BURSTING with activity June 20-26

The MCT Center for the Performing Arts is bursting at the seams the week of June 20-25! ... more

Bill Bowers speechLess: A Fundraiser for the Next Step Prep Scholarship Fund

Hellgate High School graduate Bill Bowers returns to Missoula for a one-of-a kind performance - Tues., June 28, at 7:30pm at MCT.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | June 6

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | May 30

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

MCT, UM Confucius Institute and Beijing Theatre Collaboration

The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) continues its collaboration with the China National Theatre for Children (CNTC) in Beijing. ... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | May 9

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

Flora and Fauna Interpreted at MAM

A field note is a means for recording an observation in order to remember and better understand the particular phenomenon later.... more

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical

Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical is flying with the Missoula Community Theatre April 28-May 15!... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | April 11

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | April 4

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | March 28

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

MAM Features Art Installation That Will Evolve Daily

Billings native Abbie Miller to create site-specific installation March 28-31.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Feb 29

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Feb 22

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Feb 15

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Opens March 10

All 37 works (plus the sonnets) of William Shakespeare performed in one evening? The Missoula Community Theatre is proud to present the show March 10-20.... more

The Snow Queen World Premiere at MCT

The world premiere of the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Snow Queen will take place February 20 and 21 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Feb 8

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

Missoula Uncorked: Red Carpet Gala

The Missoula Community Chorus is hosting their 11th Annual “Missoula Uncorked” fundraiser--a "Red Carpet Gala" featuring a live telecast of the 88th Annual Academy Awards.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Feb 1

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Jan 25

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Jan 18

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Jan 11

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

The Drowsy Chaperone Opens January 21st

In an “insanely ridiculous” fashion, The Drowsy Chaperone makes its Missoula debut on the stage of the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Dec 28

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Dec 21

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Dec 14

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Dec 7

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Nov 30

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more

This Week’s Arts & Culture Scene | Nov 23

Here's a look at what's happening this week in Missoula from music to dance, theatre to museum exhibits and more--brought to you by our friends at the Missoula Cultural Council.... more