Summer in Missoula, Montana–a season unlike any other. Underneath all that snow lies a landscape with countless ways to be enjoyed. Beyond endless networks of hiking trails, there are wildflowers waiting to spring to life and fairground fields ready to be stomped down by boots. Discover four of our favorite things about Missoula summers and three ways you can experience each.
This story was created in partnership with Destination Missoula.
Live Entertainment
Western Montana Fair
Each August, the Western Montana Fair puts on a summer spectacle full of live music, livestock shows, rodeo events, carnival rides and games, food vendors, contests, and more. Our favorite part? Two words: Free admission.
Outdoor Concerts
The Missoula Fairgrounds also host a slew of other live shows and concerts like Zootown Festival, which last year featured headliners like Hozier, Kacey Musgraves and Jason Isbell. In town, festivals like City River Roots Festival and the Celtic Festival take over downtown with music and live entertainment. And KettleHouse Amphitheater serves up live music in an unforgettable setting.
Sporting Events
Another way to enjoy summer in Missoula is to catch a ball game. Root, root, root, for the home team at a Missoula Paddleheads game. If you’re visiting in late summer or early fall, you might get lucky enough to see a University of Montana football game.
Water Activities
Fishing
Fishing in Missoula, Montana, is an angler’s paradise. With river and lake options and seasoned local guides willing to share their secret spots, it’s no wonder Missoula was named one of North America’s top ten trout fishing towns by Forbes magazine.
Tubing & Rafting
If you’re more of a lazy river floater, tubing is a great low-effort way to enjoy Missoula’s waters. For a more active paddle, check out one of the rafting excursions in the area.
River Surfing & Paddleboarding
Have you ever heard of a mountain surf shop? Missoula is home to one of the world’s only such outfitters. Get the gear you need to ride an endless wave river surfing or take a more leisurely upright paddleboard trip.
Missoula Food & Nightlife
Missoula Farmer’s Market
The three farmer’s markets in Missoula are your hyper-local shops for some of America’s freshest produce, flowers, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Plus, you can enjoy–you guessed it–live music while you browse vendor displays every Saturday in the summer.
Missoula Breweries & Distilleries
What better place to wind down after a busy day of outdoor adventures than at one of Missoula’s breweries or distilleries? Think open air patios, beer gardens, and yes, more live music!
Rooftop Bars
Missoula’s rooftop bars are home to some of the best views of the city skyline against the surrounding mountains. The 7R Bar and Plonk wine bar are both strong contenders for drinks with a view in Missoula.
Active Outdoor Adventures Beyond Hiking
Montana Wildflowers
During the Missoula summer, fields of Montana wildflowers blanket the area’s meadows and fields. From mid-summer onwards, expect to see these colorful pops of pollinator-friendly color.
Paragliding
It’s not hard to keep your eyes on the sky in Montana. It is Big Sky country, after all. For a full immersion above Montana’s spectacular horizons, enjoy a thrilling paragliding experience.
Mountain Biking & Horseback Riding
If you prefer your views from a saddle, hop on a bike or horseback. Biking in Missoula, Montana, ranges from technical single track to leisurely scenic paths. Many of those paths are also horseback riding trails, which is the quintessential way to experience Montana.
