Live Like A Local: Top 12 Activities in Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana, is a vibrant destination packed with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and unique local charm. Whether you’re here for the stunning landscapes, lively arts scene, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 12 must-do activities that showcase the best of Missoula—perfect for first-time visitors and longtime fans alike.

First Friday

Missoula’s year-round First Friday Art Walk invites locals to stroll downtown on the first Friday of each month, enjoying gallery openings, artist meet-and-greets, live music, food, and drinks.

Surf or Float The River

Missoula comes alive on the river, especially in summer when locals and visitors flock to the water. At the heart of it all is Brennan’s Wave, a man-made surf spot near Caras Park where river surfers and kayakers show off their skills. Rent a board or kayak from a nearby outfitter to join the fun, or catch the action from the riverbank or observation deck. For a more laid-back adventure, grab an inner tube, pack a cooler (secure it well!), and float the day away like a true Missoulian.

Ski and Bike The Bowl

Just minutes from Missoula, Montana Snowbowl offers epic winter skiing with deep powder, varied terrain, and some of the region’s best wood-fired pizza and Bloody Marys. In the summer, the adventure continues with chairlift-access mountain biking and thrilling zip line tours through the forested slopes.

Explore The Wilderness

Just minutes from Missoula, Pattee Canyon, Blue Mountain, and the Rattlesnake Recreation Area offer year-round access to hiking, mountain biking, and crisp mountain air—magical in winter when the trails are blanketed in snow. Venture deeper into the Rattlesnake to reach designated wilderness just 15 miles from the main trailhead. Remember to be kind, patient, and respectful of others as you explore responsibly.

Listen to Live Music

Missoula’s live music scene is hitting a high note, earning a reputation as one of the best in the West. From intimate venues to packed-out concerts, both local talent and big-name acts keep the city rocking year-round.

Go Out To Lunch or Dine Downtown Tonight

Missoula summers come alive at Caras Park with two beloved weekly events: Out to Lunch on Wednesdays and Downtown ToNight on Thursdays, both featuring food trucks, live music, and a lively community vibe—all free from June through August. For an extra dose of local flavor, explore the Missoula Maker’s Market during Downtown ToNight, where artists and makers showcase their handcrafted goods.

Get on The Beaten Path

Missoula’s impressive trail system winds through the city and links up with scenic routes like the Kim Williams Nature Trail—and for the truly adventurous, the Bitterroot Trail offers a 50-mile bike ride all the way to Hamilton. In winter, the paths transform into snowy playgrounds perfect for fat biking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.

Drink Local

Missoula’s craft beverage scene is overflowing, with more breweries than we can count, each pouring up local favorites and award-winning brews sure to impress even the pickiest beer connoisseur. And it doesn’t stop there—distilleries, wineries, and cideries round out the city’s spirited offerings, making it a true haven for drink lovers of all kinds.

Eat Like a Local

Missoula is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from upscale dining to tasty food truck bites. And when we say local, we mean it—many restaurants proudly feature ingredients sourced directly from nearby farmers and ranchers, making every meal a true taste of Montana.

Shop Saturday Markets

Shop fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods while enjoying live local music at the Missoula Farmers’ Market. Nearby, discover unique creations by LGBTQIA+ artists at the Queer Creatives Market and explore even more locally made treasures at the Missoula People’s Market. Don’t miss the Clark Fork River Market for fresh produce, pastries, homemade jams, and locally sourced meats and cheeses. In winter, the Missoula Valley Winter Market offers local meats, eggs, produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and handmade crafts every Saturday.

Local History

Did you know this stunning valley was once a vast glacial lake? Or that Missoula was a key stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition? Plus, it’s the hometown of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Missoula’s rich history runs deep, celebrated at the Holt Heritage Museum and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. For aviation enthusiasts, the Museum of Mountain Flying offers vintage aircraft and fascinating stories from the early days of flight.

Unseen Missoula Tours

Unseen Missoula offers guided walking tours that delve into the city's hidden history, revealing tales of its transformation from a frontier outpost to a cultural hub. Running from April through October, these 90-minute tours explore themes like underground spaces, early 20th-century vice, and the evolution of local neighborhoods. Each tour is led by knowledgeable guides who bring to life stories of scandal, innovation, and community. For those seeking a spine-tingling experience, the “Screams & Spirits” tour in October uncovers Missoula’s haunted past, visiting eerie landmarks and forgotten cemeteries. Tours are offered weekly, with private bookings available year-round.

After exploring Missoula’s top activities—from river surfing and scenic hikes to vibrant markets and live music—there’s no better way to end your day than by retreating to The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins. Just 25 minutes from downtown, our pet-friendly, off-grid cabins offer peaceful forest surroundings perfect for stargazing, unplugging from screens, and enjoying our adventurous scavenger hunt. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or a bit of adventure, The Hohnstead is your perfect home base to experience the best of Montana’s great outdoors. Book your stay today and make your Missoula trip truly unforgettable!

Why a Stay at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins is Perfect for Concert Lovers Near Missoula

If you’re heading to a concert at the KettleHouse Amphitheater and looking for the perfect place to stay near Missoula, Montana, you’re in for a treat. Tucked in the forest just 12 miles away—only a scenic 15-minute drive—you’ll find The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins, a cozy, pet-friendly oasis where music meets mountain magic.

A Top 10 Outdoor Venue, Just Minutes Away

The KettleHouse Amphitheater has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Outdoor Concert Venues in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. With seating for 4000 and not a bad seat in the house, it’s hosted unforgettable performances by music artists like Brad Paisley, Lord Huron, The Black Keys, Whiskey Myers, and more. Past performers include Counting Crows, Sturgill Simpson, Melissa Etheridge, and Sheryl Crow—just to name a few.

So glad that my late mama got to experience a show at Kettlehouse Amphitheater with me and other family members. I won’t lie, the temperatures were cold during this concert in late June, so keep on reading for some tips when visiting Kettlehouse AMP.

kettlehouse Concert Shuttle

Here’s the cool part: your host, Alla, works part-time at KettleHouse Amphitheater and can personally drive you from the concert (while Garrett will drive you to)—no parking stress, no rideshare surge pricing. You must have a reservation at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins to take advantage of this shuttle offer. She can also give you insider tips on when the show really starts, better seats in the house, and other local secrets. Reserve your shuttle ride here.

Not really secrets, but just some local tips when visiting a show outdoors in Montana:

• Have layers! When the sun sets, those temperatures can dip to 40s-50s Fahrenheit, even during the summer months.

• If bringing Sun Block, avoid bringing the spraying kind (you won’t be able to bring it in, so you would have to throw it away or take it back to your car, if you brought one.

• If you’re coming from Missoula, you can take a Shuttle from downtown. More info here.

• As of 2025, you must have a see-through bag or purse. Non-see-through fanny packs and tiny purses are still allowed.

• Chairs with legs, umbrellas, and signs are not allowed.

• Also, as of 2025, its a cashless venue, so don’t forget those credit cards if you’re planning on purchasing drinks/food.

• No pets allowed.

• For more policies at Kettlehouse AMP, check out this page.

Pre-Game the Smart Way at KettleHouse Brewery

Want to pre-game before the concert? Walk next door to KettleHouse Brewery, where the beers are cold and often half the price of what you'll find inside the venue. Enjoy a brew with views of the Blackfoot River before heading over to dance the night away under Montana’s star-filled skies.

Glamping After the Gig – Nature, Not Noise

After the concert, return to your peaceful glamping cabin in the woods, where you can sleep in, sip fresh coffee with mountain views, and reconnect with nature. Our Scavenger Hunt Adventure through the forest is perfect for the next morning—explore hiking trails, solve riddles, try your hand at archery or gold panning, and breathe in the fresh Montana air.

Pet-Friendly & Dog-Sitting While You Rock Out

Bringing your dog, but don’t want to leave them alone during the show? We’ve got you covered. We’re happy to watch your pup at no additional cost, so you can fully enjoy your evening without worry.

Kettlehouse Amphitheater 2025 Lineup

• May 22: Brad Paisley – Truck Still Works tour w/ Avery Anna

• May 25: Lord Huron – Strange Trails 10th Anniversary w/ Molly Lewis

• May 26: Lord Huron (matinee), repeating the same lineup

• May 29: The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers w/ Hermanos Gutiérrez

• Jun 10: Whiskey Myers – What We Were Born To Do w/ Bayker Blankenship & Pony Bradshaw

• June 14: St. Paul & The Broken Bones and The Wood Brothers with Cece Coakley

• June 24: Little Feat & Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Dirty Feat Tour) 

• July 26: Sierra Ferrell (Shoot For The Moon Tour with The Brudi Brothers)

• July 29: Death Cab for Cutie 

• August 3: Dispatch & John Butler (With Band), G. Love & Special Sauce, & Donavon Frankenreiter

• August 5: Tedeschi Trucks Band (Live in 25)

• August 8: My Morning Jacket ("is" On Tour!)

• August 9: Kitchen Dwellers + The Infamous Stringdusters + Leftover Salmon (Rowdy Summer Nights Tour)

• August 10: "Weird Al" Yankovic (Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour & With Special Guest Puddles Pity Party)

• August 13: Rainbow Kitten Surprise (Thanks For Coming Tour with Medium Build)

• August 19 & 20: Alabama Shakes (two nights)

• August 21: Riley Green (with multiple openers)

• August 22: Wilco (An August Evening With)

• August 29: The Beach Boys

• August 30: Symphony on the River: Missoula Symphony Orchestra Presents The music of Elton John

• August 31: Pixies (with Spoon and Fazerdaze) 

• September 16: The Flaming Lips 

The Hohnstead Experience: More Than Just a Stay

What makes a stay at The Hohnstead different?

• Proximity to Missoula concerts – just 15 minutes from KettleHouse Amphitheater

• Shuttle service and local tips from a real insider

• Affordable pre-game options at the KettleHouse Brewery

• Pet-friendly glamping and free dog-sitting

• A next-day adventure with coffee, forest views, and hiking

If you're looking for things to do near Missoula, planning to catch a show at KettleHouse Amphitheater, or searching for a unique place to stay near a Montana concert venue, The Hohnstead offers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and local flavor.

Upcoming shows you won’t want to miss? Keep an eye on the KettleHouse Amphitheater concert schedule, then book your glamping cabin near Missoula and make a whole adventure out of your night.