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 or download the Arts Missoula Directory from Arts Missoula to get First Friday schedules, peruse artistic resources, check out the guide to local artists, and more!

MAY 2025
  • 4 Ravens Gallery (248 N. Higgins): Presenting an exhibit showcasing nature’s tiny but mighty allies and their vital role in our planet’s health. Our artisans’ creations capture the intricate beauty of bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures using clay, glass and fibers that merge fine craft and nature. The exhibit continues through June. Event starts at 5pm.
  • Bernice’s Bakery (190 S. 3rd St. W): First Friday Art Show Featuring: T. Lyle. Lyle uses up-cycled and community-sourced materials from Giving Art to Missoula (GAM) as an integral part of his practice, grounding his work in environmental awareness and fostering a sense of shared experience. Lyle is excited to share his geometric patterns and galactic awareness. Iced teas and sparkling water will be provided to cool viewers down in the heat. Open during construction. Come say hello, and take a look at history being transformed! Event held 5-7pm.
  • Confluence Center (119 W. Main): Torrents is thrilled to present a magical evening of art and community! This month they proudly present a group exhibit in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Limits of My World. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it has never been more important than now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and the value in raising awareness and helping those in need receive treatment. The Arts can play a huge role in boosting and expressing our mental well-being, whether to purge the dark cobwebs of the soul, or dig up the joy found in the everyday. Event held 5-8pm.
  • Cranky Sam Public House (233 W. Main): Live music from Marley and the Pocket, art display from Olivia LeCoure, and the finale party fundraiser for Missoula Gives, hosted by the Missoula Community Foundation Open 11am-11pm.
  • Dana Gallery (246 N. Higgins): “In the Moment,” a grand finale show by acclaimed local artist Caleb Meyer! The exhibit features eleven stunning paintings, highlighting Caleb’s unique ability to capture memories and translate feelings. After 18 wonderful years at Dana Gallery, Caleb is venturing out to open a new gallery. Please join us at Dana Gallery as we celebrate his legacy and continue to represent him through the month of May! Event starts at 5pm.
  • Frame of Mind (1706 Brooks): For the past 7 years, Frame of Mind has reached out to the art community with their annual call to artists for their Juried Art Exposition. This is a celebration of artists of all ages, backgrounds, medias, and styles. The Exposition has grown from a few local artists to an international event, with participants from all over the United States, Canada, and even England. This year’s expo coincides with Frame of Mind’s 11th Anniversary. In addition to this art display, M80-Chicken and Bamboo Bar will be here to help celebrate the festivities. Event starts at 4pm.
  • Historic Florence Building (111 N. Higgins): The Historic Florence is hosting an art walk presented by One Eleven Boutique, The General Public, and Missoula Makers Collective. Original works from artists Alexis Hove, Kelsey Wickwire, Robin Graf, and Jenna Forest will be on display from 5-8pm.
  • Import Market (201 W. Broadway): Stop by to do some shopping then head to the 3rd floor to check out the Horse Teeth Gallery featuring over a dozen local artists. Open until 8pm.
  • Leaf + Quiet: Leaf and Quiet is excited to host its very first Missoula First Friday event at the Roxy Annex on the Hip Strip! Come enjoy an evening of creativity and local talent as we showcase the works of talented local artists and crafters. Browse unique art, handmade goods, and beautiful plants – all available for sale. Event held 5:00-8:30pm.
  • Missoula Art Museum (335 N. Pattee): Reception for the opening of Deer Diary, a captivating new series by Montana-based artist Lauren Grabelle. Blurring the lines between fine art, documentary, and wildlife photography, Grabelle invites us to step into a world observed through the lens of a trail camera. Don’t miss the artist talk at 5:30 PM, where Lauren will share insights into her process, her inspiration, and the stories behind the work. Enjoy a No-host bar and music by The Dawn Patrol. Event starts at 5pm.
  • Montana Antique Mall (331 W. Railroad): Please join us at the Montana Antique Mall each First Friday for a wine and cheese pairing, while you peruse four floors of curated art, pottery, furniture, and more! Open 11am daily. Event from 5-8pm
  • Montana Gift Corral (117 W. Front): Join us May 2nd from 4-6pm at our Heart of Missoula location with Boondocks Candle Co. as our featured vendor! Enjoy 25% off all Boondocks candles, plus complimentary beverages and appetizers while you shop local and mingle. Store open 10am-6pm.
  • MUD – Missoula Urban Demonstration Project (1527): For three hours, attendees will experience the artistry and craftsmanship of MUD members, from handmade musical instruments to beautifully crafted furniture—all made possible through access to tools, education, and community support. The evening will feature music, light refreshments, and drinks, creating a welcoming space to celebrate creativity and connection. Event held 5-8pm.
  • My Montana Roots (225 N. Higgins): First Friday event featuring Erin E. Johnson. Erin is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator who specializes in nature, outdoors industries, and animals (wild and domestic) in Montana. She has done a lot of work with promotional merchandise, posters, packaging, branding, proofing & mock-ups, illustration, and logo design. She designs all promotional merchandise for River City Roots Festival. Alcoholic and NA beverages provided. Free koozies with purchase. Store open 11am-7pm.
  • Opportunity Resources (2821 S. Russell): First Friday Art show featuring framed art, and pottery by Artists of Opportunity. Located at Opportunity Resources Inc – a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in individuals with disabilities. Community Members can vote on their favorite pieces, participate in our “donate a $1 to smash a pot”, and witness a live painting being made! Event starts at 5pm.
  • Sacred Ally (130 E. Broadway): We are thrilled to partner with several local artists who utilize natural materials in their creations. May’s artists will include: Adrienne Dussault – Birch Bark Vases and Rick Williams – Montana Stone Candles & Vases. Our incredible team of practitioners will be offering mini-sessions throughout the evening to help you ground, connect, release, and relax. Come sample the talented services our practitioners provide, or indulge in a delicious cup of ceremonial-grade cacao. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • SpectrUM Discovery Area (Missoula Public Library – 455 E. Main): Join spectrUM and Big Sky High School in the museum for their 2nd year doing the Climate Art Show. Show features an installation of watercolor and poetry; works revolve around personal experiences of climate change and the environment. There will be refreshments provided by Big Sky’s culinary department. Event held 5-7pm.
  • The Artists’ Shop (127 N. Higgins): Opening reception “Moody Magic of Montana”- B. Schmitz. The intention of this series is to lead the viewer outdoors and bring the open air into their space. I use hints of dreamy color to push the feeling of magic and beauty that is experienced when fully immersed in the wilderness. Open 10am-8pm.
  • The Clay Studio (1105 Hawthorne): Community Bowls is new exhibition featuring handcrafted ceramic bowls by 14 local makers, showcasing the talent and creativity within our regional community. More than just an art show, this exhibit honors the spirit of the Empty Bowls movement, a global grassroots effort to fight hunger through art and community action. Event runs 5-8pm.
  • The Dram Shop (229 E. Front): Art installations by Amanda Krolczyk of Plaid Beaver Co. titled “Enduring Echoes”. Open 1-11pm.
  • The Rhino (158 Ryman): Rhino Ross Art Nite to benefit Working Dogs For Conservation. Coloring contest for a cause. $10 Includes a drink and coloring supplies. $4 of a ticket is donated to WD4C. It’s also Missoula Gives! Prizes for the first 20 people to donate $20. Starts at 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-7pm.
  • VolumeRoom (912 E. Broadway): Open Jams are back! We love sharing the space and being a place for musicians to meet and get creative together. There will be a fire pit in the parking lot and free beverages! Event runs 5-8pm.
  • Zootown Hype & Vintage (111 W. Alder): Pop up by Montana Artist Milo Simon. Receive 10% store discount, if you purchase anything from the artist. Milo Simon is a mixed media/collage artist from Billings, MT. He is always searching for new ways to express memories and emotions in a way that is authentic to himself. Limerence, grief and lack of belonging are the foci of his current works. Event held 6-8pm.
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 info@artsmissoula.org
  • Artists: Are you an artist looking to get your art in a business? Connect with Arts Missoula at info@artsmissoula.org
  • 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 info@missouladowntown.com 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.