My name is Selisity, and among the many of my favorite sterling attributes of living in Missoula and attending the University of Montana is the resonating music scene. The diversity of styles ranges from punk rock mosh pits to Thursday night jazz—catering to any and all types of audiences. Having lived in Missoula my entire life, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite music venues on and off campus.
Check them out yourself to find your next favorite place to move your feet:
The Oval (On Campus)
The Oval at UM is the heart of the campus. Shaped like its name, the spot is home to constant and distinctive university experiences, such as Shakespeare dialogues and festive pumpkin smashing. But you can find it most musically inclined during the Weary Travelers Music Festival held in the spring.
Weary Travelers Music Festival is partly sponsored by UM’s Entertainment Management program, alongside Switchback Records, a resurrected campus label made dormant by the pandemic. These groups also host several events around town and across all corners of the University.
The Adams Center (On Campus)
When one thinks of notable and cohesive events at UM, one thinks of the Adams Center. This is the arena’s sole purpose: to be a means of mass entertainment. Big names have performed here, such as Elton John, The Grateful Dead, Foreigner, Macklemore, and Snoop Dogg. I mean, what a track record.
The Adams Center also features the home court for Griz and Lady Griz Basketball, commencement ceremonies, winter markets, UFC bouts and so much more. It’s a true cornerstone of campus. Be sure to check out GrizTix for the latest shows and happenings.
Washington-Grizzly Stadium (On Campus)
UM’s stadium is mostly known for its large-scale sporting events, sure, but that has changed with three big names who blessed its makeshift stage in 2024: Pearl Jam, Tyler Childers, and Pink. The booming music could be heard all around campus. Students living in Aber Hall for the summer, like me, had the chance to watch all three concerts from their bedroom window.
Whether you are cheering for a touchdown or singing along with the tens of thousands of bodies around you, the Washington-Grizzly Stadium is a place where every kind of person can come together and share something worthwhile.
Forester’s Ball (On Campus)
The Forester’s Ball is not just an event; it is a two-day festivity that feels like stepping into the wild. Held annually since 1915, this incredibly popular celebration features live swing and country music late into the night. It also features an endless list of eccentric activities—from “getting married” in the chapel to locking your friends in jail.
The ball is almost always filled to capacity and remains the talk of the campus for weeks afterward. The Forestry Department hosts this shindig, though every UM student should put it on their calendar during the spring semester.
Read More: UM’s 106th Foresters’ Ball Honors Firefighting History
The George & Jane Dennison Theatre (On Campus)
Since its doors opened in 1935, the Dennison Theatre has been an integral part of live entertainment for the University of Montana. With a capacity of 1,100 and a variety of seating options, this venue offers an intimate yet grand setting for every type of performance—whether it is theatrical, contemporary folk, or a comedic routine.
Numerous artists have played here, including Lucinda Williams and Loretta Lynn. More often than not, the theater opts to put on productions like The Nutcracker rather than live music performances. However, when they do bless the stage, there is a memorable and raw feeling left within the audience that is not quite captured anywhere else on campus.
The ZACC & The Wilma (Downtown)
The Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC) creates community through accessible arts experiences, offering classes, a pottery studio, and a print shop for all ages—but makes its mark by hosting the Jazzoula event and punk-rock bands such as Pilots We’ve Known. New shows and events occur every weekend throughout the year.
The Wilma, a historical 1920s theater at the heart of downtown, not only provides nightly movies and film festivals but also rocking concerts of every category. Spend any amount of time in Missoula and chances are this charming venue with pull you in with magnetic appeal.
Caras Park & The River City Roots Festival (Downtown)
Amidst the backdrop of Caras Park, the Pavillion stands as a hub meant to hold intimate gatherings and community-wide celebrations. During the summer months, Downtown Tonight and Out to Lunch offer music and surrounding food trucks. The River City Roots Festival is Missoula’s signature celebration: welcoming 15,000 guests to savor the sounds of the Spills and a variety of bluegrass music.
Kettlehouse Amphitheatre & Big Sky Amphitheatre (Around Town)
The Kettlehouse Amphitheater, nestled by the Blackfoot River in Bonner, is a 4,000-capacity outdoor venue that is home to some of the biggest names Missoula has to offer: hosting artists like Lord Huron, The Head and the Heart, and Bon Iver. It's a truly magical scene out in the woods next to the river, listening to big-name acts fill the pleasant air.
The Big Sky Amphitheater gives a similar experience in town out by the airport. Both, with their numerous seating options, feel like stepping into something not only incredibly grand but something that will be remembered for years to come.
Downtown Music Venues (18+ & 21+)
Several downtown establishments, like The Badlander, Monks and The VFW thrive under disco balls and laser-lights. These venues offer not only a stage for musical talent but a place for the crowds to dance (and mosh, if they’re really feeling it). Feel free to also check out hot spots like Free Cycles (all ages), The Union and The Top Hat (just to name a few more).
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Selisity is a student at UM studying creative writing & philosophy. She offers a very observant take on the world, harboring it within her confessional poetry. Her goals are to become the best version of herself, gain & maintain meaningful relationships, and find some sort of success within the writing industry.
