Written by Lauren Hillestad
We don't just drink beer in Missoula, we celebrate it. Hop-head travelers far and wide come to Missoula for our famous ale trails and brewfests, and that comes as no surprise when you realize just how many we have. Missoulians turn just about anything into an excuse to come together for a beer—see for yourself:
Visitors from warmer regions might think we’re crazy to hold an outdoor brewfest in February, but cold weather is no match for Missoula’s craft beer scene. Caras Park fills with Montana brewers, live music, food trucks and burn barrels to heat cold fingers. Best part of a winter brewfest? Your beer never gets warms.
The Garden City Brewfest is Missoula’s original brewfest, now entering its 32nd year. Excitement is at an all time high as locals shed their puffy jackets and soak up the spring sunshine. Sample your favorite Montana brews, kick your shoes off and dance to live music in the grass, or pop over to Brennan’s Wave and see what the spring surfers are dishing up.
The Missoula Marathon has constantly been named on of the best marathons in the country, with scenic views and community support that simply can’t be beat. In addition to the classic marathon, the yearly Missoula Marathon Beer Run brings beer lovers and runners together for a relaxed 3-mile route full of socializing and topped off with free beer and entertainment!
In Missoula we love the public lands, waters and wildlife right outside our own backdoor. Enjoying the great outdoors is more than recreation for us, it’s a way of life. The Back Country Brewfest celebrates that passion with live music, vendors and (of course) beer!
The Montana Brewers Association aims to promote and spread the “freshest, highest quality Montana-made beers” and part of that is throwing a beer “rendezvous” throughout Montana each season. Lucky for us, they head to Missoula in fall! No waiting in line for tokens at this brewfest—one ticket includes the price of admission, one collectible glass, samples of Montana-made beer and all the live music your heart desires.
