The vibrancy of Missoula’s art scene is on full display 5 to 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. First Friday Missoula presents a chance to meet friends, mingle with artists, view exhibits, purchase art, and experience the electrified creative culture that makes Missoula exceptional. Downtown Missoula’s charming streets and alleyways teem with public art—music, dance, performance, and spoken word. Museums, shops and coffeehouses open their doors for extended hours; established galleries add sidewalk exhibits and live painting; and UM’s talented art students contribute dynamic pop-up galleries. Nearby cultural organizations, like the Montana Natural History Center, The Clay Studio of Missoula and Montana Art and Framing, take part as well with late hours and unique exhibits. Missoula's energetic art walk is nourished by local restaurants and bars welcoming art revelers. First Friday events are free and open to the public, and each month is unique. For more information about First Friday visit ArtsMissoula.org.
MT Museum of Art and Culture 795 S. 5th St. E. Missoula, Montana
The MT Museum of Art and Culture is excited to kick off the semester with a First Friday reception featuring light hors d'oeuvres and artwork on view including “19 under 39: Celebrating Montana’s Emerging Artists - the Michele and Loren Hansen Biennial Exhibition," “Homage: the Legacy of Kristi Hager,” and “Selections from the Permanent Collection: Crista Ames Sculptures and Prints from the Ackerman Foundation.” UM students stop by and sign up for a free membership (at a $75 value) at the front desk with your Griz Card or 790# and pick up free merch!
Missoula Symphony Association 200 N Higgins Ave Missoula, Montana
It’s First Friday, and the Missoula Symphony is hosting Open AIR’s exhibit Open, Open, Open! Join us downtown between 5–7pm! Enjoy live music, great company, and a sneak peek at our upcoming annual fundraiser—a one-of-a-kind, artist-designed Mini Golf course! Our participating artists are currently building their imaginative mini-golf obstacles in preparation for the big event on September 21. Come check out their sketches, explore the history of golf at Fort Missoula, and play a little putt-putt while you're at it! Big thanks to Missoula Mini-Golf for their support and to the Missoula Symphony for hosting us. See you downtown! Open, Open, Open! Artists: Casey Schachner, “Shrimping Ain’t Easy” (*Featured Above) Mo Burki, “Empty Nesting” Kelly Kling, “Zenith” Zola Kell, Kaitlynn Webster, Alyssa Kennamer, Yve Holtzclaw, Sarah Cook, & Taylor Stein, “Jurassic Putt” Lauren Norby & Caitlin Hofmeister, “The Three Billy Goats Grolff” Abby Meyer, Rachel Hutchins, Ken Rand, Alyssa Kennamer, “Vultures' Just Desert” Taylor Stein, Kaitlynn Radloff, Jules Lucero, “PeliCAN not PeliCAN’T!” Gilmore McLean, Kaitlynn Radloff, “How it Feels to Love in 2025” Shanley Swanson, Kim Brown-Campbell, “Mini Mental Health” Amanda Krolczyk, “Beaver Hole” Kimberly Spence & Family, “The Best Nest” Jennifer & Matt Ogden, "Learn the Tale of a Mouse Stabile!" Also on view is a retrospective look at Gaku Tsutaja's work from her 2019 residence at Fort Missoula, "Beautiful Sky Golf Course".
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center 519 S. Higgins Ave. Missoula, Montana
Sew-Along for Soft Landing JRPC Community Room | 5–8 PM Join us on Friday, September 5th at the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center for a special First Friday event with the Missoula Peace Quilters. Together, we’ll sew a quilt of welcome for Soft Landing Missoula, honoring and supporting refugees and immigrants in our community. All materials are provided by the Missoula Peace Quilters. No sewing experience required—come even if you’re not interested in sewing! This is a chance to learn about Soft Landing and connect with the community through hands-on creativity.
