2014 has been a big year for Missoula. There have been some once-in-a-lifetime events, new moments shared by Missoulians and visitors as well as some new local business bringing new experiences to town.
Missoula's art and culture scene kicked it up a notch in 2014. Rollie Dotz and Francis Tence unloaded two upright pianos in downtown Missoula as part of a social experiment. The pianos invited locals and visitors alike to show off their skills in the heart of downtown. Another quirky arts and culture addition to Missoula has been the three-story fabric art instillation, "Rapunzel".
Missoula's concert scene also heated up a bit with artists like Don Williams, The Fray, Modest Mouse, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. But our biggest concert of the year was when Washington Grizzly stadium was graced with the concert of a lifetime by Sir Paul McCartney.
There is never a dull moment in Missoula, every year new annual events are introduced to the community. This year Missoulians and visitors got to try out two new fun runs, Color Me Rad and The Color Run. Missoula is big on our breweries and brewfests, so it comes as no surprise that we got 2 new brewfests in 2014. The Big Beer Fest is put on by The Rhino during St. Patrick's Day weekend. The other, All-American Red, White and Brewfest celebrating Flag Day, which is put on entirely by volunteers.
Some big changes have been happening in the Missoula community. New businesses have been popping up and reshaping Missoula's goods and services. Some of the newest additions include Cabela's, Men's Warehouse, Khol's, World Market, Boot Barn, and more. Missoula even got a new ice cream shop in Downtown Missoula, Sweet Peaks. Coming in 2015 to Southgate Mall: H&M.
In February, Frontier Airlines announced a nonstop flight from Missoula to Denver. Although Missoula already had nonstop service to Denver through United, Frontier gives visitors and Missoulian's an even lower-cost way to travel.
Missoulians and visitors rejoiced in 2014 as mother nature graced Missoula with an extra long summer. Missoulians and visitors got over a whole extra month to play in the river, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors before fall and winter set in.
University of Montana athletics had a big year. The Grizzly football team won the Big Sky Conference and made it to the playoffs. The Montana Grizzlies Hurling Team won the National Championship and turned Missoula into a hurling hotbed.
Did you notice our facelift? Destination Missoula launched our new website in early 2014. The site features a fresh look, easy navigation as well as the addition of many new trip planning features.
Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre and Destination Missoula have created a unique partnership to promote Missoula tourism Internationally. The Missoula-based professional dance school and company toured Europe and China in 2014.
2014 was a great year for the brewery scene, beyond just the two new brewfests. Great Burn Brewing opened its doors in Missoula just off of Brooks Street. And Lolo, just 10 miles south of Missoula got a new brewery, Lolo Peak Brewing. Two new brewery touring companies opened, Tap Room Tours and Montana Brewery Tours, so you can enjoy each of the breweries responsibly. Thirstgear also brought some new flare to Missoula with their pedal pub, so participants can pedal from brewery to brewery.
Missoula welcomed a new distillery, The Montana Distillery. As well as another new distillery on its way, Rattlesnake Creek Distillery.
Missoula made some pretty cool headlines in 2014. Here is a list of a few of our favorites:
