Downtown Missoula is the heart and soul of the city—a lively mix of local shops, galleries, restaurants and gathering places where community comes first. With events happening year-round, there’s always something drawing people together on these streets.
There’s this place—the heart and soul of Missoula. Situated on the banks of the Clark Fork, these streets are pulsing with life. Here, you’ll find local restaurants featuring everything from Montana-raised beef to international flavors from every corner of the world, vibrant galleries showcasing unique works from local artists and numerous locally-owned shops, where you can buy a fly rod and a luxury perfume on the same block.
Ready to groove to some live music? We’ve got that too, with year-round concerts from all your favorite artists at The Wilma, late night sets at a local dive bar and performances from local bands by the river at Caras Park. Our community is the gateway to all things outdoor adventure, but a visit here isn’t complete without exploring the neighborhood that makes Missoula, Missoula.
Downtown Missoula is where sprawling wilderness and city life meet. With the river running right along the town’s cultural epicenter, it’s a unique dynamic that defines our city. Caras Park serves as a year-round gathering place, hosting events. From the International Choral Festival to seasonal Brewfests, weekly farmer markets and food truck fairs, there’s always something happening. The park is also home to the historic Carousel for Missoula — a 30-year old carousel with handcrafted ponies — and Dragon Hollow — a whimsical all-abilities playground with plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages busy. While you’re visiting the park, explore the Riverfront Walking Trail and check out the newly installed ADA-accessible river access, allowing folks of all abilities to hang out by the water’s edge and watch surfers ride Brennan’s Wave.
Downtown Missoula is full of exciting attractions for visitors and locals alike. Boasting eight exhibition spaces, Missoula Art Museum is an accessible, contemporary art museum that works to showcase Indigenous art from artists across the state. Ready to catch a show? Missoula Children’s Theater offers performances for all audiences throughout the year.
Downtown Missoula is packed with must-see attractions centered on arts, culture and community. Discover rotating exhibitions and Indigenous art at the Missoula Art Museum, then explore local galleries like Dana Gallery and Radius Gallery, featuring work by regional artists. The Zootown Arts Community Center adds to the creative mix with music, art and community-driven programming. For a classic downtown experience, catch an independent or cult-favorite film at The Roxy Theater—one of Missoula’s most beloved cultural landmarks.
Discover the hidden history of Downtown Missoula with Unseen Missoula walking tours. From April through September, explore 90-minute guided tours like Basements & Back Alleys, Hotels & Hooligans, Carnal Enterprises and Greenough Park & Lower Rattlesnake, uncovering the city’s fascinating past. For a cultural twist, try the Public Art Self-Guided Walking Tour, featuring over 20 works of public art that showcase downtown’s character.
A good meal is easy to find around here, and no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it downtown. If you’re in need of a quick fuel-up before an adventure, look no further than local favorite, Market on Front. This cafe’s breakfast burritos have earned a cult-like following from Missoulians, and their lunchtime fare is perfect to take on the go. Looking for laid back, no-frills fare? Check out The Union, Missoula Club and Tamarack for a burger and a brew. If you’re feeling fancy, The Camino, Pangea and Zoo Thai offer approachable, upscale menus with a uniquely Montana twist.
No matter where you are in Downtown Missoula, a good drink is never too hard to find. With breweries, distilleries and cocktail bars on nearly every block, the hardest part is narrowing down where to start. If you’re looking for a drink that’s a little more buttoned-up, Plonk is definitely your spot. Boasting a robust wine selection, craft cocktails, locally-sourced ingredients and hospitality that feels uniquely Missoula, this is the perfect start for a night on the town. Prefer something a little more laid back? Make your way to Cranky Sams Public House for a rotating tap list of local favorites, and beers brewed in-house. For a unique experience, head underground to Stave and Hoop or The Grotto for handcrafted cocktails in a moody, speakeasy setting.
In Missoula, coffee is more than a caffeine fix, it’s a craft and a culture. From grab-n-go huts to independent roasteries, there’s plenty of places to slow down, savor the details and enjoy the ritual or grab a cup that fuels your next adventure. Break Espresso is a local institution, beloved by residents and students alike. With a full coffee menu, handmade pastries and an inviting vibe inside, this is one spot where you’ll want to sit down and stay awhile. On the east side of downtown, Clyde Coffee’s satellite location in the Missoula Public Library is ideal for enjoying an expertly brewed cup of locally-roasted coffee, and cozying up with a good book. In a hurry? Catalyst2Go offers an espresso bar, along with great grab-and-go snacks and meals to throw in your backpack before hitting the trails.
You’ll want to do a lot more than window shop while you’re wandering through downtown. From gifts that feel quintessentially Montana, to upscale clothes, wine and home decor, this is your one-stop-shop for any occasion. Looking for the trinket to help you remember your trip long after you’ve returned home? Stop by Missoula Makers Collective, a market with goods from over 70 makers throughout the valley. If you’re searching for the perfect footwear for your trip, head to Hide and Soul to find shoes that are the perfect fit for any adventure. Head south across the Beartracks Bridge to find even more options to shop on the Hip Strip, with Betty’s Divine’s unique clothing, Board of Missoula’s skateboard stock and Shakespeare & Co’s diverse book collection. The best part about splurging while you’re downtown? You’ll get to take home all of your treasures tax-free.
As the community’s meeting place, there’s always something going on. In the winter, the downtown streets close during Holidays on Higgins, and fill with vendors to help ring in the holiday season. Complete with a tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus, this event helps bring community warmth to a cold winter. As the snow melts, we gather in Caras Park where summer traditions come to life including the beloved Out to Lunch and Downtown Tonight. Held every Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening from June-August, Caras Park fills with food trucks, live music and the Missoula Makers Collective Market with 30+ local vendors. Then comes the first of many Brewfests. With food trucks, live music and most importantly, good beer, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the warm season.
The Boston-qualifying Missoula Marathon every June is a major point of pride for the city, bringing in runners from all over the country and spectators who line the streets to cheer them on. You can feel the sense of community on race day! When summer comes to a close, we dance to our favorite bluegrass music in the streets at the River City Roots Festival. In the fall, chilly mornings are best spent perusing the farmers and makers markets that dot downtown. No matter the season, First Fridays are a can’t-miss occasion, where year-round, art galleries and businesses open their doors to the community to showcase local art, live music and more on the first Friday of each month. Around here, our calendars are usually pretty full all year-long, and that’s just the way we like it.
Missoula is a music city. With famous musicians stopping here on their international tours, and local up-and-comers making a name for themselves, good music is always nearby. The Wilma is Missoula’s premier live music venue, with big name artists playing the stage year-round. From boot-tappin’ country crooners to head-banging EDM raves, if there’s a show, The Wilma is the place to be. During Missoula Pride — the state’s largest pride celebration — jam out on Main Street as the road closes to make room for an outdoor stage, right in the middle of downtown. Pop into almost any local bar on a Saturday night, and you’ll find the musical stylings of some of the best local talent in the area. The Union, The Top Hat and The Old Post are popular spots to grab a bit and listen to some live music. When the weather’s warm, most of Caras Park’s events are accompanied by live, local music. From Out To Lunch Wednesdays, to farmers market Saturdays, enjoy relaxing in the park with good music in the background.
For all of your adventures throughout the valley, downtown Missoula is the perfect basecamp. With lodging to suit every preference, there’s no better place to rest up before setting out. The Wren and LOGE Missoula, that feature thoughtfully curated suites that feel authentically Montana, offer great on-site amenities including coffee shops and gathering spaces. Leaning into luxury on this trip? The AC Marriott and Residence Inn are located in the heart of downtown, and offer on-site dining, shopping and spa services within the historic Mercantile building. With all of downtown at your fingertips, lodging here puts you within walking distance of all of the action.
Metered street parking, designated parking lots and three parking structures offer affordable parking during the day, and free parking in the evenings, as well as on weekends and federal holidays.
