There’s fun to be had year-round in Western Montana—a bit of snow on the ground doesn’t keep us from going outside or hosting events. In fact, winter brings some of the most unusual, unique and fun events to cure cabin fever. From barstool races to half marathons to renowned film festivals, there’s an adventure waiting for everyone this winter in Glacier Country.
FROSTY THE BREWFEST
Frosty the Brewfest is held in downtown Kalispell and features local breweries and cideries, food trucks and family-friendly outdoor events. There is a heated tent, barrel fires, and, of course, drinks to keep you warm. Try your hand at the fat bike races or sit back and relax while listening to live local music.
February 1, 2025
WHITEFISH WINTER CARNIVAL
Every year, Whitefish puts on a Winter Carnival to celebrate the season. Marking its 66th year with the theme “There’s Snow Place Like Home,” events include skijoring (ski racing behind a horse), a disco party, a penguin plunge (a quick dip into the icy waters of Whitefish Lake), a coronation and gala, a grand parade, a pie social and a pancake breakfast.
February 7 – 9, 2025
RACE TO THE SKY
Montana Sled Dog, Inc. has been holding Race to the Sky since 1989 in Montana’s scenic Rocky Mountains. This sled dog race is an Iditarod qualifier and begins in Lincoln, with checkpoints at White Tail Guest Ranch, Seeley Lake, Owl Creek and back.
February 7 – 11, 2025
CABIN FEVER DAYS
In Martin City near Glacier National Park, people have been racing downhill in the snow on barstools for more than 45 years. This wildly fun and hilarious competition is part of Cabin Fever Days, a community event that also raises funds for the first responders. You’ll find locals dressed up as mountain men, snowshoe softball, dart tournaments and the infamous barstool ski races, plus events for kids—like sledding and egg races. All events are open to the public for entry.
February 14 – 16, 2025
FLATHEAD LAKE INTERNATIONAL CINEMAFEST
In Polson, the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest brings together filmmakers from far and wide for movie screenings, showcasing a range of domestic and international films. One pass gains you entrance to view all screenings entered in the festival.
February 14 – 16, 2025 + Encore Screenings February 16 – 20, 2025
BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
In Missoula the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is an internationally renowned film festival known for a wide range of nonfiction films. In addition to screenings, this 10-day industry event includes panels, master classes, workshops, and the popular Big Sky Pitch session. This much-anticipated event draws an audience of 20,000 and presents an average of 150 films from around the world in unique, historic venues like The Wilma Theater and The Roxy Theater, plus Missoula’s local MCT Center for Performing Arts.
February 14 – 23, 2025
SNOW JOKE HALF MARATHON
Lace up your shoes, throw on your Yaktrax, and join us in Seeley Lake for the Snow Joke Half Marathon. This typically chilly event has taken place since 1980. It’s a great way to challenge yourself while also experiencing the allure of winter in Western Montana.
February 22, 2025
WHITEFISH SKIJORING
Experience the thrill of the annual Whitefish Skijoring competition in Kalispell, an extreme winter sport that pairs skiers and horseback riders in a high-speed race over snow-packed courses with jumps and obstacles. This exhilarating, spectator-friendly event features food, drinks and bonfires.
February 22 – 23, 2025
CLOVERFEST
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Columbia Falls with Cloverfest. This family-friendly event includes live music and bagpipe performances, a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, bingo, Irish trivia and dancing competitions, a carnival for kids, plus food trucks and a beer garden.
March 15, 2025
BRASH WINTER RODEO
Rodeos are a way of life in Western Montana and pay homage to our ranching roots. Thanks to the indoor arena in Kalispell, they take place year-round here. The Brash Winter Rodeo series events include bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, team roping and more.
January through March 29, 2025
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
January 20, 2025
Related: Dog Sledding, Events, Go, Kalispell, Martin City, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Polson, Rodeos, Seeley Lake, Whitefish, Winter Fun
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