Unique Western Montana Winter Events

Winter doesn’t slow things down in Western Montana—it gives us new ways to gather. Snowy landscapes set the stage for everything from barstool races and winter runs to rodeos, film festivals and community celebrations that locals look forward to all year. If you’re looking for reasons to get outside, try something new or lean into the season, these winter events across Glacier Country deliver.

BRASH WINTER RODEO

Rodeo runs deep in Western Montana, and winter is no exception. Held indoors in Kalispell, the Brash Winter Rodeo series keeps the tradition alive with bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, team roping and more.
January through March 28, 2026

FROSTY THE BREWFEST

Downtown Kalispell comes alive for this cold-weather celebration of local breweries and cideries. At Frosty the Brewfest, expect food trucks, live music, barrel fires and a heated tent to keep things comfortable, plus fat bike races and family-friendly outdoor fun.
January 24, 2026

WHITEFISH WINTER CARNIVAL

A longtime winter tradition, Whitefish Winter Carnival returns for its 67th year with a full weekend of playful, over-the-top events. From the penguin plunge in Whitefish Lake to the grand parade, pie social and pancake breakfast, it’s a town-wide celebration of winter. This year’s theme is “Out of This World.”
February 6-8, 2026

The Whitefish Carnival Grand Parade kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. Photo: VisitMT

CABIN FEVER DAYS

In Martin City near Glacier National Park, winter fun gets a little wild. Cabin Fever Days is best known for its legendary barstool ski races, but the community celebration also includes snowshoe softball, dart tournaments, costume contests and kid-friendly activities—all while raising funds for local first responders.
February 13 – 15, 2026

FLATHEAD LAKE INTERNATIONAL CINEMAFEST

Hosted in Polson, the annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest brings filmmakers and film lovers together for a curated lineup of domestic and international screenings. A single pass grants access to all festival films, with encore screenings extending the celebration.
February 13 – 15, 2026 + Encore Screenings February 15 – 19, 2026

The 14th Annual FLIC will be held at Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson. Photo: FLIC

BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

Missoula hosts one of the country’s most respected documentary film festivals each winter. Alongside screenings, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) includes panels, workshops and the popular Big Sky Pitch session, drawing filmmakers and audiences into historic venues like the Wilma Theatre and The Roxy.
February 13 – 22, 2026

WHITEFISH SKIJORING

High-speed and high-energy, the annual Whitefish Skijoring competition located in Kalispell pairs skiers with horseback riders for a thrilling race across snow-packed courses filled with jumps and obstacles. Food, drinks and bonfires make this a favorite for spectators, too.
February 14 – 15, 2026

In skijoring, a horse and rider pulls a skier along a racecourse with jumps, gates and rings the team has to navigate. Photo: Chance Jackson

SNOW JOKE HALF MARATHON

Since 1980, runners have embraced winter in Seeley Lake during the Snow Joke Half Marathon. Cold temps, packed snow and Yaktrax are part of the experience, making this race as memorable as it is challenging.
February 28, 2026

WINTER BREWFEST

Missoula’s Winter Brewfest brings together Montana breweries for an indoor tasting event in the heart of downtown. Sample more than 40 Montana-made beers, seltzers and ciders, alongside a wine and mimosa bar, with live music and food to round out the afternoon.
Feb 28, 2026

BUDDY DEFRANCO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Held at the University of Montana, the annual Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival honors legendary jazz clarinetist Buddy DeFranco. Concerts and performances showcase emerging and established jazz musicians, making it a standout cultural event of the winter season.
March 12-13, 2026

CLOVERFEST

Columbia Falls celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Cloverfest, a lively, family-friendly festival featuring live music, bagpipes races, trivia, dancing competitions, a kids’ carnival, food trucks and a beer garden.
March 14, 2026

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 19, 2026