22 Best Nightlife in Montana, USA

Sit back with a beer and a steak while you watch the Bear Creek Downs' Pig Races at the Bear Creek Saloon & Steakhouse. Oinkers in numbered jerseys streak around an outdoor oval while patrons bet on their favorites; proceeds fund local scholarships. The races take place summer evenings at 7, Thursday through Sunday.

Whether the owner's band is playing on the stage or cowboys are serenading a sparse crowd of locals during karaoke, this place is a hoot. The wooden dance floor gets a good scuffing on Western dance and country-swing nights. Two stuffed grizzly bears rear up near the entrance, and other species decorate the large saloon as well.

For a no-holds-barred, singing comedy cabaret, leave the kids at home and hit the bawdy Brewery Follies (ages 13 and up); shows take place daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Some weekends the Corral rocks to regional live bands. Other entertainment comes from quirky bartenders, pool-table bets, and legions of skiers, snowmobilers, and locals in for the Montana brews.

A true microbrewery that has hit the big time without losing its micro-ness, the Kettlehouse Brewing Co. has two taprooms. The original Myrtle Street location is near the Hip Strip on the south side of the river, and it hasn't changed since opening in the early 2000s. Which is a good thing. Their most popular beers are Coldsmoke, a Scotch Ale, and the uberhoppy Double Haul IPA. The new taproom is down the road in Bonner, where it's part of the new Kettlehouse Brewery & Amphitheatre. Try a chocolatey Brick and Mortar Imperial Belgian Porter, Olde Bongwater Hemp Porter, or Fresh Bongwater Hemp Pale Ale. There's no bar food other than peanuts, but you're welcome to bring in fare from local eateries.

Enjoy live music where the dancing often spills out onto the deck.

Cowboy boots and sneakers kick up the sawdust and peanut shells on the floor at the legendary Moose's Saloon, where tunes from the jukebox get the raucous crowd moving. You can order pizza or a hearty sandwich to go with your beer. Leave your mark by carving your name on one of the walls.

Locals voted the jukebox at the Murray Bar the best in town, and its staff the friendliest. There's live music most weekends.

Friday and Saturday evening June through September, the Pine Creek Cafe serves live music, food, beer, and wine under the stars. The fun starts at 7:30. During winter, the music moves inside. Friday is open-mike night starting at 7:30.

Cowboy boots, Carhartt jackets, and upscale urban garb mingle amiably at Plonk. Though technically a wine bar, this trendy place also serves dinner, and has a full bar serving classy cocktails and local microbrews.

A locals' hangout, The Great Northern Bar and Grill rocks with local jazz or bluegrass bands and the occasional sort-of-big-name performer. The stage is surrounded by signs from now-defunct Whitefish enterprises. There are also gaming machines, shuffleboard, pool, and ping-pong. Take refuge on the outdoor patio to enjoy a brew, a pile of nachos, live music, and the cool summer evening.

A locals' hangout, particularly for the singles crowd, the Great Northern Bar and Grill rocks with local bands, open-mike nights, and the occasional sort-of-big-name gig. The stage is surrounded by signs from Whitefish enterprises that are now defunct. Hang out inside or head out to the patio to enjoy a brew and a pile of nachos on cool summer evenings.

This corner bar—dubbed a "local treasure" by many in and out of town—is famous for its Cajun-style chicken wings. The owners, who founded Tiny's in 1983 and consider themselves to be the dwarves Doc, Grumpy, and Dopey, have a refreshing sense of humor. They advertise their pizza as "voted the best" in town. They did the voting. Enjoy covered patio seating when it's warm outside and the sports bar when the big game is on.