14 Best Nightlife in Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana, Montana

Plonk Wine

Fodor's choice
This long narrow bar with exposed-brick walls and an antique pressed-tin ceiling is as much fun for people-watching and gabbing with locals as it is for sipping vino from the extensive and impressive list. There's a good food menu, too, including house-made sorbets for dessert.

Bale of Hay Saloon

With flags and fresh flowers hanging outside its wooden storefront, it's easy to see the Bale of Hay Saloon takes pride in its business. Although it's a saloon (it looks like it was taken from Tombstone), it's relatively family-friendly, the food is good, and kids aren't shunned. In the summer (the saloon is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day), enjoy live music and drinking on the outdoor patio.
344 W.E. Wallace, Virginia City, Montana, 59755, USA
406-843--5700

Bear Creek Saloon & Steakhouse

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.

108 W. Main St., Bearcreek, Montana, 59007, USA
406-446–3481

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Brewery Follies

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.

Corral

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.

Live Music
42895 Gallatin Rd., Big Sky, Montana, 59730, USA
406-995–4249

Long Branch Saloon

The very definition of a dive bar, the Long Branch Saloon in nearby Ennis doesn't disappoint if that's what you're in the mood for. It's busy for a few reasons: friendly servers, consistent hours (open every day), funny bumper stickers, big steaks, and an even bigger crowd.
124 Main St., Ennis, Montana, 59729, USA
406-682--7370

Murray Bar

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

Pine Creek Cafe

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.

Plonk

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.

Sky Shed

This stunning rooftop bar above the new Kimpton Armory Hotel features views of four different mountain ranges. Get cozy with a spiced cocktail around one of the outdoor fire pits or the fireplace inside.

The Hawthorn

Half tasting room and half bottle shop, The Hawthorn is a place for both socializing and stocking up. Grab a seat at the bar and sample wines, cheeses, and even small-batch beers. In the winter warm up with their famous mulled wine.

The Owl Lounge

Drop by this giant brick building on the corner for happy hour from 4 to 6 every day except Sunday. The Owl Lounge serves beer, wine, and specialty martinis, including the Snowy Owl: pinnacle whipped strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, and cream. It closes at midnight.

Westward Social

Opened in January 2020, this new late-night hot spot is perfect for after-hours après ski activities. It even hosts the Montana Stein Hoisting Championship.