Issuu

JANUARY 2026 - VOLUME 19.8

Sure Cure for the Winter Blues A New Year in Real Estate Top 10 Places to Unplug in Bozeman

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IN THIS ISSUE / FEATURES JANUARY 2026 - VOLUME 19.8 7 / LETTER TO EDITOR TOWN OF VIRGINIA CITY LETTER - GATEWOOD, BACON, SMART, GRICE, LEONARD 10 / VISUAL ARTS COVER SHOT - RYAN HAWK 12 / FOOD & DRINKS THE CARLISLE - KATIE THOMAS GRANMARY’S LOBBY WITH HERB BREAD - KATIE THOMAS 18 / MONTANA MUSIC A LABOR OF LOVE - TIM ROONEY DREW MCDOWELL ALBUM REVIEW - MICK DERZAY 19 / HOROSCOPE OPEN DOORS ASTROLOGY - KATHLEEN JOHNS 24 / GV REAL ESTATE A NEW YEAR IN REALESTATE - TIM FORD 26 / LOCAL LIVING FIGHT THE FUNK - TOPHER SEDLAK THREE BOOKS FOR A THOUGHTFUL JANUARY - ABBY KNOBEL CABIN CRAZIES CARE - KATHLEEN JOHNS A SURE CURE FOR THE WINTER BLUES - RACHEL PHILLIPS 36 / REC & HEALTH WINTER CAMPING - STEVE MCGANN SOME WINTER WISDOM - TOPHER SEDLAK THE PULL OF WINTER - SYDNEY JONES TOP 10 PLACES TO UNPLUG IN BOZEMAN - JOSI HINDS 48 / GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR ADD YOUR OWN EVENTS - WWW.BOZEMANMAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS

ALL editorial content in this publication represents the opinion o f the contributor based on personal experience and taste. These editorials are truthful and honest opinions. The contributor is not encouraged or discouraged in any way. Opinions found herein are those of the individual contributors and d o not necessarily represent the opinions of Bozeman Magazine. The contributors are not paid by Bozeman Magazine and are not otherwise employed by Bozeman Magazine.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

THE CARLISLE Green Door Photography

ANGIE RIPPLE - PUBLISHER Angie makes Bozeman Magazine happen all while wrangling her three children and adventuring with her husband and living the Big Sky dream.

BRIAN RIPPLE - PUBLISHER Brian is a husband and father. A professional Sound Engineer & Stage Manager for live events. An artist & designer, a dog lover, and the Music Editor and co-publisher of this magazine.

CYNTHIA LOGAN - COPY EDITOR Cynthia has been a freelance writer and editor for nearly three decades. She assists individuals and corporations to further their branding.

STEVE McGANN - RECREATION Steve has lived in Bozeman since the 1970s. Now retired, he is trying to finally use his history degrees. Or he is in the hills.

KATIE THOMAS - DINING Katie was born and raised in Bozeman. She can usually be found writing, cruising farmer’s markets, building campfires, and critiquing restaurants with her friends.

KATHLEEN JOHNS - ASTROLOGY Kathleen is the owner/founder of Mantra located in Bozeman, MT. Kathleen holds a degree in English Literature from MSU/Bozeman and is an avid high altitude gardener.

EMMA LICHTWARDT - REC & HEALTH Emma is is a multi-genre, freelance writer pursuing the thread of connection between people, place, and experience. She calls Bozeman home.

TIM ROONEY - MONTANA MUSIC Tim has been bringing his unique energy and musicianship to stages for over 30 years, ever since picking up a guitar and singing in bands as a middle schooler.

RACHEL PHILLIPS - HISTORY Rachel is the Research Coordinator at the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman.

TIM FORD - REAL ESTATE Tim is a Broker / Realtor® with Bozeman Broker Real Estate in Bozeman Montana.

KEVIN BRUSTUEN - SCREEN & STAGE Kevin lives in Bozeman and can be contacted at kbrustuen@ hotmail.com. He is an avid theater-goer.

MARY LANE - LOCAL LIVING A writing major at Montana State University, Mary is minoring in psychology and sociology. She hopes to continue magazine writing after finishing school..

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

B ZEMAN MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2026 - VOLUME 19.8 PUBLISHER CASEN CREATIVE SALES MANAGER, EDITOR ANGIE RIPPLE PRODUCTION MANAGER, MUSIC EDITOR BRIAN RIPPLE COVER ARTIST RYAN HAWK / HEADER: ROBERT ROYHL PHOTOGRAPHY GALLATIN HISTORY MUSEUM, ANGIE RIPPLE, BRIAN RIPPLE, GREEN DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY, JACK GUGGENHEIMER

LETTER TO EDITOR CITY OF VIRGINIA CITY

POLITELY SUBMIT DISCONTENT TO: INFO@BOZEMANMAGAZINE.COM

GV REAL ESTATE TIM FORD FOOD & DRINKS KATIE THOMAS MONTANA MUSIC TIM ROONEY, MICK DERZAY LIVING LOCAL TOPHER SEDLAK, RACHEL PHILLIPS, ABBY KNOBEL, KATHLEEN JOHNS RECREATION & HEALTH STEVE MCGANN, TOPHER SEDLAK, SYDNEY JONES,

JOSI HINDS

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THE BASICS Bozeman Magazine features a local artist on every cover

and contributions from talented local writers each month. Every attempt has been made to provide our readers with accurate, dependable information about things which make the Bozeman area unique. Distributed to over 150 locations in the Gallatin Valley, and on MSU’s campus, well over 20,000 people enjoy Bozeman Magazine every month. We think you will too. CONTRIBUTING Bozeman Magazine relies on the hard work of creative

local people to keep our flow of information going. If you would like to become a contributor in writing, art, or photography please email us at info@bozemanmagazine.com to learn how. Every attempt is made to include accurate information, however, our writers and staff can NOT be held responsible for misprinted information.

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WINTER Angie Ripple

s we enter into the nineteenth year of publishing a monthly magazine for the community of Bozeman, it is a little hard to believe we’ve been doing it so long. In 2007, with a 10-month old daughter, if you’d told me we would go on to publish 222 issues, 11 Bozeman’s Choice Readers’ Polls, and at least a dozen Food Scene Dining Guides, and leave a significant mark on the greater Bozeman area with our print and online content, I’m not sure I would have believed it was possible. But, as a kid growing up on the Flathead Reservation in Northwestern Montana, making pencil-drawn newspapers with my brother and friends, I had big dreams of exactly what I’ve now been doing for nearly two decades, and I am intensely devoted to causes I believe in, including connecting the community of Bozeman to people, places and events that interest them. Over the past twelve months, I have received more positive feedback from the community about the impact Bozeman Magazine is having than ever before. What once seemed like a thankless job has turned into continuous thanks and gratitude from readers, advertisers, event producers, and Bozeman’s Choice winners who value the effort we’ve put forth to create a sought-after publication distributed each and every month to the places where active lifestyle Bozemanites, newcomers, and visitors find it. Special thanks to Richard Nelson, Cate Wright, Josey Branch, and Bob Newt, who just in the last few weeks have expressed their gratitude for the work we do for the community, it means a lot to hear from you! This issue’s theme is Winter Wisdom. We are starting the year with a focus on seasonal rhythm, slowing down, and finding peace in nature despite the cold. Inside our pages this month, you will find a Top 10 list of places to unplug, thoughtful book ideas, ways to reclaim winter, winter camping, events that will help you fight winter funk, and more! As always, the Greater Yellowstone Events Calendar has exciting events that will bring you closer to those in the community who share your interests. We love to hear from you when you find an event that you love, and connect with new people in Bozeman who have helped bring you joy. New events are added daily to the calendar on our website bozemanmagazine.com. May winter wisdom find you this month. Thank you for reading. R

All writing, photos, and artwork remains property of the author, photographer, or artist. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Bozeman Magazine staff or advertisers. Send feedback, comments, suggestions, questions to: info@bozemanmagazine.com CONTACT INFO WEB: bozemanmagazine.com EMAIL: info@bozemanmagazine.com OFFICE: 406-219-3455 • CELL: 406-579-5657

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Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

LETTER TO EDITOR

TOWN OF VIRGINIA CITY LETTER TO THE STATE OF MONTANA

RE: THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND THE MONTANA HERITAGE COMMISSION AND THEIR RECENT ACTIONS IN VIRGINIA CITY Justin Gatewood, David Bacon, Kacey Smart, Amy Grice, Chris Leonard

he irony of penning this letter as a Lewis and Clark County district judge is currently deciding the fate of a Montana Department of Commerce (DOC)/Montana Heritage Commission (MHC) employee and a Reeder’s Alley contractor for embezzling and laundering, hundreds of thousands of dollars appropriated for the preservation and betterment of our Town is not lost on us. Hopefully Judge Seeley issues stiff sentences to these criminal perpetrators for all the damage they have done and orders all the restitution to go back to the MHC so it can be used for its originally intended purpose: the preservation and management of its historic resources FOR THE PEOPLE OF MONTANA. Since the state of Montana’s acquisition of the Bovey estate in 1997, there has been an implicit agreement between the state and the Town of Virginia City: through the MHC, the State would protect, preserve and manage its nationally recognized historic real properties and collections. And in exchange, the town would provide a vibrant community (5-star utility infrastructure, public safety apparatus (Fire, Police, Roads),

Town boards and committees, building codes and regulations, etc.) necessary in order for a major tourist destination to flourish. The social contract has resulted in decades of success, the likes of which the State and Town could never have imagined. According to the MHC’s very own most recent economic report, Virginia City and Nevada City (VC/NC) continue to be the

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

number one-state owned destination with total visitors of almost 600,000 from May-September. Moreover, the economic footprint for VC/ NC was nearly $75 million with more than $45 million staying in Madison County. The reported 1,226 total jobs generated from VC/NC obviously have a huge impact on our SW Montana local economy.

The DOC’s recent decision to terminate existing MHC leases and the reissuance of new leases has left the town questioning not only our long held partnership with the State but also the future of Virginia City. About 65 businesses operate in Virginia City. In 2025, the Town of Virginia City received about $160,000 in resort tax remittances from those businesses. These tax resort remittances are the lifeblood of the Town and allow us the financial ability to operate. The seven businesses in the food and entertainment industry that recently had their leases abruptly terminated by the DOC accounted for more than 40% of that figure. If the DOC refuses to see the error of their way (like they have done for their Reeder’s Alley food and beverage concierge who received a new lease with a fair market flat rate rent instead of a percentage of revenue based rent model) and does not offer new, reasonable leases to these business owners and these essential businesses get shuttered for a season (or longer), it will have a devastating effect on the Town’s ability to function.

THE TOWN OF VIRGINIA CITY IS REQUESTING THE DOC IMMEDIATELY DO THE FOLLOWING: • Extend the termination notice time period for all these lease holders until Friday, February 27th, 2026, at a minimum. • Follow a Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 22-3-1002 and have the director of the Department of Commerce be a member of the MHC. And not in current violation of the code, the Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce. • Per Montana Code Annotated 22-31003, engage in negotiations with the existing VC/NC concessionaires. Although crimes were committed by a State employee that have severely impacted our Town, we are willing to continue work with the State in what had been a very successful 30-year partnership that has been benefited the PEOPLE OF MONTANA. We hope the state is prepared to do the same. Sincerely,

Justin Gatewood, Mayor David Bacon, Council President Kacey Smart, City Commissioner Amy Grice, City Commissioner Chris Leonard, City Commissioner Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

COVER ARTIST

COVER

SHOT

RYAN HAWK

nspired by all things magical and otherworldly, Ryan Hawk—also known as Odd Hare—explores the connections between her imagination and the natural systems that shape the world around her. Her bold, colorful graphic style blends her whimsical ideas into a style all their own. Born in Montana, Ryan carries a deep affection for the landscapes she grew up in and the wildlife that inhabit them. After earning her BFA in Media Arts from the University of Montana in 2016, she began her freelance career supporting local businesses with branding, graphic design, and murals. As her design

skills grew, she naturally gravitated toward illustration projects focused on wildlife conservation. This ignited a desire to create her own work and to eventually open her own shop. In 2021, seeking open space and a slower pace, Ryan moved to the Big Timber area with her husband, and dedicated more time to reconnecting with her artistic identity. A lifelong wildlife advocate, she now incorporates larger-than-life representations of local animals into her work, aiming to highlight the essential—but often overlooked—role they play in their ecosystems. Her inspirations also extend to mysterious folklore, cryptids, video

games, and other fantasy-inspired media. When she’s not creating, Ryan can be found tending to her flower farm in the summer, spending time with her husband and dogs on the ranch, or tucked inside with a good board game or fantasy novel. New to the Bozeman art scene, she looks forward to sharing more of her work and connecting with the community. Follow her journey on Instagram @oddharegoods. For commissions, inquiries, wholesale, and unique products, visit oddharegoods.com. Q

www.oddharegoods.com 10

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

FOOD & DRINKS

Katie Thomas photos: Green Door Photography

n 1882, a lumber mill was opened at the mouth of Hyalite Canyon. For the convenience of the town’s growing population, a retail store for this lumber was then established on Main Street. In 1889, Squire C. Kenyon purchased the business, which moved to 25 East Mendenhall in 1958, where it sat for nearly 50 years. As any Bozemanite will recognize, I’m referring to the much-beloved Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware store that occupied half the block between South Tracy and South Black on East Mendenhall. In 2006, Kenyon Noble moved from this location so it could expand, and the lot stood empty for many years. Finally, a shiny new hotel called The Element opened its doors in this spot in 2015. Any large hotel needs a restaurant, and that restaurant in our Element is the Carlisle. Named for Carlisle Kenyon, Squire’s son (and the man credited with vigorously growing the business and sustaining it through the Great Depression and World War II), the restaurant

holds a special place in Bozeman’s downtown neighborhood. I recently sat down with Front of House Manager Kevin Erb and Executive Chef Daniel Liedle for what ended up being a long, delightful chat— here’s a bit about what their combined restaurant expertise is bringing to the Bozeman food scene. KATIE THOMAS: How was the Carlisle conceptualized? KEVIN ERB: The owners started remodeling and rebranding this space after the previous restaurant, Squire House, closed. They were not so particular about wanting the restaurant to be some exact certain way; it was more that they wanted a restaurant they could be proud of. DAN LIEDLE: The owners are fantastic. When I first met them, I talked to them a bit about my vision and what I thought this restaurant could look like. They gave us a lot of leeway

with what we’re allowed to do, which is a pretty unique situation. So we’re kind of still conceptualizing it as we go, but it’s important to us that guests leave here feeling like they had a great experience. KT: What would you like people to experience when they walk through your doors? KE: I think it starts with hospitality. You know, we’re very fortunate. We have a great food program, and we have a good beverage program that’s growing, but hospitality is the cornerstone of it. We want people to enjoy meals here because of the combination of our food, the beverages, the ambiance, the service. We try to offer that ability to just sit down and relax, enjoy the time with the people across the table from you, and feel refreshed when you walk out.

continued on next page

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

The Carlisle p.12 DL: I want guests to feel like they’re entering a friend’s home, and when they leave, to feel like family. Maybe they make friends with our staff—a bartender, our host, or they might ask for certain servers again. For my part, I like to go around the dining room and talk to guests; I like them to receive a little personal touch. We have guests who appreciate it when I go sit with them for five minutes and go over the menu, to talk to them about things that we’re trying to be progressive about, informing people about the ingredients that we use. KT: So would you welcome somebody asking about the details of where you source your meat from, for example? DL: Oh yeah, absolutely. KE: Try and eat a meal here without hearing about it! It’s actually something we’re all very proud of.

KE: I would leave that to other people to answer. There’s a growing number of really great food and beverage operations in this town. We’re proud to be part of that community, and I think it’s up to our guests and our peers to say what we do really well and what we don’t. DL: I agree; that’s well-said. I would add that something unique we do is rendering our own tallow—it’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. It’s something that we feel strongly about. We care about what’s in the food that you’re eating. Everybody knows where beef tallow comes from; it comes from a cow. There’s nothing mixed in with it, and we know exactly where it’s coming from. We use French flour from Aurore bakery in our house-made pastas, as well as Italian semolina, to make sure folks with gluten intolerance can eat our food. KT: What menu item do regulars keep coming back for?

DL: My sous chef and I just visited the ranch a few weeks ago—Blue Creek Marbled Meat, out of Billings. My family actually homesteaded in the Blue Creek area—my great-greatgrandmother had about 140 acres there back in 1885, during the Homestead Act—so it’s a really great connection between my family and what they’re doing there now. I’d worked at Crazy Mountain Ranch, and I’d heard about Marbled’s beef. After I tried it and realized where they were located, I just knocked on their door one day. Spencer, the owner, came to the door, and after I told him a little bit about myself as a cook and about my family history, he showed me around their facility. KT: That’s awesome. DL: It really is. Marbled is one of four ranches in Montana that process all their beef themselves. Their 9,000-acre ranch has 11 springs that feed into six watering holes for the cows, and it’s filtered. So those cows are drinking beautiful, clean water instead of dirty water, which of course shows up in the beef product. All their feeding troughs are lifted 15 inches off the ground on concrete, so it’s easy to clean in between feeding, and the cows aren’t eating things they shouldn’t be off the ground. Fresh hay is dropped off every day for the cows to sleep on. The folks at Marbled spend a lot of time, money, and effort to make sure that they have happy cows. If you look at our menu, we really show off the steak cuts we get from them, because we feel like what they’re doing is second to none. KT: What would you say makes the Carlisle unique in the Bozeman food scene?

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

DL: Honestly, I think we have the best burger in town. It’s been getting people in the doors. Our burger buns are from Aurore Bakery, and of course the beef is from Marbled. Our fries are the only soy-free fries in town; they’re not blanched in pressed oils. As a new restaurant, our hope is that if you come in for the burger and you’re happy with it, you’re going to come back for the steak. KE: And our steaks are really popular. I’d say our flat iron is the one people like the most. It shocks people how flavorful and tender it is. DL: The two most tender cuts on the cow are the flat iron and the filet, and we chose the flat iron because our ranch yields about 100 to 200 pounds more beef per side of cow. That actually gives us a nice thick cut of flat iron instead of a really thin cut, which is what most people are used to with a flat iron. It’s marbled, it’s beautiful, it’s tender, and it has a great flavor. KT: Do you each personally have a favorite menu item?

KE: Those events are listed on our website, carlislebozeman. com, and you can follow us on Instagram at @carlislebozeman. KT: Anything else you’d like readers to know about the Carlisle? KE: We have a late-night menu from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, which includes things like the ribeye and flat iron steaks—it’s not food out of a fryer. You can still get a nice salad with a chicken breast, for example, instead of eating something unhealthy late at night. We get a lot of travelers, and sometimes they get in late. We want to provide them, and anyone who comes in later, with a good meal throughout our hours. DL: I want folks to know that our employees all really care about what they’re doing. I can trust my cooks to provide a quality, composed, delicious dish every time. We have a great team, and everybody works together really well. DL: I think the Coulotte (the top of the sirloin) is fantastic. It’s my go-to steak. KE: Our menu is so good right now, it’s hard to choose. Maybe the Montana pork sugo—it’s just done so well here with our house-made pasta, finished with a lot of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. It’s hearty, it’s warm… it’s great for wintertime. KT: What do you enjoy most about being part of the Bozeman community? KE: I didn’t grow up here. I moved here about 12 years ago, and now this is home. It’s been wonderful to be able to hopefully contribute something positive to the community, and get to interact with such a wide variety of clientele. I love that I might run into someone I know from the restaurant at the bank or the grocery store. I appreciate that it’s still an intimate community. DL: I was lucky enough to grow up here, so to get to work as a head chef in my hometown is very cool for me. When I started cooking about 20 years ago, it wasn’t that big to have fine dining here. I think we’re at a point now where people care more about the food they’re eating, and I hope to see that continue to grow. I love being part of providing people healthy meals with great ingredients that come from our local farmers and ranchers. KT: What’s the best way for people to follow your future events, like the beautiful pop-up wine dinners that you offer?

25 W MENDENHALL ST • BOZEMAN (406) 551-2310 www.carlislebozeman.com

FOOD STYLE

Montana and Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine with global flair

DRINKS

Full bar, sodas, juice, coffee

HOURS

Lunch service 11:00am to 2:00pm daily, Dinner service 5:00pm to 9:00pm daily, Bar and lounge with late-night menu 4:00pm to midnight daily

VIBE

Elegant dining in a welcoming setting

KE: And I’m continuously surprised at how much I learn from the employees. They teach me things all the time. We’re very fortunate with an excellent staff. It’s my opinion that the positive, inviting outlook held by those running the Carlisle shines through in the dining experience. I am one of those who does appreciate the head chef coming to the table to ask what we think, to tell us more, and to engage on a personal level. Many people do want to know where their food comes from, even if it’s not all from around the corner. Further, it’s nice to have some awareness of the history of a place where we sit, eat, and spend our money. The Carlisle is a welcome addition to our dining options in downtown Bozeman, and I bet Squire and Carlisle Kenyon would approve. W Katie Lineberger Thomas spent six years reviewing restaurants for Explore Big Sky, and her work has been published in Edible Bozeman, Western Home Journal, Explore Yellowstone, Outside Bozeman, and other magazines. She recently published her first fiction, the story “Terraces” in the book Deadly Yellowstone: An Original Collection of Tantalizing Western Mystery Tales. Born and raised in Bozeman, Katie lives with her husband and their collection of beloved pets, and can usually be found writing, cruising farmer’s markets, building campfires, and critiquing restaurants with her friends.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

FOOD & DRINKS

GRANMARY’S LOBBY WITH HERB BREAD

Katie Thomas

inter in southwest Montana. What does it mean to you? For many, it means the chance to recreate in our glorious mountains—skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hunting, skating, fat-tire biking, ice fishing. Maybe winter motivates you to hit the many wonderful hot springs options around Bozeman—Norris, Chico, Bozeman Hot Springs, and others. Or perhaps the shortened days and colder temperatures cause you to turn inward, become more introspective, more curious about slowing down, and find peace in nature. There’s also the possibility that you turn into a crazed nester, leaning into the excuse for more time to cook and bake, as I do. In my house, not much beats a snowy Sunday with no agenda. I like to throw on some George Winston piano music while donning huge fuzzy socks and carrying my baby longhair black cat around like she’s a small fur scarf. The most important question of the day is, what are we going to cook? Over the years, I’ve found foods that I cook specifically for certain moods, for certain weather, certain times of day, or certain cravings, using what I have on hand in the fridge. I’ve been known to cook out of nostalgia just as often, and the following soup is one of these. It transports me directly to the Windy Water Ranch, my grandparents’ home outside of Ennis while I was growing up, where my grandma “GranMary” made her one and only dish in the dark, soap-stone-tiled kitchen. The soup is called Lobby, and it was passed down to GranMary by my great-grandmother “Gommy” (whose real name was Adah Saalfield). It’s an old English standby, so I like to think that Gommy in turn got it from her great-grandmother. We’ll never know, but according to Google, Lobby is “a traditional working-class meat and vegetable stew from the North Staffordshire and Lancashire regions of the UK,” with no single official recipe due to its history as a ‘throw-in’ dish using leftovers. The key ingredients generally include diced beef or lamb, potatoes, and various root vegetables.” Sure enough—and that meat is diced just so, as edified by my dad here:

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

LOBBY • Use 2 lbs. round steak. Cube it (probably about 3/4-inch cubes). • Also cube a bunch (2 cups) of spuds, generally the same size (we like our food symmetrical). • In enough cold water to fill a medium pot (3 quarts), boil the holy crap out of the steak by itself for at least 2 hours—you want it falling apart, so to speak. *NOTE FOR MODERN TIMES: You could just throw your meat into a crock pot or an Instant Pot with some water or broth and walk away till it’s done. • Then put in the spuds for about 45 - 60 minutes, till soft. • As much salt and pepper as you can stand. • Believe it or not, that’s it. You can always add more water or let it simmer down if it’s too brothy. • Don’t let it boil. I like to add a bag of frozen peas and carrots, strictly for color. I also sometimes thicken it with tomato paste and flour, at which point it becomes a little less English. Indeed, my dad said that my stepmother always thought it was too bland, so he stopped making it. But I like the bland—it has a specific, soothing, inexplicable flavor, so even if you’re not English, I recommend trying Gommy’s recipe exactly as it is above. GranMary served Lobby with coleslaw, which is not a food I admire. Therefore, I serve my Lobby with the following delicious bread, preferably straight out of the oven. Any fresh bread would be excellent with Lobby, but this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first breads I ever made, and I’ve been making it for 30 years. When I was in college, the aforementioned stepmother informed me that in the 1970s she had proudly baked her own bread, sewn her own clothes, and probably walked to work uphill both ways against the rotation of the earth.

In case you can’t tell, I took this as a personal challenge and decided to start baking my own bread, too. I loved to bake; why shouldn’t I save myself the money and preservatives and start making my own? I had a lot to learn about yeast, rising, room temperature, and elevation, but the experience turned out to be right up my alley. I went to the library and found a wonderful book from 1982, called The Book of Bread: The pleasures of breadbaking including uncomplicated techniques & 240 wonderful recipes both traditional and unique (whew), by Judith and Evan Jones. The following recipe became my go-to and remains so today:

HERB WHEAT BREAD • Combine 1 tablespoon active dry yeast in a large bowl with 2 cups warm water; leave until yeast swells • Stir in 2 cups warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon coarse salt or 2 teaspoons table salt • Add herbs: - 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley - tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried - tablespoon chopped fresh chives - teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves *NOTE: My gardening days were still way ahead of me when I began making this bread, so at the time I used all dried herbs and none fresh. It’s delicious with either option. • Stir in 3 cups white flour and 1 cup stone-ground whole wheat flour • Mix well and beat with a wooden spoon for about a minute *NOTE FOR MODERN TIMES: Let a KitchenAid or a similar appliance do the beating for you. • Turn the dough out on a floured surface and let rest while you clean and grease the bowl (or not – I skip this step) • Knead the dough, working in as much extra white flour as necessary until the dough is smooth and shiny • Return the dough to the bowl, turning to coat all over • Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let rise until doubled in bulk – about 1-1 ½ hours • My favorite part: punch that dough down like you’re mad at it • Turn dough out and knead about 1 minute • Grease a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet • Shape the dough into 1 large round or 2 smaller ones • Let rise, covered, for 45 minutes • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees • Brush the top of the loaves with cold water when ready to put in the oven • Bake 50-60 minutes and let cool on a rack

in the book Deadly Yellowstone: An Original Collection of Tantalizing Western Mystery Tales. Born and raised in Bozeman, Katie lives with her husband and their collection of beloved pets, and can usually be found writing, cruising farmer’s markets, building campfires, and critiquing restaurants with her friends.

This is an excellent combination for a cozy meal in the dead of winter. Ideally, you consume it in front of a crackling fire while fluffy white snowflakes slowly fall to the ground outside your window. But even if you can’t will this atmosphere, the smell of that herb bread baking will fill your house and soul with the definition of cozy, and the food will warm the cockles of your heart and belly. Katie Lineberger Thomas spent six years reviewing restaurants for Explore Big Sky, and her work has been published in Edible Bozeman, Western Home Journal, Explore Yellowstone, Outside Bozeman, and others. She recently published her first fiction, the story “Terraces”

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

MONTANA MUSIC

A LABOR OF LOVE BRINGING THE BROWN GENIUS OF WEEN TO TOWN Tim Rooney

G DON’T MISS THE SHOWS!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9TH, AT THE ATTIC FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH, AT THE FILLING STATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, AT THE TUNE UP BAR

et ready, local music fans for a series of highly-anticipated concerts coming to our area, featuring OBJECT, a truly unique and tribute band dedicated to the eclectic and electric rock music of the legendary band, WEEN. This project is far more than just a typical cover band; it is a tried and true passion project, born from a shared musical goal first realized over 5 years ago, when some of the area’s best musicians got together for what was to be a one-night only experience. That singular performance, driven by pure excitement and mutual admiration, was a resounding success. An amazing night came and went, and it was burned into the brains of all attendees at the sold-out show. Days and nights passed by, which turned into weeks and years. During that time, one of the players from that evening and local legend Joe Knapp passed away, right as COVID crept into the world, and things everywhere got weird for a while. Stranger than fiction weird. Though the musicians went their separate ways for a period, the magic of that

painting the filling station brown Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

Open Doors A S T R O L O GY JANUARY 2026 FORECAST

WELCOME 2026! Numerologically 2026 is a “1” year full of New Beginnings and Fresh Starts!

ARIES

(March 21-April 19) The Full Wolf Moon may stir up a desire for seclusion. Use a warm vanilla scented candle to light your way as you plan world domination in 2026. “My fire fuels my destiny when I choose to direct it!”

TAURUS

night lingered and the joy of the music was never forgotten. Thankfully for local fans, the band was revived years later in the fall of 2024, after many discussions between the friends, who knew that ultimately they needed to see what would happen with the same people in the room again. After a couple jams, they quickly realized that their combined talent and chemistry were too good to keep dormant. Like the Blues Brothers, they were on a mission, theirs just happened to be for Boognish. While each member has a respected career and presence in the local music scene, they collectively found a new inspiration and creative energy in tackling WEEN’s vast and complex catalog, from hitting the blistering pace and breakneck energy of the bands heaviest jams, to the tender ballads, honky-tonk tearjerkers, and psychedelic journeys. This project isn’t just a technical exercise; it’s a labor of love that allows these seasoned professionals to delve into the fun, bizarre, and brilliant world of Gean and Dean Ween. Tim Rooney, co-frontman of this headlining act deserves the bulk of the credit for putting together this revisited line up. Tim will be singing/screaming his head off, and ripping guitar as well. Adam Lee Crowson will be taking you back to Basom and handle low end duties to accompany his powder blue vocals. Bill Hyland will be driving you crazy with his boogie oogie oogie on lead guitar and background harmonies. The keyboards will be in the capable hands of one of Montana’s finest, Mike Koziel who strokes every key like an ace. Finally, tearing a rift out in space with his super sonic rhythmic vibrations is the prolific local legend, Brett Goodell. Last winter OBJECT played a series of successful shows that had crowds going mad, and they realized that this band now had a life of its own to live. Set lists were made. Song ideas were thrown around and arranged. Drums were banged. Guitars were strummed. Microphones were screamed into. Keys were tickled, faces were melted, and the people were so very happy. Here they are once again to bring the sound of the Brown to the Bozone and L-Town. Don’t miss the chance to experience the technical prowess and infectious enthusiasm of OBJECT as they pay tribute to one of rock’s most influential and unconventional bands right here in real time! W Tim Rooney has been bringing his unique energy and musicianship to stages for over 30 years, ever since picking up a guitar and singing in bands as a middle schooler.

(April 20-May 20) Mid-month finds admiration shining down on you! Maximize this “halo” effect with Clear Quartz crystal to boost your aura. “I am worthy of admiration simply for being who I am.”

GEMINI

(May 21-June 20) Look to the end of the month when you will be surrounded by new social opportunities. The tone of salmon pink will raise your friendly vibe. “My social life expands with meaning, joy and connection.”

LIBRA

(September 23-October 22) The spotlight shines on your hard work early on this month. Normally one to avoid the limelight, learning to accept compliments takes practice. The book “You are Awesome” by Syed may help. “I gracefully accept the love and admiration that others show to me.”

SCORPIO

(October 23-November 21) The Full Wolf Moon on the 3rd inspires travel and the world is, and always has been, your oyster! Use a crystal pendulum and a map to chart a course for unknown lands! “In 2026, Adventure is my evolution.”

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22-December 21) Your quick mind holds many hopes for this month and coming year but without organization it could become a mess. Get into alignment with a yoga practice like Iyengar to center. “I direct my energy with clarity and intention. Focus fuels my freedom.”

CAPRICORN

(June 21-July 22) Your fickle relationship with your inner knowing needs balance. To make upcoming necessary decisions perhaps some Amethyst can bring clarity. “In 2026 I trust my intuition fully.”

(December 22-January 19) Lot’s going on with major planets and the Sun in your sign point to money on the way. Typically fearful of having too much, Aventurine stone can help you accept what you deserve. “I am grateful for abundance already on the way.”

LEO

AQUARIUS

CANCER

(July 23-August 22) Mid-month may highlight your need to fix relationships your sometimes hot temper has ignited. Carnelian helps release anger. “I heal my relationships with honesty, humility and heart.”

VIRGO

(August 23-September 22) Three weeks into the New Year you will realize that you are overwhelmed by carrying too much. Smoky Quartz is your go-to for releasing all that does not serve you. “I gently let go of the habits, roles and responsibilities that drain my spirit.”

(January 20-February 18) A need to be social will override any tendency towards solitude, so get ready to party! Boost your magnetism with Hematite and earthy scents like Patchouli and Sandalwood. “I step away from Solitude and rejoin Connection.”

PISCES

(February 19-March 20) You will find a need to rest and re-set mid-month from over stimulation. Warm Epsom Salt bath with essential oils like Lavender and Ylang-Ylang will help. “Rest is not Retreat, it is Recalibration.”

Kathleen Johns is the owner/founder of Mantra located in Bozeman, MT. You can connect with Kathleen through her website at www.KathleenJohns.com

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

MONTANA MUSIC ALBUM REVIEW:

1 BILLION SECONDS Mick Derzay

ello audiophiles! Unashamedly pulling from raw life experiences, 1 Billion Seconds by Drew McDowell delightfully takes us through masterful guitar play and deep, well-selected lyrics. With every track a relatable tale, he intertwines a present hopefulness with a respectful nostalgia of past love, loss, regret, and the countless what-ifs that could possibly reverberate around an emerging self-awareness. Many of the acoustic tracks on this album draw the same respect I have for a wellworn vinyl with layered sounds and a surprising assortment of accompaniment. Lyrics brewed from pure introspection, Drew delivers on an extrovert level by teaming up with former bandmates, friends, and like-minded minstrels. 1 Billion Seconds pulls from many stylistic influences, while remaining true to the artist’s own voice and style. The first track, “Dissatisfied,” sets the rest of the album up nicely as we dive right into the motif of rebuilding and forward motion. Scratchy chords and skilled picking are brought to life with excellent production, as the fretboard accompanies Drew’s words to the ears right on target. A strong opening song, “Dissatisfied,” immediately shows the dedication, mastery, and honesty that Drew brings to this album. “Rose Gold Sky” is beautifully composed and tells the tale of immortal love that has been built over a lifetime, through seeing struggles and victories met with coping and pride. Performed with Drew’s sincere and gentle voice and crisp guitar picking and chords, “Rose Gold Sky” shows the dedication poured into his music and the inspiration for it. “Spoke My Heart,” on the other hand, could not speak of a shorter love, as Drew stretches his fingers and plays the sting of rejection through six strings. Both relatable and wonderfully produced songs that showcase a mastery of the guitar and Drew’s authentic lyrics and voice. Hammering hard on the past while bringing tales of lament and excess to the microphone, Drew unashamedly serenades with such a genuine and friendly voice that, despite the subject matter, positivity, and forward motion seep through the notes and beats. Unapologetic, Drew brings the subjects of addiction and recovery with a blend of musical styles that mix together better than most cocktails in Bozeman. In “The Bottom” Drew and his minstrels pour a full glass of auditory pleasure, with a shot of swing and horns, a twist of Sublime, and served in style with Drew’s authentic vocals. The stylistic changes flow together perfectly, making this a fun and rhythmic song. “Call Your Mother” is not only a genuinely good reminder but a genuinely wholesome song that makes one hold back a tear or two. Again, Drew commands mood with a change of melody and voice, bringing a wonderful musical balance that allows the continued on next page

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

BOZEMAN GROWN DREW MCDOWELL’S ACOUSTIC ALBUM “1 BILLION SECONDS” IS OUT. THIS ALBUM INCLUDES 3 DIFFERENT STUDIO SESSIONS WITH 3 DIFFERENT PRODUCERS: Sean Lynch and Meg Gildehaus at BFN Studio (Billings, MT) mixed/produced: TRACK 1 Dissatisfied TRACK 5 The Bottom (Ft. Konnor Stiles and Josh Reedy from Billings band Arterial Drive) TRACK 12 When Ya Dose Ben Morris at Morris Mountain Productions (Butte, MT) played piano and mixed/produced: TRACK 2 Girlperson TRACK 4 Rose Gold Sky TRACK 7 Path To Awe TRACK 8 Don’t Forget to Call Your Mother TRACK 9 1 Billion Seconds TRACK 11 Spoke My Heart Karl Vincent (Chicago, IL) played keys, bass, percussion, Steel Guitar and mixed/produced: TRACK 3 If I Only Could TRACK 6 Just A Name TRACK 10 Head Full of Stories Album Cover is Drew’s first car 1964 Impala, photo: Scott Jones

Album Review p.20 weight of disappointment against the eternal love of family. Filled with quick anecdotes and humor, Drew continues to define his own style of embracing the heavy with a deep breath and a heart full of song. The title track “1 Billion Seconds” again harnesses the power of positive messages, with a bouncing and catchy rhythm. Delicately blending the vocals and instrumentals, Drew brings together his original style in true form, with no shortage of humor and a light-hearted feeling, especially considering how much math he must have done while writing it. “1 Billion Seconds” had several songs that stood out over the others; however in my opinion, the one track that not only ties the whole album together, but stands out amongst the others, is “Head Full of Stories A Heart Less Cold”. From the first few chords, I could tell this song was different from others on the album, but I did not know at the time that it would go on repeat for the next 20 minutes on my headphones. Tapping into a darker sound, Drew still honors nostalgia and holds precious the present peace, but he comes across in a much more profound and mature way. The slightly darker backdrop of the music really hits home on this track, with studio production toeing the line for a primarily acoustic artist but not crossing it. This is

a song that could be listened to anywhere, adding pensive respect and appreciation for whatever nostalgia might bring to the moment. The final track, “When Ya Dose,” is packed with the style built in the preceding songs, drawing you in but daring you not to take anything too seriously. Flowing like a Dr Suess style poem over ebbing and flowing guitar, Drew shows us how a meaningful conversation every millennial wants to have with their boomer parents could go. Seemingly without effort, Drew ends this album by helping us come down from an acoustic high he brought us on, every song filled with well-selected lyrics, and masterful technique. 1 Billion Seconds showcased Drew McDowell’s original style of genuine hand-selected vocals sung with passion, a warm friendly voice, and a wonderful composition of instrumental talent to bring his first solo album to life. Exploring the boundaries of his unique style, Drew struck gold with “Head Full of Stories,” and made lasting impressions on me as a songwriter. Littered with quips and humor, Drew lets his music remind us to not hold things too seriously, but at the same time to value the journey and the companions we have along the way. D Mick Derzay is a Bozeman native and a lifelong passionate music listener. This is his first album review. “KGLT is the best radio station in the whole world.”

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GV REAL ESTATE

A NEW YEAR IN REAL ESTATE WHAT TO WATCH WHAT TO IGNORE HOW TO MOVE FORWARD

Tim Ford – Real Estate Broker

s we turn the calendar to a new year, many people naturally ask, “What will happen to the real estate market this year?” While no one has a crystal ball, the start of a new year is a good moment to step back, separate signal from noise, and focus on what truly matters for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.

THE MARKET IS LESS ABOUT “TIMING” AND MORE ABOUT STRATEGY The past few years trained people to think in extremes—either buy immediately or miss out forever, or wait because everything is about to crash. In reality, most real estate decisions fall somewhere in between. This year is likely to reward prepared, realistic buyers and sellers rather than those trying to perfectly time the market. Strong pre-approval, flexible expectations, local market knowledge, and good negotiation will matter more than national headlines.

INTEREST RATES STILL MATTER—BUT THEY’RE NOT THE WHOLE STORY Rates remain a major talking point, but they are only one piece of affordability. Purchase price, taxes, insurance, maintenance, rents, and long-term plans all play a role. For some buyers, today’s rates may feel high compared to the recent past—but for others, they offer opportunity through less competition, more negotiating power, and opportunities to refinance later if conditions improve. Instead of

asking “Where will rates go?” buyers might ask themselves, “Does this move make sense for me over the next several years?”

INVENTORY IS LOCAL — AND HYPER-LOCAL National real estate headlines often miss the mark because real estate is intensely local. Neighborhood-level supply, zoning changes, the amount of new construction, and employment trends will drive outcomes far more than national averages. Bozeman’s market is also influenced by remote workers, second home buyers, and buyers wanting to be closer to family.

HOMES ARE BEING VIEWED THROUGH A NEW LENS Buyers are increasingly focused on: • Functional layouts and flexible spaces • Modern amenities and finishes • Condition, deferred maintenance, staging While the numbers are hard to quantify, anecdotally it seems that the difference in price has never been greater between updated / modern homes and those in need of work. For buyers that can look past clutter and are willing to put in sweat equity, that can present opportunities. For sellers, time and money spent on staging and prepping their home for sale will be resources well spent.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

THE BEST MOVES START WITH CLEAR GOALS Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply staying put, the most successful decisions start with clarity: • How long do you plan to own? • What does your lifestyle need today versus five years from now? • How does real estate fit into your broader financial picture? Real estate isn’t just a transaction—it’s a long-term decision that intersects with work, family, finances, and quality of life.

LOOKING AHEAD A new year doesn’t require bold moves, it requires informed ones. For those willing to focus on fundamentals, stay flexible, and take a longterm view, 2026 could offer real opportunity. I have included sales numbers for January through November of 2025. In addition to the 639 homes sold during this period, another 56 homes were currently pending or under contract as of this writing. The included data reflects sales of homes in the greater Bozeman area, including Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Bridger Canyon, and within Bozeman city limits. The data includes home sales reported through the local Big Sky Country MLS, and does not include private party sales, condominiums, or townhouses. G Tim Ford is a Realtor® with Bozeman Brokers Real Estate in Bozeman Montana. He can be contacted at 406-209-1214.

REAL ESTATE MARKET DATA JAN 1ST - DEC 1ST, 2025

single family homes

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

LIVING LOCAL

FIGHT THE FUNK

WITH BOZEMAN’S WINTER EVENTS

Topher Sedlak

ummertime fills up, like cramming 10 pounds of spuds into a 5-lb bag. There are visitors from other states, there’s maintaining a garden—watering, weeding, maintenance, harvesting, and keeping ahead of bugs, not to mention all the regular hiking, climbing, floating, and fishing one can fit between mid-May and early October. Bozemanites are also often gone, road tripping or peak bagging. This time of year, there’s more space on the calendar. There’s time to explore Bozeman itself, and see what our many events, businesses, clubs, museums, and numerous nonprofits have to offer. This is “hometown tourism.” Importantly, jumping into activities helps people cope with winter. Let the fun and the funky beat any January funk. Over the years, I’ve heard several people ask why others love to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe. It’s simple: These are winter ways to get a lot of fresh air, and some exercise, sunshine, and socializing. They’re mood boosters. Check out Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort; look into lessons. Rocky Creek Farm just east of downtown offers Nordic skiing, going on eight miles worth, groomed for classic XC and skate. They also have a winter farm stand (full info at www.gallatinvalleybotanical.com). Make a trip out and then hit another event. Here are other good ways to get out of your house in the winter, by location:

GALLATIN VALLEY FAIRGROUNDS

Midsummer to fall isn’t the only time for farmers markets. Bozeman has a well-organized Winter Market (Saturdays 9am – noon at the Fairgrounds) featuring grass-fed beef, bison tallow products, root/fall veggies, various kinds and sources of local honey, art, wood craft items, and more. The 2026 schedule includes every Saturday in January and February, minus February 28th. It then resumes in March. Visit www.bozemanwinterfarmersmarket.com for more info. The Fairgrounds are home to Gallatin Ice. This organization uses two adjacent, large indoor rinks, Bottcher Memorial (Haynes Pavilion) and Ressler Motors, for around an acre of groomed goodness. The rinks are home to four hockey teams: Bozeman Stingers, Bozeman Ice Dogs, and MSU Men’s and Women’s. Schedules and tickets for games are online. The rinks also offer scheduled public skate times, skate rentals, and lessons for youth and adult hockey, figure skating, and curling. There’s also outdoor skating around Bozeman, with rinks at Beall Park, Bogert Park, and Southside Park. Rink construction is dependent on weather. (As of this writing in December, these are not yet open; still 45ºF after sunset, which is why there are indoor rinks.) There’s a good chance they’ll be taking

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

blades by mid-January—2026 is starting as a weak La Niña year. On Saturday and Sunday, January 24th and 25th, the Fairgrounds hosts the PRO Skijor’s Frontier Tour. Skijoring is a winter sport featuring skiers pulled by horses. Think ski course plus rodeo, or water skiing on frozen water with literal horsepower. Each tour stop has timed heats, different division competitions, music, food, and ski- and Western-themed vendors.

THE EMERSON & THE WILLSON

The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture was a school from 1920 to 1992. The efforts of dedicated artists saved it from demolition, and it’s been a gem in the community for years. This month, check out The Arc’teryx Backcountry Skiing Film Festival Thursday, January 15th from 7 – 9pm in the Crawford Theater. Tickets are required. There’ll be some epic scenes and good times. The 2026 Fly Fishing Film Tour will be held Friday, January 23rd from 7 – 10pm, also in the Crawford. Tickets are required. This is also a should-do for anyone into casting and catching. Next winter, support the Bozeman Ice Festival, organized by the Montana Mountaineering Association (MMA). The Emerson hosts evening events; Spire Climbing Center

and Hyalite Canyon (250 routes for top-shelf climbing density in North America, accessed by the only US Forest Service road plowed all winter) are venues for daytime events. In 2025 the festival ran December 10 – 14. The Willson (near the Emerson), built in 1902 with an Art Deco addition in 1937, was a school until 2009. It was renovated in 2015; today, the Willson Auditorium is the main venue for the Bozeman Symphony. This month: Masters of Melody: Mozart, Copeland, +Haydn. Saturday, January 24th, 7:30 – 9:30pm, and Sunday, January 25th from 2:30 – 4:30pm. Next month, it’s Cinematic Legends: The Music of Hans Zimmer and Ennio Morricone. Friday and Saturday, February 13th and 14th from 7:30 – 9:30pm.

MOR AND MSU

The Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is a Smithsonian-affiliated organization, and houses the largest collection of North American dinosaur fossils in the world. Their exhibit, “Becoming Jane” features primate researcher Jane Goodall (1934-2025) and runs through Sunday, January 18th. An ongoing MOR exhibit includes Cretaceous Crossroads, about the major role of Montana—strategically sitting at land and sea boundaries—during the last period of the Mesozoic Era. Upcoming: FROGS – A Chorus of Color, from February 6th to September 6th. These exhibits fill up with summer tourists, so February to April is a good time view some amazing live amphibians with the family or a few friends. Many parts are interactive. Also, remember that the Museum Store (great for gifts) and Rocky Rex’s Roasts, the museum’s cafe, don’t require museum admission. Town and Gown relations in Bozeman have shifted. Not love-to-hate—more like friend-to-stranger. We’ve heard locals, especially newcomers, wonder if they can even step foot there. Don’t be afraid to tour MSU and attend its many events. You won’t be barked at for walking or riding a bike across campus. You’re not going to be asked for ID if you enter the Plant Science or Chemistry buildings and view student posters. Just

respect faculty and campus parking (there are visitor lots/areas) and know that many buildings lock at 6pm and weekends. If you have any questions, stop by or call (994INFO) the Ask-Us Desk at the Student Union Building (SUB). Also, consider taking MSU courses; going back to school or starting first-time. One in 10 MSU undergrads and eight in 10 grad students are 25 or older. Actively support your local student scholars —MSU is a top 50 research institution out of 5,500 colleges/ universities in the country—and athletes. You don’t need to be an MSU parent or student to attend. MSU Basketball. This is a great way to leave home and meet new people, or at least yell in a socially acceptable setting. The MSU Men’s’ team had a very close battle with Stanford last November. Their upcoming home schedule at Worthington Arena is online. Notably, MSU Men host U of M Grizzlies, January 17th, at 7pm. The same day, MSU Women host the Griz at 2pm. Let’s fill every seat. The MSU “Spread the Warmth” MLK Jr. winter clothing (caps, mittens, gloves) drive runs January 5 – 19. That said, look into the various ways you can volunteer your time in the valley. Volunteering is a great way to get out of the house, especially in winter.

DOWNTOWN & CANNERY DISTRICT

Bozemanites still love trivia, and several bars host trivia night. Watering holes fill up with tourists in the summer, making winter an even better time to support these Bozeman businesses. MONDAYS: Wildrye Distilling, 6pm; Bacchus Pub, 7pm; and Sports Trivia at the Rockin’ R Bar, 7:30pm. TUESDAYS: 406 Brewing in Manhattan, 6pm. Not in Bozeman but worth including; drive safely, yo. WEDNESDAYS: SHINE Beer Sanctuary, 6pm; Rockin’ R Bar general trivia, 7:30pm; The Molly Brown, 8pm.

Cribbage is a Montana staple, especially in the winter, like euchre in the Midwest and Spades in the South. SHINE has cribbage night every TUESDAY, 5 – 9pm. THURSDAYS, 6 – 9pm, are Fly-Tying Nights at Bozeman Fly Supply, by Rook’s Games and Café Zydeco. This isn’t a class, just good, casual hang-out time tying with fellow tiers. Finally, how Bozeman has or hasn’t changed is a common topic among long-term residents. One thing is true: it used to be unabashedly nerdy—dorky jocks, granolas, geeky hicks, or athletic, outdoorsy, downto-earth intellectuals. It’s a college town first and a tourist and newcomer town second, and should get back to its roots. There are two Bozeman winter traditions which have died as Gen Xers and Early Millennials got older: summer-in-winter parties and snow picnics. The first are shindigs with the thermostat turned up. Thirty-somethings (kids at Grandma’s), twenty-somethings, and even college kids rented, borrowed, or bought humidifiers, and more houseplants. The point is to turn a house into summer. People wear shorts and short sleeves. Sandals optional. Plenty of beverages and grub. Superbowl LX is February 8th. The second also looks weird to haters, but is good, simple fun. Throw down a big tarp on the snow. Then a blanket or three. Bust out fried chicken, hot potato salad, hot cocoa, hot cider, you name it. College students and families with kids alike used to do this in Cooper and Southside Parks. There are 40 other city parks. Pick a sunny day and you’ll likely get too warm for your coat. No ants. Enjoy. As always, check out the Bozeman Magazine events calendar, here and online. T Topher Sedlak’s kin have lived in Montana for seven generations. When he’s not doing chemistry or genetics and genetic genealogy—including finding the bio parents of adopted individuals—he’s in the mountains with his family.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

LIVING LOCAL

LOCAL BOOKS FOR A THOUGHTFUL JANUARY

Abby Knobel s the January snow begins to blanket Montana, many of us are eager to chase the thrill of fresh powder and hit the slopes. However, the short days and crisp air also invite us to slow down and reset in the quiet moments winter offers. Although everybody has their own way of escaping their busy lives, my favorite way to unwind involves a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a book. What I love most about books is the variety; whether I am in search of a good laugh or a new dinner recipe, I can always trust the pages between a book cover to deliver. Luckily, Bozeman boasts a diverse selection of bookstores, ranging from large chains to independent shops, and even a few used bookstores filled with unexpected finds. There is something greatly comforting about wandering up and down aisles and discovering stories you didn’t know you needed. So whatever book you’re craving, whether it be set right here in the heart of Montana or in a fantasy land far, far away, I’m sure you can find it on a shelf nearby. Now, the question is, what book are you going to pick to keep you company? As the new year begins, I like to explore new genres and authors, letting winter lead me to unfamiliar plots and quiet discoveries. For this month, my reading stack is full of insightful words, small lessons, and curiosity. When I want a fun read that will make procrastinating work and chores worthwhile, I like to pick a good mystery. The Royal Wulff Murders by Keith McCafferty is a thrilling Montana mystery set in the heart of the Madison Valley. The story opens when the body of a young man is

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

found by a fishing guide, leading Sheriff Martha Ettinger and Montana newcomer Sean Stranahan to work together to uncover what dark secret the Madison River holds. With a cast of witty, charming characters, flyfishing adventures, and a puzzling crime, McCafferty has delivered an authentic mystery that keeps us guessing until the end. The Royal Wulff Murders stood out to me not only because of its thrilling plot, but also its vivid sense of scenery. Many times did McCafferty describe the beautiful yet harsh conditions of the Montana landscape that we are all extremely familiar with. From the shimmering waters of rivers to the steep slopes of mountains, those reading the book will feel instantly at home alongside the characters. And even if you’re not all that familiar with the setting of the book, McCafferty captures moments of flyfishing that make you feel as if the line is in your hand and a trout is on the other end. The Royal Wulff Murders encapsulates the ruggedness of the Montana wilderness while exploiting environmental tensions surrounding water pollution and fish and wildlife, further connecting the stresses of McCafferty’s characters to many Montanans today. If eating healthier is on your resolution list this year, then look no further than Mackenzie Fink’s nontraditional cookbook, The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy: Traditional Wisdom Guided By Science. Weaving together a personal story of love, healing, and food, Fink shares with us a bounty of recipes to help reconnect our bodies to a more holistic and sustainable diet and lifestyle. As the wellness director at Heroes and Horses, a Montana-based nonprofit that transforms the lives of combat veterans, Fink brings lived experience and passion to her work. Inspired by her own health journey and work at

Heroes and Horses, Fink has explored how different foods influence both our physical and mental health. With an approach centered around nutrient-dense whole foods, balanced nutrition, simplicity, and intuitive eating, Fink redirects us to foods that will restore vibrancy to our lives. In a world that has become incredibly disconnected from the way in which food travels from the soil to our tables, Fink has gone back to the roots of this process, literally, to foster her connection to bodily nutrition, food, and the Earth. Fink explains how taking the time to tend to a garden creates a more intimate relationship with the rhythms of nature and also brings forth many soulful lessons that extend beyond ‘growing food.’ Our bodies need calories and fuel to keep them going throughout the day, but, as Fink points out, food also contains valuable information that can guide the body towards balance or dysfunction. This comprehensive understanding of the labor and love involved in growing food and the ability to read what our bodies are telling us they need is what makes this cookbook stand out from others on the shelves. The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy: Traditional Wisdom Guided By Science is not only a place to find your next favorite recipe, but a guide to connect us back to the land that provides so much. The last book in my reading stack is number one in Bozeman’s Choice 2026; 60 Days to a Greener Life by Heather White asks us to reflect on the world around us. A thoughtful and powerful self-help book, Heather White uses her decades of experience in environmental conservation and sustainability to engage the reader in a conversation about climate change. Whether readers think daily about the state of the climate, or are just starting to engage in the conversation, 60 Days to a Greener Life is for anyone trying to get involved. Now, what separates this book from others like it? 60 Days to a Greener Life is designed to give the reader bite-sized steps to leading a more sustainable life. Each chapter is broken up into small entries comprising a journal prompt, a question, or a QR code to learn more about each topic. By breaking up the book into these small daily entries, White helps readers feel like their impact on the environment is manageable, yet meaningful. Still, many often feel overwhelmed about their role in the climate crisis, fearing that ‘it’s all up to them.’ To combat this, White’s book is written to show how each of us can get involved in conservation and climate action to inspire intergenerational movement. Living in Montana, there is no shortage of the outdoors; in fact, it is the wildness of nature that either keeps people here or draws them from all over the world. The sprawling landscapes fill us with awe, and with that feeling, a determination to preserve the land. Montana’s rapid growth in the past few years calls on us more now than ever to make efforts to protect the environment we all love, and Heather White’s 60 Days to a Greener Life is an answer to that call. Through small, steady steps, White has given us tools to appreciate and nurture the world around us. Whether you pick up one of these books or all three of them, they each have something to offer. The Royal Wulff Murders entertains with its mysterious whodunit story, allowing us to escape a stressful day at work and laugh at McCafferty’s enjoyable characters. The Anti-Inflammatory Farmacy: Traditional Wisdom Guided By Science encourages us to care for our bodies, which we rely on every day, with patience and kindness. And 60 Days to a Greener Life gently nudges us to build a more mindful relationship with the world we move through every day. So this winter, as the snow piles up outside, let a book be your guide through the season. Take your time browsing the many aisles in Bozeman’s bookstores and follow your curiosity down unfamiliar shelves. Pick up a book, or two, or three. And when you finally step back into the cold, book tucked under your arm and snow crunching beneath your boots, you’ll be heading home with much more than a stack of books for your nightstand. You’ll be carrying a small piece of winter wisdom. K Abby Knobel is a recent English Literature graduate from Montana State University and can be found reading, gardening, or planning her next adventure.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

LIVING LOCAL

THE CABIN CRAZIES CURE RECLAIMING WINTER IN THE ROCKIES Kathleen Johns photo Erin MacDonald

inter in the Rockies is unlike winter anywhere else. It is long, dramatic, luminous, and deeply influential on our moods and daily rhythm. In places like Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and the high Colorado ranges, winter doesn’t simply arrive — it settles in, reshaping the land and all of its inhabitants. For some, winter brings a sweeping sense of magic: crisp air, sparkling snowscapes, and a calmer, quieter inner world. For others, Old Man Winter brings fatigue, emotional heaviness, or a sense of exile from the warmth and motion they enjoy in other seasons. Call it Cabin, Fever, Winter Wiggles or even the Cabin Crazies. Whatever you call it, there are ways you can reimagine wintertime into a wonderland and welcome it as a season to look forward to every year with anticipation instead of dread. Winter in the Rockies offers an opportunity for profound restoration, emotional recalibration, and reconnection with what matters. When we understand why winter affects us the way it does, we can work with the season instead of fighting against it — and maybe even enjoy the season. Let’s explore why winter affects mood in the Rocky Mountain West, why some people truly love this time of year, and how to create a warm and balanced winter practice beautifully aligned with mountain life. There is a distinct emotional landscape to Montana winters. The farther north and the higher the elevation, the more dramatically winter light changes. In places like Bozeman or Jackson Hole, daylight shortens by several hours and the quality of the winter sun shifts to a lower, more diffuse angle. This has real effects on our bodies. Circadian rhythms slow down a bit, inviting more rest. Serotonin dips, affecting mood and energy levels. Melatonin increases, making us sleepier, or causing morning grogginess. Coupled with cold temperatures, the lack of light can cause some people to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is more common in high-altitude regions with prolonged cloud cover blocking the sun over deep valleys, as in Bozeman. If you find yourself feeling unusually tired, craving carbs, or needing longer periods of stillness, you’re not “lazy” — your biology is syncing with the season. Imagine a bear gorging on food in autumn and early winter before going into deep hibernation and you get the picture. Your body is doing what mammals tend to do with intense seasonal changes. But, because you live in the “real world,” you can’t just stuff your face and sleep in a cave until May. The atmosphere in the Rockies in winter is thin, cold and dry compared to a winter spent up near the Great Lakes Region, where the season tends to be a lot more humid. If you stick around these parts long enough you will hear locals say, “Ya, its cold but it’s a dry cold.” And while that’s true, the drier air can cause its own mischief. Dehydration coupled with high altitude can affect your breathing efficiency, while cold temps cause the body to allocate energy towards warmth. All of this can create subtle

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

physical stress that influences mood. Some people may get the ‘Winter Blues,’ experiencing more fatigue, more emotional sensitivity, less motivation, and a feeling that they need isolation, introspection and an emotional hibernation of sorts. As a seasoned veteran of Rocky Mountain winters for going on four plus decades now, I get it! Coping in winter, to the point of actually enjoying the season is, for most of us, an acquired skill. First off, you gotta learn how to dress the part. My first winter in the region was the infamous Winter of ’79. I was living in Jackson Hole, Bozeman’s neighbor to the South, as a 12 year old transplant from Los Angeles. (Yikes! I just outed myself as a California native!) It was so cold in Jackson Hole that year that the mighty Snake River turned to thick ice. Temps were recorded in the negative sixties, not including wind chill. One January day while waiting for the school bus, snot frozen to my cheek and my double socked toes were freezing in my boots, I decided that waiting outdoors in that cold was probably not safe or smart. I ran back to the house and turned on the radio to learn that it was so cold that the buses would not run. Even the chairlift on the town ski hill was out of commission—now that’s cold! That winter, I learned to wear double layers of long underwear (polypropelyne hadn’t really caught on yet) underneath my snow pants, two pair of wool socks, snowpacks, sweater, parka, a hat and heavy gloves just to go out to play in the snow. The knowledge that hypothermia and frostbite were real as taught to me in Hunter’s Safety class led me to realize that Mother Nature wasn’t fooling around. I learned to respect the forces of nature that winter. I also learned that the cold is much more agreeable if you are dressed appropriately. Today, we have ready access to fabrics that are lightweight and keep the cold out much better than what we wore in the past; many of the styles are actually fun and fashionable. As the saying goes, when you look good, you feel good. If you are going to freeze to death, you may as well go out in style. Seriously, though, there is no need to be cold if your clothing is properly layered. So what’s the big deal about being cold, anyway? Besides the harmful effects extreme cold can have on the physical body, it can also take a toll on mental well-being. When you’re exposed to cold, even in a mild, indoor way, the body perceives it as a form of stress. Cold exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases norepinephrine, adrenaline, and even cortisol. While short-term cold may be invigorating, prolonged cold is draining. Secondly, you need to practice the art of Mind Over Matter. Focusing your thoughts on how cold it is or how un-sunny the skies are will only increase these beliefs as your reality. Thoughts become things, and reversing your thinking can work in your favor. How to do this? Consider the Nordic practice of Hygge (HOO-gah). Advocates of this system reimagine all the things that winter brings, including the cold, clouds and

seclusion, as something not to dread but to invite by creating tiny but powerful pockets of warmth in their everyday lives. Small changes like creating a roaring fireplace focal point with warmly scented candles on the mantelpiece, or pulling a chair over to a bright window and adding a cozy blanket and a mug of warm cocoa embraces Hygge perfectly. Wearing your favorite wool socks and wool cap INDOORS is Hygge. Hot Epsom salt baths with invigorating essential oils or sitting in a sauna are also Hygge. Slow cooking a crock of bison stew while a loaf of sourdough bread bakes in the oven is uber-Hygge. Hygge is sensory and brings grounding and a sense of rootedness. By adding a little Hygge practice day by day, bit by bit, you will be well on your way to not only adapting to winter, but enjoying it. Not everyone is affected by winter in an adverse way. For some, these same atmospheric conditions (cold, dry, cloudy, dark) can enhance feelings of mental clarity and sharpness, and these folks tend to thrive in the crispness of the season. Winter gives them a sense of sanctuary, outdoor beauty that seems otherworldly (ever experience cold smoke or diamond dust?), the thrill of the elements, and a return to ritual and slowness. Winter encourages earlier bedtimes, cups of tea, candlelight, and

slow cooking, satisfying a deep ancestral need for ritual and reflection. In a way, these inherently Mountain People are Hygge People, even if they don’t know it yet. There is a sense of belonging among Mountain People. Mountain communities are known for their unique camaraderie. People give each other the “hi” sign, one hand on the steering wheel and a wave of the fingers, as they pass on snowy roads. Neighbors help dig each other out after a heavy snowfall. They always keep an extra set of jumper cables in their vehicle and some WD-40 to coax a friend’s frozen engine to start. Even a simple trip to the local coffee shop feels more intimate and connected than in any other season. Mountain communities like ours thrive on these types of intimate interactions. It is how we show we care for one another and that, though it may be damn cold and dark outside, our hearts are warm. J Kathleen Johns is the owner/founder of Mantra located in Bozeman, MT. Kathleen holds a degree in English Literature from MSU/Bozeman and is an avid high altitude gardener. You can connect with Kathleen through her website at www.KathleenJohns.com

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

A SURE CURE FOR THE WINTER BLUES

THE MONTANA STATE COLLEGE SKI CARNIVAL 32

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

Rachel Phillips

n 1954, the Montana State College Ski Club introduced an event to celebrate the sport they loved, and to boost student morale. Held annually in January or February, the Ski Carnival was a welcome mid-season break for students. Activities and events ran the gamut from sport to sculpture. Recreational and competitive skiing was huge at Montana State College in the mid-twentieth century. The sport boomed in popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, and several ski hills were developed in the Bozeman area that catered to families and college students. The first ski jumping competition in Gallatin County was held at Karst Ranch in Gallatin Canyon in 1937. The Bozeman Ski Club formed in the mid1930s; club members hosted early ski jumping meets, and established ski hills near Bozeman at Pine Hill and in Bear Canyon.

Bear Canyon became the popular spot for winter recreation in the 1940s, and the newly formed Montana State College Ski Club spent every chance they could on the slopes, where they practiced technique and tried to avoid injury. A description of the Club in the 1947 Montanan annual creatively described the group. “Have you got a broken leg, neck or clavicle?... do you ache in embarrassing places?... do you jump with joy when a blizzard is forecast?... then you must be a member of the Ski Club... on the campus they are active in organizing ski meets and arranging various entertainments of interest to skiers.” Bridger Bowl was born in 1954, and rope tows, lifts, and a ski jump were soon added. The Montana State College Ski Club and Ski continued on next page Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

Ski Carnival p. 32 Team continued to practice at Bear Canyon, but gradually Bridger Bowl became Bozeman’s skiing destination. Bear Canyon Ski Area was eventually acquired by Mount Ellis Academy, which operated the rope tow and chair lift. MSC students enjoyed Bear Canyon into the 1970s. A short article in the Montana State College school newspaper, the Exponent, on January 22, 1971, encouraged skiers to try night skiing there under the lights. The signature event put on by MSC’s Ski Club was the Ski Carnival, which made its debut in February 1954. That year, carnival events were held in conjunction with a formal ski meet. Besides MSC, participating schools included Idaho State, University of Utah, Utah State Agriculture College, and the University of Montana (which at that time was known as Montana State University). Intramural and intercollegiate skiers competed in cross-country, giant slalom, and slalom races, as well as in the ever-popular ski jumping. On February 4, the Exponent noted that an in-state traveling trophy would be awarded to the winner of the team competition between Montana State College and MSU in Missoula. The Carnival was a success that first year, and it was noted as a popular winter quarter activity in almost every Montanan yearbook from 1954 until 1971. In addition to serious ski races held at Bridger Bowl, many Carnival competitions included a variety of unique races that were no doubt hilarious for spectators. On February 1, 1957, the Exponent advertised the upcoming Ski Carnival’s “novelty races.” “Novelty races open to everyone will be held at the Bridger ski bowl. No skill is needed and awards in the form of buckles, belts, ski accessories, and pins will be given to the winners.” The novelty races featured some rather unusual and challenging competitions.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

“The program lists a rope race in which two skiers are tied together, a three-legged ski race, and a giant slalom for all those enrolled in beginning skiing.” Night skiing events also added to the thrill of the Ski Carnival. The tradition of the “torchlight parade” provided opportunities for some interesting photography, as a multitude of skiers with flashlights and other sources of illumination made their way down the mountain at Bridger Bowl. On February 7, 1965, the Great Falls Tribune published a photo titled “Night Spectacle” by Steve Cox, captioned, “Skier’s leave patterns of light in the night as they weave down the slope at Bridger Bowl in the torchlight parade during the annual Winter Carnival... ” Besides skiing, another integral piece of the Carnival in the 1950s and 1960s was the election of a “ski” or “snow” king and queen. Candidates were chosen from the Greek membership and voted on by the student body. Royalty were crowned during a ceremony at the Ski Carnival dance. Photos of the kings and queens were published in the Montanan yearbook alongside Homecoming royalty and other honorees. In 1957, Sue Keller of Pi Phi and Bob Bleakman of Sigma Alpha Epsilon won the crowns. Queen Sue Keller also took home first place in the novelty ski race. Without a doubt, one of the most popular events associated with the Ski Club’s Carnival was the snow sculpture competition. This legendary battle was open to fraternities, sororities, and in some years, dormitories. Participating houses constructed magnificent snowy creations and scenes in their front yards. Judges examined the sculptures and awarded the winners. Each year’s snow sculptures surpassed the prior year’s creations in ingenuity and detail.

The snow sculpture competition was introduced with the first Ski Carnival in 1954, when an Exponent reporter compiled a short description of upcoming activities. “I’d like to put in a special plug for the snow sculptures. Prizes will be given for the sculpture which the committee feels is the most original and prettiest. Also the King and Queen event is of interest since this is something new on campus. The girls elect a king and the boys a queen. Go, go, go everybody. Do your bit to make this carnival a success—it’s bound to be fun.” Top honors in the snow sculpture contest that first year went to Pi Kappa Alpha, a fraternity housed at 502 South Grand Avenue. A smiling figure sat in a life-sized, two-door convertible which featured detailed hubcaps and fenders and a rear-mounted spare tire. In 1957, Alpha Omicron Pi, a sorority located at South Fifth and West Garfield, won the competition with their presentation of a couple sitting in front of a wood stove. Sigma Nu, located on West College Street, won for the men that year, with a rearing horse pulling a sleigh carrying a

Bobcat couple as passengers. While many sculptures incorporated MSC’s bobcat mascot, some creations depicted famous characters and scenes. In 1959, first place was given to Sigma Alpha Epsilon for their recreation of Charles M. Russell’s famous painting “Waiting on a Chinook,” or “The Last of the Five Thousand,” in which a pack of wolves closes in on a starving cow during Montana’s infamous harsh winter of 1886-1887. Kappa Delta sorority won the women’s competition that year for their scene depicting a dapper gentleman offering his hand to a woman in a sleigh. In 1960, the bow of a massive submarine emerged through icy waters directly in front of the Men’s Co-op house at 712 South Willson Avenue. One year, a Ford Model A Coupe pulled a toboggan with three riders in front of the SAE house (now known as the Story Mansion) at 811 South Willson Avenue. In the mid-1960s, MSC’s Ski Club began partnering with the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce to organize and promote the Ski Carnival, which continued through 1971. That last year, the Exponent advertised that the Carnival was planned for the end of January. A snow sculpture contest was again included in the list of events, but this time the icy works of art were constructed at sites in downtown Bozeman, not at Greek residences. The city provided “raw material” snow piles for use by competitors. Other events that year included a parade float building competition and the traditional torchlight parade. This year, if winter drags on too long and cabin fever strikes, get inspired by MSC’s Ski Carnival. Night skiing or a three-legged ski race could be fun, but if safety is a concern, build a life-sized snow sculpture for your neighbors to enjoy. R

Rachel Phillips is the Research Director at the Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman. Visit the Gallatin History Museum at 317 W Main Street in Bozeman, gallatinhistorymuseum.org, or on Facebook and Instagram.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

REC & HEALTH

WINTER CAMPING Steve McGann

inter is the season of dramatic contrasts: the dazzling light of sun on snow, then the full dark of 5PM; the wonderful warmth of a room with a fireplace and the numbing cold just outside the front door; the gaiety of a holiday group, and the solitude of an evening stroll. Camping in winter accentuates these contrasts; they become more intense, and it’s serious business. It becomes necessary to create your own heat and light. This is especially true of winter backpacking. This is not the rough comfort of a hunting camp, but a winter trip where all of your gear is on your back. My first summer backpacking trip was not an overnight, but an organized, month-long trek in the mountains. Actually, I had never really hiked until I pulled on a 60 pound pack and hit the trail. Well, I was nineteen. Immediately after returning from that trip, I signed up for a two week January outing. The August trip was pretty hard, but we managed it. How much tougher could a winter trip be? The answer was: a whole lot tougher. First of all, we still had the 60 pound packs, but in the winter we were on skis. As a midwestern boy, this was also something I had never done. The trails were covered in snow; good thing we had guides to keep us on track. A couple of nights camping in the leafless aspen groves were amazing. The cold was manageable with a bright fire and warm sleeping bags. As we ascended the mountain, things became interesting. The snow deepened. It was necessary to firmly pack down the snow in order to set up tents. If the snow was left unpacked, a person’s warmth would melt it and the base would collapse and take the tent along. Constructing a campfire was a major undertaking. All of the snow had to be removed from an area about 25 feet in diameter. Sometimes this snow was six to eight feet deep. Once this was done, we built snow seats around the fire ring for sitting. The advantage of all this work was that we were in a kind of basement, and out of the wind. Once the blaze was going, we could sit in our shirtsleeves until well after dark, heating endless pots of water for cocoa, tea, and coffee. The time required for setting up and breaking down camp used up half of the daylight hours. We had about four or five left to ski up the peak. Above tree line, the wind made our tents useless, so we built a three- room snow cave. There was one big communal room

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

for lounging and cooking, and two side chambers for sleeping. There were about a dozen of us. It was very cozy. We used ski poles to poke holes in the roof for ventilation. One of our guides came into the cave after dark and stated that the wind was blowing 80 mph. We asked how he knew the speed. He said that he could not stand up—that meant 80 mph. So, we all had to go out and see if he was correct. Yup, the wind blew us over like bowling pins. Our skis worked fine getting us up the hill. They were wide, and distributed our weight. We had climbing skins for the steep stretches. After weathering the storm on the peak, we started down. This was a complete comedy—an endless series of zigzags across the slope. Wobble down, zig across, fall down, get up and zag; wobble, repeat. Not too bad unless your fall was in deep powder and your pack slipped over your head and pinned you upside down. If the track was through trees, the experience resembled pinball. We did learn, got better, survived. In the immortality of those early adult years, it never occurred to any of us that we could not do something. Our only concern was to not look stupid while we were attempting it. This was dealt with by realizing that there was always someone who was worse at each skill. In time, memories fade from hard facts to fantasy. For years after that, I camped in three seasons, but kept my winter outings to day use only. I learned to ski and snowshoe competently. Finally, when a friend suggested winter camping, I mentioned that I was experienced. That outing was a one-night trek up Hyalite Canyon. In fact, all of my winter camping since that first lengthy trip has been intentionally limited to one-nighters—less suffering and more fun. For some reason, the joy of anticipation for trips does not extend to the planning stage for me. That always seems like work. There were three of us on this one. We collected sets of snowshoes, figured out the food, agreed on the times. In those days, the Hyalite road was not paved. The standard plan was to drive in until you became stuck, abandon the vehicle, walk the rest, and dig out on the way back to town. We accomplished that task and snowshoed up the rest of the road. We ended the day at Blackmore Lake and set up camp under a relatively snow-free area in a grove of fir trees. Two of us had brought elaborate frozen food; stew, chili, biscuits. The other guy brought a six-pack of beer and a bag of

M&M’s. We yelled at him for a while until he handed each of us a cold one. We had the M&M’s for dessert. In the morning, we played in the snow like little kids, found a cliff and jumped off it for hours into a twenty foot drift. By the time we packed up to start our trek out, it was dusk. The next few hours included a losing race with some cross-country skiers, a breakneck hitchhike in the dark on snowmobiles, and digging out our truck by flashlight. It was a glorious trip. It would take just a few pages to relate all my winter camping experiences, as there have not been that many. They were all as eventful as the one just recounted—except one. On a January afternoon, I drove into the Bridgers, parked, and skied off alone with an overnight pack. Within a few miles, I located a camp spot with an open meadow of undisturbed snow to the front and a thick stand of forest behind. I sat on a pad and watched the sun sink beneath the ridge. It was cold, yet I stayed warm in my layers. I was content, relaxing before setting up camp. But after half an hour I got up, strapped on my skis, shouldered the pack and skied back to the truck and camper in the early dark. I didn’t drive anywhere, just started a burner, turned on a light, cooked some dinner and spent the night. I had been comfortable in the hills, but too alone. I felt vulnerable in the cold and the dark in a way that I did not want to deal with. So I didn’t. Normally, I enjoy some solitude, but that day in that environment, it was too much. Most of my later outings involved a partner and a Forest Service cabin rental. Those were wonderful times. Carefree skiing without worry about weather or storms, since there was a refuge at our destination. That feels like a different story for another time.

A note on gear: In the 70s, comfort and weight were not as important as function. Things had to work. Sometimes that meant heavy and clunky. Our skis and boots were Army surplus, 10th Mountain Division. They were red, white and blue wooden skis, giant leather boots and cable bindings. Ugly and cumbersome, but they worked. We wore mostly wool; heavy, scratchy and bulky, it performed, wet or dry. We had basic stoves, but relied on campfires for both warmth and some of our cooking. Modern outdoor equipment and clothing is light, comfortable, and warm. The popularity of the ski industry in the last fifty years has led to amazing innovations in fabrics and techniques for winter clothing. There is micro-fleece, wool blends, layering, seemingly endless choices for warmth and for wicking away moisture. Skis and their hardware are manufactured for every type of skiing and boarding, and for any snow conditions. Winter camping is not easy, but now it is more fun. Beyond the reminiscing, the stories, the clothing and gear requirements, there is something psychologically different about the outdoor winter experience. While being in the mountains is always special, in winter it becomes intense. It is like the difference between local theatre and a Broadway show. Things are magnified; bright light and biting cold suddenly becomes pitch dark, and even colder. All movement must be deliberate, thought out. There is a need to concentrate; that becomes easier in the calm, the overwhelming quiet we inhabit in that environment. It is not hostile, but it is foreign. Move slowly and deliberately, enjoy and respect. S Steve McGann is cheating winter, sitting under the palm trees in Arizona.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

REC & HEALTH

SOME WINTER

WISDOM Topher Sedlak

ast month, we walked through the East Side and up Peet’s Hill. Several kids, one in a football helmet, were sledding the mini bowl. Clouds covered the Bridgers, but a huge vault of blue spread over the valley. Bench legs stood in green patches melted by the warm sun. A dozen chickadees were having a noisy frat party. A few sets of deer tracks broke the hill’s crunchy coating. On the walk back, the front door of a house swung open. Someone went out for porch packages. We heard a grouchy, “I hate winter!” and their fast retreat. We laughed. Hate something and it often hates you back. How to deal with winter? There are many vids online about winterizing your house (change the furnace filter midway; ceiling fans clockwise, on low), vehicles (tires!), and garden. But how to winterize yourself? Some tricks: Set up a bedroom lamp on a timer so you don’t get up in the dark. Staying hydrated isn’t just for summertime. Get a few real pairs of gloves. However, the biggest hack involves your mind. It’s about perspective and attitude. The reality is that winters in Bozeman aren’t that bad. For every out-of-stater reading this and scratching their head, three are saying, “Yes!” For one, we don’t have humid summers or humid winters. Damp cold fills your clothes and sinks into your bones. Here, if it’s 20ºF some clear morning, the humidity is low. At 1ºF it’s even drier. We’d rather hike or ski in 15ºF, 20% humidity weather than 35ºF and 90%. As for winter temps, the average high in the valley is 37ºF, above freezing. Most of the top half of the U.S. can’t claim being that mild. Yes, it gets colder here. Sometimes

much colder. But, when we get an Arctic blast of 10ºF or lower it doesn’t last nearly as long as it does to our east. Below-zero temps stick around in Minnesota and Manitoba for weeks. Montana east of the Divide has sunny winters. People in NYC and Michigan—not just Seattle—don’t see the sun from late October to Saint Pat’s, or even Easter. Some sources claim Bozeman has 300 sunny days a year. Other data shows 200. Definitions make discrepancies. Digging deeper, Bozeman has 188 clear, bluebird days and 112 days with some sun—a full-sun afternoon after a rainy

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

morning, and the blue-sky days with cotton ball clouds. That leaves only 65 overcast days. That’s just two months, spread around the calendar. It’s rare to have more than three socked-in days in a row in any season. Note that Montanans in Model T times called the bright, gray times “silver skies.” Another local magazine recently used a cliché about fall being brief, even though people were still wearing shorts the first week of October (not rare), and it was 70 in the shade and 85 in the high sun the day after Halloween. That’s possible a couple years per decade, while two other years it’s

snowy for much of November. It was even 20Fº warmer here than in Tampa for a few days. Fall isn’t short. And winter isn’t automatically longer; it’s December 1 to March 1 (meteorologically), and December 21 to March 19 (astronomically), like the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. The basic fact is that living in the Rockies means it can snow at middle elevations in the fall and spring. This is part of life in all mountain ranges, from the Alps to the Andes. Also, it could be worse. Bozeman’s snowiest month is January, but in Colorado Springs and Cheyenne it’s March and April. Winters aren’t created equally around Montana. If there’s a foot of snow at Chico, there can be none in Miles City or north of Helena. Elevation is key. Winter weather is often milder or shorter in Missoula and Billings than in Bozeman. The east side usually has more snow than the western ‘hoods, burbs, and Belgrade. The west end of the Gallatin Valley, lower and in a rain shadow (and with a longer growing season), gets fewer flakes than the Fort Ellis area. Butte and West Yellowstone have harsher and longer winter weather. But, this flips during a temperature inversion. Cold air is dense. I once saw it +22ºF south of town at 5,100 feet, but -22ºF at Three Forks (4,100 ft.) during an “Albertan Visit.” Note that town can get that cold; the blast in 2022 was brutal but brief. For some people, the pain point isn’t colder temps, it’s shorter days. Something many Montanans know: Vitamin D3 is your friend; enough in the winter greatly improves energy and mood. We now know D3’s role goes beyond calcium metabolism and bones. It’s crucial for immune function and serotonin formation. Serotonin brings the fuller sense of well-being vs. the fleeting enjoyment of

dopamine. One is a really good, long meal. The other is a Labrador retriever scarfing a cookie. Most Americans are D3-deficient in all seasons, even those with lighter skin. Research also shows that as we age we make less D3 when exposed to sunlight. Look into D3 supplements. As far as day lengths, these could also be worse. Much worse. The earliest sunset in Boston is 4:11 p.m. The city is at sea level, so it’s pitch black before 4:30. In Seattle and Edmonton, sunset on Christmas is 4:20. This is 3:50 in London, 3:45 in Anchorage, and 2:50 in Stockholm. Imagine nightfall two hours after your lunch break. Instead, Bozeman’s December sunsets are like Denver’s. They’re south of us, but they’re also farther east in the same time zone. We beat them during the opposite side of the year, with an hour more light in the evening. A surprise for many people is that sunset and sunrise times are staggered. They don’t line up with the Solstices —the shortest and longest days. My Army Ranger grandfather pointed this out when I was young. If you’re reading this the second weekend in January, know that we’re already a month past the darkest. The earliest sunset in Bozeman is on December 9 and 10, although the

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

shortest day is the 21st. Our latest sunrises are consequently after the Solstice, at New Year’s. (The same thing happens in summer, reversed. The earliest sunrises begin before June’s Solstice, and the latest sunset times extend into July.) An antidote to winter blahs is simply noticing the days getting longer. On January 10 we’re back to 5:00 sunsets and nine hours of light. On January 25 we have an hour more light than at the Solstice. Groundhog Day has sunrise at 7:45 and sunset at 5:30, meaning it’s still light out at 6:00+. Our first 10-hour day is February 6. Four days later, February 10 lines up with Halloween—at that point we return to October day lengths. Mark that on your calendar.

Things change quickly late January to late March. Our first 11-hour day is also in February, on the 26th. Farther north, the rate of change is even greater. Folks from Fairbanks will say they add seven more minutes of light per day, each day. Of course, they lose at the same rate in the fall. Montana isn’t so extreme. We’re not as far north as many Americans believe. Bozeman lines up with Northern Italy and Southern France. The Storm Castle area and Ennis Lake are due west of Venice. Head up to Helena and you’re straight across from Switzerland. Great Falls has the latitude of Budapest, and Glacier Park lines up with Paris. Sure, it doesn’t snow in most of Texas, although the Panhandle can have some wick-

ed blizzards. Then again, they’re due west of Africa. Deep winter for the Ojibwe, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and Blackfoot of Montana is Storytelling Time. The longer nights are filled with detailed histories and sacred tales. Snow on the ground means spirits are sleeping. It’s also more respectful to speak of bears, turtles, and frogs as they nap. We get winter in Montana. It’s inevitable. There are tricks to handle the cold and shorter days. Get outside. Move. If you don’t have time, money, or the knees to ski, walk around your neighborhood. (Clear your sidewalks, people; it’s the law.) Head to the same routes—Sourdough, Sypes, Cherry Creek, Madison Buffalo Jump—as your fast summer treks. Boots pack down the trails; snowshoes not needed. Remember, there are miles of trails in town, and not just the Gallagator. Greenway and Harvest Park trails connect the Mall with Gallatin County Park. Above all, keep things in perspective. Montana’s winters are not humid, and do not have the prolonged cold or gloom that engulfs much of the northern U.S. and Canada. We can also get also warm chinook winds—taste tests of spring in the middle of winter. Winter is a time to slow down—especially when driving—recoup, and regroup. Think of January as the Sunday Afternoon of the Year. With some practice, winter becomes a season which gives you vitality instead of taking it away. A Topher Sedlak’s kin have lived in Montana for seven generations. When he’s not doing chemistry or genetics and genetic genealogy—including finding the bio parents of adopted individuals—he’s in the mountains with his family.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

REC & HEALTH

The Pull of

Winter

HOW SKIJORING BRINGS MONTANA TOGETHER Sydney Jones

Photos: Jack Guggenheimer

ontana winters may be cold and unforgiving, but they’re also defined by community, sports, and shared traditions. While locals are well accustomed to the state’s world-class skiing and snowboarding, they’re equally as familiar with an old pastime that is experiencing a modern revival—skijoring. Popular throughout the American West, this high-energy sport is rapidly growing in both participation and viewership. With annual competitions becoming increasingly common, skijoring has carved out a vibrant niche in Montana, especially in the Bozeman and Big Sky scenes, where the state’s passion for skiing finds an exhilarating twist. Skijoring merges aspects of many beloved pastimes, like rodeo and snow sports, while maintaining a grassroots feel through its festival-style events. This February 7th and 8th, Big Sky Skijoring makes its much-anticipated return to Montana with the Best in the West Showdown. The event continues to raise the bar for the fast-growing winter sport. Among the standout competitors is Montucky Cold Snacks-sponsored skijorer Tayler Stobaugh, whose return adds star power to an already competitive field. Stobaugh’s journey into Skijoring began at just 12 years old. Though she always knew she wanted to be a rider, she first strapped on a pair of skis to get her foot in the door. Soon after, she was paired with her own horse, Little Bo Peep, the teammate she still rides today. Since her beginning, Stobaugh has seen success in the sport, thanks to her hard work and approachable, kind nature. She has often said the best part

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

of Skijoring is the community, along with the support she receives from spectators. Stobaugh has become known as the face of skijoring, bringing widespread positive attention to the sport while residing in none other than Big Sky, Montana. At Big Sky Skijoring, the spectacle extends far beyond the competition itself. The event has cultivated an atmosphere that transforms a cold Montana weekend into something exciting and communal, while remaining unmistakably local. Food trucks sit scattered across the event grounds, while local craft beer and cocktails are served alongside conversations. Meanwhile, game tents and wood-burning firepits offer warmth and a welcome break from the biting cold air. These gathering spots offer more than just a warm stop on your way; they create a social heartbeat within the event. Here, newcomers strike up conversations with longtime residents, while old friends reunite, and strangers exchange quick smiles over firepits. All of this unfolds just beside the course, where hooves thunder, and skiers carve through snow at breakneck speeds. No matter where you find yourself standing at Big Sky Skijoring, you’re never far from the action or from the sense of community that makes Montana winters feel alive. One of the liveliest spots at the event is the Montucky Cold Snacks Pop-Up Bar, The YeeHaw Inn. A long line often snakes out the front, promising an experience that transports visitors into a classic dive bar. Inside, neon lights glow on the wood-paneled walls, and shelves are stacked with Montucky merch. The atmosphere isn’t just

for show. Guests can immerse themselves in the experience through games like Plinko as they wait and try their luck at snagging some of that Montucky gear. All it takes to play is a drink token, typically included with most Montucky beer purchases. The pop-up perfectly blends fun, community, and a little friendly competition, making it a must-stop for skijoring fans and newcomers alike. Just beyond the skijoring track, a massive inflatable landing ramp hums to life, signaling that the action never truly stops. During breaks between races, the spotlight shifts to two snowmobiles that rip across the snow, launching into a series of stomach-dropping freestyle stunts. Riders twist through backflips, stretch into supermans, and occasionally merge the two into one gravity-defying combination. Each time a sled approaches the jump, an eerie hush settles over the crowd, before erupting into cheers when the rider touches down safely. Later this month, the Bozeman area will see an additional thrilling skijoring event. Hosted by Pro Skijor, America’s first professional skijoring season kicks off in early 2026 in Utah, before making its way to Bozeman’s Gallatin County Fairgrounds on January 24th and 25th. The sport’s growth owes much to Pro Skijor co-founders and lifelong friends Brian Gardner and Joe Loveridge, both passionate advocates of the Western lifestyle. Since launching Pro Skijor in 2017, they have nurtured its growth into a national phenomenon, getting ready to celebrate its inaugural Frontier Tour in 2026. Another important event on the Montana skijoring list is Red Lodge Skijoring, hosted each March in Red Lodge. As the home of the sport’s national finals, the event draws competitors and fans from

across the country. Held the second weekend of March at the historic Home of the Champions Rodeo Grounds, it brings its own unique energy to the winter sport. The weather is typically more forgiving by then, adding to the festival-like atmosphere. Live music, local food, and flowing drinks transform the weekend into a full-fledged celebration, one that at times feels like its own variation of a winter rodeo. Ultimately, what makes Montana’s skijoring scene so compelling isn’t just the speed, the stunts, or the competition—it’s the way the events bring people together. From the frozen Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds, to the historic rodeo grounds of Red Lodge, to the Best in the West Showdown of Big Sky, fans, friends, and families gather to celebrate their shared love of winter, sports, and local traditions. Firepits, snowy courses, and pop up bars allow strangers to become friends at every event. Even in the coldest months, the warmth of community and connection is unmistakable, proving that Montana winters, while harsh, are at their best when people come together to enjoy the thrill, the spectacle, and the camaraderie of Montana pastimes like skijoring. G A native Montanan, Sydney Jones enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog, Mae. She works as a sports writer, and also loves art, animals, and adventure. Photographer: Jack Guggenheimer is founder and lead photographer of Yellowstone Photography, finds inspiration in the West. His photographs highlight fleeting moments, bringing nature to life in each image.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

Top10

REC & HEALTH

AN M E Z O B N I O UNPLUG

PLACES T

Josi Hinds

ow that a new year has come and the bustling holiday season has passed, it’s time to slow down and recenter as we make our way through the rest of the winter. Luckily, the cold weather doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of ways to unwind here in Bozeman. To help you navigate all the options, here’s our Top 10 list for spots where you can unplug.

THE SKI HILL

The ski hill is a popular refuge for many Bozemanites, making it a natural start to this list. Bozeman is surrounded by miles of beautiful mountain ranges that ski resorts like Bridger Bowl and Big Sky give you an opportunity to explore. Bridger Bowl, located roughly 30 minutes outside of Bozeman, makes a great ski spot for its proximity alone. The hill has eight lifts, several cafeterias and restaurants, and offers rentals and lessons for its skiers. Plus, the resort makes it easier for Bozemanites

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

to ski by partnering with local bus companies to offer a free bus service to the hill. It also hosts several events and promotions throughout the season. On January 16th, Bridger Bowl will celebrate its 71st birthday with discounted lift tickets. If you can’t make that, University students / faculty and staff can also get a deal on lift tickets on January 23rd for MSU Ski Day. Other events this winter will include the King and Queen of the Ridge hike and ski race, and a Bridger Gully freeride competition and terrain park jam, all taking place in February. A roughly hour-long drive south will

bring you to Big Sky Ski Resort. Big Sky has over 300 runs and a multitude of shops, restaurants and hotels. In addition to providing lessons and rentals, you can also sign up for guided experiences and clinics. Downhill skiing isn’t the only way to explore Bozeman’s mountains. A few minutes past Bridger Bowl, you’ll find the Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Crosscut includes 500 acres of land and 28 miles of trails, and makes a great spot for Nordic skiing. Plus, you can bring your dog with you on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays after 3 p.m. or enjoy a night ski for a discounted rate after 4 p.m. Crosscut isn’t the only destination for the Nordic skier. The Bridger Ski Foundation maintains trails at seven locations in Bozeman, including Sourdough Canyon, Hyalite Canyon, Bridger Creek Golf Course and Sunset Hills.

STORY MILL PARK

There are several great parks in Bozeman you can visit for a winter stroll, but Story Mill Park off Rouse might be one of the best. The 60acre park opened in 2019 and features four miles of trails, a playground, observation and sledding hills, a dog park, and access to the East Gallatin River. While 20 acres of the park are dedicated to recreating, the remaining 40 offer a protected nature sanctuary for the surrounding wetland and wildlife areas. The trails through the park make a great way to unwind with a walk. With the Bridgers in the background, you can also explore a number of art installations fixed throughout the trail system. The Sacajawea Audubon Society also maintains bird feeders in the park, making it a great spot for bird watching. With so many options for enjoying the outdoors, Story Mill Park is a must for connecting with yourself and Bozeman’s flora and fauna this winter.

HOT SPRINGS

If you’re looking for somewhere more low-key to relax this winter, check out a hot spring. Bozeman Hot Springs is the easiest to get to, located just eight miles west of Bozeman. It features 12 different pools ranging in temperature from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 106 degrees, all heated from an underground well. Four of these pools are located outside, and the facility hosts live music Thursday and Sunday nights. If you’re looking for something to sip on or eat, you can also check out the cafe for coffees and teas, pastries and flatbreads. If you’re up for a longer trek, check out Norris Hot Springs near Ennis. The hot spring and cafe is open Thursday through Monday, with private soaking sessions available to book on Wednesdays. Norris features one 40’ x 40’ pool, fed by a series of artisan springs, kept at a temperature of 106 degrees. The 50 Mile Cafe provides visitors with locally produced food, some of which

is sourced from Norris Hot Springs’ own garden, and its No Loose Dog Saloon sells locally crafted beers, ciders, and kombucha. For longer visits, check out Chico Hot Springs Resort or Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for great weekend getaways.

THE SPA

Naturally, getting a massage or facial at a spa is a great way to build some downtime into your schedule and take care of your body and mind. There are a number of spas in Bozeman you can visit, but here are a couple recommendations. Located off South 19th is the Canyon River Spa and Salon. This spa focuses on a wellness-based approach to beauty and treatments, and offers a variety of services to meet any need you may have. This includes a salon for a quick trim or a full hair treatment, and a variety of massage options including Ashiatsu, a barefoot massage using Japanese techniques, and Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage. They also offer waxes, facials, lash and brow treatments, and body treatments like wraps and exfoliants. For a cozier ambiance, check out Hibernate Day Spa off 11th Avenue. This spa intentionally combines rustic charm with luxurious services. They offer massages from 30 minutes up to two-hours, and you can add Reiki to your session as available. You can also check out seasonal body wraps, crafted to complement the time of year, custom facials to address specific needs, and lash and brow treatments to start the new year feeling your best.

WINTER FARMER’S MARKET

On Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, the Winter Farmer’s Market takes place at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds. The market is a great way to connect with seasonal produce and local makers, and includes vendors from several regional farms and small businesses. Stop by Kokoro Farm’s stand for seasonal bouquets and vegetables, or Highland Harmony’s stand for nutritious grains, beans and honey. Handmade jam is available for sale from Red Hen Jams, and fun, functional pottery is available from BratCat Pottery. Not only can you swing by the market with your friends and family for a leisurely morning— you also have the chance to support local businesses during the off-season!

THE BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

For a great place to unplug, check out the Bozeman Public Library. In addition to housing an impressive collection of books, the library has several spaces for relaxing, collaboration, and study. You can reserve study, conference and meeting rooms at the library for free, and the Children’s Room is full of

toys, books and couches, so you can unwind as your kids explore what the library has to offer. The building’s open design and large windows make the space bright and welcoming, so you can tuck in while still appreciating the scenery surrounding Bozeman. The library is also constantly hosting events. Adults can swing by for craft workshops, Thursday’s Table events, where community members share family recipes, or writer’s groups. On Saturday afternoons, the library invites local jazz artists to fill the building with two hours of live music. Bring the kids to the library’s storytimes and interactive lessons; teenagers can check out the Teen’s Corner to make their own crafts to bring home. The library even has a lab, which you can reserve for up to two hours a day, after completing introductory training. The lab includes Cricut machines, sewing and embroidery machines and a 3D printer. The library also has a kitchen that community members can use for cooking classes and demonstrations. Browse art from local artists in the atrium, and enjoy public art displays lining the sidewalk behind the building. With so many opportunities for play, engagement and learning at the library, it’s the perfect place to explore with your friends and family this winter.

ARTS ON FIRE

If doing something creative helps you unwind, check out Arts on Fire, Bozeman’s locally owned, paint-your-own-pottery studio. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Arts on Fire offers an array of pottery to choose from as your canvas, from mugs and plates to figurines and piggy banks. The studio’s staff will brief you on the glazing process; then, you’ll be on your way to designing your newest souvenir. You can go alone with some good music in your ear, with friends for a crafty catch-up, or with family for a fun, all-ages activity. The studio charges a small paint and firing fee, plus the price of your selected piece. After about a week, your piece will be fired and you can pick it up at your convenience. Additionally, the studio offers several weekly specials and discounts. Tuesday evenings are customer appreciation nights, where the free paint and firing fee is waived. Kids 17 and under get this fee waived all day on Wednesdays, and you can test your luck every Friday evening with a random discount draw. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few hours this winter, swing by Arts on Fire and enjoy the benefit of creating!

THE EMERSON

For more creative inspiration, head over to The Emerson Center. A hub for arts in Bozeman, The Emerson provides studio and gallery space for a number of local artisans, musicians and writers. Walk through the halls of the hundred-year-old building and continued on next page

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

Top 10 Places to Unplug p.44 you might hear the plucking of a guitar or piano, or see an artist brushing paint onto a new work. The Emerson has three gallery spaces. The Weaver Room, located on the second floor, is a gallery for contemporary art, with exhibitions that change regularly. The room is also available to rent, and makes a great space for more intimate gatherings. Meanwhile, the Jewel Box Gallery on the first floor gives Bozeman artists a chance to display work for a month. The Jewel Box Gallery is in the Galleria Hall, where you’ll also find seven unique gallery spaces and shops. Here, you can browse through Montana-made creations for inspiration, a gift for a loved one, or to pick out something special for yourself. The Jessie Wilber Gallery offers a space for regional and national contemporary artists to showcase work of all mediums. In addition to browsing the impressive work of local artists, you can schedule free tours of the Emerson, or drop in on a variety of classes for kids or adults. The Crawford Theater regularly shows films and provides space for live performances, and you can stop for a slice of pizza at Sidewall Pizza Company. The Emerson is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

CAT SHOW CAT CAFE Hanging out with pets is always a great way to ground yourself, but if you don’t have any furry friends at home, then check out the Cat Show Cat Cafe. Started with help from Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, this cafe is located in The Market off Huffine above The Garden Barn. The cafe has eight permanent cat residents, ranging from one to 19 years old, that you can visit for less than ten dollars per person. Reservations are encouraged to make sure there’s space for you to spend time with the cats. While you’re there, you can play with the cat toys provided by the cafe and check out drawings left by previous visitors in the art scrapbook. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even leave a sketch of your own. The cafe’s location in The Market also means there are a variety of nearby restaurants you can visit while you’re there. Make a day of your visit by grabbing a bite at The Little Pink Coffee Trailer, Liberty Burger or Hachi Sushi Pub, and browsing goods at boutiques like Salchicha and Catch.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

CITY VINEYARD WINE BAR

If you’re looking for a different kind of cafe atmosphere to wind down in, check out City Vineyard Wine Bar. Located off Main Street at the Gallatin Valley Mall, the bar features over 5,000 square feet of space, including a tasting lounge, a wine and beer shop and a gourmet food market. Swing by for a few hours to browse over 10,000 wine bottles and find the perfect gourmet food pairing to enjoy your selection with. If a night in is more your style, City Vineyard’s got you covered there, too. They offer several made-to-order food trays, including a charcuterie board, hummus and pickle crudité, and a deviled eggs tray. They have a wide variety of gift baskets with one or more bottles of wine and perfectly paired snacks. Come grab a basket for a dinner with friends, a romantic night with your significant other, or for the cherry on top of your own self-care night. R Josi Hinds was born and raised in Bozeman, and recently returned home after graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in Journalism this past spring. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing with her parents’ corgis, spending time under Montana’s big skies, and crafting.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR

THURSDAY, JAN. 1 BOZEMAN’S CHOICE 2026 RESULTS GO LIVE 8am • www. bozemanmagazine.com Results from the 11th annual Bozeman’s Choice Readers’ Poll will go live on our site on January 1, 2026, and be available in print around town on January 2nd! LARRY MYER 6-8pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge. com Larry Myer is an energetic singer, songwriter and acoustic performer. HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. BINGO NIGHT 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • $20 • 18+ • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com It’s a game that we all know and love, so why not bring everyone down for dinner and drinks! BRIAN KASSAY 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the Bozeman-based loop rock artist Brian Kassay. MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS NORTHERN COLORADO 7pm • Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman • (406) 994-CATS • www.brickbreeden.com BOOTS AND BOURBON - LINE DANCING 7:45-10pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • $10 • All Ages • 4065707422 • www. mtcountrydance.com Line dancing lessons throughout the night! All request line dancing and country swing. No experience? No problem, lessons throughout the night! TOM MARINO 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Live music HOT MILK & THE FLOWER PALLETS 9-11pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Psychedelic Prog from Bozeman

BEN LARSON DUO 9pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Homestyle mountain music about Montana living for everyone to enjoy

FRIDAY, JAN. 2 OPERA MONTANA BOOK CLUB 6-7pm • The Country Bookshelf • FREE • All Ages • (406)587-2889 • www.operamontana.org Join Opera Montana Artistic Director Michael Sakir for a robust, indepth conversation about E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel RAGTIME which inspired the Tony Award-winning musical. BRICE ASH 6-8pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Lyrical Americana HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. BOOK CLUB: RAGTIME 6pm • Country Bookshelf, 28 W. Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • (406)587-0166 • www.countrybookshelf. com Join Opera Montana Artistic Director Michael Sakir for a robust, in-depth conversation about E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel Ragtime which inspired the Tony Award-winning musical. FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 7-9pm • gute Laune, 10 West Main St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 404-7911 • gutelaunewurstbar. com Live Jazz Every Friday! Featuring a rotating line up of some of the best musicians SW Montana has to offer! Hosted by Alex Robilotta. COSMIC TUBING 7-9pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH RICH HALL! 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com The legendary Rich Hall headlines a special night!

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

ICE HOCKEY: BOZEMAN ICEDOGS VS SHERIDAN HAWKS 7:30pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov Ice hockey game START THE YEAR WITH A LAUGH! STAND-UP COMEDY WITH SAMMY ANZER 8-9:30pm • Orphan Girl Children’s Theatre • $23.18 Start off 2026 with Sammy Anzer’s hilarious, insightful comedy examining America that “inspires reflection and lifts up the room.” LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. BRANDON HALE & THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN PEARLS 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Brandon Hale leads The Rocky Mountain Pearls into The Jump this Friday with a full-throttle blast of fun, charm, and country fire. These longtime Gallatin Valley favorites know exactly how to get a dance floor moving and your boots properly broken in. EMMA AND THE LEDGE 9-11pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com A guitar-slinging, blues-singing, sister duo from the Gallatin Valley. SCRATCHIN’ GRAVEL 9pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Scratchin’ Gravel is an acoustic duo of the highest caliber. Combining mandolin, guitar, and banjo with duet style vocal harmony, Zander and Kevin present exciting live arrangements of traditional bluegrass to contemporary progressive new acoustic music. MADRONA ROAD 9pm • The Murray Bar, 201 W Park St, Livingston • FREE • 21+ • (406) 222-6433 • www.themurraybar.com Country, Blues, Rock WHIZ BANG! 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Whiz BANG! is an explosion of intoxicating comedy! Face-paced, interactive short-form improv that is so funny it’s criminal. An hour long show with lots of audience interaction, it’s the perfect show to bring some pals or a date.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3

MONDAY, JAN. 5

BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more!

MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS NORTHERN ARIZONA 6pm • Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman • (406) 994-CATS • www.brickbreeden.com MSU men’s basketball game BITS AND BEATS: STAND-UP & JAZZ 6:30pm • Live From the Divide, 627 East Peach Street, Bozeman • $24 • 18+ • 4062193933 • livefromthedivide.com One of our classiest shows, Bits and Beats. A show paying homage to the roots of stand-up, we’ve got comics and a live Jazz Band! SAM HALL (TX COUNTRY) 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com From the heart of San Antonio comes Sam Hall, an upcoming country artist whose talent hits like a shot of Texas lightning. With smooth vocals, Southern charm, and stories beyond his years, he’s quickly making waves across the genre. NOTORIOUS BOZ W/ RICH HALL 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Notorious BOZ is a long-form improv show that celebrates the city of Bozeman, its history and its incredible citizens. ICE HOCKEY: BOZEMAN ICEDOGS VS SHERIDAN HAWKS 7:30pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov Ice hockey game LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. WESTERN ROOTS COUNTRY DANCING 8pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • no cover • bourbonmt.com Learn to line dance with Western Roots Dancing at 8pm then dance and party the night away! CLAUDIA HOYSER 9-11pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com American country music TICKET SAUCE 9pm • The Murray Bar, 201 W Park St, Livingston • FREE • 21+ • (406) 222-6433 • www.themurraybar.com Funk, Rock, Pop

SUNDAY, JAN. 4 BOARD GAME DAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Bring in a game and every player gets a free 4oz pour! CELTIC MUSIC JAM 3:30-5:30pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, listen or dance to classic Celtic tunes! Happy hour food and drinks as well! HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. CANOE DEALERS 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring Bozeman-based folk duo “Canoe Dealers”.

BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Wildrye Distilling, 111 East Oak Street Suite 1E, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 577-2288 • www.wildryedistilling.com With Picture Rounds, Sound Rounds, Word Jumbles and more.. There’s Something for Everyone. HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Bacchus Pub, 105 W Main St, Bozeman • 406 404-1996 • www.bacchuspub.com Join us for our weekly trivia night, Game Night Live is a leader in bar trivia and music bingo, putting on awesome games at local venues that everyone can enjoy. SPORTS TRIVIA 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com For those looking for more sporty trivia questions this is it. GAYS ON BLADES - WINTER PRIDE EDITION! 8-10pm • Len Hill Park, 33 Lone Peak Dr, Big Sky • FREE Come and ice with us on our free community ice rink OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Outlaw Brewing, 2876 N 27th, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 577-2403 • www.outlaw-brewing.com Our games are free to play and are for everyone who likes to play games and win prizes! OPEN MIC 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come share music, poetry or whatever you like with us every Tuesday! HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. TRIVIA TUESDAY 6pm • 406 Brewing, 308 East Main St Suite 406, Manhattan • FREE • All Ages • www.406brewingcompany.com The best trivia in the valley, with Stephen, the absolute GURU of trivia hosting. Every Tuesday at 406, just down the road in Manhattan. Catered by Crazy Torta Tacos. RISKY QUIZNESS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com It’s a show. It’s a quiz show. It’s a comedy, quiz show! Every week has it’s own theme and expert hosts. OPEN MIC 7:30pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • All Ages • 4065707422 • www.mtcountrydance.com Great tunes, good food, cold beer. Sign up at the stage. All talents, all ages. Ask for Devon. BINGO 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Patrons can gather their friends or fellow bingo addicts together and share in a night of fun. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Calling all artists, musicians, and lovers of local sound. Open Mic Night with Robby Hutto happens every Tuesday at 8 PM at Tips Up. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or just want to cheer on Big Sky’s up-and-coming talent, this is your chance to plug into the local music scene.

TUESDAY, JAN. 6 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more! TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. YOGA 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Join certified yoga instructor Sara Clary for a gentle 45-minute flow. CRIBBAGE NIGHT 5-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join SHINE for cribbage night every Tuesday! NONFICTION WRITERS GROUP 5:30-7:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Nonfiction Writers Group offers mutual support, and considerate, constructive feedback on works in progress.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR FREE LIVE MUSIC Wednesday - Saturdays - Tune Up Bar photo: Devon Brosnan

BONE DRY COMEDY HOUR OPEN MIC 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy.com Bone Dry Comedy brings Open Mic night to Last Best Comedy. Our weekly open mic is a safe, friendly, supportive place to start your comedy journey, try new material, and connect to the Bozeman Stand up scene. TUESDAY INDUSTRY NIGHT 9pm • The Waypoint, 50 Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky • no cover • 21+ • thebigskywaypoint.com Join us every Tuesday 9pm-late for beer pong, drink discounts, beer dice, and $3 pizza slices! BOZEMAN’S BEST KARAOKE 9pm • Bar IX, 311 E Main St, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 551-2185 • www.bar-ix.com Get out and sing the night away. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more! TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows.

BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. QIGONG noon-1pm • Pilgrim Congregational Church • Donation Accepted: Suggested $5.00-10.00 • 4065800187 • www. arisebowenwork.com Join Barb and the Qigong community for some gentle stretching, mindful breathing and a series of flowing movements to increase strength, flexibility, balance and calm. READ WITH A DOG 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www. bozemanlibrary.org Kids can read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog each Wednesday afternoon. OLLI AT MSU SPRING RECEPTION 4-6pm • Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 Graf St., Bozeman • FREE OLLI at MSU is kicking off the new semester, and you’re invited to celebrate with us! Whether you’re a longtime member or simply wondering what lifelong learning is all about, the Spring Reception is a great way to explore what OLLI has to offer in a relaxed, welcoming setting. WINTER WEDNESDAY 5pm • 1889 Barn, 12670 Portnell Road, Gallatin Gateway • 406 579-4865 • www.1889barn.com Sit in the cozy loft and play games-UNO, Boggle, Yahtzee, Othello. Full bar for beverage purchases, new snacks each week. KATABATIC TRIVIA 6-7pm • Katabatic Brewing Company, 117 W Park St, Livingston • 21+ • (406) 333-2855 • katabaticbrewing. blogspot.com The winners of this establishment’s weekly trivia competition are given a prize fit for their accomplishments: they get to drink for free! TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join us for our Wednesday night trivia! DRINK AND DRAW 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come make art with us! Supplies provided. BREATHTRANCE 6-9pm • Wild Wisdom Restorative, 7 South Tracy Avenue, Bozeman • $45 • www.wildwisdommt.com Breathe. Purify. Heal. An immersive breathwork experience for the community, guided by Stacey Tompkins.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. CASUAL SETS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Weekly Community Showcase Looking for more performance opportunities? Come play in this low-stake, experimental show. You can sign up as a team or an individual to get a 5-15 minute slot. First come, first served. INTRO TO AUDIO RECORDING 6:30-7:45pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • 12+ • (406) 5822400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Learn how to use the Work Bench Studio equipment and software for audio recording. STATE OF THE SNOWPACK 6:30pm • Après Brewing Come eat pizza generously donated by Sidewall Pizza and and enjoy an Après brew while you hear stories from avalanche professionals and get a comprehensive overview of the changing snowpack and our season so far. Parking on campus is free after 6pm. BFS FILM: “RENTAL FAMILY” 7-9pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $9.75-$12.75 (plus fees) • PG13 • 406-5855885 • www.bozemanflmsociety.org An American actor in Tokyo struggling to find purpose lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. He rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the beauty of human connection. 1h 50m. PG13. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $5 • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Current Events, Potpourri, Name That Tune, handouts and more. Nightly prize, plus a prize for the season long champions. Teams from 1-6 people. We are first come first serve. We do not accept reservations. Please get there early to ensure you get a table. Come on in, drink beer, eat dinner, have some fun and let’s Trivia! WESTERN SWING WEDNESDAYS 7-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • Lessons $10 • 21+ after 9pm • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com There will be a great dance floor every week, your favorite instructors, and all the country music you love from Bozeman’s Choice 2023 DJ, DJ Habes.

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

TRIVIA NIGHT 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com Regular party animals and intellectuals alike may enjoy Rockin R Trivia. TRIVIA NIGHT 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Gather your friends for a night of trivia fun each Wednesday. LADIES NIGHT 8pm • Club Zebra, 321 E Main St, Bozeman • $10 for guys • 21+ The wonderful Ladies of Bozeman can enjoy 2 free drinks, $3 drinks till 10 pm, and that booty shakin’ music provided by DJ Chedda. MONTANA’S FUNNIEST HUMAN PERSON STAND-UP COMPETITION 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy. com It’s back!! Our fifth annual stand-up competition show is happening Wednesdays in January. Help us determine The Funniest Human Person in Montana! EDDIE T & JAZZ FRIENDS 9-11pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • No cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Join Bozeman’s best jazz group Eddie T. & Friends for an in-depth journey into jazz. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

THURSDAY, JAN. 8 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more!

FLY-TYING NIGHT 6-9pm • Bozeman Fly Supply, 2621 W College, Bozeman • FREE Bring your vise, tools, materials, and beverages to tie some flies. This is not a class but an invitation for all to get out of the house, get behind the vise, and have fun with fellow tiers. HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. NO JOKES OPEN MIC 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Stand-Up Open Mic Hosted by Chace McNinch TANTRIC PARTNERED YOGA 6:30-8pm • OH Hi, 115 W Kagy Blvd #Ste I, Bozeman • $44.52 Grab your partner and join us at Oh Hi for a session of yoga designed to spark intimacy and connection. KGLT DJ NIGHT 7-9pm • Hop Lounge, 93 Rowland Rd, Bozeman • no cover • all ages • (406) 404-1784 Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the vibe that is the Hop Lounge and join the Guest DJ for KGLT Alternative Public Radio DJ Night. COSMIC TUBING 7-9pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. BINGO NIGHT 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • $20 • 18+ • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com It’s a game that we all know and love, so why not bring everyone down for dinner and drinks!

TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows.

KING ROPES ACOUSTIC DUO 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the local garage country rock band “King Ropes” as an acoustic duo.

YANUNI - PRESENTED BY THE BOZEMAN DOC SERIES 7pm • The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, 111 South Grand Ave, Bozeman • $12, $10 students • (406) 587-9797 • www.theemerson. org The Bozeman Doc Series continues with the Montana premiere of the powerful new documentary, Yanuni.

INTRO TO CRICUT VENTURE 10:15-11:45am • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • 12+ • (406) 5822400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Learn how to create designs and use the Cricut Venture. Ages 12 and up. Registration is required. Registrants must complete a Work Bench waiver and obtain a Work Bench card prior to this class. GYROKINESIS - AN INTRODUCTION 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Discover the joy of movement in this gentle, seated class led by certified instructor Erin Groth, and designed to support spinal health, body awareness, and overall well-being. CO-OP TOURS 2-2:45pm • Bozeman Community Food Co-op West Main • FREE Ever wondered what’s happening in the big Co-op building? Now’s your chance! THIRSTY THORSDAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman $5 special drink all day. $5 off bottle fills (32 & 64 oz. only), and happy hour food all day! THREE FORKS MUSIC NIGHT WITH RYAN LITTLE EAGLE 6-8pm • Bridger Brewing Pub + Grill, 10751 Hwy 287, Three Forks • No Cover • 406-200-9354 • www.bridgerbrewing.com Enjoy music with Ryan Little Eagle BLUEGRASS JAM 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, sing or just enjoy.

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IMPROV SHOWDOWN 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Annual improv comedy competition NO MAN’S LAND FILM FESTIVAL 8-11pm • Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 45465 Gallatin Road, Big Sky • FREE/ Donation • 406-995-6345 • www.warrenmillerpac.org Short films focused on underrepresented folks exploring the outdoors! The premier all-women + genderqueer adventure film festival.

BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. COSMIC TUBING 5:30-7:30pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-7634727 • www.yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. MAMA STOTTS BENEFIT MASHUP 6-10pm • Labor Temple, 422 E Mendenhall St, Bozeman Our mom, Yvonne, is one of those rare people who shows up for everyone. Now, she’s the one who needs support. Yvonne was diagnosed with cancer and has been unable to work while undergoing treatment. Come out for live music and fundraising! HOLIDAY LIGHT PARK 6pm • Belgrade Senior Center • FREE • All Ages • belgreatmt.org Step into a dazzling outdoor winter wonderland at the Senior Center walking path every evening until the new year. The Light Park will mesmerize you with its sparkling lights, larger-than-life holiday displays that are perfect for photo ops. FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 7-9pm • gute Laune, 10 West Main St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 404-7911 • gutelaunewurstbar. com Featuring a rotating line up of some of the best musicians SW Montana has to offer! Hosted by Alex Robilotta. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH THE DOSE 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com A mind-bending journey of experimentation, laughter, and healing. BOZEMAN STINGERS HOCKEY – HOME GAME VS MCCALL MOUNTAINEERS 7:30-9:30pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • $6.50-$16.5010 and under FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov The Bozeman Stingers hit home ice at Haynes Pavilion for a fastpaced BDHL hockey matchup against the McCall Mountaineers. “I MELT LIKE SNOW IN THE SUN OF YOUR BEAUTY” ALBUM RELEASE TOUR CONCERT BY BAROQUE MUSIC MONTANA 7:30-9:30pm • Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 Graf St., Bozeman • $32 General Admission; $5 Students • All Ages • 406 579-6825 • baroquemusicmontana.org In celebration of their album release recorded at the esteemed Tippet Rise Arts Center, Baroque Music Montana tours their album program “I Melt Like Snow in the Sun of Your Beauty” with concerts across the state. LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. COSMIC TUBING 8-10pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other.

BRIAN KASSAY 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Brian Kassay is a live-looping multi-instrumentalist who seamlessly blends guitar, drums, keys, harmonica, xylophone, and violin to create a full and dynamic sound.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more! TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR PAULA POUNDSTONE Jan 9 - The Ellen Theatre

OBJECT 8-11pm • The Attic, 110 N Main St, 2nd Floor, Livingston • $15 • www.theatticmontana.com Ween Inspired pop-up - food by Chef-X

LIVE JAZZ 2-4pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Live jazz every Saturday afternoon.

BLUEBELLY JUNCTION 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Bluebelly is back—after a decade of shaking up Montana bars and stages, releasing their debut album Hot Wet Mess in 2024, and briefly calling it quits, the Cap’n has resurrected the band for a whole new era.

GLOWING GLOBES LANTERN DECORATING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 4-7pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4, 901 N. Black, Bozeman • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best for ages 5+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness.com Attendees will learn to decorate simple but beautiful paper globe lanterns that they can bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21st. This free, drop-in community workshop is open to all, although best suited for ages 5+

OBJECT 8-11pm • The Attic, 110 N Main St, 2nd Floor, Livingston • $15 • 21+ • www.theatticmontana.com Ween inspired pop. PAULA POUNDSTONE 8pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $57.75 • (406) 585-5885 • www.theellentheatre. com Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH THE DOSE 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com A mind-bending journey of experimentation, laughter, and healing.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more! TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 0am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device.

COMMUNITY PANEL DISCUSSION LED BY RAGTIME STAGE DIRECTOR FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO 7-8pm • The Yellowstone Center • FREE • All Ages • (406) 587-2889 • www.operamontana. org Gather for an engaging conversation inspired by Opera Montana’s Ragtime. Our panel of community leaders will reflect on the musical’s exploration of identity, belonging, and social change, as well as how each organization approaches those themes. BOZEMAN STINGERS HOCKEY – HOME GAME VS MCCALL MOUNTAINEERS 7:30-9:30pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • $6.50-$16.5010 and under FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov The Bozeman Stingers hit home ice at Haynes Pavilion for a fastpaced BDHL hockey matchup against the McCall Mountaineers. SUCH IS LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 7:30pm • Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 45465 Gallatin Road, Big Sky • $18-$42 • 406-995-6345 • www.warrenmillerpac.org “A delightful, immersive experience for those who appreciate the rural West’s boundless creativity.” –Western Folk Life Center LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE JUMP! 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Montana’s newest and best Karaoke Night!

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

WESTERN ROOTS COUNTRY DANCING 8pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • no cover • bourbonmt.com Learn to line dance with Western Roots Dancing at 8pm then dance and party the night away! WHIZ BANG! 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Whiz BANG! is an explosion of intoxicating comedy! Face-paced, interactive short-form improv that is so funny it’s criminal. An hour long show with lots of audience interaction, it’s the perfect show to bring some pals or a date.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 BIG SKY WINTER PRIDE WEEK bigskyout.org Our second annual week of free events around Big Sky & on Mountain. DJ Dance Parties, Drag Brunch & Variety Show, Educational trainings, XC skiing, FREE alpine ski/snowboard lesson, On mountain Pride Parade, pride themed Après-ski and more! TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. GLOWING GLOBES LANTERN DECORATING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 1-4pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4, 901 N. Black, Bozeman • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best for ages 5+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness.com Attendees will learn to decorate simple but beautiful paper globe lanterns that they can bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21st. This free, drop-in community workshop is open to all, although best suited for ages 5+ BOARD GAME DAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Bring in a game and every player gets a free 4oz pour!

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

CELTIC MUSIC JAM 3:30-5:30pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, listen or dance to classic Celtic tunes! Happy hour food and drinks as well! PETER KING 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the Bozeman-based country artist Peter King.

MONDAY, JAN. 12 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. MSU LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE 2026 3-6pm • MSU Library • FREE • 406-994-3119 • www.montana.edu MSU Library invites community members on a literary road trip through the United States during this year’s Open House. GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Wildrye Distilling, 111 East Oak Street Suite 1E, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 577-2288 • www.wildryedistilling.com With Picture Rounds, Sound Rounds, Word Jumbles and more.. There’s Something for Everyone. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Bacchus Pub, 105 W Main St, Bozeman • 406 404-1996 • www.bacchuspub.com Join us for our weekly trivia night, Game Night Live is a leader in bar trivia and music bingo, putting on awesome games at local venues that everyone can enjoy. SPORTS TRIVIA 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com For those looking for more sporty trivia questions this is it. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

TUESDAY, JAN. 13 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. YOGA 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Join certified yoga instructor Sara Clary for a gentle 45-minute flow. GRIEF, LOSS, AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP 4:305:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • no cost • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Find strength meeting others experiencing grief and loss in any form. Led by Kim Barrett, a Spiritual Care and Bereavement Counselor. Offered in partnership with Eden Hospice. CRIBBAGE NIGHT 5-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join SHINE for cribbage night every Tuesday!

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NONFICTION WRITERS GROUP 5:30-7:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Nonfiction Writers Group offers mutual support, and considerate, constructive feedback on works in progress. FREE STATEWIDE FINANCIAL SKILL BUILDING CLASS 5:458:30pm • Homeword - Virtual • FREE • Adults • 406-532-4663 • www.homeword.org In Homeword’s free Financial Skill Building class, gain essential money management skills to make your finances go farther with saving, investing or paying down debt. Online, register at https://www.homeword.org/ GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Outlaw Brewing, 2876 N 27th, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 577-2403 • www.outlaw-brewing.com Our games are free to play and are for everyone who likes to play games and win prizes! OPEN MIC 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come share music, poetry or whatever you like with us every Tuesday! GET READY FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS 6-9pm • Homeword - Virtual • $35 • 18+ • 4065324663 • www.homeword.org No matter where you are on your journey to homeownership, Homeword’s nationally certified homebuyer class is for you. Online, register at https://www.homeword.org/ class/homebuyer-education. TRIVIA TUESDAY 6pm • 406 Brewing, 308 East Main St Suite 406, Manhattan • FREE • All Ages • www.406brewingcompany.com The best trivia in the valley, with Stephen, the absolute GURU of trivia hosting. Every Tuesday at 406, just down the road in Manhattan. Catered by Crazy Torta Tacos. RISKY QUIZNESS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com It’s a show. It’s a quiz show. It’s a comedy, quiz show! Every week has it’s own theme and expert hosts. NRWG WOODWORKING CLUB MEETING 6:30-8:30pm • Bozeman High Wood Shop • FREE • All Ages • NRWG.club Join the Northern Rockies Woodworking Guild, Bozeman’s Original Woodworking Club, for our monthly meeting and demonstration BIBLE STUDY 7-7:45pm • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints • FREE Bring any Bible you like or electronic device. We look forward to learning of GOD’S ways with you. OPEN MIC 7:30pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • All Ages • 4065707422 • www.mtcountrydance.com Great tunes, cold beer. Sign up at the stage. All talents, all ages. Ask for Devon. BINGO 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Patrons can gather their friends or fellow bingo addicts together and share in a night of fun. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Calling all artists, musicians, and lovers of local sound. Open Mic Night with Robby Hutto happens every Tuesday at 8 PM at Tips Up. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or just want to cheer on Big Sky’s up-and-coming talent, this is your chance to plug into the local music scene.

OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. QIGONG noon-1pm • Pilgrim Congregational Church • Donation Accepted: Suggested $5.00-10.00 • 4065800187 • www. arisebowenwork.com Join Barb and the Qigong community for some gentle stretching, mindful breathing and a series of flowing movements to increase strength, flexibility, balance and calm. READ WITH A DOG 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www. bozemanlibrary.org Kids can read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog each Wednesday afternoon. MIDWEEK EATS - CREATIVELY HEALTHY 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All ages, under 12 with adult • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Join Amy Ferguson, PharmD and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, for simple and creative strategies to prepare healthier meals for those you love. WINTER WEDNESDAY 5pm • 1889 Barn, 12670 Portnell Road, Gallatin Gateway • 406 579-4865 • www.1889barn.com Sit in the cozy loft and play games-UNO, Boggle, Yahtzee, Othello. Full bar for beverage purchases, new snacks each week. FREE STATEWIDE FINANCIAL SKILL BUILDING CLASS 5:458:30pm • Homeword - Virtual • FREE • Adults • 406-532-4663 • www.homeword.org In Homeword’s free Financial Skill Building class, gain essential money management skills to make your finances go farther with saving, investing or paying down debt. Online, register at https://www.homeword.org/ KATABATIC TRIVIA 6-7pm • Katabatic Brewing Company, 117 W Park St, Livingston • 21+ • (406) 333-2855 • katabaticbrewing. blogspot.com The winners of this establishment’s weekly trivia competition are given a prize fit for their accomplishments: they get to drink for free! TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join us for our Wednesday night trivia!

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR OBJECT - WEEN TRIBUTE Jan 9 - The Attic Jan 16 - The Filling Station

DRINK AND DRAW 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come make art with us! Supplies provided. GET READY FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS 6-9pm • Homeword - Virtual • $35 • 18+ • 4065324663 • www.homeword.org No matter where you are on your journey to homeownership, Homeword’s nationally certified homebuyer class is for you. Online, register at https://www.homeword.org/ class/homebuyer-education. CASUAL SETS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Weekly Community Showcase Looking for more performance opportunities? Come play in this low-stake, experimental show. You can sign up as a team or an individual to get a 5-15 minute slot. First come, first served. BFS WINTER SERIES: “IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT” 7-9pm • Rialto Bozeman • $10-$14 (plus fees) • PG13 • 4065819704 • www.bozemanflmsociety.org Cannes Palme d’Or Winner. What begins as a minor accident sets in motion a series of escalating consequences. In Persian. Opening short: “Keep Asleep” (8 min) by MSU student Brody Almon. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $5 • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Current Events, Potpourri, Name That Tune, handouts and more. Nightly prize, plus a prize for the season long champions. Teams from 1-6 people. We are first come first serve. We do not accept reservations. Please get there early to ensure you get a table. Come on in, drink beer, eat dinner, have some fun and let’s Trivia! WESTERN SWING WEDNESDAYS 7-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • Lessons $10 • 21+ after 9pm • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com There will be a great dance floor every week, your favorite instructors, and all the country music you love from Bozeman’s Choice 2023 DJ, DJ Habes. TRIVIA NIGHT 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com Regular party animals and intellectuals alike may enjoy Rockin R Trivia.

TRIVIA NIGHT 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Gather your friends for a night of trivia fun each Wednesday. LADIES NIGHT 8pm • Club Zebra, 321 E Main St, Bozeman • $10 for guys • 21+ The wonderful Ladies of Bozeman can enjoy 2 free drinks, $3 drinks till 10 pm, and that booty shakin’ music provided by DJ Chedda.

DEVILS TOWER, BEAR LODGE, EMPIRE, AND THE RISE OF AMERICAN CLIMBING WITH MICHAEL REIDY 5:30pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • Included with membership, $5/non-member • All Ages • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Devils Tower is a geological wonder that also reveals a more hidden history of nationalism, empire, and Indigenous dispossession of land. Join us to learn about the conflicting histories of climbing at Devils Tower National Monument.

MONTANA’S FUNNIEST HUMAN PERSON STAND-UP COMPETITION 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy. com It’s back!! Our fifth annual stand-up competition show is happening Wednesdays in January. Help us determine The Funniest Human Person in Montana!

FREE STATEWIDE FINANCIAL SKILL BUILDING CLASS 5:458:30pm • Homeword - Virtual • FREE • Adults • 406-532-4663 • www.homeword.org In Homeword’s free Financial Skill Building class, gain essential money management skills to make your finances go farther with saving, investing or paying down debt. Online, register at https://www.homeword.org/

OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

THREE FORKS MUSIC NIGHT WITH ROD MORISSON 6-8pm • Bridger Brewing Pub + Grill, 10751 Hwy 287, Three Forks • No Cover • 406-200-9354 • www.bridgerbrewing.com Enjoy music with Rod Morrison

THURSDAY, JAN. 15 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. GYROKINESIS - AN INTRODUCTION 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Discover the joy of movement in this gentle, seated class led by certified instructor Erin Groth, and designed to support spinal health, body awareness, and overall well-being. CO-OP TOURS 2-2:45pm • Bozeman Community Food Co-op West Main • FREE Ever wondered what’s happening in the big Co-op building? Now’s your chance! THIRSTY THORSDAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman $5 special drink all day. $5 off bottle fills (32 & 64 oz. only), and happy hour food all day!

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

KGLT DJ NIGHT 7-9pm • Hop Lounge, 93 Rowland Rd, Bozeman • no cover • all ages • (406) 404-1784 Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the vibe that is the Hop Lounge and join the Guest DJ for KGLT Alternative Public Radio DJ Night. ARC’TERYX BACKCOUNTRY SKIING FILM FESTIVAL 7-9pm • The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, 111 South Grand Ave, Bozeman • $21.05 • All Ages • (406) 587-9797 • www.theemerson. org Montana Backcountry Alliance, in partnership with Arc’teryx Equipment, is thrilled to announce our 2026 film festival. BINGO NIGHT 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • $20 • 18+ • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com It’s a game that we all know and love, so why not bring everyone down for dinner and drinks! KAILEY MARIE & BILL HYLAND 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the local acoustic country duo of Kailey Marie & Bill Hyland. IMPROV SHOWDOWN 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Annual improv comedy competition BRENDAN NOLAN AND HARPDOG JOHN 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com A rich blend of blues, rock, and country with a sound rooted in tradition and driven by soul. HOCKEY - MSU BOBCATS 8:45-11:45pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Men’s Bobcat Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 16 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 7-9pm • gute Laune, 10 West Main St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 404-7911 • gutelaunewurstbar. com Live Jazz Every Friday! Featuring a rotating line up of some of the best musicians SW Montana has to offer! Hosted by Alex Robilotta. THE BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 7pm • Willson Auditorium, 404 W. Main St., Bozeman • $22 *half-price for kids ages 12 & under during the Saturday matinee! • All Ages • (406) 522-6000 Join us for one of our favorite community events! Journey through breathtaking landscapes, daring feats, and inspiring stories from the world’s most captivating outdoor and adventure films. New films every session. Don’t miss the homegrown story, Bridgers, about two Bozeman ski patrollers on Friday night. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH DAVE HILL 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Dave Hill is a comedian, writer, actor, and musician. BOZEMAN STINGERS HOCKEY – HOME GAME VS JACKSON HOLE MOOSE 7:30-10pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • $6.50-$16.5010 and under FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov Catch the Bozeman Stingers on home ice at Haynes Pavilion as they take on the Jackson Hole Moose in an exciting BDHL matchup.

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LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. TRENT BROOKS BAND 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt. com Trent Brooks and his rowdy band of outlaws roam between Montana and Texas, whipping up honky-tonk tales that make every boot scoot and every booty boogie. Their music can melt the coldest hearts and turn even the slickest city-slickers into cowpokes. OBJECT 8pm • The Filling Station, 2005 N. Rouse Ave, Bozeman • $15 • 21+ • (406) 587-0585 2 blistering and face-melting sets of WEEN WOMEN’S BOBCAT HOCKEY 8:30-11pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Women’s Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org RIPARIA 9-11pm • Grey Dog Bar, 34 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 404-1014 • www.thegreydogbar.com Riparia is an indie/alternative rock band rooted in Bozeman, Montana. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH DAVE HILL 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Dave Hill is a comedian, writer, actor, and musician. ROADRUNNER 9pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com A popular Gallatin Valley group, often playing Jerry Garcia Band (JGB) music and originals with roots in blues, rock, and soul, led by multi-instrumentalist Alexander Craig.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17 OPERA MONTANA BOOK CLUB 9:30-10:30am • The Country Bookshelf • FREE • All Ages • (406)587-2889 • www.operamontana.org Join Opera Montana Artistic Director Michael Sakir for a robust, in-depth conversation about E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel RAGTIME which inspired the Tony Award-winning musical. BOOK CLUB: RAGTIME 9:30am • Country Bookshelf, 28 W. Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • (406)587-0166 • www.countrybookshelf. com Join Opera Montana Artistic Director Michael Sakir for a robust, in-depth conversation about E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel Ragtime which inspired the Tony Award-winning musical. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device.

munity events! Journey through breathtaking landscapes, daring feats, and inspiring stories from the world’s most captivating outdoor and adventure films. New films every session. Don’t miss the homegrown story, Bridgers, about two Bozeman ski patrollers on Friday night. BALLROOM DANCE BOZEMAN’S “NEW YEAR…NEW YOU” DANCE! 7-10pm • Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N. Tracy Ave, Bozeman • $20 per person (included in Season Pass) • www. ballroomdancebozeman.org Keep your resolution to dance a lot more at our “New Year…New You” Dance! No partner needed. You don’t have to be an expert dancer to join in. Attire is dressy-casual, plus clean (not outside) dance shoes to protect the floor. Bring all your friends! CADE SLAYDEN OF NORTH FORK CROSSING 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • All Ages • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Cade Slayden, the driving force behind Montana’s hottest new bluegrass sensation North Fork Crossing, brings a fire and flow that can light up any room faster than a runaway banjo roll. His pickin’, singin’, and big-sky storytelling are on fire! YEEDM 7pm • The ELM • $27 • All Ages • (406) 830-4640 • logjampresents.com Logjam Presents is pleased to welcome YeEDM for a live concert performance featuring 9B49 with Jenn N Juice. MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS MONTANA 7pm • Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman • (406) 994-CATS • www.brickbreeden.com MSU men’s basketball game THE BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 7pm • Willson Auditorium, 404 W. Main St., Bozeman • $22 *half-price for kids ages 12 & under during the Saturday matinee! • All Ages • (406) 522-6000 Join us for one of our favorite community events! Journey through breathtaking landscapes, daring feats, and inspiring stories from the world’s most captivating outdoor and adventure films. New films every session. Don’t miss the homegrown story, Bridgers, about two Bozeman ski patrollers on Friday night. SATURDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH DAVE HILL 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Dave Hill is a comedian, writer, actor, and musician. BOZEMAN STINGERS HOCKEY – HOME GAME VS JACKSON HOLE MOOSE 7:30-10pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • $6.50-$16.5010 and under FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov Catch the Bozeman Stingers on home ice at Haynes Pavilion as they take on the Jackson Hole Moose in an exciting BDHL matchup. LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts. WESTERN ROOTS COUNTRY DANCING 8pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • no cover • bourbonmt.com Learn to line dance with Western Roots Dancing at 8pm then dance and party the night away!

CHA-CHA WORKSHOP HOSTED BY BALLROOM DANCE BOZEMAN, WITH GUEST INSTRUCTOR LAUREN COLEMAN! 1-4pm • Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N. Tracy Ave, Bozeman • $25 per person, per session, pre-registration required • www.ballroomdancebozeman.org Nothing elevates dance skills quite like a focused workshop! Pre-registration required. Beginning session: 1:00-2:30 pm; Intermediate session 2:30-4:00 pm. Register at https://www. ballroomdancebozeman.org LIVE JAZZ 2-4pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Live jazz every Saturday afternoon. THE BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 2:30pm • Willson Auditorium, 404 W. Main St., Bozeman • $22 *half-price for kids ages 12 & under during the Saturday matinee! • All Ages • (406) 522-6000 Join us for one of our favorite com-

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR SAVVY DUO Jan 18 - Bozeman Hot Springs

HOCKEY - MSU BOBCATS 8:15-11:15pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Men’s Bobcat Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org WHIZ BANG! 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Whiz BANG! is an explosion of intoxicating comedy! Face-paced, interactive short-form improv that is so funny it’s criminal. An hour long show with lots of audience interaction, it’s the perfect show to bring some pals or a date. WOMEN’S BOBCAT HOCKEY 10:30pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Women’s Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org

SUNDAY, JAN. 18 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. BOARD GAME DAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Bring in a game and every player gets a free 4oz pour! CELTIC MUSIC JAM 3:30-5:30pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, listen or dance to classic Celtic tunes! Happy hour food and drinks as well!

PAINT YOUR PET 3:30-6:30pm • Gallatin River Lodge, 9105 Thorpe Rd, Bozeman • $75 • 2182341437 • aintabetterwaytopaint.com Bring your pet to life on a canvas! In this 3 hour, beginner-friendly class, you’ll be guided step by step through creating your own custom pet portrait. Every pet is pre-sketched and each artist gets a palette, mixed specifically for their pet! THE SAVVY DUO 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the local cover rock band “Savvy” as an acoustic duo.

MONDAY, JAN. 19 LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Wildrye Distilling, 111 East Oak Street Suite 1E, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 577-2288 • www.wildryedistilling.com With Picture Rounds, Sound Rounds, Word Jumbles and more.. There’s Something for Everyone. HEADWATERS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB OF MONTANA 7-8pm • Belgrade Chamber of Commerce • FREE • All Ages • (406) 2192208 • www.HARCMT.com All licensed amateur radio operators are welcome. Montanans who are interested in amateur radio, but unlicensed, are welcome. There is no age restriction on licensure.

OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com

TUESDAY, JAN. 20 LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. YOGA 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Join certified yoga instructor Sara Clary for a gentle 45-minute flow. CRIBBAGE NIGHT 5-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join SHINE for cribbage night every Tuesday!

TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Bacchus Pub, 105 W Main St, Bozeman • 406 404-1996 • www.bacchuspub.com Join us for our weekly trivia night, Game Night Live is a leader in bar trivia and music bingo, putting on awesome games at local venues that everyone can enjoy.

SPORTS TRIVIA 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com For those looking for more sporty trivia questions this is it.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

OPEN MIC 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come share music, poetry or whatever you like with us every Tuesday! TRIVIA TUESDAY 6pm • 406 Brewing, 308 East Main St Suite 406, Manhattan • FREE • All Ages • www.406brewingcompany.com The best trivia in the valley, with Stephen, the absolute GURU of trivia hosting. Every Tuesday at 406, just down the road in Manhattan. Catered by Crazy Torta Tacos. RISKY QUIZNESS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com It’s a show. It’s a quiz show. It’s a comedy, quiz show! Every week has it’s own theme and expert hosts. OPEN MIC 7:30pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • All Ages • 4065707422 • www.mtcountrydance.com Great tunes, good food, cold beer. Sign up at the stage. All talents, all ages. Ask for Devon. BINGO 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Patrons can gather their friends or fellow bingo addicts together and share in a night of fun. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Calling all artists, musicians, and lovers of local sound. Open Mic Night with Robby Hutto happens every Tuesday at 8 PM at Tips Up. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or just want to cheer on Big Sky’s up-and-coming talent, this is your chance to plug into the local music scene. BONE DRY COMEDY HOUR OPEN MIC 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy.com Bone Dry Comedy brings Open Mic night to Last Best Comedy. Our weekly open mic is a safe, friendly, supportive place to start your comedy journey, try new material, and connect to the Bozeman Stand up scene. TUESDAY INDUSTRY NIGHT 9pm • The Waypoint, 50 Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky • no cover • 21+ • thebigskywaypoint.com Join us every Tuesday 9pm-late for beer pong, drink discounts, beer dice, and $3 pizza slices! BOZEMAN’S BEST KARAOKE 9pm • Bar IX, 311 E Main St, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 551-2185 • www.bar-ix.com Get out and sing the night away. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21 LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. QIGONG noon-1pm • Pilgrim Congregational Church • Donation Accepted: Suggested $5.00-10.00 • 4065800187 • www. arisebowenwork.com Join Barb and the Qigong community for some gentle stretching, mindful breathing and a series of flowing movements to increase strength, flexibility, balance and calm. READ WITH A DOG 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www. bozemanlibrary.org Kids can read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog each Wednesday afternoon.

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LADIES NIGHT 8pm • Club Zebra, 321 E Main St, Bozeman • $10 for guys • 21+ The wonderful Ladies of Bozeman can enjoy 2 free drinks, $3 drinks till 10 pm, and that booty shakin’ music provided by DJ Chedda.

2026 REAL ESTATE UPDATE 5:30-7pm • Kiln • FREE • All Ages Get the latest scoop on Bozeman’s real estate market in 2026— trends, tips, and local insights live!

KATABATIC TRIVIA 6-7pm • Katabatic Brewing Company, 117 W Park St, Livingston • 21+ • (406) 333-2855 • katabaticbrewing. blogspot.com The winners of this establishment’s weekly trivia competition are given a prize fit for their accomplishments: they get to drink for free! THRIVING DADS 6-7:30pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • FREE • All Ages • (406) 5866492 • www.bozemanhotsprings.co Event for kids and their father figures. Bring your swimsuits, your appetite, and your smiles! This is a chance to relax, connect, and make memories together. TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join us for our Wednesday night trivia! DRINK AND DRAW 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come make art with us! Supplies provided. CASUAL SETS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Weekly Community Showcase Looking for more performance opportunities? Come play in this low-stake, experimental show. You can sign up as a team or an individual to get a 5-15 minute slot. First come, first served. CREATE YOUR OWN 3D DESIGNS 6:30-7:45pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 12+ • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Learn how to design your own 3D prints using TinkerCAD. 3D printing badge is required to attend. RAISE THE ROOF 7-8:15pm • Gallatin High School Auditorium, 4455 Annie St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 522-4600 • ghs. bsd7.org BSD7 teachers are trading classrooms for the stage! Don’t miss this incredible performance by the teachers! The talent is off the charts and the kids know the performers - their teachers! Thank you for supporting music! TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $5 • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Current Events, Potpourri, Name That Tune, handouts and more. Nightly prize, plus a prize for the season long champions. Teams from 1-6 people. We are first come first serve. We do not accept reservations. Please get there early to ensure you get a table. Come on in, drink beer, eat dinner, have some fun and let’s Trivia! BFS WINTER FILM SERIES: “SENTIMENTAL VALUE” 7-9:30pm • Rialto Bozeman • $10-$14 (plus fees) • Rated R • 4065819704 • www.bozemanflmsociety.org Cannes Grand Prix Winner and Golden Globe Nominee: Directed by Joachim Trier. Stars Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, & Elle Fanning. An intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art. Rated R.

ROBBY HUTTO 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com A seasoned Big Sky musician whose soulful voice and guitar-driven sound blend the best of roots rock, Americana, and alt-country. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

THURSDAY, JAN. 22 LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. GYROKINESIS - AN INTRODUCTION 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Discover the joy of movement in this gentle, seated class led by certified instructor Erin Groth, and designed to support spinal health, body awareness, and overall well-being. CO-OP TOURS 2-2:45pm • Bozeman Community Food Co-op West Main • FREE Ever wondered what’s happening in the big Co-op building? Now’s your chance! THIRSTY THORSDAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman $5 special drink all day. $5 off bottle fills (32 & 64 oz. only), and happy hour food all day! THREE FORKS MUSIC NIGHT WITH BRENDAN NOLAN 6-8pm • Bridger Brewing Pub + Grill, 10751 Hwy 287, Three Forks • No Cover • 406-200-9354 • www.bridgerbrewing.com Enjoy music with Brendan Nolan

WESTERN SWING WEDNESDAYS 7-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • Lessons $10 • 21+ after 9pm • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com There will be a great dance floor every week, your favorite instructors, and all the country music you love from Bozeman’s Choice 2023 DJ, DJ Habes. TRIVIA NIGHT 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com Regular party animals and intellectuals alike may enjoy Rockin R Trivia. TRIVIA NIGHT 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Gather your friends for a night of trivia fun each Wednesday.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR DEAD SKY Jan 23 & 24 - Pine Creek Lodge photo : Lindsay Hove

BLUEGRASS JAM 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, sing or just enjoy. FLY-TYING NIGHT 6-9pm • Bozeman Fly Supply, 2621 W College, Bozeman • FREE Bring your vise, tools, materials, and beverages to tie some flies. This is not a class but an invitation for all to get out of the house, get behind the vise, and have fun with fellow tiers. NO JOKES OPEN MIC 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Stand-Up Open Mic Hosted by Chace McNinch ELLA RAE COLE: LIVE MUSIC 6pm • 1889 Barn, 12670 Portnell Road, Gallatin Gateway • 406 579-4865 • www.1889barn.com Come enjoy a unique experience in an authentic Montana barn. Full bar open, taco bowls available at our snack bar, doors at 5 PM, music at 6 PM. GATHER & GROW: CREATING A HEALTHIER HOME WITH LYNN WHITE 6:30-7:30pm • Bozeman Community Food Co-op, West Main • FREE • All Ages • 4065871919 • www.bozo.coop Learn how hidden indoor toxins may be impacting your health and what you can do about it. Join Indoor Environmental Consultant Lynne White for a practical workshop on creating a healthier home environment using simple, affordable steps. KGLT DJ NIGHT 7-9pm • Hop Lounge, 93 Rowland Rd, Bozeman • no cover • all ages • (406) 404-1784 Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the vibe that is the Hop Lounge and join the Guest DJ for KGLT Alternative Public Radio DJ Night. COSMIC TUBING 7-9pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other.

BINGO NIGHT 7-10pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • $20 • 18+ • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com It’s a game that we all know and love, so why not bring everyone down for dinner and drinks! KELLY NICHOLSON & JESS ATKINS 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the Kelly Nicholson & Jess Atkins of the Bozeman-based Grateful Dead tribute “Dead Sky”. MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS IDAHO STATE 7pm • Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman • (406) 994CATS • www.brickbreeden.com MSU men’s basketball game IMPROV SHOWDOWN 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Annual improv comedy competition DAMN DUO 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Acoustic alt rock

FRIDAY, JAN. 23 LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. STORIES OF COYOTE, THE TRICKSTER BY THEATRICAL STORYTELLER KELLEN TRENAL 4-4:30pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • Free and open to the public • Ages 5+ • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Niimiipuu (Nez Perce) storyteller/performer Kellen Trenal, will share the importance of the Coyote stories with schoolchildren.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

COSMIC TUBING 5:30-7:30pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-7634727 • www.yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. STORIES OF COYOTE, THE TRICKSTER BY THEATRICAL STORYTELLER KELLEN TRENAL 5:30pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • Free and open to the public • All Ages • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Beginning this month, MOR will introduce native speakers and educators who will generously share their insights and knowledge, creating a welcoming atmosphere of gathering, learning, and active engagement within the community. FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 7-9pm • gute Laune, 10 West Main St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 404-7911 • gutelaunewurstbar. com Live Jazz Every Friday! Featuring a rotating line up of some of the best musicians SW Montana has to offer! Hosted by Alex Robilotta. DEAD SKY 7-10pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $30 advance, $40 day of show, $50 two night pass • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Since January 2019, Bozeman-based band Dead Sky has made it their mission to spread the good vibe and camaraderie of the Grateful Dead to old and new Deadheads alike. MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 7pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH ALEX FALCONE 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy. com Alex Falcone has appeared in several episodes of Portlandia, performed standup on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and his videos have racked up over 300 million views online. HOCKEY - MSU BOBCATS 7:30-10:30pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Men’s Bobcat Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgroundstickets.gallatinice.org LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

COSMIC TUBING 8-10pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. TANNER LAWS 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Northwest Songwriter of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Local Artist of the Year, and Missoula’s Best New Band under his belt, he’s rocketing toward the big leagues. Catch him while you still can. WOMEN’S BOBCAT HOCKEY 8:30-11pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Women’s Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org JEFF PETERSON AND THE PIONEERS 9-11pm • Grey Dog Bar, 34 N Bozeman Ave, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 404-1014 • www. thegreydogbar.com Live music FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH ALEX FALCONE 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy. com Alex Falcone has appeared in several episodes of Portlandia, performed standup on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and his videos have racked up over 300 million views online. KAILEY MARIE BAND 9pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com A fierce blend of old-time outlaw country, hip hop rhythms, blues, and soul

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 PRO SKIJOR Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 N. Black, Bozeman • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov PRO Skijor, North America’s first professional skijoring series. Think rodeo meets downhill racing: a high-adrenaline mashup where a horse and rider pull a skier through a snow-covered obstacle course at full speed. LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. LIVE JAZZ 2-4pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Live jazz every Saturday afternoon. WILLOW-FRAMED LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 4-6:30pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4 • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best for ages 10+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness. com Attendees will learn to construct and decorate old-fashioned willow framed lanterns that they can bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21st. Themes will focus on flames and mushrooms, with room to explore creatively. COSMIC TUBING 5:30-7:30pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-7634727 • www.yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other.

DEAD SKY 7-10pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $30 advance, $40 day of show, $50 two night pass • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Since January 2019, Bozeman-based band Dead Sky has made it their mission to spread the good vibe and camaraderie of the Grateful Dead to old and new Deadheads alike. MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 7pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. NOTORIOUS BOZ W/ KYLE SORENSON 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Notorious BOZ is a long-form improv show that celebrates the city of Bozeman, its history and its incredible citizens. HOCKEY - MSU BOBCATS 7:30-10:30pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Men’s Bobcat Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org MICHAEL MAYO 7:30pm • Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 45465 Gallatin Road, Big Sky • $18-$42 • 406-995-6345 • www. warrenmillerpac.org Soulful jazz and R&B MASTERS OF MELODY: MOZART, COPLAND, & HAYDN 7:30pm • Willson Auditorium, 404 W. Main St., Bozeman • $30+ adults, discounted tickets available for students • (406) 522-6000 The Bozeman Symphony will spotlight its principal clarinetist and acclaimed horn section LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge.com Featuring local and touring music acts.

SUNDAY, JAN. 25 PRO SKIJOR Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 N. Black, Bozeman • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov PRO Skijor, North America’s first professional skijoring series. Think rodeo meets downhill racing: a high-adrenaline mashup where a horse and rider pull a skier through a snow-covered obstacle course at full speed. LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT WEEK Livingston Restaurants Livingston will host its first-ever Restaurant Week, giving locals and visitors a chance to enjoy the town’s vibrant food scene while supporting neighbors in need. WILLOW-FRAMED LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 10am-1pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4 • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best for ages 10+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness. com Attendees will learn to construct and decorate old-fashioned willow framed lanterns that they can bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21st. Themes will focus on flames and mushrooms, with room to explore creatively. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. SUNDAY STUDENT STUDY DAY 11am-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Study with SHINE during their Sunday Student Study Day! Enjoy 2 for $5 tacos all day until May.

COSMIC TUBING 8-10pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. THE WAITING - WITH SPECIAL GUESTS EMMA AND THE LEDGE 8-11pm • The Attic, 110 N Main St, 2nd Floor, Livingston • $20 • www.theatticmontana.com The Waiting is one of America’s most electrifying roadhouse rock & roll bands—and they’ve got a onetrack mission: to bring the music of Tom Petty to life with grit, heart, and zero gimmicks. Emma and the Ledge are a guitar slinging, blues singing, sister duo from the Gallatin Valley! KARAOKE NIGHT AT THE JUMP! 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com Montana’s newest and hottest karaoke night! WESTERN ROOTS COUNTRY DANCING 8pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • no cover • bourbonmt.com Learn to line dance with Western Roots Dancing at 8pm then dance and party the night away! WOMEN’S BOBCAT HOCKEY 8:15-11pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Women’s Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org WHIZ BANG! 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Whiz BANG! is an explosion of intoxicating comedy! Face-paced, interactive short-form improv that is so funny it’s criminal. An hour long show with lots of audience interaction, it’s the perfect show to bring some pals or a date.

MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS WEBER STATE 6pm • Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 1 Bobcat Circle, Bozeman • (406) 994CATS • www.brickbreeden.com MSU men’s basketball game

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Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR BLUEGRASS JAM Jan 29 - Valhalla Meadery

MASTERS OF MELODY: MOZART, COPLAND, & HAYDN 2:30pm • Willson Auditorium, 404 W. Main St., Bozeman • $30+ adults, discounted tickets available for students • (406) 522-6000 The Bozeman Symphony will spotlight its principal clarinetist and acclaimed horn section BOARD GAME DAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Bring in a game and every player gets a free 4oz pour! MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 3pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. CELTIC MUSIC JAM 3:30-5:30pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, listen or dance to classic Celtic tunes! Happy hour food and drinks as well! PAINT YOUR PET 3:30-6:30pm • Bar 3 Bar-B-Q, 119 E Main Street, Belgrade • $75 • 2182341437 • aintabetterwaytopaint.com Bring your pet to life on a canvas! In this 3 hour, beginner friendly class you’ll be guided step by step through painting your own custom pet portrait. Every pet is pre sketched before class and each person gets a unique palette made for their pet! MAMA MEETUP: MSU BOBCATS HOCKEY GAME 5pm • Haynes Pavilion | Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-3270 • www.gallatin.mt.gov Event for single moms and their children. Registration required. Food provided from the concessions stand. 5 p.m. - meet the team 5:45 p.m. - game time HOCKEY - MSU BOBCATS 5:45-8:45pm • Gallatin Ice • $5+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org MSU Men’s Bobcat Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org FUZZY B 7-10pm • Bozeman Hot Springs & Fitness, 81123 Gallatin Road, Four Corners • With Admission • All Ages • 4065866492 • bozemanhotsprings.co Live music while you soak! Featuring the Butte-based acoustic rock artist “Fuzzy B”.

MONDAY, JAN. 26 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. TRIVIA FOR A CAUSE 5:30-8pm • Dry Hills Distillery, 106 Village Center Lane, Four Corners • www.dryhillsdistillery.com Join us for trivia to support a good cause THRIVE’S TRIVIA FOR A CAUSE 5:30-8pm • Dry Hills Distillery • $60 or $100 per team • All Ages • 4069224256 • go.allthrive. org/4oFjZCp Join us for our annual Trivia for a Cause to celebrate National Mentoring Month! Teams with a CAP mentor are $60 with a 40% discount as a thank you. Teams without a mentor are $100. COPYRIGHT BASICS 6-7pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Leila Sterman, Scholarly Communication Librarian at MSU, will discuss copyright basics and best practices for writers and artists. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions. GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Wildrye Distilling, 111 East Oak Street Suite 1E, Bozeman • FREE • 21+ • (406) 577-2288 • www.wildryedistilling.com With Picture Rounds, Sound Rounds, Word Jumbles and more.. There’s Something for Everyone. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Bacchus Pub, 105 W Main St, Bozeman • 406 404-1996 • www.bacchuspub.com Join us for our weekly trivia night, Game Night Live is a leader in bar trivia and music bingo, putting on awesome games at local venues that everyone can enjoy. SPORTS TRIVIA 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com For those looking for more sporty trivia questions this is it.

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. YOGA 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Join certified yoga instructor Sara Clary for a gentle 45-minute flow. GRIEF, LOSS, AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP 4:305:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • no cost • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Find strength meeting others experiencing grief and loss in any form. Led by Kim Barrett, a Spiritual Care and Bereavement Counselor. Offered in partnership with Eden Hospice. AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION 8 4:30pm • Montana State University, , Bozeman • Middle schoolers • (406) 994-0211 • www.montana.edu A competitive math exam for middle school students CRIBBAGE NIGHT 5-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join SHINE for cribbage night every Tuesday! NONFICTION WRITERS GROUP 5:30-7:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Nonfiction Writers Group offers mutual support, and considerate, constructive feedback on works in progress.

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

READ WITH A DOG 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www. bozemanlibrary.org Kids can read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog each Wednesday afternoon.

OPEN MIC 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come share music, poetry or whatever you like with us every Tuesday!

VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK - LIZ MOORE 5-6pm • Online through Bozeman Public Library • FREE • Adults Secrets and Second Chances with Liz Moore, New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of The God of the Woods and Long Bright River.

TRIVIA TUESDAY 6pm • 406 Brewing, 308 East Main St Suite 406, Manhattan • FREE • All Ages • www.406brewingcompany.com The best trivia in the valley, with Stephen, the absolute GURU of trivia hosting. Every Tuesday at 406, just down the road in Manhattan. Catered by Crazy Torta Tacos. RISKY QUIZNESS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com It’s a show. It’s a quiz show. It’s a comedy, quiz show! Every week has it’s own theme and expert hosts. TANK & THE BANGAS 7pm • The Elm • All Ages • (406) 830-4640 • logjampresents.com Logjam Presents is pleased to welcome Tank & the Bangas for a live concert performance with DJ Zeus. OPEN MIC 7:30pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • All Ages • 4065707422 • www.mtcountrydance.com Great tunes, good food, cold beer. Sign up at the stage. All talents, all ages. Ask for Devon. BINGO 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Patrons can gather their friends or fellow bingo addicts together and share in a night of fun. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Calling all artists, musicians, and lovers of local sound. Open Mic Night with Robby Hutto happens every Tuesday at 8 PM at Tips Up. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or just want to cheer on Big Sky’s up-and-coming talent, this is your chance to plug into the local music scene. BONE DRY COMEDY HOUR OPEN MIC 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy.com Bone Dry Comedy brings Open Mic night to Last Best Comedy. Our weekly open mic is a safe, friendly, supportive place to start your comedy journey, try new material, and connect to the Bozeman Stand up scene. TUESDAY INDUSTRY NIGHT 9pm • The Waypoint, 50 Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky • no cover • 21+ • thebigskywaypoint.com Join us every Tuesday 9pm-late for beer pong, drink discounts, beer dice, and $3 pizza slices! KARAOKE 9pm • Bar IX, 311 E Main St, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 551-2185 • www.bar-ix.com Get out and sing the night away. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. QIGONG noon-1pm • Pilgrim Congregational Church • Donation Accepted: Suggested $5.00-10.00 • 4065800187 • www. arisebowenwork.com Join Barb and the Qigong community for some gentle stretching, mindful breathing and a series of flowing movements to increase strength, flexibility, balance and calm.

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WINTER WEDNESDAY 5pm • 1889 Barn, 12670 Portnell Road, Gallatin Gateway • 406 579-4865 • www.1889barn.com Sit in the cozy loft and play games-UNO, Boggle, Yahtzee, Othello. Full bar for beverage purchases, new snacks each week. KATABATIC TRIVIA 6-7pm • Katabatic Brewing Company, 117 W Park St, Livingston • 21+ • (406) 333-2855 • katabaticbrewing. blogspot.com The winners of this establishment’s weekly trivia competition are given a prize fit for their accomplishments: they get to drink for free! TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join us for our Wednesday night trivia! DRINK AND DRAW 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come make art with us! Supplies provided. CASUAL SETS 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Weekly Community Showcase Looking for more performance opportunities? Come play in this low-stake, experimental show. You can sign up as a team or an individual to get a 5-15 minute slot. First come, first served. BFS WINTER FILM SERIES: “THE SECRET AGENT” 6:45-9:15pm • Rialto Bozeman • $10-$14 (plus fees) • Rated R • 4065819704 • www.bozemanflmsociety.org Cannes Winner: Best Director & Actor. Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert in his early 40s, is on the run. Hoping to reunite with his son, he travels to Recife during Carnival but soon realizes that the city is not the safe haven he expected. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $5 • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Current Events, Potpourri, Name That Tune, handouts and more. Nightly prize, plus a prize for the season long champions. Teams from 1-6 people. We are first come first serve. We do not accept reservations. Please get there early to ensure you get a table. Come on in, drink beer, eat dinner, have some fun and let’s Trivia! WESTERN SWING WEDNESDAYS 7-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • Lessons $10 • 21+ after 9pm • (406) 219-0400 • www.thejumpmt.com There will be a great dance floor every week, your favorite instructors, and all the country music you love from Bozeman’s Choice 2023 DJ, DJ Habes. TRIVIA NIGHT 7:30pm • Rockin’ R Bar, 211 E. Main St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-9355 • www.rockingrbar.com Regular party animals and intellectuals alike may enjoy Rockin R Trivia.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. GYROKINESIS - AN INTRODUCTION 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Discover the joy of movement in this gentle, seated class led by certified instructor Erin Groth, and designed to support spinal health, body awareness, and overall well-being. CO-OP TOURS 2-2:45pm • Bozeman Community Food Co-op West Main • FREE Ever wondered what’s happening in the big Co-op building? Now’s your chance! THIRSTY THORSDAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman $5 special drink all day. $5 off bottle fills (32 & 64 oz. only), and happy hour food all day! BLUEGRASS JAM 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, sing or just enjoy. FLY-TYING NIGHT 6-9pm • Bozeman Fly Supply, 2621 W College, Bozeman • FREE Bring your vise, tools, materials, and beverages to tie some flies. This is not a class but an invitation for all to get out of the house, get behind the vise, and have fun with tiers. NO JOKES OPEN MIC 6pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • FREE • 18+ • 4062193933 • www. lastbestcomedy.com Stand-Up Open Mic Hosted by Chace McNinch XAVIER FOLEY: AN INTIMATE CONCERT 6:30pm • Live From the Divide, 627 East Peach Street, Bozeman • $45 • livefromthedivide. com Communicating his virtuosity and passion for music on the double bass – rare for it to be presented as a solo instrument, Xavier is the winner of a prestigious 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant, recognized on New York WQXR’s “19 for 19” Artists to Watch list, and featured on PBS Thirteen’s NYC-ARTs. KGLT DJ NIGHT 7-9pm • Hop Lounge, 93 Rowland Rd, Bozeman • no cover • all ages • (406) 404-1784 Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the vibe that is the Hop Lounge and join the Guest DJ for KGLT Alternative Public Radio DJ Night. COSMIC TUBING 7-9pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other.

TRIVIA NIGHT 8pm • The Molly Brown, 703 W. Babcock, Bozeman • 21+ • (406) 552-7362 Gather your friends for a night of trivia fun LADIES NIGHT 8pm • Club Zebra, 321 E Main St, Bozeman • $10 for guys • 21+ The wonderful Ladies of Bozeman can enjoy 2 free drinks, $3 drinks till 10 pm, and that booty shakin’ music provided by DJ Chedda. MONTANA’S FUNNIEST HUMAN PERSON STAND-UP COMPETITION 8pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $15 • 18+ • 4062193933 • www.lastbestcomedy. com It’s back!! Our fifth annual stand-up competition show is happening Wednesdays in January. Help us determine The Funniest Human Person in Montana! OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR KITCHEN DWELLERS Jan 30 & 31 - The ELM

exceptional talent has won hearts globally, consistently selling out shows. Early in his career, Eddie made his mark on an international stage by showcasing his comedic prowess in the renowned “New Faces” segment at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. This led to an audition with the legendary “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). CAT/GRIZ HOCKEY 7:30-10:30pm • Gallatin Ice • $10+ • All Ages • 4065865557 • tickets.gallatinice.org Cats vs. Griz Hockey Live at Gallatin Ice, located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds tickets.gallatinice.org XAVIER FOLEY: MSU CONCERT 7:30pm • Reynold’s Recital Hall, MSU Howard Hall, Bozeman • $35 adults, $25 seniors, $10 students • (406) 994-3562 • www.montana.edu Xavier Foley, bass “A dazzling player who hears borders between styles as limitations best ignored” LIVE MUSIC 8-10pm • Tune Up Bar, 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 551-7702 • tuneupbarandlounge. com Featuring local and touring music acts. RAISE THE ROOF- FINAL SHOW! 8-11pm • The Jump, 75770 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway • FREE • 21+ • 4062190400 • thejumpmt.com This Friday’s Country Night at The Jump is as “Montana” as it gets, and Raise the Roof is sending off their farewell show in true Big Sky style. This five-piece powerhouse takes you on a boot-scootin’ trip through the decades, spinning western-flavor.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. COSMOS AND COOKIES 5:30pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • For MOR members only • All Ages/Family Friendly • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Bring the whole family for an early evening treat of cookies and a special preview of the cosmic wonders revealed in the new film, Dark Biosphere.

BEADING OUR STORIES: BEADING EARRINGS WORKSHOP 6pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • $30/member, $35/non-member • All Ages • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Dive into an immersive beadwork experience to connect with deep cultural heritage, develop new skills regardless of your level, and leave with a stunning, handcrafted pair of beaded earrings. STATE OF THE SNOWPACK 6:30pm • Après Brewing Come eat pizza generously donated by Sidewall Pizza and and enjoy an Après brew while you hear stories from avalanche professionals and get a comprehensive overview of the changing snowpack and our season so far. Parking on campus is free after 6pm. FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 7-9pm • gute Laune, 10 West Main St, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 404-7911 • gutelaunewurstbar. com Live Jazz Every Friday! Featuring a rotating line up of some of the best musicians SW Montana has to offer! Hosted by Alex Robilotta. KITCHEN DWELLERS 7pm • The Elm • $46.10 - $123.60 • All Ages • (406) 830-4640 • logjampresents.com Logjam Presents is pleased to welcome Kitchen Dwellers for a live in concert performance at The ELM on Friday, January 30, 2026 with Magoo. MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 7pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. NEW! COSMOS AND COSMOS 7pm • Museum of the Rockies, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman • For MOR members + friends! • All Ages • 4069942251 • museumoftherockies.org Cosmopolitan cocktails, cash bar, light bites, and classic rock set against dazzling Taylor Planetarium shows. Members, please bring a friend with you to show off your museum. FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH EDDIE IFFT 7pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Eddie Ifft always dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL but found his calling as a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His

FRIDAY NIGHT STAND-UP WITH EDDIE IFFT 9pm • Last Best Comedy, 321 E Main, Alley Entrance off Rouse, Bozeman • $24 ($30 at the door) • 18+ • (406) 219-3933 • lastbestcomedy.com Eddie Ifft always dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL but found his calling as a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His exceptional talent has won hearts globally, consistently selling out shows. Early in his career, Eddie made his mark on an international stage by showcasing his comedic prowess in the renowned “New Faces” segment at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. This led to an audition with the legendary “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). BRENDAN NOLAN AND THE MOSTLY PEACEFUL LOOTERS 9pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Unique blend of blues-country rock

SATURDAY, JAN. 31 TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHER 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Explore something awesome all month long in the Teen Corner. Available during all library open hours. Bring some color to your wintery windows. BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. LIVE JAZZ 2-4pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Live jazz every Saturday afternoon. WATER CREATURE LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 4-7pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4 • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best suited for ages 12+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness.com Attendees will learn to construct and decorate elaborate jellyfish, squid, and other watery-creature lanterns to bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21, 2026. KITCHEN DWELLERS 7pm • The Elm • $46.10 - 123.60 • All Ages • (406) 830-4640 • logjampresents.com Logjam Presents is pleased to welcome Kitchen Dwellers for a live in concert performance with DUG.

MORE EVENTS, MORE DETAILS, MORE VIEWS... BETTER 62

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.

MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 7pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. WESTERN ROOTS COUNTRY DANCING 8pm • Bourbon, 515 W Aspen St, Bozeman • no cover • bourbonmt.com Learn to line dance with Western Roots Dancing at 8pm then dance and party the night away!

SUNDAY, FEB. 1 BIG KID STEAM PLAY - KALEIDOSCOPES 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Peer through a giant kaleidoscope and then build your own pocket-sized device. SUNDAY STUDENT STUDY DAY 11am-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Study with SHINE during their Sunday Student Study Day! Enjoy 2 for $5 tacos all day until May. WATER CREATURE LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP WITH RANDOM ACTS OF SILLINESS 1-4pm • Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building 4 • FREE, with donations appreciated! • Best suited for ages 12+ • 406-600-2184 • www.randomactsofsilliness.com Attendees will learn to construct and decorate elaborate jellyfish, squid, and other watery-creature lanterns to bring to the Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade on February 21, 2026. BOARD GAME DAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Bring in a game and every player gets a free 4oz pour! MONTANA OPERA: RAGTIME 3pm • The Ellen Theatre, 17 W. Main St., Bozeman • $24 - $75 • 13+ • 406.585.5885 • theellen.my. salesforce-sites.com/ticket/ The epic Tony-award winning musical RAGTIME makes its Montana debut in a new production by the visionary and groundbreaking stage director Francesca Zambello, artistic director of Washington National Opera. CELTIC MUSIC JAM 3:30-5:30pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, listen or dance to classic Celtic tunes! Happy hour food and drinks as well! BRISCOE - NEARLY SOLD OUT 5pm • Live From the Divide, 627 East Peach Street, Bozeman • $40 (tickets almost gone) • livefromthedivide.com Folk-rock BRISCOE - NEARLY SOLD OUT 8pm • Live From the Divide, 627 East Peach Street, Bozeman • $40 (tickets almost gone) • livefromthedivide.com Folk-rock

MONDAY, FEB. 2 BIG KID STEAM PLAY - AIRTOOBZ ENGINEERING 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Harness the power of air to send colorful balls whizzing around the room. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Bacchus Pub, 105 W Main St, Bozeman • 406 404-1996 • www.bacchuspub.com Join us for our weekly trivia night, Game Night Live is a leader in bar trivia and music bingo, putting on awesome games at local venues that everyone can enjoy. GAYS ON BLADES 8-10pm • Len Hill Park, 33 Lone Peak Dr, Big Sky • FREE Come and ice with us on our free community ice rink OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

TUESDAY, FEB. 3 BIG KID STEAM PLAY - AIRTOOBZ ENGINEERING 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Harness the power of air to send colorful balls whizzing around the room. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - FOLDED BOOK HEDGEHOGS 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Make a bookshelf buddy with upcycled folded books. CRIBBAGE NIGHT 5-9pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join SHINE for cribbage night every Tuesday! NONFICTION WRITERS GROUP 5:30-7:30pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Nonfiction Writers Group offers mutual support, and considerate, constructive feedback on works in progress. GAME NIGHT LIVE TRIVIA 6-8pm • Outlaw Brewing, 2876 N 27th, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 577-2403 • www.outlaw-brewing.com Our games are free to play and are for everyone who likes to play games and win prizes! OPEN MIC 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come share music, poetry or whatever you like with us every Tuesday! TRIVIA TUESDAY 6pm • 406 Brewing, 308 East Main St Suite 406, Manhattan • FREE • All Ages • www.406brewingcompany.com The best trivia in the valley, with Stephen, the absolute GURU of trivia hosting. Every Tuesday at 406, just down the road in Manhattan. Catered by Crazy Torta Tacos. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8pm • Tips Up, 76 Town Center Ave Unit A1, Big Sky • (406) 995-2773 • www.tipsupbigsky.com Calling all artists, musicians, and lovers of local sound. Open Mic Night with Robby Hutto happens every Tuesday at 8 PM at Tips Up. Whether you’re ready to take the stage or just want to cheer on Big Sky’s up-and-coming talent, this is your chance to plug into the local music scene. OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 BIG KID STEAM PLAY - AIRTOOBZ ENGINEERING 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Harness the power of air to send colorful balls whizzing around the room. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - FOLDED BOOK HEDGEHOGS 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Make a bookshelf buddy with upcycled folded books.

CRICUT ACCESSORIES - MUGS 6:30-7:45pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • 12+ • (406) 5822400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Learn how to use additional tools with the Cricut Venture to create personalized mugs. Registration is required. Registrants must have their Work Bench Cricut Venture badge. TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm • Pine Creek Lodge, 2496 E. River Road, Livingston • $5 • (406) 222-3628 • www.pinecreeklodgemontana.com Current Events, Potpourri, Name That Tune, handouts and more. Nightly prize, plus a prize for the season long champions. Teams from 1-6 people. We are first come first serve. We do not accept reservations. Please get there early to ensure you get a table. Come on in, drink beer, eat dinner, have some fun and let’s Trivia! OPEN MIC 9pm • The Haufbrau, 22 S 8th Ave, Bozeman • no cover • 21+ • (406) 587-4931 • www.facebook.com Bozeman’s Choice Open Mic Night - the original!

THURSDAY, FEB. 5 BIG KID STEAM PLAY - AIRTOOBZ ENGINEERING 10am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • 5-11 • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Harness the power of air to send colorful balls whizzing around the room. TEEN CORNER EXPLORATION - FOLDED BOOK HEDGEHOGS 0am-6pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Teens • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Make a bookshelf buddy with upcycled folded books. GYROKINESIS - AN INTRODUCTION 12:15-1pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • Adults • (406) 582-2400 • www.bozemanlibrary.org Discover the joy of movement in this gentle, seated class led by certified instructor Erin Groth, and designed to support spinal health, body awareness, and overall well-being. THIRSTY THORSDAY 3-9pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman $5 special drink all day. $5 off bottle fills (32 & 64 oz. only), and happy hour food all day! VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK - VANESSA RILEY 5-6pm • Online through Bozeman Public Library • FREE • Adults Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley. BLUEGRASS JAM 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come play, sing or just enjoy. COSMIC TUBING 7-9pm • Yellowstone Alliance Adventures • $25 Adults; Children 12 & under $20 • All Ages • 406-763-4727 • www. yaacamp.org/events Cosmic Tubing combines the excitement of speeding down the hill with the magic of lights and music for a winter experience like no other. GAVIN DEGRAW 7pm • The Elm • $46.10 - $64.90 • All Ages • (406) 830-4640 • logjampresents.com Logjam Presents is pleased to welcome Gavin DeGraw for a live in concert performance. MSU MEN’S BASKETBALL: BOBCATS VS IDAHO 7pm • Brick

QIGONG noon-1pm • Pilgrim Congregational Church • Donation Accepted: Suggested $5.00-10.00 • 4065800187 • www. arisebowenwork.com Join Barb and the Qigong community for some gentle stretching, mindful breathing and a series of flowing movements to increase strength, flexibility, balance and calm. READ WITH A DOG 4-5pm • Bozeman Public Library, 626 East Main Street, Bozeman • FREE • All Ages • (406) 582-2400 • www. bozemanlibrary.org Kids can read with an Intermountain Therapy Dog each Wednesday afternoon. TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8pm • SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop, 451 E Main St, Bozeman • FREE • (406) 585-8558 • shinebeer.com Join us for our Wednesday night trivia! DRINK AND DRAW 6-8pm • Valhalla Meadery, 875 Bridger Drive Unit B, Bozeman Come make art with us! Supplies provided.

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Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

GREATER YELLOWSTONE EVENTS CALENDAR UMPHREY’S MCGEE December 19 & 20 - Pine Creek Lodge

Bozeman Magazine January 2026 • www.bozemanmagazine.com

All listings are subject to change. Check ahead for full details.