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Great Northwest Oktoberfest

Are you ready to enjoy some great German Food, Drinks, Music, Dancing and so much more? The Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 will take place September 22 through 24 and September 29 through October 1, 2022, at the Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. There will be lots of contests including a Stein Holding, Log Sawing, Keg Hurling and Kids’ Chicken dance. But, don’t forget about the great food and beer to be enjoyed as well. Learn more at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 – http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/

Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 Details

Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 Admission

Admission is $8; kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent. Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 Tickets are available only at the gate, but have no fear … there’s plenty of room for all!

Get ready for authentic German beer, food, music and dancing, with entertainment provided by Europa — one of America’s most sought-after Oktoberfest bands — as well as Pech und Schwefel, direct from the Austrian Alps! And on Saturday afternoons, it’s the Flathead’s own German orchestra, the Bavarian Echoes!

Then it’s time for you to get into act, by entering one of our hourly audience participation contests, like log sawing, stein holding, or chicken dancing. And don’t forget…

Thursday, Sept 22 is “Locals Night” — Flathead County residents (with valid ID) get in free of charge for our Opening Night extravaganza!

Saturday, Sept. 24 is “Family Day” — Kids 12 and under (with parents) get in free for a full afternoon of festivities outdoors in the Oktoberfest Beer Garden.

Date, Times & Location

Thursday, Sept. 22 5 to 11 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24 12 noon to 11 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 29 5 to 11 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1 12 noon to 11 p.m.

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest is set to return to Depot Park in beautiful downtown Whitefish this year, with plenty of free parking available in-and-around the downtown area!

Addition general information:

Leave Fido at home: Sorry, no pets allowed at Oktoberfest.

Parking: Due to parking availability (& to save gas!) we recommend carpooling to Oktoberfest.

ATM: Cash is King at Oktoberfest … so we’ll have ATM machines available on-premises for festival-goers.

Contests and Activities

Oktoberfest is chock full of fun contests & activities on both weekends!

Contests:
There are tons of crazy contests to participate in or to just watch from the sidelines, cheering your favorite contestant on to victory! We’ll have:

Stein Holding (Mens’ & Womens’)

Log Sawing (Mens’ & Womens’)

Keg Hurling

Kid’s Chicken Dance Contests [Saturdays at 2:45pm]

There’s no entry fee, and participants can sign up 1/2 hour before each contest at the table to the left of the Oktoberfest stage. (No sign up necessary for the Chicken Dance Contest.)

Special Competitions:

Sept. 28-29 — The 2022 Oktoberfest Hop Queen Pageant
Join us at the Firebrand Hotel on from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 28 for the “Hop Queen Qualifier,” to meet the Hop Queen candidates and enjoy music by Pech und Schlefel. Then be under the Bigtop on Thursday Sept. 29 to cast your vote, and see who gets crowned!

Oct. 1 — Men’s and Ladies Stein-Holding Grand Championships
Be in front of the Main Stage at 9 p.m. sharp, when the top finishers from this year’s stein-holding competitions square-off for the “Grand Championships,” and a shot a winning a spot in next year’s Hofbrau Stein-Holding National Championships in New York City!

Schedule of Events

Thursday, September 22
5:00 pm Oktoberfest officially opens! • Local’s Night – Flathead residents 21 & older get in free!

5:30 pm Back by popular demand… The Europa Band

6:15 pm Keg-Tapping Ceremonies & the arrival of the Oktoberfest Hop Queen • Mens Stein-Holding Contest

6:45 pm Polka, Oom-pah, & more by Europa

7:45 pm Ladies Stein-Holding Contest

8:15 pm Great dance music by Europa

9:00 pm Men’s Stein-Holding

9:30 pm More great music by The Europa Band

Friday, September 23
5:00 pm Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!

5:30 pm Great Oktoberfest music by Europa

6:15 pm Men’s Stein-Holding Contest

7:00 pm Music by The Europa Band

7:45 pm Ladies Stein-Holding

8:15 pm Polka, waltzes, oom-pah and more by Europa

9:00 pm Men’s & Ladies Stein-Holding Contest

9:30 pm Music by The Europa Band

Saturday, September 24
12:00 pm Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open! • Kids Day activities from Noon to 5 pm

12:30 pm Men’s Stein-Holding Contest

1:00 pm Great German music by The Bavarian Echoes

2:00 pm Ladies Stein-Holding contest

2:00-5:00 pm Pet a Clydesdale from the Clydesdale Outpost!

2:30 pm Polka, waltzes, & more with The Bavarian Echoes

3:15 pm Kids Day Chicken Dance Championships

3:30 pm Men’s Stein-Holding contest

4:00 pm Authentic Oktoberfest music by The Bavarian Echoes

5:00 pm Ladies Stein-Holding

5:30 pm Great Oktoberfest music by Europa

6:15 pm Men’s and Ladies Keg-Hurling

6:45 pm Music by The Europa Band

7:30 pm Men’s Stein-Holding Contest

8:00 pm Polka, waltzes, oom-pah and more by Europa

8:45 pm Ladies Stein-Holding

9:30 pm Music by The Europa Band

10:30 pm Last Call!

Thursday, September 29
5:00 pm Oktoberfest officially opens for Week 2!

5:30 pm Direct from Austria… Pech und Schwefel takes the stage!

6:15 pm Keg-Tapping Ceremonies & the arrival of the Oktoberfest Royalty • Mens Stein-Holding Contest

6:45 pm Polka, Oom-pah, & more by Pech und Schwefel

7:30 pm Ladies Stein-Holding Contest

8:15 pm Great dance music by Pech und Schwefel

9:00 pm Crowning of the 2022-23 Hop Queen! • Mens Stein-Holding

9:30 pm More great music from Pech und Schwefel

Friday, September 30
5:00 pm Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!

5:30 pm Great Oktoberfest music by Pech und Schwefel

6:15 pm Ladies’ Stein-Holding

6:45 pm Music by Pech und Schwefel

7:45 pm Men’s’ Stein-Holding Contest

8:15 pm Polka, waltzes, oom-pah and more by Pech und Schwefel

9:00 pm Men’s & Ladies’ Stein-Holding Contests

9:30 pm Music by Pech und Schwefel

Saturday, October 1
12 noon Oktoberfest Bigtop & Beer Garden open!

12:30 pm Men’s Stein-Holding Contest

1:00 pm Great German music by The Bavarian Echoes

2:00 pm Ladies Stein-Holding contest

2:30 pm Polka, waltzes, & more with The Bavarian Echoes

3:15 pm Kids’ Day Chicken Dance Championships

3:30 pm Men’s Stein-Holding contest

4:15 pm Authentic Oktoberfest music by The Bavarian Echoes

5:00 pm Ladies Stein-Holding

5:30 pm Great Oktoberfest music by Pech und Schwefel

6:15 pm Men’s and Ladies Keg-Hurling Contests

6:45 pm Music by Pech und Schwefel

7:30 pm Men’s’ Stein-Holding Contest

8:15 pm Polka, waltzes, oom-pah and more by Pech und Schwefel

9:00 pm Grand Finals — 2022 Stein-Holding Championships!

9:30 pm Music by Pech und Schwefel

10:30 pm Last Call — we’ll see you in 2023!

Music

The Europa Band
One of the top Oktoberfest bands in the country — Europa — is back by popular demand for their 10th year, providing authentic Oktoberfest music like no other! John, Milan and Adam travel coast-to-coast each Fall playing at Oktoberfests from Montana to Florida and back again, cranking-out the oom-pah, polka and waltzes … along with a bit of country, gypsy fiddle and Carlos Santana!

Europa takes the stage from 5:30-11 p.m. the first weekend of Oktoberfest, Sept. 22-24. Check out the band and their music at: http://www.theeuropaband.com/

Pech und Schwefel
This year we’re excited to welcome Pech und Schwefel — a four-piece band from the Austrian Alps who play at top Oktoberfests across Europe and the world! They’ll be touring the U.S. this fall, entertaining Oktoberfesters from coast to coast with a unique mix of traditional Bavarian favorites and their signature country/rock/polka-fusion! Check out their website at www.pechundschwefel.at

The Bavarian Echoes
Taking the stage on Saturday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. are the Bavarian Echoes, the Flathead Valley’s own 20-piece Oktoberfest Orchestra. Check them out under the Oktoberfest Bigtop … and have the kids close-by at 2:45 p.m., for the Chicken Dance Championships!

Food

A half-dozen great local food trucks and mobile vendors will be on-hand for the festival, including:
406 BBQ (Menu)

Tico’s Tacos (Menu)

Montana Mountain Dawgs (Menu)

Piroshki Palace (Menu)

KnucklHed BBQ (Menu)

Dave’s Gelato (Menu)

Drinks & Beer

Hofbrau Beers on-tap:
Oktoberfest

Dunkel

Original Lager

Hefeweizen

Bayern Brewery beers on-tap:
Bayern Oktoberfest

Amber Lager

St. Walter Hefeweizen

Pilsner Lager

Dragon’s Breath Dark Hefeweizen

Wine, seltzer, cider, N/A beer, water & soda will also be available for non-beer drinkers

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Vini Di Sicilia

It’s time to eat, drink and gather for a great time at the Vini Di Sicilia at the Montana Bonfire. Guests will get the opportunity to explore the incredible flavors of Sicily… without leaving Woods Bay! There will be a three course meal, wine pairings and even a dessert cocktail.

“Vini de Sicilia” at Montana Bonfire Details

Mare your calendars and get your tickets because it takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2002 from 6 until 9pm. Doors will open at 5:30pm and the first course will be served promptly at 6:30pm. The wine or dessert cocktail can be substituted for another beverage of choice. We will be seating the dining room communal style, doors will open early, and we will continue to cocktail after serving our third course.
We strongly encourage our guests to socialize with each other and enjoy this incredible experience!

Tickets are $75 per guest and include Three Course meal, Wine Pairings, and a Dessert Cocktail. Contact us for tickets at 406.692.6026.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

St. Luke Foundation Dinner and Auction

On Friday, September 9, 2022, the St. Luke Foundation Dinner and Auction will take place at the Ronan Community Center. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a no-host bar and silent auction. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by a live auction. An online auction will be offered again this year as well, running from Wednesday, September 7th through Sunday, the 11th. Proceeds from the event will help fund improvements to the St. Luke Extended Care Facility.

St. Luke Foundation Dinner and Auction Details

Date: Friday, September 9, 2022

Time: starts at 6pm

Location: Ronan Community Center

Ticket Price: $75

Learn more about the event – HERE.

About St. Luke Community Center

From the moment our doors first opened in 1953, St. Luke Community Healthcare has grown to become an example of great things that can happen when a hospital is owned and operated by the community it serves. The mission of St. Luke Community Healthcare is to be an integral component of the communities of the Mission Valley through the delivery of personal, compassionate, quality healthcare in a dignified manner that values our patients, clients, and residents who are the very reason for our existence. Learn more – HERE.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Cocktails for A Cause

Did you know that you can actually purchase a cucumber margarita and you can actually help the Nate Chute Foundation. Every single day through the month of September, for every Cucumber Margarita that is purchased, $1 goes directly to the Nate Chute Foundation. Yep – Cocktails for a Cause!

The Nate Chute Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing suicide in western Montana through education, outreach, and training. NCF offers evidence-based training and education to area schools and organizations to help identify suicidal behavior and build resiliency, as well as providing financial assistance for professional counseling to those at risk of suicide. The Nate Chute Foundation was founded in 1999, and has been expanding to meet the needs of our community ever since. For more information visit https://www.natechutefoundation.org/

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Whitefish, Montana’s only AAA four-diamond resort is situated between pristine Whitefish Lake and the Viking Creek Wetland Preserve, just 1.5 mile from downtown Whitefish. Enjoy adventure by day, award-winning dining and luxurious accommodations at night, at this full-service resort hotel. Learn more – HERE.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Special Olympics Community Picnic

(Photo: Special Olympics Montana)

Golf For Good!

On Friday, August 26th, 2022, come join friends and family at the Village Greens Golf Course in Kalispell, Montana, for a little golfing for a cause. This year marks the 6th Annual Golf Scramble – Golf For Good – where all proceeds go to support the Dream Adaptive Recreation programs. Participation is available for both teams and single golfers and includes a light breakfast, range balls, cart, round of golf, access to hole prizes, lunch, DREAM hat, sleeve of quality golf balls and more!

Golf For Good! Details

Date: Friday, August 26, 2002

Time: 8:00am until 5;00pm

Location: Village Greens Golf Course – 500 Palmer Drive in Kalispell

Cost: $400 for a team of four and $100 for single golfer

Contact Julie Tickle at jtickle@dreamadaptive.org or Get Ticket Information – HERE.

About Dream Adaptive Recreation

What We Do
We leverage abilities! Trained staff and volunteer instructors help break down barriers to participation, so that everyone has access to the great outdoors. We provide adaptive equipment as needed, and create a safe and fun environment to learn and grow. Every person is unique, and therefore our lessons and experiences are tailored to specific goals and desires.

Who Can Participate
Our program opportunities support individuals ages 5 to adults with a variety of disabilities including those with physical, cognitive, intellectual, developmental and sensory challenges. Participants range from the never-ever looking to learn a new sport or experience a new adventure, to the more advanced athlete looking to try new equipment, refine their skills or reach loftier goals.

Promoting Inclusion
It is our belief at DREAM that outdoor recreation is something to be shared. We strive to provide lessons for people with disabilities and include family, friends and the community whenever possible. Financial aid scholarships are available to those who could benefit from assistance.

Learn more at https://www.dreamadaptive.org/

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Whitefish Trail Hootenanny 2022

The Whitefish Trail Hootenanny is back and promises lots of fun for everyone and all for a great cause – The Whitefish Legacy Partners, The Whitefish Trail and our local conservation lands. Guests will enjoy live music, local beer, food trucks, raffle, and kids activities on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 5 until 9pm.

“This year, we are excited to announce A-Mac & the Height from Denver, Colorado, local favorite Brent Jameson Trio, and The Timber Rattlers from Missoula, Montana. Live music is made possible by Music Sponsors Great Northern Bar and Casey’s Whitefish. We are excited to serve craft beer exclusively from sponsor Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company!”

Whitefish Trail Hootenanny 2022 Details

Friday, August 19, 2022 – 5pm-9pm

Whitefish Depot Park

Price: $25 (at door) – Get Tickets HERE.

Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door. Kids 12 and under are FREE and should bring their bike and helmet to ride the kids bike obstacle course! The raffle features two unrestricted, roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, a mountain bike, season ski pass to Whitefish Mountain Resort, and many more prizes!

THE WHITEFISH TRAIL • Leave a Legacy
The Whitefish Trail is a multi-use recreational loop trail connecting community to important places worth protecting. The PLACES WORTH PROTECTING initiatives and continued construction and maintenance of the Whitefish Trail guarantees a legacy of conservation, recreation and education on lands surrounding Whitefish for future generations.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Polson Brew Fest

Do you like Beer? How about a festival featuring four local breweries? Get ready for some fun Saturday, August 13, 2022, from noon until pm at the Polson Brew Fest. This festival is hosted by the Polson Rotary and features four local breweries: Glacier Brewing Co, Ronan Co-Op, Tamarack, and Flathead Brewing. Plus, all proceeds from this festival go to Baseball, Cheerleading, Swim Lessons, and Girls and Boys Youth Wresting. Oh…Did we mention that the event is FREE to attend?

Polson Brew Fest Details

August 13, 2002 – noon-4pm

Location: In Front Of Elks Club 512 Main Street (Polson)

Free Event

The Brew Fest is taking place in coordination with the Sandpiper Art in the Park and Car Show. There will be live music by Hellcat Maggie, Raffles and lots of great prizes to win. While you are enjoying your Beer or Beer Tasting, $25 Raffle tickets will be available where you could win 5 prizes of $1000 each, groceries, meat, golf passes and wine. What a great deal for a great community cause – Polson Youth Activities! Learn more – HERE.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Whitefish Wine Auction

Are you a wine enthusiast? If your answer is yes, then mark your calendar for the Whitefish Wine Auction. The Whitefish Wine Auction is three days of Wine, Food and Song and will take place August 10 through August 12, 2022. From casual wine tastings to food and wine pairings at private residences and even a gala and wine auction, the Whitefish Wine Auction has something for every palette. All proceeds benefit ATP’s professional and educational arts programs.

Whitefish Wine Auction Details

UnWINEd – Wine Tasting – Wednesday, August 10 At 5:30pm – Grouse Mountain Lodge – $60.00

A single ticket to our casual after-work wine tasting featuring the exquisite wines of our featured wineries. You’ll learn more about each wine, enjoy tastings, and have an opportunity to order them!

Private Vintner Dinners – Thursday, August 11 At 6pm – The Home Of Carl Straub & Brenda Bernheim – $150.00

A ticket to the private vintner dinner at the Straub Residence in Kalispell. Featuring Chef Andy Blanton, Battuello Vineyards, Blue Samurai, & Lede Family Wines.

Thursday, August 11 At 6pm
The Home Of Dr. Reed & Cooke Thompson – SOLD OUT
Featuring Chef Earl James Reynolds & Melville Winery

Thursday, August 11 At 6:30pm
The Home Of Margo Jacbos – SOLD OUT
Featuring Chef Christian Moreno & Chalk Hill Winery
A series of exclusive wine-pairing dinners at private residences across the Flathead Valley. Each home-hosted dinner will feature an exclusive pairing of an acclaimed chef with a featured winery.

The Gala Auction & Dinner – Friday, August 12 At 6pm – The Lodge At Whitefish Lake

The main event! Enjoy food, wine, and world-class ATP entertainment as the sun sets on beautiful Whitefish Lake. Featuring a fantastic auction featuring rare wine and wine-themed excursions – including an elegant Mediterranean cruise on the world’s most luxurious cruiseline, Silversea!

Click HERE for Ticket Information.

2022 Featured Wineries

Foley Food & Wine Society

The Foley family & Foley Family Wines has had a strong Whitefish connection for years, including controlling ownership in Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier Restaurant Group, which includes MacKenzie River Pizza, Craggy Range Bar & Grill, Ciao Mambo, and Latitude 48, as well as the Vegas Golden Knights NHL hockey team. William Foley’s love of good wine led him to the wine industry. There he started Foley Food & Wine Society to celebrate three of life’s greatest passions – world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and amazing experiences. Foley Food and Wine has a unique and diverse portfolio of wineries in California, the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, France and Argentina. Each has its own individual identity, style and distinctive personality.

More at foleyfoodandwinesociety.com

Melville Winery

Founded in 1989, Melville is a family-owned and operated estate winery with its roots in Sonoma County’s Knights Valley, where Ron Melville grew high-quality and greatly sought-after grapes. In 1996, Ron’s desire to grow cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah brought Melville Vineyards to the Sta. Rita Hills, located in the Western Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Today, Ron and his son, Chad Melville, uphold Melville’s tradition as one of the most highly-regarded estates in California.

More at melvillewinery.com

Battuello Vineyards

Since 1909 the Battuellos have believed that great wines are grown by careful hands and an intimate knowledge of the land fostered by working the soil vintage after vintage. To that end, the Battuello family has cultivated the same rocky soil in St. Helena for over 100 years, producing excellent grapes for award-winning wines in the region. For five generations the Battuello Family has been growing vines in the renowned Napa Valley. Battuello Vineyards, in St. Helena, was founded in 1909 by Matteo Battuello and his wife Serafina, who immigrated to California from Northern Italy. Four generations later, the vineyard is operated and managed by Craig and his son, Dave. They believe still that great wines are grown by careful hands and an intimate knowledge of the land fostered by working the soil vintage after vintage. That is how the family has been able to cultivate the same rocky soil in St. Helena for over 100 years and continue to produce excellent grapes for award-winning wines in this region.

More at: battuellovineyards.com

2022 Featured Chefs

Chef Andy Blanton
Andy Blanton is one of the most acclaimed chefs in Montana and the Pacific Northwest for that matter. Blanton, the executive chef and owner of Café Kandahar, is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s best chef in the Northwest region, and his Big Mountain restaurant has carved out a widely praised culinary reputation for excellence. Blanton moved to Whitefish in the fall of 1999 from New Orleans, where he worked at two prestigious institutions: Commanders Palace and Brigtsen’s. But like many in the industry, he worked his way up from the bottom, starting as a dishwasher in Virginia Beach during high school before moving up to prep cook, cook and culinary school. He describes Café Kandahar fare as thoughtfully constructed cuisine that essentially incorporates a variety of styles and techniques, both classic and modern. It doesn’t really categorize menu options or the restaurant into a specific cuisine. Chef Andy adheres to the farm-to-table approach and cooking with local ingredients as much as possible and without a lot of similarities on the menu, meaning each dish has its own composed features.

Chef Earl James Reynolds
Chef Earl is a Whitefish native. Originally planning to be a painter, he switched his canvas to the plate and attended Seattle Central Culinary academy. He previously worked at Canlis in Seattle, and Restaurant Trokay in Truckee, California. Upon moving back to Montana, Chef Earl became the Sous Chef at Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, and was the Executive Chef at the Belton Chalet in Glacier National Park. Chef Earl was recently named the Executive Chef at Stone Hill Kitchen+Bar in Bigfork.

Chef Christian Moreno
The Moreno Halphen family has been in the food and coffee industry for over 80 years, and their love and dedication to the craft is always evident, from the flavors in the menu to the décor of the Café itself. Their story began with their maternal grandmother, who founded Finca Don Bosco, a coffee estate on the Talamanca Range between Panama and Costa Rica. Sonny and Choly Moreno inherited this family business, and they, along with their four sons, elevated the estate’s coffee production both domestically and internationally. They created an outstanding product while always staying focused on their values: tradition, conservation, sustainability and respect for the land. Today, the family tradition is being carried forward by award-winning Executive Chef, Christian Moreno, from Swift Creek Cafe, who earned his degree from the top French pastry program, “Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Påtisserie” in Yssingeaux, France. He brings to Whitefish the extensive culinary experience he gained while working for and training under world-class chefs across the United States.

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

World’s Gym Cares Fair

What do Drew Brees, Doug Betters, Chase Reynolds, Beau Hill, Brock Coyle and Maggie Voisin all have in common? All of these great athletes are coming together to support the World Gym Cares Fair that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from 3pm until 6pm at the World Gym in Kalispell, Montana. There will be food trucks, games, music, raffles and even a silent auction at the World’s Gym Cares Fair.

World’s Gym Cares Fair

Date/Time: August 10, 2022 from 3-6pm

Location: World Gym – 555 E Swift Creek Way, Kalispell, MT 59901

Cost: Free

World’s Gym Cares Fair guests will get the chance to meet some great sports legions like Drew Brees, Doug Betters, Chase Reynolds, Beau Hill, Brock Coyle and Maggie Voisin. There will be a lot of great food at this event from food truck sponsors like Swift Creek Cafe, 406 BBQ, Farm to Table Ice Cream, Wagyu Wagon, Glacier Acai, and Antonios Pizza. Plus, there will be raffles and auction items to win like a signed Drew Brees helmet and an authentic signed Jerry Rice Football Jersey…just to name a few of the events at the World’s Gym Cares Fair. The most important part about this event is that it all goes to support the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country. Some of the sponsors include Whitefish Credit Union, First American Title Company, Mann Mortgage, Freedom Bank, Trailhead Church, Glacier Bank, PTA Physical Therapy and The Chiropractor Whitefish just to name a few sponsors.

About Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country… is to enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country has been in the Flathead Valley for over 20 years serving youth between the ages of Kindergarten through Seniors in High School. With the primary location being in Columbia Falls the reach of the Club extends across the valley into Evergreen. Between the two locations over 100 youth are served every day after-school. Learn more: https://bgcglacier.org/mission-and-story/

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 Details

Great Northwest Oktoberfest 2022 Admission

Date, Times & Location

Contests and Activities

Schedule of Events

Music

Food

Drinks & Beer

“Vini de Sicilia” at Montana Bonfire Details

St. Luke Foundation Dinner and Auction Details

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Golf For Good! Details

Whitefish Trail Hootenanny 2022 Details

Polson Brew Fest Details

Whitefish Wine Auction Details

World’s Gym Cares Fair

Free Event Submission