Whitefish Christmas Stroll 2023: A Festive Tradition in Montana

Whitefish Christmas Stroll 2023: A Festive Tradition in Montana

Whitefish, Montana – On December 8th, 2023, the charming town of Whitefish will once again light up with the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. The Whitefish Christmas Stroll, a beloved tradition for over three decades, is set to bring the community and visitors together for a night of festive cheer, unique performances, and holiday spirit.

The Festivities Begin

The evening kicks off at 5 PM with the enchanting sounds of the Alpine Bell Ringers Handbell Choir at the First Presbyterian Church, setting the perfect tone for the festivities. Following this, the sounds of harp music and the North Valley Music School Christmas Recital will fill the air, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

A Musical Extravaganza

At 6 PM, the Flathead Valley Community College Vocal Jazz and Chorale Ensemble will perform outside the O’Shaughnessy Center, offering a selection of beloved Christmas carols. The ensemble’s voices will undoubtedly captivate all who gather in Depot Park, creating a memorable musical experience.

The Lighting of the Tree and Menorah

A highlight of the evening is the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Menorah Lighting at 6:15 PM, hosted by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Stockman Bank. This moment, symbolizing unity and the start of the holiday season, is a must-see event for every attendee.

Santa’s Grand Entrance

At 6:30 PM, the excitement builds as Santa Claus arrives in style via a Bar W Guest Ranch Wagon. Accompanied by the Alpine Theatre Project Elves, Santa will lead the way down Central Avenue to Huck’s Place, where he’ll be available for selfies and greetings with the children.

Diverse Performances

Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy various performances, including a dance showcase by Whitefish & Bigfork Dance at 7:10 PM and the Vocal FVCC Ensemble at multiple times. Additionally, Merie Productions presents a selection from their “Winter Wonderland” show, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Activities and Entertainment

The Christmas Stroll is not just about performances. Visitors can enjoy:

  • Wagon rides by Bar W Guest Ranch
  • Fire pits for warming up along Central Ave
  • Ornament making at Stumptown Art Studio
  • The Great Whitefish Gingerbread Contest
  • Tap dance performances by Feat by Feet
  • Vendors offering crafts and delicious food
  • Turkey Bowling with exciting prizes
  • Stores decked out in holiday décor, many offering refreshments
  • The Whitefish Winter Carnival Float and Royalty
  • Encounters with gentle giants from Clydesdale Outpost

A Night to Remember

The Whitefish Christmas Stroll is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the community’s spirit and a celebration of the holiday season’s joy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event promises to fill your evening with wonder, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Join us in Whitefish, Montana, on December 8th, 2023, from 5-9 PM along Central Avenue, and immerse yourself in a festive experience that you’ll cherish for years to come. The Whitefish Christmas Stroll is not just an event; it’s a memory in the making.

Columbia Falls Community Market

The Columbia Falls Community Market will begin the 2023 Season on May 18 and will last until September 28, 2023. The market takes place weekly on Thursday from 5pm until Twilight at 830 1st Avenue West in Columbia Falls. The locals’ market offers friends, families, neighbors and visitors the chance to more conveniently live a farm-to-table lifestyle while enjoying each other’s company, live music, fresh food, desserts, artisan gifts and locally-brewed beer. Learn more about the Columbia Falls Community Market – HERE.

Columbia Falls Community Market Live Music Schedule

June 15: Badger Hound
June 29: The Stafford Family Band
July 6: Winnie Brave
July 13: Nol & Justin Harris Duo
July 20: David Walburn Band
July 27: kNiption FiT
August 3: Brent Jameson
August 17: Jamie Wyman Band
August 24: Marc Holyoak
August 31: Billy Billie
Sept 14: Achertown
Sept 21: @TheTeccas Duo
Sept 28: 20 Grand

Are you a Farmer, artist or food vendor?

Are you a farmer, artist or food vendor? Then you may want to consider becoming a vendor at the Columbia Falls Community Market. “We have limited spaces available, and are looking for local farmers handmade arts/crafts AND food vendors. Market season begins in May and goes until the last Thursday in September. Market time is from 5pm until twilight.” Learn more – HERE.

406.Buzz Montana Living Magazine

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!

Winter Carnival Fire and Ice

Winter Carnival 2023

The 2023 Winter Carnival Fire and Ice is ready for some great festivities. Some of the fun includes Merry Maker, Coronation LXIV, Disco Party, Coronation Prince Frey and Princess Freya, Whitefish Ski Joring, Slopes, Sovereigns, and Sotheby’s, Gala, the Penguin plunge, Pie Social, Grand Parade, Post Parade Social and Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

Winter Carnival Disco Party

Everybody loves a costume party, especially when it’s the Winter Carnival Disco Party at the Great Northern Bar & Grill. On Saturday, January 14, 2022, starting at 9:00 pm, you are invited to be disco dancing all night long.  The one. The only. Whitefish Winter Carnival Disco Party. Dust off your moves and your duds for an evening of groove. Prizes for best costume. The Entry fee is $15 and includes a Carnival Button!

The 2023 Winter Carnival Fire and Ice is ready for some great festivities. Some of the fun includes Merry Maker, Coronation LXIV, Disco Party, Coronation Prince Frey and Princess Freya, Whitefish Ski Joring, Slopes, Sovereigns, and Sotheby’s, Gala, the Penguin plunge, Pie Social, Grand Parade, Post Parade Social and Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

Great Northern Bar & Grill History

The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1904 heralded the beginnings of the city of Whitefish. Incorporated in April of 1905, Whitefish immediately began servicing the needs of the railway, its passengers, and its workers. And, of course, a primary need of a railroad is a local tavern. The Great Northern Bar has filled that need since 1919. Its original location was on the north side of 2nd Street between Baker and Lupfer. The Northern remained there until the 50’s, when it was moved to its current location on Central Avenue. At that time it was owned by Jane Mathias, and was only one third of its present size, the rest being Kastella’s taxidermy and an empty lot. In the late 80’s, the taxidermy and lot were purchased, and remodeled into the band room, pool room, and beer garden. Learn more – HERE

Winter Carnival Parade

Citizens of the Realm, our good and just King Ullr LXIV and Queen of the Snows hereby invite all to participate in the Winter Carnival Parade LXIV, and to compete for awards and notoriety. Join the fun and festivities along with The Royal Court, but beware of the Yetis and their mischievous antics, because what happens in Whitefish follows you home! Learn more – HERE.

406.Buzz Montana Living Magazine

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!

Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos Live

Dueling Pianos – Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country Fundraising Event New Years Eve. 

Are you ready for a little bit of fundraising fun to ring in the new year? There will be dancing, there will be singing, and there will be comedy all to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country. The 4th Annual Dueling Pianos fundraiser takes place on December 31, 2022, at the Kalispell Eagles Montana. The doors open at 7:30pm…..hope to see you there!

“Join us for a fun night of singing, dancing, comedy, and outrageous piano playing as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Glacier Country hosts its 3rd Annual Dueling Pianos fundraiser! The Dueling Pianos Event is an amazing variety show, mixing humor with classics like Billy Joel and Elton John to contemporary hits and country.”

Boys & Girls Clubs - Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos Details

Ring in the New Year on December 31st, 2022 through January 1, 2023.

Location:
Kalispell – Eagles- 37 1st St. W., Kalispell MT 59901

The funds raised at the Dueling Pianos show will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs after school program, which runs year round.

Mandy Anderson says the program helps students who need mentorship and structured activities while their parents are at work or if they don’t have a guardian. Program activities include homework help, art, cooking, outdoor and fitness activities and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects. “Kids come and they have the mentorship of our staff during those crucial hours of the day,” she said.

406 Buzz Montana News

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!

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS

THE WAILIN’ JENNYS

The Wailin’ Jennys  are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse – three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound.

Starting as a happy accident of solo singer-songwriters getting together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Wailin’ Jennys have earned their place as one of today’s most beloved international folk groups. Founding members Ruth Moody and Nicky Mehta, along with New York-based Heather Masse, continue to create some of the most exciting and exquisite music on the folk-roots scene, stepping up their musical game with each critically-lauded recording and thrilling audiences with their renowned live performances.  Although known primarily as an acoustic outfit, The Wailin’ Jennys have a wide range of musical backgrounds that have formed their musical sensibilities.

November 4, 2022 at 7:30pm (Wachholz College Center)

Ticket prices range from $35 to $65, not including ticket service fees. Click HERE For more Information
This show is presented by WCC. No outside food or beverages allowed in Wachholz College Center.
Recommended age limit 8+ 
Lobby doors open 90 minutes prior to show start.

406 Buzz Montana News

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!

Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern

Festival Amadeus

This is an experience that no one should miss – Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern Celebrating Classica + Beyond – on August 9-14, 2022 at the beautiful Whitefish Performing Arts Center in Downtown Whitefish. Festival Amadeus is celebrating 15 seasons as Montana’s only week-long chamber and orchestra classical music festival. Don’t miss this summer’s extraordinary artists and exciting performances with internationally acclaimed soloists and the Festival Amadeus Orchestra!

Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern

Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern

Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern Concert Details

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 ORCHESTRA 1 – 7:30pm
Night Bird and Prague
Opening orchestra night featuring erhu virtuoso, Song Yun, new works by visiting composers Mark Armanini and Rita Ueda, plus Mozart’s Prague Symphony. Ueda Let us not be the reason someone out there is praying for peace.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2022 CHAMBER 1 – 7:30pm
Cultural Crossings
New Music* by Andre, Armanini and Ueda for Chinese erhu, flute and harp chamber concert featuring Water Dragon Tune, an evocative setting of ancient Chinese nature poems with projections and narrator.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022 ORCHESTRA 2 – 7:30pm
Flute, Harp and the Clock
Mozart’s orchestra masterpiece Concerto for Flute and Harp, Joseph Haydn’s tuneful Symphony No. 101 in D and and the evocative work for strings by Rita Ueda ice melting…trickling slowly…

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2022 CHAMBER 2  – 7:30pm
SAINT JOHN PAUL’S II CATHOLIC CHURCH – 195 COVERDELL ROAD, BIGFORK, MT
Due Virtuosi
Experience works for cello and piano by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy and Schumann performed by Robert DeMaine and Peter Takács, acclaimed artists of the highest musical caliber!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 CHAMBER 2 – 7:30pm
WHITEFISH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER – 127 SPOKANE AVE, WHITEFISH MT
Due Virtuosi
Experience works for cello and piano by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy and Schumann performed by Robert DeMaine and Peter Takács, acclaimed artists of the highest musical caliber!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 ORCHESTRA 3 – 7:30pm
Beethoven’s Piano and Schumann
The Festival Amadeus Orchestra presents Beethoven’s lyrical Piano Concerto No. 4 with pianist Peter Takács and Schumann’s final Symphony No. 4..

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2022 ORCHESTRA 4 – 7:30pm
Festival Finale
Robert deMaine is the featured soloist in John Zoltek’s thrilling concerto Through Tamarack and Pine plus Beethoven’s fateful Symphony No. 5 in c minor. A dynamic festival finale concert!

Get More Details on Festival Amadeus Mozart + the Modern at https://glaciersymphony.org/festival-amadeus-2/.

406 Buzz Montana News

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!

Wachholz College Center Performance Lineup

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The Flathead Valley has a very exciting new addition that is just about completed – the Paul D. Wachholz College Center. It is a 58,000 square foot state-of-the-art performance hall located on the Flathead Valley Community College campus. The Wachholz College Center will host the athletic facilities (basketball, volleyball, weight rooms, and multipurpose rooms),  the school’s music department, art gallery, exhibition hall, and even an outdoor amphitheater. . The music department has practice rooms, classrooms, large and small performance halls. The McClaren Hall is one of the most amazing features of the Wachholz College Center because it will seat 1,000 guests in a beautiful performance hall. Learn more about the Wachholz College Center – HERE.

Wachholz College Center Logo

Wachholz College Center Performance Lineup

The Wachholz College Center’s Performance Lineup is going to be impressive. The performances will start in November 2022 and will feature FVCC Speaker Series, National Geographic Live, Glacier Symphony and Chorale, FVCC Music Department Concerts. Some of the speakers, performances and concerts include Postmodern Jukebox, David Sedaris (FVCC Speaker), Alicia Odewale (National Geographic Live), Casa Patas Flamenco: Alejandra, Storm Large: ” Holiday Ordeal”, An Evening with Brandford Marsalis, The Suffers, Glacier Symphony’s Beethoven’s 9th “Ode to Joy”, Handel’s Messiah, and even the Nutcracker (San Diego Ballet). See the entire lineup – HERE.

406 Buzz Montana News

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!

Under The Big Sky Festival

Under the big sky fest

Do you like Turnpike Troubadours, Lord Huron, Cody Jinks? What about Black Pumas, Jamey Johnson and Midland? It your interested is peaked, then you need to prepare for one of the best festivals in Whitefish, Montana….. Under the Big Sky Festival. The festival will take place for the three days – July 15-17, 2022 – so mark your calendars. The Under The Big Sky Rodeo, Round-Up and Musical Festival has something for everyone from country, soul, and bluegrass to stock rodeo, trail rides, food and beverages. Plus, the festival also made some great changes based on feedback from guests and are now reducing the capacity to 20,000 people and are expanding the site to provide more space, restrooms, parking, VIP sections, and even parking.

Under the Big Sky Logo

Under The Big Sky Festival Music Lineup

Turnpike Troubadours, Lord Huron, Cody Jinks, Black Pumas, Jamey Johnson, Midland, Zach Bryan, Shakey Graves, Margo Price, Trampled by Turtles, Lainey Wilson, Paul Cauthen, Morgan Wade, American Aquarium, The Lil Smokies, Sierra Ferrell, Warren Zeiders, Sierra Hull, Leah Blevins, Tre Burt, Jaime Wyatt, Suzanne Santo, Hogslop String Band, Nick Shoulders, Stephen Wilson Jr, The Silent Comedy, Hannah King, The Helnore Highwater Band, Mynxx, Emily Clark, Honey Bandit, Danny  + Joy, Michelle Rivers and Big Sky City Limits.
Under Big Sky Schedule

If you are interested in learning more about the Under The Big Sky Festival, go to their website – https://www.underthebigskyfest.com/. On their website you will find tickets and lodging options.

406 Buzz Montana News

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!

Picnic in the Park

Picnic in the Park 2022

Get your blanket and maybe some lawn chairs and head on over to the Depot Park for free outdoor concerts. This summer, the Kalispell Parks & Recreation Concert Series is hosting Picnic in the Park on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. The free concerts take place in Kalispell’s downtown Depot Park. There will also be lots of great food vendors to complement the great live musical lineup.

Picnic in the Park 2022

Picnic in the Park Music Lineup

The Picnic in the Park has a great musical lineup.

On Tuesdays from 6-8pm, the following bands and musicians will play:

June 28 – The Olson Bro

July 5 – Dan Harmon and Cascade Country

July 12 – Archertown

July 19 – The Groove Riders

July 26 – Miller Campbell

August 2 – Tommy Edwards Band

August 9 – Winnie Brave

August 16 – Hannah King & Friends

August 23 – Kenny James Miller Band

On Wednesday afternoons from 11:30 until 1:30pm, the following musicians will play:

July 13 – New Relm

July 20 – John Dunnigan

July 27 – Larry Myer

August 3 – Eric Alan

Kalispell Parks and Recreation maintain over 445 acres of parkland and natural open space that range from large urban and community parks to mini parks.  Whether your recreation tastes trend towards a park with playgrounds and sports amenities, flower gardens, a free concert, walking trails or a quiet undeveloped place to enjoy trees and birds, Kalispell has something to offer everyone. Parks are opened from 6am until 11pm. Learn more about the parks – HERE. 

406 Buzz Montana News

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 our calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!

Area 406 Music & Arts Festival 2022

Area 406 Festival

The music is coming to the Flathead County Fairgrounds July 1 and 2, 2022, for the Area 406 Music & Arts Festival 2022. There are lots of great headliners including Chali 2NA, ill.gates, Ahee, Wick-it The Instigator, Chris Karns and DJ Mary Mac just to name a few. Plus, there will be a silent disco, food trucks, on-site camping, vendor village, live artists and so much more. Area 406 Music Festival

Area 406 Music & Arts Festival 2022: A 2-DAY DANCE MUSIC INVASION!

Area 406 Music & Arts Festival returns to Kalispell, MT for 2 DAYS of music from the biggest names in EDM, Hip-Hop, Dubstep & Dance music across 3 stages!
FEATURING:
– Chali 2NA
– ill.gates
– Ahee
– Wick-It The Instigator
– Chris Karns
– DJ Mary Mac
– PLUS MORE HEADLINERS COMING SOON!

SUPPORT FROM
Abnorml406
BTSU
Chaddabox
Dead Hipster
DeddShot
DJ Cue
DJ Gabba
Ghost J
goodgoodrum
Heathen
JAAK
KaoticThriller
Mai Kai
MoJo
MT Souls
Mumblebee
Nerdskull
Neurocess
Nick Ferrington
REMC
Richard Fraioli
Split Minds
Sunny Bones

PLUS…
– On-Site Camping Available!*
– Silent Disco!
– Food Trucks!
– Aerial Acrobatics!
– Vendor Village!
– Live Art!
…AND MUCH MORE!

*ON-SITE CAMPING SPACES AVAILABLE!
(You will be able to add a camping spot while completing the purchase for your General Admission tickets for Area 406 Music & Arts Festival. An add-on screen will appear before you enter your payment information.)
– Each camping spot can host up to 4 attendees.
– Each attendee must purchase a General Admission ticket to Area 406.
– Camping Check-In is Friday, July 1 at 12:00pm. Check-out is Sunday, July 3 by 2:00pm
– Re-Entry included for CAMPERS ONLY!

For more information, visit www.area406festival.com and be sure to follow
Area 406 Festival on Facebook & Instagram
Ages 18+
Rain or Shine
No dogs, weapons or outside food/beverages.

406.Buzz Montana Living Magazine

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!