Arts and Culture

It has been said that our community is an island of culture, surrounded by an ocean of mountain recreation. And whether you’re looking for that perfect piece of mountain-inspired art, you want to be “wowed” by a Broadway-caliber show, or you’re ready to enjoy some Rocky Mountain bluegrass … you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in Whitefish!

Live Theatre

"Spelling Bee" - Photo provided by Alpine Theatre Project The internationally-acclaimed Alpine Theatre Project produces world-class musical theatre and drama, showcasing seasoned professionals with major league credits … many of them direct from Broadway! The ATP offers Whitefish residents the opportunity to see actors, directors and productions that are normally seen only in major metropolitan areas, and they do it in two state-of-the-art downtown theaters – the O’Shaughnessy Center and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

In addition, the Whitefish Theatre Company fosters professional excellence in community-based theatre, while providing artistic and educational opportunities in the performing and visual arts.

Galleries

Photo provided by Whitefish Pottery The streets of downtown Whitefish are peppered with galleries, retail shops and exhibits for the art lover. Many of our restaurants feature exhibits by local artists, and while Big Sky scenery and wildlife is a popular subject of local artists, there’s definitely something for everyone in Whitefish – from pottery to metalwork, from western to modern. Whitefish Gallery Nights takes place on the first Thursday of each month from May to October, with participating galleries & shops featuring the works of guest artists … and offering free food and drink to art aficionados.

Museums

Photo provided by Stumptown Historical Society The Flathead Valley is home to a number of wonderful museums, including the Stumptown Historical Society Museum in the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Just 10 miles south of town, the city of Kalispell is host to the renowned Hockaday Art Museum, the historic Conrad Mansion Museum, the Museum at Central School and numerous fine art galleries.

Live Music

The Glacier Symphony Orchestra performs classical, holiday, and pops concerts each season, Photo provided by the Glacier Symphony and Chorale
accompanied by world-class (and emerging) guest artists. The Glacier Chorale is a 75-voice symphonic choir, and together the two have brought the world’s greatest music to the Flathead since 1981 – including the acclaimed Festival Amadeus, which kicks-off with a free concert in Whitefish Depot Park in late July.

Live music abounds in Whitefish. From the “open mic” nights at our watering holes to the best “world music” at the O’Shaughnessy Center … from the Montana Music Festival (over Labor Day Weekend) to the top-notch rock, country, jazz and jam-bands that help keep the blood flowing in January … there’s never a shortage of talented live entertainment in Whitefish.

Festivals

If community festivals are more to your liking, there’s plenty going on in Whitefish. From the legendary Whitefish Winter Carnival to Huckleberry Days and the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, there’s never a dull moment here in Stumptown. Concerts, arts & crafts festivals, BBQ cook-offs and bike races; those are but a few of the events you’ll want to experience once you make Whitefish your home.