Have you ever wondered how unique the experience of enjoying live music or theater performances in open spaces can be? As you soak up the breathtaking skies of Big Sky Country, a Montana amphitheater offers nature as its star entertainment.
If you’re a nature lover, live entertainment enthusiast, or simply someone searching for an experience that is one with nature, Montana’s amphitheaters could be your delightful secret.
These open-air stages are anything but conventional, promising a mosaic of immersive sensory experiences that leave an indelible mark on your memory.
This article is poised to introduce you to a selection of the finest outdoor amphitheaters in the Treasure State, detailing the kind of performances you can catch, and why these cultural gems are well worth a visit.
- Related article: Best Montana Attractions
Whether you’re a local Montanan or planning a future visit to this spectacular state, you’re in for a unique adventure beyond the traditional stage. Welcome to Big Sky Country, where not just skies but also performances seem endlessly vast. Let’s explore together!
7 Key Takeaways on Montana Amphitheaters
- Montana’s iconic amphitheaters, such as KettleHouse Amphitheater and Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater, transcend mere live music venues, offering enchanting performances set against the breathtaking backdrop of the state’s diverse landscapes, including rivers and mountain valleys.
- Amphitheaters in Montana aren’t just designed for musical concerts but also host theatrical performances, sports events, local festivals, and cultural gatherings.
- From state-of-the-art sound and lighting to artist accommodations, Montana’s amphitheaters offer top-notch facilities for both performers and audiences. They also prioritize accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the music they love.
- Amphitheaters in Montana offer a holistic experience, with not just good music but also local craft beers, hard seltzers, and a variety of culinary options provided by food trucks.
- The magical connection between nature’s stunning backdrop and cultural performances is a hallmark of Montana’s amphitheaters. Visitors often describe the experience as transcendent, as if the Montana sky is singing along with the artists.
- Montana’s amphitheaters cater to a wide range of musical tastes, from indie rock to country headliners.
- Listening to live music or enjoying a theater performance in these amphitheaters is not just a recreational activity; it’s a key part of fully experiencing the beauty and culture of Montana.
What Are Amphitheaters?
Ever been where every seat feels like the best in the house? That’s the enchantment of amphitheaters – vast, open-air venues, often oval or circular, designed for both visual spectacle and acoustic excellence, making them a musician’s ideal stage. They’re the quintessential concert-goers’ amusement parks in Montana.
Amphitheaters captivate with their versatility, seamlessly bridging entertainment categories from lively music concerts and theatrical performances to high-energy sports events, offering a refreshing diversity in a world often characterized by compartmentalization.
In Montana, these venues serve more than just concerts or recitals; often doubling as hubs for local festivals and cultural events, the state is adorned with picturesque amphitheaters, both indoor and outdoor, set against the stunning backdrop of nature.
These amphitheaters are essential, especially when you consider the state’s jaw-dropping landscapes. The connection between the natural setting and the cultural experience is sublimely unique.
And It’s not just about the view and the experience; Montana’s amphitheaters play a significant role in the local economy too. By attracting tourists and locals alike, these amphitheaters aren’t just spaces for recreation, they are also job creators and revenue generators.
Amphitheaters You Can Find in Montana
What do you get when you pair the stunning Montana landscapes with live music or theater? You get an unforgettable experience. The variety of amphitheaters in Big Sky Country will surely strike a chord with local Montanans and visiting music enthusiasts.
Below we’ve compiled 2 of Montana’s most captivating amphitheaters, where the allure of the stage is as potent as the grandeur of the outdoors. So, bookmark these spots for your next cultural escapade.
KettleHouse Amphitheater
KettleHouse Amphitheater isn’t just a music destination, but an intriguing cocktail of nature, and melodies. Imagine your favorite band performing, and right behind the stage flows the serene Blackfoot River, lending an almost whimsical charm to the entire experience.
- Setting – Adjacent to the award-winning KettleHouse Brewery and with the Blackfoot River as its picturesque backdrop, KettleHouse Amphitheater in Bonner-West Riverside is immensely captivating.
- Concert Experience – This amphitheater is the epitome of an outdoor live music haven. The feel of the sun on your face or stars above your head — the artists love it, and so do the 4,000 to 4,250 fans that can comfortably fit.
- Viewing Options – You’ll find yourself spoiled for choice here – stadium seating, standing pit, or lawn views. I’d recommend the latter; the views of the cliffs and the river are life-changing.
- Facilities – Concession areas, beverage service, and even artist accommodations; are all top-notch. The amphitheater ensures a seamless experience for both the audience and the performers.
- Accessibility – I was pleasantly surprised by their ADA-compliant facilities. Everyone gets to enjoy the music they love; with no exceptions.
And if you want to balance your love for music with some fresh air, Bonner-West Riverside is an ideal spot. From premier fly-fishing rivers to hiking trails, camping spots, and even wilderness areas, this location lets you pair that electric concert rush with a healthy dose of outdoor adventure.
KettleHouse Amphitheater offers an experience that’s uniquely Montanan. Whether you’re coming for the music, the scenery, or just a great time, this spot has got you covered.
Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater
The Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater, located at 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, Montana 59808, is a pulse in Montana’s live music scene. Its standout feature? Free parking right on the premises. Say goodbye to the wallet-walloping parking garages, my friends.
You’ll find a melting pot of events here, from laid-back indie rock to major country headliners. As we’ve witnessed through the years, there’s something here for every taste.
Concerts and shows are in general admission (GA) and the majority of them are set up this way unless you’re opting for those prime-time pit seats – perfect for the die-hard fans.
Once you’re inside, anticipate more than just great music. The amphitheater’s walkways are adorned with the finest offerings from Big Sky Brewing Company, featuring craft beer, hard seltzers, and even a selection of wines.
As for food, there are food trucks ready to serve a tempting array of dishes that complement each musical note. Moreover, they’ve got you covered with water — sealed bottles are allowed, and refill stations are readily available.
For suave move-makers, the Big Sky Brewing website is a must-access site if you are going for a show, especially for people with disabilities. Expect comprehensive details on accessible seating, parking (ADA spots are first-come, first-served), and more.
Surprisingly (or not), the venue’s stash of street parking is a bit on the limited side, so we always advise hitting it like a true road warrior and being early.
For that breezy, toes-in-the-grass concert experience that only Montana can offer, scroll through the venue’s schedule. You never know what wonders await between the towering mountains and that big, endless sky.
Amphitheaters in Montana Final Thoughts
More than serene landscapes, dramatic mountains, and perhaps a few wandering grizzlies, Montana boasts a vibrant amphitheater scene that can adequately be described as mesmerizing.
Take the KettleHouse Amphitheater, for example. Located practically next door to the award-winning KettleHouse Brewery on the Blackfoot River, the venue offers not just a rich auditory experience, but a culinary one too.
With a capacity ranging from 4,000 to 4,250 people, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong dedication to accessibility, this venue truly stands out.
Then there’s the Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater in Missoula. With a commitment to inclusivity and a diverse range of outdoor concerts, this place goes above and beyond.
And Montana’s amphitheaters don’t just offer a good time; they’re essential cogs in the local entertainment economy. By incorporating state-of-the-art sound and lighting along with artistically stunning backdrops, performances in these venues become an integral part of the overall Montana experience.
Whether you’re drawn to the picturesque charm of KettleHouse or the varied musical performances at Big Sky Brewing Company, there’s a little something for everyone. So, instead of just visiting Montana, truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Amphitheaters in Montana FAQs
1. What is the Biggest Amphitheater in Motnana?
The biggest amphitheater in Montana is the KettleHouse Amphitheater, located in Bonner. It has a capacity of 4,250 and is nestled on the banks of the Blackfoot River outside Missoula, MT.
This makes it the largest known amphitheater in the state, providing a unique outdoor live music experience for concertgoers
2. Where Are Concerts Held in Montana?
Concerts in Montana are held at various venues across the state, including the Wilma Theatre and the Top Hat in Missoula, the Pub Station in Billings, and the Music Ranch Montana in Livingston.
Events like the Centerfest Music Festival in Lewistown and concerts in Billings also offer diverse music experiences for residents and visitors
3. How Much Do Tickets Cost at Kettlehouse Amphitheater?
The cost of tickets at the KettleHouse Amphitheater in Montana varies depending on the event, day, and seating location.
On average, ticket prices for events at the amphitheater range from $111.53 to $160.80, with the most affordable options starting at around $42.00 for seats in the back of the venue and premium seats priced as high as $5170.00.
Captivated by this piece? Immerse yourself in a trove of fascinating Montana reads:
