5 of the Most Unconventional Places to See Music in Missoula

How many times have you been asked if you’ve seen a show at Red Rocks? Some cities have big stadiums for people to pack into, sharing the collective love of an artist or band’s music.

But we all know Missoula has some great venues for music, too! The Wilma Theater, KettleHouse Amphitheater, the Adams Center on the University of Montana’s campus, and even Caras Park are all homes to big-name and local concerts.

But did you know some businesses in Missoula also open their doors for your entertainment after hours?

Here are five unusual places you can catch music in town:

#1 – Board of Missoula

This skate shop has been a part of Missoula’s community since 1989. They’re located on the Hip Strip on Higgins Avenue.

At Board of Missoula, you can meet all your skate and snowboard needs—and every once in a while, you can scratch your itch to see some punk music.

Along the same vein, local production organizations like Dead Eye Productions and bands have thrown multi-artist shows and festivals at MOBASH skate park.

These shows are typically for all ages!

#2 – The American Legion

The Legion is a veterans’ organization that has its post in Missoula on Ronan Street.

On occasion, the American Legion Post 27 is rented out for various artists to share their music with the town. Shows hosted here are also usually open to all ages so everyone can enjoy them!

The Legion is also known as the home to the debut of the Power Strip music and arts festival in 2023.

#3 – Missoula Urban Demonstration (MUD)

Since 2011, MUD has been on Wyoming Street serving as a “tool library, demonstration site, and skill-sharing hub rolled into one,” according to their website, though they’ve been helping folks build a more sustainable community for longer than that.

More recently, MUD has also welcomed local and traveling artists to their space.

Daisy Chain Presents, a local production and booking organization, helps put shows on at MUD. Focused on community, these shows are open to all ages and no one will be turned away for lack of funds, Daisy Chain's Instagram page says.

#4 – Flavortown

The house venue has been a staple for metal and punk shows in Missoula over the years, but Flavortown has also dabbled in hosting other arts such as comedy shows.

While the stream of shows has ebbed and flowed, people who find Flavortown—you’ll have to ask a punk to find out—have likely enjoyed the music of local favorites The Foilies and Swamp Ritual.

#5 – Free Cycles

Bike shop by day, sweet music venue by night.

Free Cycles is a community-driven project that is passionate about sustainable transportation. They have a program where people can build their own bikes for free after taking a quick class and volunteering for an hour and a half (or you can build one for $30).

When the biking is done, the music begins.

They also use their space to hold events like concerts, fundraisers, and sometimes a puppet show even rolls through.

Honorable Mentions

Squish – this list wouldn’t be complete without a shoutout to the retired warehouse venue.

The Furnace – here you can find shows in the same place the hardcore roller derby team practices. This space is a substance-free one so the shows can be enjoyed by all.

Le Petit – While I’ve never seen this lovely bakery host shows, I’ve been told by my bandmate, who has been in town much longer than me, that you could catch a tune here back in the day.