When I travel, I love going to special events. It’s not always easy to find what is happening if you aren’t a local and in the know. With that thought in mind, I compiled a comprehensive list of where to see a show in Bozeman, Montana.
After living in Bozeman for over 6 years, I have found some great places to see live music, a comedy show or a special event. Find out where to see a show in Bozeman in this ultimate list with all my favorite places and more. I hope you find a fun event to attend while you are in town.
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Bozeman MT Concerts
There are a surprising number of places to see live music in Bozeman for a city of only 50,000 people. They range from bigger venues like the Elm to small venues like Live From The Divide. I have even added a couple of restaurants and one hot spring where you can see a concert in Bozeman from time to time.
The Elm
The largest venue on the list with the most consistent schedule is The Elm. This concert spot opened unfortunately at a terrible time, when COVID was still very prevalent. We actually had tickets to the grand opening show featuring Death Cab for Cutie, but sadly it was canceled when a spike of COVID came through the city.
Thankfully, it didn’t hurt the concert venue too badly and it is still thriving. The Elm fits a little over 1000 people, which feels like an intimate concert venue, but for Bozeman it is one of the largest! You will find the biggest names here, so check out their line up in advance.
The Rialto
This downtown music venue is one of my favorites. The Rialto fits 400 people in their main stage area called the Black Box which also includes a mezzanine overlooking the stage.
The Rialto is mostly a concert venue, but also hosts other special events on occasion. We saw a risqué burlesque show there once which was super fun!
There is also a tasty-looking restaurant upstairs that serves German food and beer if you are hungry. I haven’t been but it has really good reviews so far!
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Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
Every once in a while, Bozeman gets a big named artist. And when they do, they usually play in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse as it can fit a lot more people. The Brick Breeden is part of Montana State University and where the Bobcats basketball team plays.
These large concerts and special events are pretty sporadic, so check to see if they coincide with your trip. Currently they have the Harlem Globetrotters, Chicago: The Musical and Alison Kraus & Union Station coming to town in 2025.
In the past they have hosted Trevor Noah, Twenty One Pilots, Toby Keith and many others.
Filling Station
For a dive bar with great music, look no further than the Filling Station. You can grab tickets here for upcoming Filling Station concerts, but most of the time you can just buy them at the door.
Many of the shows are 21+, so if you are traveling with kids, this isn’t the spot for you. Unless you can find a babysitter of course!
Bridger Brewing
Bridger Brewing is not only for tasty craft beer. Bridger Brewing has two locations in the area, one near Montana State University in Bozeman and the other in Three Forks which is about a 30 minute drive from Bozeman.
Their Three Forks location has the most music options. Most of their concerts happen in the summer during their summer series and are held outside with a stage in the lawn. You can also find a few concerts in the winter months held inside.
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Armory Music Hall
Held in the recently renovated Armory Hotel is the Armory Music Hall. This restored venue can accommodate up to 850 people and holds live music artists of all genres. You will find jazz to country, rock and folk artists playing in this historic venue.
Tune Up Basement Bar
In the same hotel as the Armory Music Hall you will find the Tune Up Basement Bar. This intimate speakeasy bar holds live music on the regular in an intimate setting. Enjoy a craft cocktail or local beer and some delicious food while rocking out to some good tunes.
Live From The Divide
For a small venue with great acts, you can’t go wrong with a show at Live From The Divide. With a capacity of only 50, you won’t have trouble finding a good seat in the house. American Roots Music will fill the space where the captivated audience shares a love of live music performances.
Bozeman Hot Springs
Every Thursday and Sunday evening, you can combine your love for live music with a relaxing dip in a hot spring pool. Bozeman Hot Springs has concerts outside year round starting at 7:00pm. Check out who is playing while you are in town here.
Red Tractor Pizza
Hungry for good pizza and live music? Then, you should check out Red Tractor Pizza. This small organic pizza joint has live music 4 nights a week and good pizza and craft beer everyday.
Mondays you will find singer/songwriter night and Friday is all about jazz. Thursday has bluegrass while Saturday you will find rock/funk night. Plan your dinner around your favorite music genre!
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Other Music Venues Near-ish To Bozeman
Kettlehouse Amphitheater – Missoula
The Kettlehouse Amphitheater is an amazing outdoor venue in Missoula. We have seen some really great concerts there including Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Lindsey Stirling, Third Eye Blind and more.
If you are planning on driving from Bozeman to Glacier or heading west, check to see if a show fits in the schedule. That’s what we did with the Lindsey Stirling show.
It is an awesome amphitheater in a beautiful setting. One of my favorite spots to see a show.
Pine Creek Lodge – Paradise Valley
For a fun and unique experience, catch a concert at Pine Creek Lodge. This beautiful venue is in the middle of nowhere but has some amazing acts in a really fun setting.
It is possible to drive to Pine Creek from Bozeman and return the same day. But, if you want to stay the night, there are a few rustic-yet-modern cabins which are actually refurbished shipping containers that you can rent.
You can even see some really big names at this venue although the tickets are usually super pricey when this happens. For example, John Mayer has a house nearby and played at Pine Creek Lodge in 2022.
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Comedy Shows Bozeman
If seeing something funny is more your style, there are a few places to see a comedy show. Below is where to see a show in Bozeman.
Last Best Comedy
For weekly stand-up comedy shows, you have to check out Last Best Comedy. You will find featured comics and also open mic nights.
The Elm
The Elm has special comedy shows every once in a while too. For 2025, they have already announced Tiffany Haddish on May 2nd and Josh Blue on April 24th!
The Emerson
The Emerson is a community center for the arts and culture in Bozeman. They have many art exhibits throughout the building which used to be an old elementary school.
You will also find the Crawford Theater which holds special events from movies, concerts and even comedy shows.
The comedian, Dave Smith, will be making you laugh during his show on January 18th, 2025 and Brad Williams has a show on June 19th, 2025.
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Other Bozeman Shows
In addition to comedy and music, the performing arts are also thriving in this small community. Here’s where to see a show in Bozeman including musicals to Shakespeare.
The Verge
The Verge is a community theater that is built on the core values of inclusion and accessibility. They offer theater classes, but also put on productions for the Bozeman community and its visitors.
They have just announced dates for their upcoming productions in 2025, so if you are in the mood for some theater, check out their website to see what will be showing while you are in town.
The Ellen Theatre
The Ellen Theatre is a beautiful old venue in downtown Bozeman. This historic building holds entertaining performances year round. The musical thriller, Sweeney Todd will be held January 30 – February 9, 2025. Check the Ellen Theatre events calendar to see what is showing during your visit.
The Emerson
The Emerson holds a variety of events in its ballroom and theater year round. You can find plays, family-friendly parties, film festivals, comedy shows and more.
Montana Shakespeare In The Parks
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is a free live theatre series that brings Shakespeare to communities throughout Montana. The schedule is not out for the 2025 season but check back in the spring to see when the Bozeman performance will be. Last year, it was in June.
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Summer Concert Series – Free Music In Bozeman
Music On Main
Every Thursday evening throughout the summer, Main Street shuts down to cars and the street fills with food vendors and a stage. Music can be heard all down the street as you meander your way through the crowds.
There is a kids’ area too where there are fun inflatables and other interactive activities.
The band schedule is announced later in the year.
Music In The Mountains
For a more laid back outdoor music concert, hop in the car and go to Big Sky, Montana. Also on Thursday evenings in the summer, Music in the Mountains is a fantastic way to spend a summer evening. This free outdoor concert series is held in Town Center Park from June to September with a special 4th of July concert!
Bring a blanket or chairs and set up in the park. You can bring your own food and drinks or grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks that surround the park. It’s a fun event for the whole family!
We usually preferred this event to Music On Main even though it is a 45 minute drive from Bozeman, but both are pretty fun events!
The musicians scheduled to play will be announced closer to June.
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