A Guide to the Performing Arts in Yellowstone Country
While outdoor adventure is the pinnacle of Montana's Yellowstone Country, the rich cultural scene is equally endearing, particularly in the performing arts sector, which is thriving across the region. Year-round, you'll find various genres of live music, theater, and dance. We've created a guide to the arts centers, theater companies, and musical groups; watch their schedules for upcoming shows!
Tippet Rise Art Center
Tippet Rise is arguably the most unique experience, blending music and sculpture with nature. The landscape is breathtaking on a 12,500-acre working sheep and cattle ranch in Fishtail, Montana. The center features large-scale outdoor sculptures set throughout 15 miles of trails and 13 miles of gravel roads that can be explored by biking, hiking, or van tours. The most sought-after experiences are their summer concert series with performances by internationally acclaimed musicians. Performances take place at various locations, both inside and out. This summer, they are opening a new open-air performance space, Geode, along with two new sculptures.
Bozeman Symphony
In its 56th season, the Bozeman Symphony continues performing to packed houses. Each season includes six Classical Series concerts, the Bozeman Symphony Presents Series, family programming, and "Current Commotion" – an experimental music series that allows the Bozeman Symphony to be on the cutting edge of the industry.
Broadway in Bozeman
Yes, you read that correctly: Broadway shows do come to Bozeman! Each year, a series of touring shows are performed at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University, bringing top-notch talent to the mountains. Season ticket options are available but optional.
Verge Theater
Now located in the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture, the Verge brings a funky and brave tone to contemporary community theater. For those interested in exploring your acting talents, they offer classes for kids, teens, and adults!
Songwriters Festival, Red Lodge, Photo by Kaden Harrison
Red Lodge Songwriter's Festival
Another not-to-be-missed event, the Red Lodge Songwriter's Festival isn't just for songwriters. For three days each June, songwriters from Montana, Nashville, and around the country gather in bars, cafes, parks, and other venues around Red Lodge to share their music, showcase their songwriting, and collaborate with other artists. It's a rare opportunity to watch creativity in action. With 40 live performances by 24 songwriters in 8 venues, you'll have a plethora of music to discover!
Intermountain Opera Bozeman
Called "A small but thriving opera company that is not constrained by convention," by Karyl Lynn, from Opera Now Magazine, Intermountain Opera Bozeman has had a loyal opera following since its inception in 1978. Performing in the historic Ellen Theatre, the experience is captivating.
Montana TheatreWorks
Bringing theater, art, and art education to the community through the historic Ellen Theatre, Montana TheatreWorks is a multi-faceted acting company overseeing the renovations and operations of the theater. Their seasonal performances are top-notch and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Warren Miller Performing Arts Center
Located in Big Sky, the former home of its namesake, Warren Miller, the Center brings world-class music, theater, art, and entertainment to the community. With a 280-seat venue, performances are intimate, with dynamic sound and up-close visuals that draw the audience in.
The Playmill Theater
The longest-running theater company in the area, The Playmill, presents three different plays rotating throughout the summer in West Yellowstone. Plays are family-friendly, lively, and entertaining for all ages.
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks gives 78 FREE performances across 65 communities in MT, WY, ID, ND, and WA each summer and serves over 25,000 audience members. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is pleased to bring Hamlet and The Winter's Tale to a community near you this summer! The entire tour schedule will be posted in April at shakespeareintheparks.org.
Shane Lalani Center for the Arts
Livingston's Shane Center has a packed event calendar, with live theater, kid, teen, and adult classes, art programming, and a free summer concert series that draws the whole community to the Center to enjoy. Watch their schedule; their performances are year-round, and they are fantastic!
Blue Slipper Theatre
Another community theater company in Livingston, the Blue Slipper, has entertained audiences since 1964. The company performs 3-5 full-length productions each season in various comedic and dramatic theater, live performances, and community presentations.
Montana Ballet Company
Live dance performances ranging from full-length classics to contemporary ballet and modern dance are captivating. Collaborating with world-renowned professional dancers, choreographers, conductors, composers, musicians, filmmakers, and set, lighting, and costume designers, Montana Ballet appeals to dance enthusiasts and first-time theatergoers.