Notes from the Road: November Event Roundup

Ski + Gear Swap
Saturday, November 9, 8am – 1pm
Civic Center, Red Lodge
Bring your used or new outdoor gear for resale, (a.k.a. recycling) and get great deals on used gear. Most gear is acceptable (maybe not yachts or monster trucks). 20% of sales go to BRTA, your local trails promotion organization. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, there will be coffee, snacks and free waxing (for your gear, of course).

West Yellowstone Ski Swap
Saturday, November 16,
West Yellowstone
Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to pick up some great deals on ski equipment. Buy, sell or donate—and soak up the social atmosphere, too.

Yellowstone Ski Festival
Tuesday, November 26 – Saturday, November 30, all-day
West Yellowstone
This is a must for every cross-country skier! West Yellowstone literally comes alive in Lycra in November. Hundreds of Nordic ski enthusiasts from all over the world, novice to expert, gather for a celebration of cross-country skiing. Lessons, free demos, evening activities, kids camp, races and more.

Huffing for Stuffing
Thursday, November 28, 8am
Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman
Proactively combat all that turkey and sweet potato consumption this Thanksgiving with this 10k, 5k or kids’ fun run. All races start at the Museum of the Rockies and each registration includes a free technical t-shirt. Not a runner? Come out and cheer.

Big Sky Resort Opens
Thursday, November 28, 8:30am
Big Sky Resort, Big Sky
Wax up your skis and strap on your boots. Winter officially kicks off with the opening of Big Sky Resort.

Red Lodge Mountain Opens
Friday, November 29, 9am
Red Lodge Mountain
Start the ski and snowboard season off right, hitting Big Sky’s opening day on Thursday and Red Lodge’s on Friday. What a perfect way to spend Thanksgiving weekend.

CULTURAL EVENTS

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” Play
Fridays & Saturdays, through November 17th, 8pm
The Dulcie Theater at the Shane Center, Livingston
Feeling like you need a little more theater in your life? Or are you a huge fan of Dickens? Satisfy your inner bookworm/theater geek by checking out this longtime dramatic favorite. The final novel of Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood tells the story of Edwin Drood’s uncle, a choirmaster, and his feelings for Drood’s fiancé, Rosa. We won’t spoil the ending of this love triangle (which becomes a rectangle, as you’ll find out), but it’s definitely worth a trip to Livingston.

Snow Guardians Film Screening
Wednesday, November 6, 7pm
Montana State University, Student Union Building, Bozeman
Ever wondered what it would be like to follow a ski patroller for a day? Now you can. Snow Guardians is a captivating documentary that follows the life and work of Ski Patrollers at ski resorts throughout Montana as they respond to winter emergencies in the unforgiving steeps of the Rocky Mountains.

Conrad Anker Reading & Book Signing
Thursday, November 7, 7pm
Country Bookshelf, Bozeman
Join Conrad Anker, one of the best-known climbers in the world, as he reads from and talks about his involvement with the book The Call of Everest. This event is free and open to the public.

“Waypoints” Film Screening
Friday, November 8, 8pm
Lone Peak Cinema, Big Sky
For the flyfishers among us, head down to Big Sky for Confluence Films’ latest movie. It will take you to the waters of Venezuela, India, Nepal, Chile, Alaska and more. Even if it’s too chilly to put those waders on (never!), hopefully this will be enough for you to get your fishing fix.

UPHEAVAL Student Art Sale
Monday, November 11 – Wednesday, November 13, all day
Montana State University, Student Union Building, Bozeman
This annual art show gives Bozemanites a rare and unique opportunity to see and purchase innovative original artwork produced by MSU students and alumni. Artwork includes: ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, photography and printmaking. Add to an existing art collection, start a new one or do some holiday shopping. Invest in art while you invest in the future.

“The Way of Life” Big Sky Premier
Saturday, November 16, 6pm & 9pm
Lone Peak Cinema, Big Sky
For some, embracing the mountains is not just part of life—it’s a way of life. The search for snow shapes not only how they approach these peaks, but also how they approach the world. And whether athletes spend their days dropping first descents in Alaska, lapping the local mountain or training for the Olympics, they’re part of a community built around a shared passion. The bonds that form from this community transcend continents and cultures, transforming strangers into friends.

Avalaunch Festival
Thursday, November 21 – Saturday, November 23, all-day
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Bozeman
Celebrate the kickoff of the snow season with this festival. Held yearly in locations all around the west, this festival promises live music, film screenings and (hopefully) tons of snow. Vendors throughout the festival will also be promoting avalanche awareness. Don’t miss the “Pray for Snow Party” on Friday at 4pm, featuring Bone Thugs ’N Harmony.

FAMILY EVENTS

Library Crafts Bazaar
Tuesday, November 5, 5pm – 8pm
Gardiner Public School, Gardiner
Join the Gardiner community for a night of craft perusal, fly tying lessons, book signings by local authors Walter Weise and Dru Robidou, and samplings of local homemade jellies, baked goods and pickles.

Yellowstone Fee Free Day
Saturday, November 9 – Monday, November 11, all day
Yellowstone National Park
Celebrate Veteran’s Day Weekend by spending some time in Yellowstone. Admission is free during these three days and will give you plenty of opportunities to see Yellowstone Park in a way not many get to experience.

Crazy Mountain Christmas
Friday, November 29, 9am – 5pm
Downtown Big Timber
Ring in the holiday season at Crazy Mountain Christmas in Big Timber. Take a ride in a horse drawn wagon, get a picture with Santa and enjoy refreshments, caroling and hometown hospitality. All events take place in downtown Big Timber. Call (406) 932-5131 with questions.

S’Mores!
Friday, November 29, 4pm – 6pm
Rendezvous Trailhead Building, West Yellowstone
Town folks and skiers join together to enjoy conversation around a campfire.  Toasting marshmallows, gobbling s’mores and sipping hot chocolate—a special FREE evening for a special Holiday time.

Yellowstone Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker”
Saturday, November 30, 4pm – 7pm
The Emerson Crawford Theater, Bozeman
Cuban ballet star Raydel Caceres highlights Yellowstone Ballet Company’s 23rd annual The Nutcracker, dancing the roles of Nutcracker Prince and Cavalier. Enjoyed by all ages for its magical and colorful characters and enchanting story, this show is fun for the whole family.

EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

“Building Golden Gate Bridge”
Tuesday, November 5, 7pm
Museum of the Rockies, Hager Auditorium, Bozeman
Paul Giroux, engineer and the American Society of Civil Engineer's chairman for commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in 2012, will discuss the construction, challenges and history of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Avalanche Awareness Talk
Tuesday, November 19, 6pm – 8pm
Big Timber High School, Big Timber
Not sure why you should carry a transceiver or snow shovel? The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center presents a one-hour informative discussion about the real avalanche danger in Montana and how you can be prepared.

Pastry Perfection with Chef Liz
Sunday, November 10, 17, 24, 3pm – 4:30pm
Rainbow Ranch, Big Sky
Is this the year when you finally get ahead of the game for holiday baking? Join Chef Liz for a series of 90-minute baking demonstrations packed with valuable "how to" tips. Enjoy tasty bites, sipping on a glass of wine or sangria and tons of information. Cost is $35 per demonstration.

Okay, we know we missed something. What events are taking place in the area that we forgot about? Leave them in the comments.