Stories to Delight and Inspire: Film and Theater in Montana's Yellowstone Country
Grease, Photo courtesy Shane Lalani Center for the Arts
It’s starting to cool a bit here in Montana’s Yellowstone Country, and the days are noticeably shorter. Living so far north, we enjoy long summer nights — at its peak, sunsets come close to 9:30 p.m. It’s the time of year we linger on back porches or enjoy an evening walk and a late dinner. Now that we’re headed toward the autumn equinox, our attention turns to indoor activities.
Our region has an enormous appetite for the arts, including film and theater. Film festivals, documentary series, and independent films are abundant. This year, Big Sky hosts the Lone Peak Film Festival, featuring films from local and indigenous filmmakers. These compelling and well-crafted stories seek to bring community together, celebrate unique stories and inspire positive change in the world. The festival takes place from Sept. 19 to 21 at The Waypoint in Big Sky Town Center.
Cold Snap Film Festival, Community Fundraiser, Photo courtesy Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co.
The Cold Snap Film Festival in Livingston will take place on Nov. 20-21. This long-running tradition, led by Dan Bailey’s co-owner, Dale Sexton, showcases films that celebrate nature, human-powered adventures and emphasize the importance of stewarding our environment. The festival welcomes community participation to raise funds for Loaves and Fishes, the Livingston soup kitchen.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on the Bozeman Documentary Series, the Bozeman Film Society schedule and special events at the Yellowstone Giant Screen in West Yellowstone and the historic Roman Theater in Red Lodge.
As for live theater, The Shane Center produces some of the finest community theater performances in the state. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Holiday Vaudeville” are on deck through the end of the year, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for the 2026 lineup!
At the beautifully renovated Ellen Theatre, Montana TheatreWorks will present A Christmas Carol, Dec. 5-21. (You can also see many of the Bozeman Film Society shows, plus comedy shows, Pecha Kucha and more!) Verge Theater is another one to watch. Their programming offers arts education and offbeat, thought-provoking theater in the Emerson Cultural Center.
And finally, Broadway in Bozeman presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Dec. 2. Each year, live Broadway performances take to the stage, presenting stunning shows for all ages.
We hope you’ll join us!
Photo courtesy Dan Bailey's Outdoor Co.