Northwest Montana Events Guide for May: Whitefish Restaurant Week, Fish Fest, Live Music & More!

May in Northwest Montana is packed with can’t-miss events—and this episode of News Now’s Local Events guide has everything you need to plan your month. From the return of Whitefish Restaurant Week and Fish Fest to live music, theater, festivals, and outdoor adventures, we break down the biggest happenings across Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, and the Flathead Valley.

Explore standout events like the Glacier Art Museum Gala at the Wachholz College Center, the adrenaline-filled Whitewater Festival in Bigfork, and community favorites like Spartan Race weekend, Montana Distillers Guild’s Spirits & Brews Fest, and Little Shop of Horrors on stage in Whitefish. Whether you're looking for food, culture, family-friendly activities, or nightlife, get connected to the best things to do in Montana this upcoming month.

Discover more about all the happenings mentioned in the episode at https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events. Lock in tickets before they sell out! Check out flatheadtickets.com for upcoming events.

Whitefish Restaurant Week is a weeklong celebration of the restaurants, chefs, and culinary talent on May 16 - 22, 2026. Throughout the week, residents and visitors are invited to enjoy special menus, try local favorites, and support the businesses that help shape our community. Learn more at explorewhitefish.com

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Transcript

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It may be time to dust off the bikes, load up the boat, stretch your hiking legs, and ride May's weather roller coaster with a bunch of great indoor and outdoor events to roll you into summer. At the top of the month, the Glacier Art Museum, formerly the Hawke Day, host their annual Gala and Art Auction. Join the GAM on Friday, May 8th at the Posh Walts College Center for a night of elegance and art appreciation. If last year's event is any testament, you will not want to miss this. Support the museum and a bevel of Montana artists as you mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, witness art created in real time, enjoy dinner from the House of FM, and live music by the Glacier Symphony Chamber Quartet. Hi here, the Silent Auction is host to many amazing and affordable artworks, and the live auction showcases stunning works from a long list of revered artists. Don't miss your chance to revel in the art world and support a worthy cultural institution. Get your palettes ready! Whitefish Restaurant Week is back to wine and dine you with all the delicious food Whitefish Area restaurants have to offer. Kicking off with Fishfest May 16th to 22nd, you can fill your belly and support the local workforce as all participating restaurants contribute to the Community Support Fund, which supports workforce housing through Housing Whitefish. Try the scallop tartare at Buchanan's or Fish Fest Salmon Savory Crepe at Amazing Crepes, or Elk Ragu at the Boat Club, or Ahi Tuna Tostadas at the Craggy Range, or a Barberet Popcorn and Cold Brew Sunday at Sweet Peaks. Yum, my mouth is watering. Find the full list of restaurants participating in Whitefish Restaurant Week, as well as their menus for this special event at explorewhitefish.com. The shoulder season is a great time to savor all the best eats Whitefish has to offer, and you only have seven days to enjoy these special menus. I suggest you make a plan and line up your reservations. Shoulder season or know these fine eateries are sure to be busy. Shop local, play local, and certainly eat local. Support the businesses that support our community and make it a vibrant and delicious place to live. Enjoy Whitefish Restaurant Week, May 16th to 22nd. Your taste buds will thank you. Fishfest is back for the fourth annual celebration of all that is Whitefish Montana. Saturday, May 16th is chock full of raffles, live music, and small town fun spanning downtown Whitefish. Start the weekend and run fish with an early morning marathon, half marathon, 5K along Central Avenue. Host race, head to the Baker Block Party for fun for all ages, where you can meet a Clydesdale, boogie to a live DJ, and save for food and treats from local vendors. Permission to shop with the shoppers crawl. Shop till you drop or fill up your card with stamps from local stores for your chance at raffle prizes. It's patio season and all your favorite downtown patios will be celebrating the day. Fish Fest is a great opportunity to celebrate local before the busy summer. Mother's Day is May 10th for those who celebrate. Treat yourself or your mama to a Mother's Day tea at Kalispell's Conrad Mansion or shop curated vintage and homemade goods at the Market Beautiful on May 8th at the Majestic Valley Arena. Head north of Whitefish on Saturday, May 9th to celebrate a Clydesdale mom as the Clydesdale Outpost introduces the newest members of the herd on their foals and family weekend. Dig out your dry suit or post up along the Swan River to marvel at the wild river and the wild folk that ride it during Big Fork's Whitewater Festival on May 22nd to 24th. Memorial Day weekend is made for the Whitewater Festival and the Wild Mile never disappoints. While you're in Big Fork, stop by local eateries and drinkeries and browse the unique and artful shops along Electric Avenue. May has plenty more to offer. Check out a pinball tournament on Saturday, May 2nd at the Timber Bar, formerly the Dusty Star, which was formerly Scotty's. The Timber is the best place to flip the day away during this low-key tournament. Fun for pinballers of all ages and skill levels. Try your luck on the new Harry Potter pin and see if you have what it takes to beat me. Whitefish's Grouse Mountain Lodge hosts the Montana Distillers Guild Spring Spirits and Brews Fest on Saturday, May 2nd. Enjoy an evening of Dueling Pianos on Saturday, May 2nd at 101 Central in Whitefish. Mary Productions has brought Dueling Pianos back for a second round of high octane quest-driven piano battle through the greatest hits of every era. The weekend of May 9th, Discover Cow Spell brings back the infamous Spartan race for what is sure to be some rowdy and muddy fun. Test your metal or come to Big Fork to spectate as your neighbors test themselves on courses full of extreme obstacles. Don't miss your chance to experience the Northwest Ballet Company as they perform excerpts from Phantom of the Opera at the Big Fork Center for the Performing Arts for separate showtimes the weekend of May 9th. See more of the Whitefish Theater Company's production of the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish for various showtimes May 21st through June 6th. This devilish sci-fi smash is sure to be a tasty treat. The illustrious Big Sky Troubadours set the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with their songwriter showcase on Monday, May 25th at Whitefish's 101 Central. Highlighting the craft behind the music, experience three talented songwriters in a low-key, unique offering of song. If that doesn't keep you busy this month, well, then I think you're focusing too much on the yard work, friend. Remember, you can add your events to the Daily Interlake online calendar for free at dailyinterlake.comslash events. And hey, pick up an analog copy of the Daily Interlake here and there to stay connected to the community. Local news is essential and we wouldn't be here without you. Thanks for tuning in. I'm your host and pinball enthusiast, Melissa Wells. May the fourth be with you.