Howdy, Bozeman!

Before we get into this weekend’s events, we had an overwhelmingly positive response to our Mutt Madness announcement, and I’m excited to share that:

Submissions for Mutt Madness - Bozeman’s Cutest Dog Contest - are now open!

Here’s everything you need to know:

  • Entry is $10 per dog

    • (You can enter more than one dog, but each dog needs its own entry)

  • 100% of entry fees will be donated to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter

  • After signing up, you’ll be immediately redirected to a form where you can submit your dog’s name and photo into the tournament

  • Submissions are open through 11:59pm on Saturday, March 14th, OR until the bracket fills

  • All voting will take place in our Instagram Stories

    • *(You must have an Instagram account to enter)

Voting starts Monday at 8:00am on Instagram, where your dogs will face off in head-to-head matchups in our Stories using the poll feature.

(The contest has multiple rounds which will run all of next week and the following week).

Make sure to vote (and tell all your friends to vote) for your dog, and good luck!

To enter your dog into Mutt Madness, tap below:

In today’s newsletter:

  • Montana Festival 2026 early bird registration closes soon

  • 🍀 Run to the Pub is this Saturday morning! (Signups still available)

  • 🤠 Top local events this weekend

  • A Roly-Poly Coffee Co. giveaway

Sam Howdy

P.S. If you replied to Monday’s email with the word “COFFEE”, you’re already entered into the Roly-Poly giveaway and don’t need to reply to this email! (We’ll reveal the winner in Monday’s newsletter).

If you HAVEN’T done that yet, and you’d like free entry into this week’s giveaway, reply to this email with the word “COFFEE”.

Montana Festival in Bozeman On June 11th and 12th

Montana Festival returns to Bozeman on Thursday, June 11th, and Friday, June 12th, bringing together 1,000+ entrepreneurs, creators, business leaders, and community builders for two days of conversations, workshops, and events across town.

The festival features:

  • 50 speakers across 3 main stages at the Emerson Center

  • Workshops, meetups, and curated activities around Bozeman

  • Community Lunch on the Emerson Lawn

  • A Lawn Party and Closing Concert

  • Optional dinners and evening events with limited capacity

Your festival pass includes all main stage programs plus the community lunch and closing concert. (Workshops, dinners, and evening events can be added during registration.)

🎟 Early bird tickets are available now through Saturday, and prices go up on Sunday March 15th.

If you’re a founder, builder, creative, policymaker, or just someone who cares about the future of Montana’s communities, this is one of the most interesting gatherings of the year and not to be missed.

Want to promote your event, business, or project to thousands of locals who read Howdy Bozeman every week?

🍀 Pub 317’s Annual Run to the Pub is this Saturday, March 14th!

The Half Marathon (9:30am) and 10K (9:45am) start and finish at Pub 317, with racers competing for a chance to win a trip to Dublin.

Registration includes a pint glass, post-race beer, long-sleeve shirt, finisher medal, after-party, and live beats from DJ Missy O’Malley.

Wear your best green for the best-dressed contest, and happy racing!

Friday 3/13

🏀 The MHSA Class B State Basketball Tournament comes to Bozeman on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, bringing 16 boys and girls teams and nearly 10,000 visitors to town. Tickets.

🍀 Feeling lucky? Friday the 13th Flash Day at The Loyal Sparrow brings flash tattoos and piercing specials to their Bozeman and Belgrade shops starting at noon. Walk-ins only. Details.

🧵 If you’re curious about sewing, the Bozeman Public Library is hosting an Introduction to Sewing class from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Community Room. Instructor Peg Ziegler will walk participants through sewing machine basics like threading, stitching, and winding a bobbin, with machines provided. (Registration is required.) Details.

🛼 Winter Skate Night returns to the Livingston Civic Center from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Drop in for a family-friendly evening of roller skating, concessions, and community fun. Details.

🏺 Try your hand at pottery at The Pottery Den for their One Night Wheel Throwing Class from 5:45pm-7:45pm. This beginner-friendly class covers the basics of centering clay and shaping a bowl or mug, and you’ll get to keep your favorite piece once it’s fired and glazed. BYOB and all levels welcome. Details.

🎨 Join Grace from Ain’t a Better Way to Paint for a Paint Your Pet class from 5:45pm-8:45pm at Bridger Brewing in Three Forks. This guided class will have you creating a custom portrait of your pet, with a pre-sketched canvas ready when you arrive. Tickets and details here.

🎨 The NILC Benefit Night Market takes place from 6:00pm-10:00pm at Studio Wheelhouse, where you can shop art and goods from 17 local makers. There will be drinks, small bites, a silent auction featuring handmade pieces, and live music from DJ Syrup. Details.

🎭 Stop by The Ellen Theatre to see the award-winning musical RENT, with performances this Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 3:00pm. This iconic rock musical follows a group of young artists navigating love, friendship, and creativity in New York’s East Village, and makes for a great excuse to enjoy a night of live theatre. Details.

Saturday 3/14

🍀 Head downtown to Pub 317 for the Annual Run to the Pub! Run the Half Marathon (9:30am) or 10K (9:45am) through Bozeman, then celebrate back at Pub 317 with a post-race beer, after-party, and live beats from DJ Missy O’Malley, plus a chance to win a trip to Dublin. Tickets and details here.

🐔 Chick Chat Live with the Chicken Ladies is happening from 9:00am-11:00am at Murdoch’s on North 7th. Stop by for expert tips on raising healthy flocks, giveaways, a coop sign painting station, donuts and drinks at the Coop Café, plus chicks available for purchase. Details.

🌱 The Refillery Supply Co is hosting a Seed Swap from 10:00am-3:00pm. Stop by to pick up free seeds for your spring garden while supplies last, and if you have extra seeds at home, you can drop them off at the shop ahead of time to share with the community. Details.

🎻 Families with young kids can enjoy Symphony Storytime at the Bozeman Public Library from 10:15am-11:30am. This free program blends live music and storytelling for kids ages 3-5, featuring Bozeman Symphony violist Anna Jesaitis and special guest reader Roxy the monster puppet from Random Acts of Silliness, introducing little ones to the warm sound of the viola through music, stories, and playful exploration. Details.

🎨 Get creative at Studio Wheelhouse for their Mixed Media 101: Lace Cards class from 10:00am-1:00pm. This beginner-friendly class blends watercolor and simple embroidery techniques to create beautiful handmade cards (no prior sewing or painting experience needed). Details.

👰 Dress Express, a mobile bridal boutique from Townsend, is hosting a Wedding Dress Pop-Up at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds with 1,200+ gowns. Sizes 0-30, vintage to modern styles, and fitting rooms available. The event starts at 10:00am and goes through Sunday with free entry for brides! Details.

🍅 Get your hands dirty at the Planting the Past Seed Box Workshop at the Museum of the Rockies from 10:00am-12:00pm. Participants will build a custom wooden seed box inspired by designs from the 1860s-1920s. Along the way, learn about heirloom plants that sustained early settlers and take home seeds and gardening knowledge to start your own backyard garden. Tickets.

😂 Notorious BOZ returns to Last Best Comedy at 7:00pm, featuring a special guest appearance from comedian Noah Crow. This unique improv show blends real-life stories from local guests with hilarious improvised scenes inspired by talented performers at LBC. Details.

💚 Tune Up Bar is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at their Get Sham-Rocked night. Enjoy food, festive drink specials, and catch Storm Castle from 4:00-8:00pm and Saint of Soldiers from 8:00-11:00pm. Details.

🎧 EDM artist San Holo brings the Wholesome Riddim Chapter 2 Tour to The Elm with a show at 8:00pm, featuring support from St. Mary and Anti-Cosmo for a night of melodic electronic music. Details.

Sunday 3/15

☕ Enjoy a cozy morning during Coffee and Canvas at the Wandering Buffalo Hotel from 10:00am-12:00pm. Tickets includes all art supplies plus coffee and treats while you paint and relax in a fun, social atmosphere, perfect for a laid-back start to your Sunday. Details.

⛷️ The Apron Challenge returns to Bridger Bowl, with race runs happening from 11:00am-2:00pm. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages can test their speed on the iconic Apron run, with awards and prizes handed out later in the afternoon at the Jim Bridger Lodge. Details.

🧗 Build confidence on lead at the Warrior’s Way: Falling & Commitment Clinic from 1:00pm-6:00pm at Spire Climbing + Fitness. This five-hour mental training workshop helps climbers reduce fear, practice safe falling and cushioned belays, and develop techniques to climb through doubt and commit more deliberately on the wall. Tickets and details here.

🎨 Enjoy a Sunday sip-and-paint where you can paint a colorful Poppy Path scene from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Audrey’s Pizza. This relaxed painting class with Grace from Ain’t a Better Way to Paint includes all the supplies, so you can just show up, grab a drink, and make something fun. Details.

🧘 Experience deep relaxation at the Harmony & Healing Sound Ceremony from 6:15pm-7:15pm at Wild Wisdom Collective. This tranquil sound bath features gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, and guided Reiki energy work designed to help you unwind and relax. Details.

As a reminder: This week, we’re doing a giveaway for a $25 gift card to Roly-Poly Coffee Co.! (On Instagram @rolypolycoffeeco)

The giveaway runs until this Sunday, 3/15, at 11:59pm, and we’ll announce the winner in next Monday’s newsletter.

If you haven’t entered this week’s giveaway yet, reply to this email with the word “COFFEE” (if you replied to Monday’s email with the word “COFFEE”, you’re already entered and don’t need to reply again).

See you on Monday for a look at what’s happening in Bozeman next week! 👋

(Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @howdybozeman for regular updates on what’s going on in town.)

P.S. If someone forwarded this to you and you’re not subscribed, click below to join Howdy Bozeman for free.

Keep Reading