New Year's Eve in the Flathead Valley is for party-goers
Fireworks go off as skiers ride down the slope with torches during the torchlight parade at Whitefish Mountain Resort on New Year’s Eve. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
Say “Cheers!” to the New Year and celebrate at any of these fun festivities. And wherever you party, remember to party responsibly.
- The Flathead Valley’s Big Sky Brews Cruise starts at 1 p.m. Take a guided brewery tour and sample your way through the valley’s craft beer scene. Arrive as a lone explorer or bring your favorite pack of goofballs along for the ride. Your tour includes transportation between three breweries, a behind-the-scenes look at a brewhouse, an overview of the brewing process, an education about different beer styles, and four delicious samples of beer at each stop.
The Big Sky Brews cruise has partnered with all the local breweries for these four-hour tours. Book online at www.BigSkyBrewsCruise.com or call 406-303-3559.
- Tailing Loop Winery in Kalispell hosts New Year’s Eve with the Belton Blues Band in the Tasting Room. Doors open at 7 p.m. The notorious Belton Blues Band will be tearing it up from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. There will be a full charcuterie/appetizer spread — free for all attendees, a glass of champagne (on-the-house) for a midnight cheers, and no cover charge. Costumes encouraged, noise making required.
- Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside hosts its Trivia Night at 7 p.m. Play as a team or individually for prizes. All ages are welcome. For more details, call 844-0244.
- The Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell is throwing a Masquerade Party at 9 p.m. Celebrate the New Year with DJ Countdown playing all the greatest hits from every decade. This party is for folks 21 and up. Call 406-751-5050 for more information.
- Sacred Waters Brewing Co., 3250 U.S. 2 E. in Kalispell, is hosting a New Year’s Eve Pregame Party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with live music by The Velvettes. The brewery will also be releasing its new Whiskey Porter Beer. Enjoy a charcuterie spread and mini desserts.
- Glacier Park VFW Bar & Casino in Kalispell offers a New Year’s Eve rock ‘n’ roll concert with Wizzerd, The Lucitones and Bad Macy. Doors open at 8 p.m. The music starts at 9 p.m. No cover.
- Ring in the New Year’s at The Remington Bar’s private party in Whitefish. DJs JC and Tonality will be on stage all night keeping the dance floor packed. The party starts at 9 p.m. For tickets go to www.remingtonbar.com
- Celebrate at Casey’s private party for 21 and up in downtown Whitefish, starting at 9 p.m. with a pre-party cocktail hour, party favors, champagne and appetizers. The music kicks off with Jenene Caramielo’s jazz followed by an all-night DJ dance party. Advance tickets can be purchased online. General admission will also be available.
- Eric Alan plays at The Firebrand Hotel in Whitefish starting at 6 p.m.
- Kathy Sullivan and Harriet Reynolds play live music for Cypress Yard’s New Year’s Eve Party in Whitefish. Included with your ticket is a tapas buffet and a sparkling toast at 10 p.m. Semi-formal dress is encouraged.
- Scotty’s Bar in Kalispell has Rock Mountain providing live music beginning at 9:30 p.m. This party is for the 21 and up crowd.
Call 406-257-8188 for more information.
- The New Wave Time Trippers rock the Great Northern Bar in Whitefish. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music starts at 9 p.m.
New Wave Time Trippers create a totally tubular ‘80s dance party experience with both a visual and music show from the decade of decadence.
For tickets go to brownpapertickets.com
- Ring in the new year on the slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The resort will host its New Year’s Eve Rail Jam where skiers and snowboarders compete to win cash prizes. The Torchlight Parade and fireworks show follow the jam at 6:30 p.m. Sip your cocoa, mulled wine or cold beer slopeside at the on-snow bar without ever leaving the event venue. Ski under the lights on chairs 2, 3 and 6 from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
- The Bierstube is throwing a New Year’s Eve party on Big Mountain. Doors open at 8 p.m. DJ Nick spins the tunes. Admission is $25 at the door or call 862-1993 for tickets. This party is for 21 and older.
- Ring in 2020 with the 20 Grand band funk masters at the O’Shaughnessy Center’s New Year’s Eve Bash in Whitefish. Oakland DJ Vladimir Computin will open the night, play the set break and finish the night’s festivities at 2 a.m. Doors open at 9 p.m. Enjoy complimentary Bonsai Brewing beer, wine and a champagne toast, a food truck and a photographer will be on site with a selfie backdrop. Get tickets at brownpapertickets.com or at www.20grandfunk.com. Limited tickets may be available at the door.
- Celebrate Tamarack Ski Shop’s 20th anniversary at a disco party at 10 a.m. at Montana Tap house. DJ Mic Ah spins the beats. There are prizes for best costume and best dance moves. No cover.
- Silverado plays at the Kalispell Eagles from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Eagles is known for having the best dance floor in town.
- Hip Hop New Years Party with DJ Josh Edwards at the First Avenue Taphouse in Kalispell. The music plays from 930 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
- Jerry Clemens plays from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Bigfork Inn.
- Kwataqnuk Resort and Casino will be putting on a professional fireworks display at midnight New Year’s Eve to bring in 2020 with a bang. The public is welcome to view the spectacular display in a designated area by the docks. An array of ground and aerial effects, mortars and combinations of beautiful, colorful fireworks are sure to amaze and delight.
- South Shore Lounge in Polson will have a DJ for the night, a champagne toast at count down and raffle tickets will be handed out for prize drawings.
- Perfect Shot Tavern in Polson will have DJ Brandon set up at 8:30 p.m. and a free champagne toast at midnight.
- Head to the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex for the night. Billy Angel will provide live music. There will be fireworks and a midnight champagne toast.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Celebrate New Year’s Day and the first party of 2020 on Flathead Lake at the 26th annual Polar Bear Plunge.
All ages are welcome to plunge or watch the brave souls take a chilly dip in the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi!
The Raven will be open at 10 a.m. for registration and drinks. A Parade to the Plunge begins at 1:45 p.m. and the plunge will be at 2 p.m. sharp.
If you are planning in plunging, remember to bring a towel and warm dry clothes. A Plunge after-party will get under way across the street at Bonfire.
Parking in the area is very limited and congested. Drive slowly, carpool if you can and plan to arrive early.
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