I don’t know about you, but the cooler temperatures and rain have me feeling cozy and content. And while it’s nice to have a break from the heat, we all know summer is short lived. This week there are multiple opportunities to enjoy your favorite musicians at our great outdoor venues as well as several unique learning opportunities to bolster your spirit. So get out there Northwest Montana, in no time we’ll be bundled up and praying for sun.

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell hosts our younglings each Tuesday from 11:30 am to noon for …

I don’t know about you, but the cooler temperatures and rain have me feeling cozy and content. And while it’s nice to have a break from the heat, we all know summer is short lived. This week there are multiple opportunities to enjoy your favorite musicians at our great outdoor venues as well as several unique learning opportunities to bolster your spirit. So get out there Northwest Montana, in no time we’ll be bundled up and praying for sun.

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell hosts our younglings each Tuesday from 11:30 am to noon for a preschool art adventure. Kiddos aged 2 through 5 bring your grownups to practice your creativity and learn basic art skills. These guided art adventures are free with a Hockaday Museum of Art membership or for a $3 suggested donation. Preregistration is not required, and you can drop into these preschool art adventures yearlong.

How does your garden grow? Join Land to Hand on Tuesday August 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the ImagineIf Library in Columbia Falls for a Seed Cleaning and Packing Party. Volunteers of all ages and abilities can join in to help separate and clean seeds or load these adorable seeds into envelopes. I’ve definitely taken advantage of ImagineIf’s seed library as well as the Free the Seeds event in spring to load my garden up with goodies. It’s always fun to dig in and help our gardens grow. Thanks to Land to Hand for continuing to support this effort.

Stretch it out with The Nest on Swan River for Gentle Flow Yoga with Krista Sanderson on Wednesday August 14th from 10:00 to 11:00 am in Bigfork. This gentle yoga class is held at The Nest under their outdoor pavilion along the Swan River. Class is $15 and open to all levels.

Join the Tamarack Grief Resource Center in Kalispell for their Sit and Stay workshop on honoring pet loss on Wednesday August 14th from noon to 1:00 pm. This discussion focuses on the grief experienced with the death of a pet. Gain comfort and skills to help cope with the loss of a furry family member.

Journey to the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor’s Center on Thursday August 15th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm for a unique presentation on the history and future of wildlife shepherding with Karelian bear dogs. The Wind River Bear Institute shares their task of using dogs to address conflicts between humans and problem wildlife. Meet Karelian Bear Dogs Mowgli and Joni as well as their human, biologist Jessica Reyes for this free learning opportunity.

The Whitefish Community Center hosts a Fight Fraud seminar on Monday August 19th from noon to 1:00 pm. The Whitefish Police Department discusses how to identify fraud and scams and provides advice on how to avoid them in this free seminar.

Well, now that we’ve learned something new and tended to our self-care, let’s uplift our souls and community by treating ourselves to some live music. This week provides no shortage of great listening opportunities. Calendars at the ready ...

Big Sky City Lights is in town and performing on Tuesday August 13th at Thirty Eight in Whitefish and at the Tiki Bar at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake on Sunday August 18th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. I’m excited to share that Big Sky City Lights will also be performing for our September Press Play concert at the Daily Inter Lake.

Tuesday August 13th stop by Depot Park in Kalispell for Picnic in the Park from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to enjoy the Mike Murray Duo.

Plan for dinner and community at Thirty Eight in Whitefish on Wednesday August 14th for the reggae stylings of Brent Jameson and then head back on Thursday for the pro picking of Ben Darce. These two talents graced our Press Play stage earlier this month for an outstanding performance. Check it out on the Daily Inter Lake’s YouTube channel.

Waters Edge Winery in Kalispell hosts Karma Baker on Friday August 16th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. I love the atmosphere and the food at Waters Edge and Karma will not disappoint with her folk Americana style.

Local talent Wild Wind opens for Diamond Rio at Happy’s Inn in Libby on Friday August 16th while Outriders Presents host Elle King, Bones Owen and Tomara at the new venue at Scout and Gather in Columbia Falls. Opt for a mellower evening at the Boat Club at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake for the musical stylings of Brett Holmquist. Bias Brewing in Kalispell sets the stage for Paul and Ieva Cataldo also on Friday the 16th.

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the Music of Huey Lewis and the News tribute band August 16 to 19th. If This is It, let’s experience the Power of Love and bolster our Heart and Soul with this installment of the Whitefish Summer Concert Series. Merie Productions in collaboration with the Whitefish Theatre Company have shared several excellent concerts with us and this one looks to be excellent.

Kelly’s Casino and Bar in Bigfork host ‘80s rock tribute band Chain Reaction on Friday August 16th only to clear the stage for Luke Moses and the Renegades on Saturday as they continue their Summer Parking Lot Series.

Abayance Bay presents listening opportunities from opposite ends of the music spectrum as they host the Southern heavy metal group Molly Hatchet on Saturday August 17th and then the strings and brass of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale on Sunday August 18th. If you haven’t been to Abayance Bay for a show, it’s arguably the most beautiful venue in our backyard and definitely worth the drive.

The Tommy Edwards Band takes the stage at Sliter’s Park in Bigfork for the second to last Riverbend Concert Series on Sunday August 18th at 7:00 pm.

Well folks, my calendar is loaded with great opportunities! Thanks again for tuning into the Daily Inter Lake’s Local Events podcast. I’m your host Melissa Wells reminding you to like, subscribe and comment wherever you are watching and listening. It totally makes my day!

Stop by dailyinterlake.com/events to find all the best happenings in Northwest Montana. And don’t forget to add your events to our free online calendar.

See you out there!