Whitefish Area Events near Bar W Guest Ranch Montana

Team Penning Finals
January 1 & 2, 2011 / 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily
Come and join in on the fun at the USTPA Regional Western Super Finals Team Penning. This is the combined regional finals for USTPA regions 5 & 9. Estimated $18,500 in combined added money & awards. Don't miss the opportunity to see how the Team Penning and Ranch Sorting is done. Also full Concessions available.
Admission Free

Flathead Sled Dog Days
January 7 through 9, 2011
Flathead Sled Dog Days is a 3-day event. Friday is a meet and greet the mushers and an opportunity to learn about the sport. Saturday is the first day of the races held at the Olney Snowmobile Trailhead. Sunday is a repeat of Saturday. All events are free to spectators. There will be food and hot beverages available. Excitement for all! Come see these incredible animals doing what they love to do best! Bring your cross-country skis or a sled.

Brash Rodeo Winter Series-Majestic Valley Arena – Kalispell
January 7 -8 & 21-22, 2011
Grab your cowboy hat and boots and cheer on the brave participants throughout Lake Koocanusa’s Winter Rodeo Series. There’s sure to be plenty of action with events to include Bareback, Saddlebronc, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Chute Dogin’-NEW, Breakaway, Barrel Racing, Jr. Barrels, and Steer Riding
Doors open at 6:00 Event starts at 7:00 / Adults$10 / Kids (6-12) $5 under 5 free

Snow Shoeing Through Glacier Park - Glacier Park
January 8th through March 20th 2011
Two-hour guided snowshoe walks suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Snowshoe programs are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from January 8 to March 20 (weather and snow dependent). Participants should meet at the Apgar Visitor Center, where the walks begin and conclude. Snowshoes can be rented for $2 per pair for the walks at the Apgar Visitor Center. Participants should wear winter footwear, dress in layers for a variety of winter conditions, and bring water. For more information, or to confirm a day's outings when there is severe weather or possible insufficient snow, please call the Apgar Visitor Center (open Saturdays and Sundays only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at (406) 888-7939. Visitors are reminded that although the snowshoe programs are free, valid park entry is required.
During winter months, entrance costs $15 for a seven-day single vehicle entry. Annual Glacier park passes are also available for $35

Whitefish Winter Carnival (Annual) - Whitefish
February 4-6, 2011
The theme this year is "Carnival Marvels at the Comics".
The Grand parade and Kiddie Carnival will be Saturday, February 5, 2011. Come join us and be a part of the fascinating mythology of Whitefish for the 52nd year!!! Come enjoy great food, music, floats & royalty at the grand parade. The grand parade starts at 3:00p.m. on Saturday. Most people watch the parade on Central Avenue in Whitefish. The grand marshall leads floats, animal groups, dancers, drill teams, royalty and many more entries to delight the crowd

Brash Rodeo Winter Series-Majestic Valley Arena – Kalispell
February 4-5 & 25-26, 2011
Come watch the exciting rodeo series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Events to include Bareback Riding, Saddle Broncs, Novice Bull Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Breakaway, Team Roping, Jr. Barrel Racing, Jr. Breakaway Roping... Featuring Brash rodeo stock and Pistol Creek Rodeo Bulls. Full Concessions will be available.
Doors open at 6:00 Event starts at 7:00 / Adults $10 / Kids (6-12) $5 under 5 free

Rocky Mountain Bullriders Challenge
February 18 & 19, 2011 / Bull riding starts at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Take the night off and come enjoy the Rocky Mountain Extreme Professional Bullriding event at the Majestic Valley Arena. The Bullriding will feature some of the best talent in the Northwest. Stock will be provided by C'N Stars Bull Company and Berger Bucking Bulls. We will also be featuring the Boogeyman Brigade, an FMS stunt team that will be doing a performance each night. If that isn't enough we will be adding $4,000 of prize monies for the contestants. Full Concessions will be available, so don't worry about dinner.
Adults $15 and Kids 12 & under $6

Special Olympics State Winter Games
February 27 through March 1, 2011
A highlight of the winter season, the Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games bring together more than 200 Special Olympics athletes and their coaches for three days of winter sports competition at The Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish. Under the guidance of hundreds of volunteer coaches, athletes train on the slopes and trails near their home communities for a minimum of eight weeks prior to the event.

2011 29th Annual Colgate Country Showdown
April 8 & 9, 2011 / Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. with the event starting at 7:00 p.m
Come and watch local Northwestern Montana talent compete at the Colgate Country Showdown. The 29th Annual Colgate Country Showdown is designed to find the most promising country music talent in America and to give these performers a chance to launch their professional music careers. The Colgate Country Showdown begins each spring with over 400 local talent contests sponsored by country music radio stations throughout the US. Winners advance to their respective State competitions held at leading fairs and expositions. Acts then compete for a $1,000 prize, the State Title and the opportunity to advance to one of five Regional Finals., Audiences from coast-to-coast cheer on the Regional Winners, as they compete for the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the National Title. A uniform judging system is used at all levels of competition to ensure fairness. Don't miss the fun!

Rendezvous Days- Eureka
April 29-May 1 2011-Begins Friday evening- Saturday & Sunday all day.
The 33rd Annual Rendezvous Days is an annual spring festival held in the Northwest Montana town of Eureka. The Rendezvous features fun and activities for the whole family to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring. The event kicks off with the Friday night Concert and Taste of Rendezvous at the Lincoln County High School. Other events include: the Village Vendors Art & Craft show, Mud Bog, Parade, Antique and Classic Car Show, Dutch Oven Cook Off, Flea Market and Quilt Show, Annual Kid's Gold Rush at Glacier Bank and the Mountain Man Camp and Black Powder Shoot.

Brash Rodeo Winter Series
Majestic Valley Arena – Kalispell - December 2011-April 2011– Bar W Sponsors
Whether you're on vacation or live nearby, plan on attending one of the exciting rodeo events produced by Brash Rodeo. Events to include Bareback, Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc, Jr. Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Bull Riding. Come be a part of all the action! Tickets- FREE for guests of the Bar W!

Death By Chocolate Murder Mystery at the Conrad Mansion
April 29 - 30, 2011 - 7 - 10pm – 10pm
Talented actors and actresses perform the mystery throughout the mansion while guests act as detectives to find the killer, motive, and weapon. Important clues are placed throughout the mansion to help solve the mystery. There will be decadent flowing chocolate fountains accompanied with strawberries, delicious hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. The Bad Larrys will perform live music. A silent auction and raffle will feature exciting prizes donated by local businesses, and Six Shooters Vintage Photography will be available to take photos of guests during the event. As part of the Wild West theme, guests are invited to dress in western attire as they solve the mystery and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume.

Adults Only at the Bar W Guest Ranch
May 15 through 21, 2011
The third week in May at the Bar W Guest Ranch is "Adults Only Week"! Come to beautiful Whitefish, Montana and spend 6 nights/5 days on Spencer Lake. Singles, couples and groups - anyone over 18, come join us and have a stress free week where you do not have to watch your language and off color jokes are encouraged!

Always...Patsy Cline @ The Whitefish Theatre
May 18-21, 26-28, June 2-4
This Ted Swindley production with Whitefish's Amanda Caldwell is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline's friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. If you like songs like "Crazy," "She's Got You," "Back in Baby's Arms," "Walking After Midnight," "I Fall To Pieces," and "Your Cheating Heart," you're going to love this show and in a cabaret setting as well! Appropriate for older students and adults

Bar W Guest Ranch Cattle Drive
May 21 through 28, 2011
Beginning on May 21st you're invited to be part of a real special week. Riding, sorting, branding, and driving cattle. You'll be moving back in time to an era when life was difficult but simple. No cell phones, faxes, e-mails, or palm pilots. Just horses, cattle, mountains, grass, your cowboy and cowgirl compadres and you!

Cowgirl Up at the Bar W Guest Ranch
May 29 through June 4, 2011
Retreat to the beautiful Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake in Northwest Montana for a 6 night/5 day get-a-way. The Bar W is offering an all inclusive package for women to "Cowgirl Up" with their best friends, sisters, daughters, or just come alone and enjoy the camaraderie as the "girls" take over the ranch. This special package combines nature's simplicity with western informality and provides you with a true Montana retreat to refuel your spirit and delight your body.

Blue Moon Rodeo
June 2 - September, 2011
Whether you're on vacation or live nearby, plan on attending one of the exciting rodeo events put on by the Blue Moon Rodeo, sponsored by the Bar W Guest Ranch and other local companies. Events to include Bareback Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding.
Come be a part of all the action! Tickets - FREE for guests of the Bar W!

Summit Solstice Triathlon/Duathlon
June 19, 2011 9:00 AM Foys Lake - Kalispell, Montana

The Triathlon around Foys Lake is a challenging, competitive event for beginners or the seasoned competitor. This event includes a ½ mile swim, 12.7 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. The Duathlon consists of a 3.1 mile run, 12.7 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. Computer chip timing will be offered allowing for accurate times, accurate split times and results after you finish the race. Awards for the top three division winners will be presented after the last participant crosses the finish line. Food will be provided. Raffle prizes will be given out after race is completed. Awards will be presented to the top finishers after the last participant crosses the finish line. Triathlon/Duathlon registration deadline is June 15th. No refunds.

Whitefish Lake Run
June 25, 2011
Held annually since 1977, the Whitefish Lake Run has been a major part of the Montana road running scene. The event offers a 5k (3.1 mile) and a 10k (6.2mile) running option to nearly 500 participants each year.

Blue Moon Rodeo
June 2 - September, 2011
Whether you're on vacation or live nearby, plan on attending one of the exciting rodeo events put on by the Blue Moon Rodeo, sponsored by the Bar W Guest Ranch and other local companies. Events to include Bareback Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Come be a part of all the action! Tickets - FREE for guests of the Bar W!

4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2011 @ 7:00pm
Celebrate the holiday at beautiful Whitefish Lake City Beach. Water craft rentals are available during the day. Live music kicks off the evening with a bang, along with dancing, food, and family fun. A spectacular display of fireworks follows over the sparkling water of Whitefish.

60th North American Indian Days
July 7 through 10, 2011
North American Indian Days, an annual celebration and the largest and most impressive of Blackfeet tribal events, hosts Native Americans from every region of the United States and Canada. Featured events include traditional drumming and dancing contests, the crowning of Miss Blackfeet, a parade and fun run and more. Probably the best rodeo in the west you'll ever see!

The Glacier Challenge
July 9, 2011
Covering 50 miles of the most beautiful country in Northwest Montana, The Glacier Challenge will be a race to remember! Centered around the quaint town of Whitefish, the race encompasses six different legs. These legs include: a Canoe Leg, a Road Bike Leg, a Mountain Bike Leg, a Kayak Leg, a 5K run and a 10K run. Enter as a team, partner or an individual. There is a spot for everyone willing to take on the adventure! The post-race party includes entertainment by a live band, food and beverages, an award ceremony and plenty to celebrate. Come join us even if you don't compete, cheer on our racers and participates in the fun. Riverside Park has a great playground that is a favorite for kids. There is gazebo for sitting and lots of grass and shade trees.

The Event at Rebecca Farm
July 28 through 31, 2011
Rebecca Farm will be hosting the Inaugural USEA Preliminary Three Day Event which will include an exciting World Class Equestrian Triathlon. Eventing is the triathlon of equestrian sports, incorporating Dressage, Cross Country Jumping and Show Jumping. Riders compete at all levels of competition from novice through the advanced and Olympic levels.

Blue Moon Rodeo
June 2 - September, 2011
Whether you're on vacation or live nearby, plan on attending one of the exciting rodeo events put on by the Blue Moon Rodeo, sponsored by the Bar W Guest Ranch and other local companies. Events to include Bareback Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. Come be a part of all the action! Tickets - FREE for guests of the Bar W!

Huckleberry Days- Fun for the Whole Family
August 12 - 14, 2011
Art Festival with over 125 artists, 10 food vendors. Huckleberry Treats, great food, 1/2 block long jumper & fun. Please visit the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce website for a daily schedule of events.

Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo
August 17 through 21, 2011 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Fri. Parade 10:00 AM - NOON
Kalispell hosts this regional gathering which involves both Commercial and Individual exhibits, Royal West Amusements carnival, PRCA Rodeo action and fireworks, Pari-mutuel Horse Racing, a Livestock Show & Sale, Country Western and Classic-Rock music night show concert, exhibits, numerous Free Stage acts, Demolition Derby, Team Penning, and Draft Horse, Mule, Miniature Horse & Donkey Show and Pulls in the arena.

Taste of Whitefish - Fabulous Food with Wine & Beer Tasting
September 8, 2011 5:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Join the celebration at Whitefish, Let Whitefish Embrace You. This event has become known as one of Montana's premier taste!! The Taste of Whitefish features fine cuisine from more than twenty Whitefish restaurants, as well as beer from the Great Northern Brewing Co, a wine tasting and non-alcoholic beverages. Come join the fun and eat to your heart's content!

31st Whitefish Men's Soccer Games
September 10-11, 2011
Started in 1981, the annual Whitefish Men's Soccer Tournament is Montana's largest and oldest adult soccer tournament. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of four games against competition from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington, Alaska and Montana. The emphasis is on attractive, skillful soccer with added emphasis on fun.

Two Bear Marathon
September 11, 2011
The Two Bear Marathon is limited to the first 300 Runners who enter (sorry, no walkers); runners must be 16 years of age or older, in good health, and well-trained. The Two Bear Marathon is a challenging course with a cut-off time of 6.5 hours (14:53 pace). This is a Point-to-Point course. The first 15 miles take you through the Stillwater State Forest on dirt roads and trails, passing Beaver Lake, Murray Lake, Woods Lake and Thornberg Lake. The remainder of the course is paved. Miles 15 through 24 follow the north and east shores of Whitefish Lake to City Beach. You'll cruise the town of Whitefish for the remaining 1.5 miles, ending at The Wave.

Bar W Guest Ranch Cattle Drive
September 17 through 25, 2011
Beginning on September 18th you’re invited to be part of a real special week. Riding, sorting, branding, and driving cattle. You’ll be moving back in time to an era when life was difficult but simple. No cell phones, faxes, e-mails, or palm pilots. Just horses, cattle, mountains, grass, your cowboy and cowgirl compadres and you!

Cowgirl Up at the Bar W Guest Ranch
September 25 through October 1, 2011
Retreat to the beautiful Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake in Northwest Montana for a 6 night/5 day get-a-way. The Bar W is offering an all inclusive package for women to “Cowgirl Up” with their best friends, sisters, daughters, or just come alone and enjoy the camaraderie as the "girls" take over the ranch. This special package combines nature’s simplicity with western informality and provides you with a true Montana retreat to refuel your spirit and delight your body.

Adults Only at the Bar W Guest Ranch
October 2 through 8, 2011
The first week in October at the Bar W Guest Ranch is “Adults Only Week”! Come to beautiful Whitefish, Montana and spend 6 nights/5 days on Spencer Lake. Singles, couples and groups – anyone over 18, come join us and have a stress free week where you do not have to watch your language and off color jokes are encouraged!

Cowgirl Up at the Bar W Guest Ranch
October 9 through 15, 2011
Retreat to the beautiful Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake in Northwest Montana for a 6 night/5 day get-a-way. The Bar W is offering an all inclusive package for women to “Cowgirl Up” with their best friends, sisters, daughters, or just come alone and enjoy the camaraderie as the "girls" take over the ranch. This special package combines nature’s simplicity with western informality and provides you with a true Montana retreat to refuel your spirit and delight your body.

Ultimate Dude Ranch Photography Week
October 16-22, 2011
What do you get when you combine the splendor of Montana scenery, with majestic horses, authentic cowboys, and wildlife? The answer is a photographer's dream vacation. The Bar W is offering an all inclusive package designed to be centered on photography. We are teaming up with the Triple D Game Farm to provide the perfect setting for a week of unparalleled photo opportunities. Montana's diverse terrain and wide variety of wildlife will certainly fill your photo album, but it's more than taking pictures. This is a total package with three meals a day, lodging, horseback riding, skeet shooting, fishing, and all photo shoots included. After a full day of riding, fishing and photography, relax with our informal cocktail hour in the lodge by the fire. Or, if you prefer, loosen up those sore muscles in our hot tub before a homemade dinner you will not soon forget. So grab your camera and prepare to be awed

Halloween- Whitefish Style
October 31st @ 7:00pm, 2011
Its Halloween boys & ghouls! Iconic radio voice Paul Harvey once proclaimed Whitefish to be one of the best places to be in America at Halloween. A massive adult Halloween party on Central Avenue, complete with a costume party and judges strategically positioned in each of the downtown bars, presents some pretty interesting sightings. Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd place in 3 categories including: Individual, Couple, and Group will be awarded at midnight. One thing we know for sure is that Whitefish loves to have a good time.

Christmas Stroll in Whitefish
December 9, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wrap up in your best holiday attire and spirit and get ready to stroll. Visit the stores, ride a horse-drawn wagon, try a roasted chestnut, enjoy enchanting Christmas sounds, and treat yourself to the delicious food and beautiful crafts the street vendors have to offer. Join in on the second annual caroling competition and merry-go-round parade.