Special Events near our Whitefish Hotel
There is always something fun and exciting to do in Whitefish, MT, and the surrounding areas near the Pine Lodge hotel and Glacier National Park. However, every once in a while there are extra special events happening in the community! Here are a few highlights that we look forward to every year that visitors are always welcome to attend. We hope you will join us!
Annual Event Highlights
Feb. 2-4: Whitefish Winter Carnival
Considered one of America’s best winter carnivals, Montana has celebrated its Winter Carnival for the past 57 years. Events include a “Penguin Plunge” (a hole is cut in Whitefish Lake and participants “plunge” into it for charity), an old fashioned Main Street Parade, Pie Social, Torchlight Ski Parade, and more.
Feb. 17: Presidents’ Day Weekend Fireworks & Torchlight Parade
Celebrate the holiday weekend on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort! Join us at the bottom of Ed’s Run to watch as a glowing group of skiers descend the slope, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Mar. 4-6: Montana Special Olympics Winter Games
Athletes from around the state gather in Whitefish for the 22nd annual Montana Special Olympics. Special Olympics athletes will compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing events. Athletes train all year, and we expect hundreds of athletes each winter.
Apr. 1: Dummy Derby & Brewfest
This demolition derby on skis is a non-pyrotechnic fireworks meets a 50-car pileup, and it’s just plain fun. It’s highly spectator-friendly and no living beings are at risk! Plus the winner takes home a cash purse of $400. Before the antics, stop by the Winter Brewfest and sample craft beers from around the region. Proceeds fund the free S.N.O.W. Bus.
- 11 AM – 12 PM: Registration and Dummy drop-off
- 1 PM – 4:30 PM: Winter Brewfest in the Upper Village area
- 2:30 PM: Dummy judging
- 4 PM: Race start
- 4:45 PM: Awards at the event venue
- Brewfest Tickets: $20 in advance / $25 at the door ($5 for under 21 & designated drivers)
Tickets are available at Guest Tickets and Information in the Base Lodge 406-862-2900, at the Kalispell Sportsman Ski Haus and at Great Northern Brewing. Thinking about entering a dummy? Click here for info and tips.
2017’s event was held on April 1, 2017. Stay tuned for 2018 details!
Apr. 8: Pond Skim
We end the season with a splash! The most fun event of the year is back again, and this year the competition is open to anyone age 16 and older. Absolutely hilarious to watch your friends ski or snowboard over a custom built pond (costume mandatory) for a chance at a $1,050 Cash Purse!
Come end the season with the best end-of-season throw down around! Pond Skim starts at 2:30 PM.
Want to register? The pond skim is capped at 60 skimmers, so the sooner you sign up, the better. You can do that here. Costumes are mandatory, if you do not wear a costume, your entry will be refunded and someone from the wait list will take your place.
2017’s event was held on April 8, 2017. Stay tuned for 2018 details!
Aug. 10-12: Huckleberry Days
Huckleberry Days is an Art Festival with over 100 artists and food vendors, live entertainment, a huckleberry dessert bake-off contest and a mobile climbing wall for kids.
View the official schedule of events here.
Aug. 26: Brewfest
More than a dozen regional micro-brewers congregate every August to pour distinct varieties for beer enthusiasts while live music pumps up the energy.
2017’s event was held on August 26, 2017 at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. Stay tuned for 2018 details!
Sep. 28-30 AND Oct. 5-7: Great Northwest Oktoberfest
A festive autumn event complete with authentic German music, food, beer, stein-holding and keg hurling contests, and a traditional Volksmarch.
2017’s event was held on September 28-30 AND October 5-7 at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. Stay tuned for 2018 details! Click Here to learn more.
Exclusive Offers, Upcoming Events and More!
