Looking forward to the month of May, I am. Finally, I can shake off the cabin fever and get my hands in the dirt! 

May abounds with community events and live music and community pint nights to bolster those organizations that support our values. Stop by dailyinterlake.com/events to find your next low-key opportunity to get your mingle on.

Come on get Happy! It's a bar, it's a "town", it's a restaurant, it's a campground, it's a great place to see a concert! This summer, Happy's Inn has an impressive lineup of live music on their outdoor stage.  

Concerts kick off in May with the Lowdown Drifters on Saturday, May 24th. This Texas-based group is a rock band with a fiddle problem. Stick around for Sunday, May 25th as Chancey Williams opens for Ned Ledoux. A couple of literal cowboys, take the stage to share their unique versions of authentic cowboy country music. 

Halfway between Kalispell and Libby, Happy's Inn has been a Montana institution since 1902. Campsites are first come first served and the Inn boasts a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu sure to have your favorite pub treats. 

Check out Happy's Inn full summer lineup – which includes The Oak Ridge Boys, Ashley McBryde and Hoobastank – at HappysInn.com. 

The Daily Inter Lake is at it again as we host our next Press Play lunch concert. The Jamie Wyman Duo will unveil "Return to the Mothership", their new rock opera. Be one of the lucky 50 who get to experience this unique listening opportunity in person or tune in virtually on the Daily Inter Lake Facebook and Instagram pages for the live stream on Friday, May 2nd at noon. Tickets and more information at FlatheadTickets.com. 

Or fill your cup with stoke! The O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish is host the 20th Annual Paddling Film Festival on Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm. Boasting expert whitewater showcases, motivating environmental documentaries, epic quests and grueling battles, this film fest is a collaboration and fundraiser for Flathead Rivers Alliance and Montana Kayak Academy. 

Keep reeling in the stoke on Saturday, May 3rd for the International Fly Fishing Film Festival presented by Cast Hope also at the O'Shaughnessy in Whitefish. Films showcasing the passion and culture of fly fishing start at 6:00 pm. 

May is for Mothers! For those that celebrate, Sunday May 11th is a day to pamper your mama ... or set her loose to her own adventure to return to a tidy house and homecooked meal. If brunch or tea are your celebrations of choice, the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell hosts a Tea Party & Tour on Saturday and Sunday.  

Or head to the Salvation Army Community Center and Church in Kalispell on Saturday for a Mother's Day Tea. 

Kalispell's Montavino Winery plays host to a Mother's Day Craft & Sip on Saturday May 10th where you will learn to craft a paper flower. 

And, of course, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake and The Firebrand in Whitefish throw down for Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday May 11th. 

Eat it up Whitefish and enjoy special menus from your favorite local eateries as you explore Whitefish's Restaurant Week May 12th to 16th. Support local and nonprofit partner Housing Whitefish. Find full details and book your seat at ExploreWhitefish.com 

Dude! Get you and your pajama pants down to Slow Burn Records in Whitefish on Saturday, May 17th to witness the spectacle of The Flathead Dude Rhapso-dides. The Dude joins with Dusty Mane to share stories and songs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. And yes, there will be White Russian mocktails to celebrate the day. 

The Wachholz College Center has an excellent May lineup including a '50s Rock N Roll Dance Party on Saturday May10th. You're sure to be sock hopping as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Boppers final tour is recreated on the Wachholz stage to make Peggy Sue proud. 

Or be amazed at Champions of Magic on Wednesday, May 14th for this family-friendly presentation of mind-bending illusions. 

My favorite PechaKucha is back for its 10th installment on Thursday, May 29th at 6:30pm on the theme of The Art of Growth. Enjoy the Wachholz during this free event as presenters share their unique journey in 20 slides for 20 seconds each. This event is sure to inspire and broaden your perspective as artists, therapists, farmers, community activists, business owners, and yes, yours truly, share what Art and Growth mean to them. 

Friends, I know you'll have a great May! Have a blast checking out all the great happenings in Northwest Montana on the Daily Inter Lake's Local Events page. And don't sleep on it, visit HappysInn.com for their full summer concert line up and make a plan to rock out because if this summer's lineup is anything like last year's, these concerts will sell out! 

Thanks for tuning in and thanks for your support of independent, local, community journalism. We sure love being part of your day and your community. As always, add your events for free at dailyinterlake.com/events. 

May the force be with you! 

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