Ride May's weather rollercoaster with a bunch of great indoor and outdoor events to roll you into summer.

At the top of the month, the Glacier Art Museum (formerly the Hockaday) host their annual gala and art auction. Join the GAM on Friday, May 8th at the posh Wachholz College Center for a night of elegance and art appreciation. If last year's event is any testament, you will not want to miss this. Support the museum and a bevel of Montana artists as you mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, witness art created in real time, enjoy dinner from The House of S&M, and live music by the Glacier Symphony Chamber Quartet. I hear the silent auction is host to many amazing and affordable artworks and the live auction showcases stunning works from a long list of revered artists. Don't miss your chance to revel in the art world and support a worthy cultural institution. 

Get your palates ready! Whitefish Restaurant Week is back to wine and dine you with all the delicious food Whitefish area restaurants have to offer. Kicking off with Fish Fest May 16th to 22nd, you can fill your belly and support the local workforce as all participating restaurants contribute to the Community Support Fund which supports workforce housing through Housing Whitefish. Try the Scallop Tartare at Buchanan's, or a Fish Fest Salmon savory crepe at Amazing Crepes, or Elk Ragu at the Boat Club, or Ahi Tuna Tostadas at the Craggy Range, or a Berbere Popcorn and Cold Brew Sundae at Sweet Peaks. My mouth is watering! Find the full list of restaurants participating in Whitefish Restaurant Week as well as their menus for this special event at explorewhitefish.com. The shoulder season is a great time to savor all the best eats Whitefish has to offer and you have only seven days to enjoy these special menus. I suggest you make a plan and lineup your reservations -- shoulder season or no these fine eateries are sure to be busy. Shop local, play local, and certainly eat local. Support the businesses that support our community and make it a vibrant and delicious place to live. Enjoy Whitefish Restaurant Week May 16th to 22nd ... your taste buds will thank you. 

Fish Fest is back for the 4th annual celebration of all that is Whitefish, Montana. Saturday, May 16th is chock full of raffles, live music, and small-town fun spanning downtown Whitefish. Start the weekend and Run the Fish with an early morning marathon, half-marathon or 5K along Central Avenue. Post race, head to the Baker Block Party for fun for all ages where you can meet a Clydesdale, boogie to a live DJ, and savor food and treats from local vendors. Permission to shop with the Shopper's Crawl. Shop till you drop ... or fill up your card with stamps from local stores for your chance at raffle prizes. It's patio season and all your favorite downtown patios will be celebrating the day. Fish Fest is a great opportunity to celebrate local before the busy summer. 

Mother's Day is May 10th for those who celebrate. Treat yourself or your mama to a Mother's Day Tea at Kalispell's Conrad Mansion or shop curated vintage and homemade goods at The Market Beautiful on May 8th at the Majestic Valley Arena. Or head north of Whitefish on Saturday, May 9th to celebrate a Clydesdale mom as the Clydesdale Outpost introduces the newest members of the herd on their Foals & Family Weekend. 

Dig out your dry suit or post up along the Swan River to marvel at the wild river and the wild folk that ride it during Bigfork's Whitewater Festival on May 22nd to 24th. Memorial Day weekend is made for the Whitewater Festival, and the Wild Mile never disappoints. While you're in Bigfork stop by local eateries and drinkeries and browse the unique and artful shops along Electric Avenue. 

May has plenty more to offer ... 

Check out a pinball tournament on Saturday May 2nd at the Timer Bar – formerly the Dusty Star which was formerly Scotty's. The Timber is the best place to flip the day away during this low-key tournament. Fun for pinballers of all ages and skill levels. Try your luck on the new Harry Potter pin and see if you have what it takes to beat me. 

Whitefish's Grouse Mountain Lodge hosts the Montana Distillers Guild Spring Spirits and Brews Fest on Saturday, May 2nd. Sample spirits from 14 Montana distilleries along with brews from three of your favorite local breweries. 

Enjoy an evening of Dueling Pianos on Saturday, May 2nd at 101 Central in Whitefish. Merie Productions has brought Dueling Pianos back for a second round of high-octane, request-driven piano battle through the greatest hits of every era. 

On the weekend of May 9th, Discover Kalispell brings back the infamous Spartan Race for what is sure to be some rowdy and muddy fun. Test your mettle or come to Bigfork to spectate as your neighbors test themselves on courses full of extreme obstacles. 

Don't miss your chance to experience the Northwest Ballet Company as they perform excerpts from "Phantom of the Opera" at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts for several showtimes the weekend of May 9th. 

Seymour of the Whitefish Theatre Company's production of the cult classic "Little Shop of Horrors" at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish for various showtime May 21st through June 6th. This devilish sci-fi smash is sure to be a tasty treat. 

The illustrious Big Sky Troubadours set the stage for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with their Songwriter Showcase on Monday, May 25th at Whitefish's 101 Central. Highlighting the craft behind the music, experience three talented songwriters in a low-key unique offering of song. 

If that doesn't keep you busy this month, well, then I think you're focusing too much on the yard work friend.  

Remember you can add your events to the Daily Inter Lake online calendar for free at DailyInterLake.com/events. And hey, pick up an analog copy of the Daily Inter Lake to stay connected to the community. Local news is essential, and we wouldn't be here without you. 

Thanks for tuning in, I'm your host and pinball enthusiast Melissa Wells. May the 4th be with you.  

READ MORE:

Starry Glacier Night Benefit Gala + Art Auction 

Whitefish Restaurant Week 

4th Annual Fish Fest

Bigfork White Water Festival

The Market Beautiful | Mother's Day weekend at the Majestic Valley Arena! 

Mother's Day Tea Party at the Conrad Mansion 

Foals & Family Weekend

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