I had a couple of days to kill in Montana and needed to get out of the hotel. Instead, I found the most gorgeous concert venue and I can’t wait to bring my wife back to check out KettleHouse!
KettleHouse Amphitheater
Kettlehouse Amphitheater is a concert venue set along the Blackfoot River, nestled in the Montana mountains. It is outside of Missoula Montana and hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, films, and comedians. The amphitheater is also available for private rentals and has 4,250 seats.
If you enjoy music and you enjoy the outdoors, you’re going to love this venue. And if you’re a fan of outdoor parties in the summer, you may buy tickets for every event in the future!
Performances
There are many different events & concerts at the amphitheater. Various forms of rock music are the most common- country, classic, alternative, hard, and metal. There are also comedians performing and independent films previewed at the KettleHouse Amphitheater.
Acts at KettleHouse have included Sheryl Crow, Death Cab for Cutie, The Goo Goo Dolls, and The Black Crowes.
Food & Refreshments
KettleHouse provides the refreshment options you’d want at an outdoor gathering.
Burgers, Brats, Fries, and Bar-b-Que. Great food in a great atmosphere.
And then you’ll be blown away by what is available to drink.
Soft Drinks, of course. Yet, what other theaters have you been to that has an onsite brewery? Enjoy beer brewed onsite, wine, cocktails, and hard-seltzers.
The amphitheater’s location in the mountains combined with the catering makes for a memorable party.
Missoula Mountains
Missoula is already a special place as it’s the meeting point of five different mountain ranges. When set on the Blackfoot river as well, it’s hard to describe Kettlehouse amphitheater as anything else but special.
When you’re at the amphitheater, you can see three of the Rangers. Behind the theater, across the river is Marshall mountain. To the right is Bonner Mountain and on the left is University Mountain. This is where the rivers, three different rivers, meet up as well.
Travel To KettleHouse Amphitheater
Address: 605 Cold Smoke Lane, Bonner, MT 59823.
Driving
The drive to KettleHouse Amphitheater is a short drive from Missoula. There’s even a $10 shuttle if you prefer.
Head East on I-90 as you leave Missoula. Take the Highway 200 exit which you’ll get to very quickly. After just under 2 miles, turn left on Cold Smoke Avenue.
You’ll see the amphitheater and be directed to parking.
Parking
If you’re there for an event, you’ll likely be directed to a dirt parking lot on the left. There is a smaller lot on the right which may be used if you’re there in business or attending a private event (depending on the event’s size).
From the Parking Lot
It’s easy to see the amphitheater and walk to the venue. Though the area around the KettleHouse Amphitheater is gorgeous and you may want to stroll around if you have time.
KettleHouse Amphitheater History
Ground was broken for the amphitheater in October 2016 and the first concert, featuring Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, was on July 13, 2017.
Acts at KettleHouse have included Sheryl Crow, Death Cab for Cutie, The Goo Goo Dolls, and The Black Crowes.
Big Sky Brewing opened up 5,000 seat amphitheater that same year after hearing about the KettleHouse going up about 12 miles away. Ticket sales have been strong for both venues since they were established.
Summary & other destinations of interest
Nearby, you have Big Sky Brewing’s Amphitheater – also in Missoula. Which is just slightly bigger.
In nearby Bozeman, The Rialto offers special performances.
If you’re exploring the West or other outdoor amphitheaters there are quite a few outdoor concert venues with similarly majestic settings. The most famous is probably The Red Rock in Colorado. Followed closely by Tuacahn in St. George, Utah.