Category: Development
The Arts Council of Big Sky has a new home!
It’s official–the Arts Council has purchased the building at 77 Lone Peak Drive (formerly Choppers restaurant), with the goal on transforming the space into an arts center. The building acquisition was made possible by an extraordinary lead gift from Big Sky resident and long-time ACBS supporter Don Grasso. Grasso is a passionate philanthropist who believes in paying forward his good fortune by giving back to meaningful causes. “I made this donation to honor my sister-in-law Patty Rhea and her husband Bob, who have inspired me to recognize the power of the arts,” said Grasso. “I hope this gift is transformational for the Big Sky community and inspires others to give generously too.”
The Rheas are Big Sky residents that have made significant contributions to the community for more than twenty years. Patty Rhea is a former curator and past ACBS board member who has been a champion for public art in Big Sky for a decade, spearheading such efforts as the Deborah Butterfield horse sculpture “Winter” located in the Town Center Plaza, and the upcoming Brad Rude sculpture “To the Skyland” to be placed in the Community Park in 2025. Bob Rhea is current board chair of the Moonlight Community Foundation.
“This is an amazing opportunity to revitalize an empty space and bring some more vibrancy into the Town Center,” said Brian Hurlbut, ACBS Executive Director. “It has always been the organization’s dream to have our own building, and we are truly excited for what the future holds.”
We have big plans for the space, and have retained CCY Architects out of Basalt, Colorado, to help us achieve our vision. The attached rendering is just one example of what he hope to do!
27th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll 2024
The 27th Annual Big Sky Christmas Stroll
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS STROLL GUIDE HERE
There’s lots to celebrate in Big Sky this holiday season. The streets of the Big Sky will come alive December 13-15 for the 27th anniversary of the Christmas Stroll. Join us Friday at the Meadow Village Center and Saturday at Big Sky Town Center for a weekend of family friendly events, entertainment, and holiday cheer!
The Stroll is not the only thing we are celebrating. Ski season has just begun here in Big Sky. Take the weekend to get out and explore Big Sky’s vast winter trails system for downhill skiing and snowboarding, backcountry touring, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking, and more. Come ski, stroll and stay with us this weekend with special offers from our lodging partners.
The Wilson Hotel
Call 406-995-9000 and ask for their “Local’s Rate” for the best deal on rooms downtown for the Stroll weekend.
Big Sky Resort
https://www.bigskyresort.com/promotions
Lone Mountain Ranch
https://lonemountainranch.com/packages/
STROLL GUIDE (updated 12/11*)
Friday, December 13th- Meadow Village Center
🎁 5:20 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony outside Big Sky Owners Association offices
🎁 5:30 – 8 PM Photos with Santa & Holiday Photo Booth Presented by American Bank
🎁 5:30 – 7:30 PM Wagon Rides With Lone Mountain Ranch
🎁 5:30 – 8 PM Scavenger Hunt: Day 1 Presented by Meadow Village Center- Prizes at participating businesses for kids who complete the adventure. Scavenger Hunt cards available at entrance to Big Sky Owners Association offices and participating businesses.
🎁 5:30 – 6:30 PM Holiday Carols by Lone Peak A Capella led by John Zirkle strolling. Performing at Meadow Village Center.
🎁 6:45 – 7:30 PM Christmas carol sing along at The Big Sky Chapel. After lifting up your voice with us, have a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie before heading back out on your winter walk. Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 Big Sky Owners Association- Open House with food, beverage, s’mores, fire pit.
🎁 Blue Ribbon Builders- Step inside to warm up with one of their “Legendary Mint Tingles” and indulge in a delightful selection of delicious food.
🎁 Shelly Bermont Fine Jewelry- Join them for holiday goodies & cheer!
🎁 McNeal and Friends- Beverages and sweet treats will be offered the entire duration of the stroll. All Holiday will be 20% off! Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 ERA Landmark Real Estate- Drawing for a sled, photo props for selfies, food and drinks. Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 Peak Properties of Big Sky- Serving up hot drinks, selling jewelry from Sister Montana Jewelry and selling local school spirit wear made by Variable Conditions. Fire pit in front of the office.
🎁 Yellowtail Residences- Open house and holiday cocktails/mocktails.
🎁 Country Market- Visitor snacks and holiday raffle.
🎁 Michaelangelo’s Ristorante- Snacks and prosecco for strollers.
🎁 Reset Lounge- Stop in for their gift card special and enjoy some champaign.
🎁 Visit Big Sky Booth- Hot cocoa and holiday cheer!
🎁 The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company- Sweet treats to all shoppers and they are a stop on the scavenger hunt put on by The Waypoint.
Saturday, December 14th- Big Sky Town Center
🎁 3:30 – 5 PM Stroll Pre-Party at Beehive Basin Brewery. Holiday music, snacks courtesy of Roxy’s Market, patio bonfires and luminaries.
🎁 3 – 8 PM Big Sky Winter Market Presented By Bozeman Health at The Wilson Hotel. Come warm up by the fire, grab a delicious holiday beverage, enjoy music by pianist Matthew Jennings, relax, and shop local artisans, crafters, cottage good makers, and other mountain made businesses.
🎁 5 PM Saturday Stroll Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Outlaw Partners at Fire Pit Park.
🎁 5:10 PM Stroll Fireworks Display presented by Zaremba Potts Group & BSSEF (look to the Eastern skies).
🎁 5:15 PM Pray For Snow Party with DJ Take A Chance presented by The Hungry Moose Market, Second Season and The Rocks at Fire Pit Park. Gather around the bonfire to enjoy fun activities/holiday cheer, roast s’mores, and celebrate as we make our offerings to Santa and Ullr for a snow filled season to come!
🎁 6 – 8 PM Wagon rides with Lone Mountain Ranch. Enjoy wagon rides around Town Center and stop by the various businesses and activities along the way. Pickup and drop-off at Giving Village in Town Center Plaza and Beehive Basin Brewery.🎁 5:30 – 8 PM Santa’s Holiday Lounge at BASE Presented by BASE & First Security Bank. Take your photos with Santa and enjoy a variety of fun holiday activities including skating on the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink and sledding at Len Hill Park (weather permitting*).
🎁 5 – 8 PM Holiday Giving Village at Town Center Plaza. Enjoy some holiday cheer and fun from our village of community partners and nonprofits that work to make Big Sky great!
🎁 5:30 – 6:30 PM Holiday Carols by Lone Peak A Capella directed by John Zirkle. Strolling and performing about Town Center.
🎁 5:30 – 8 PM Scavenger Hunt Presented By Town Center- Prizes at participating businesses for kids who complete the adventure. Scavenger Hunt cards available at entrance to Visit Big Sky visitors center and participating businesses.
🎁 Deck The Sculptures- Stroll the many sculptures in Town Center decorated for the holidays. Presented by Arts Council of Big Sky.
🎁 Montana Supply- Enjoy their LEGENDARY Great Gift Giveaway and Vuori pop-up. $20K in prizes!
🎁 Big Sky Real Estate Co. & Lone Mountain Land- Enjoy live music, light bites and make a donation to The Giving Tree.
🎁 The Big Sky Waypoint- Live Music with Scratchin’ Gravel (Bluegrass) 8:30PM
🎁 Tips Up- Starlight Reunion (House & Techno DJs ) 9PM
🎁 Visit Big Sky- Come in for some holiday snacks, drinks, cheer and enter to win a custom gingerbread house!
🎁 Rhinestone Cowgirl- Snacks and a store wide discount of 15%. Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices- Hot chocolate and sweets for strollers. Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 The Cave Spirits & Gifts- Refreshments and eggnog.
🎁 Courtney Collins Fine Art- Cookies and chocolates to share.
🎁 Arts Council of Big Sky- Open House at the Arts Council’s new building and future arts center (77 Lone Peak Drive – the former Choppers Restaurant). Stop by to see their plans to evolve the space building into an arts hub, make a festive button pin, enjoy a cookie or two, and share your vision of what the arts could be in Big Sky! Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 ART Gallery of Big Sky/Ryan Turner Photography- Stop by to enjoy some holiday treats and enter their raffle.
🎁 Homestead Big Sky- Open house.
🎁 Big Sky Eyes- Refreshments and treats. Scavenger hunt stop.
🎁 Pure West Big Sky- Famous Christmas margaritas, locally made Christmas cookies, and kids crafts.
🎁 Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery- Pop-up specials, 10% off on all items and complimentary refreshments.
🎁 Outlaw Partners- Stop by to see the Outlaw Partners on the LMNT deck on Lone Peak Dr. for hot chocolate, hot cider, walking tacos, and festive kettle corn from Outlaw Realty. Shop the Hey Bear trailer there as well or their booth at the Wilson Hotel’s holiday market.
Sunday, December 15th
🎁 The Nutcracker at WMPAC- The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition based on the classic tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Montana Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker is one of the region’s largest artistic collaborations, bringing together talented dancers, local and national choreographers, guest artists, live musicians, and expert designers. Audiences will be enchanted by the new choreography, theatrical elements, and the magic of this iconic ballet. Shows at 5 PM & 7 PM.
Tickets: https://warrenmillerpac.org/event/nutcracker-montana-ballet/
For all Stroll inquiries please contact erik@lovestreetmedia.com.
November 14: Ladies Night at The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company
Come join in on the fun at The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company this Thursday, November 14th from 4:00 – 7:00pm. Enjoy wine in their standard sippy cups and a 20% off discount!
The toy company is located at 145 Town Center Ave. Suite A2 – on the southwest side of The Wilson Hotel adjacent to Town Center Plaza.
Bell to bell: the Hungry Moose celebrates 30 years in Big Sky!
Bell to bell: the Hungry Moose celebrates 30 years in Big Sky!
Check out this great article by Fischer Genau from Explore Big Sky about the Hungry Moose Market & Deli and their journey over the past 30 years!
Published on November 8, 2024. Photo courtesy of Fischer Genau as well.
Read the full article HERE
November 15: Big Sky Discovery Academy Fall Jam at Tips Up
🎉 Big Sky’s Most Anticipated Event of the Year is BACK! 🎉
Get ready, Big Sky! We’re pulling out all the stops for this year’s Fall Jam—a night packed with unbeatable tunes, an electric atmosphere, and a chance to make a real impact. Whether you’re here to dance, bid, or just soak in the vibes, this is the event you don’t want to miss.
🎵 Live Music by Luke and Dustin from Pinky and the Floyd 🎵
Let’s set the stage for an unforgettable evening! Luke and Dustin from Pinky and the Floyd will take you on a musical journey that’ll have you dancing from the first chord to the last note. Bring your friends, bring your rhythm, and prepare to jam!
🎟 Get Your Tickets NOW! 🎟
- General Admission: $100
Includes: Admission, Dinner, and Two Drinks (Beer or Wine) - Table Reservation: $1250
Includes: 6 Tickets, Individual Table, Dinner, and 24 Drink Tickets (12 beer/wine & 12 of your choice)
🎁 Silent & Live Auctions 🎁
Bid on incredible experiences and exclusive items. From once-in-a-lifetime vacations to local adventures, there’s something for everyone! All proceeds go directly to supporting Big Sky Discovery Academy, helping us continue to provide top-notch education and resources to our students.
🤝 Sponsor this Unforgettable Night! 🤝
Want to leave a lasting impact on your community? We have sponsorship opportunities available that will elevate your brand while supporting an incredible cause.
- Band Sponsor: $1,500
- Staff Event Sponsor: $3,000 (Covers the cost for staff and guests to attend)
- Food & Beverage Sponsor: $5,000
- Event Sponsor: $10,000
Join us in making this the most successful Fall Jam yet! Sponsor now and help shape the future of education in Big Sky.
This is more than just a night out—it’s a night to make a difference.
Grab your tickets, reserve your table, or become a sponsor today. Let’s pack out Tips Up, raise essential funds, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Big Sky Discovery Academy Fall Jam 2024—where music, community, and giving back come together for one epic night. See you there!
November 7-8: Gallatin Canyon Project Update – Lava Lake Bridge Work Delayed
Impact attenuator replacement at Lava Lake Bridge, initially scheduled to begin today, has been delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Crews plan to conduct the replacement activities on Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting.
While this work is underway, drivers can expect single-lane closures, flaggers, and 15-minute delays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will also be in place during working hours.
If you have questions, please email me at Kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. Our project hotline is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484. Visit the project webpage at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/gallatincanyon/. To subscribe to weekly text updates, text GALLATINCANYON to 41411.
October 14-18: Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements Update
The Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements project on US Highway 191 has been substantially completed by the Montana Department of Transportation, CK May Excavating, and Riverside Contracting.
Turn Bay North of Gallatin Gateway
Seeding operations are now complete. That was the final outstanding task on this portion of the project.
South of Spanish Creek South
Work on replacing the impact attenuator on the bridge near the Lava Lake Trailhead has not been scheduled but could happen this week. Once work begins, it will take about three days to complete.
While attenuator work is underway, crews will be present during daytime hours and drivers can expect single-lane closures, flaggers, and 15-minute delays.
If you have questions, please email Kristine at Kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. Our project hotline is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484. Visit the project webpage at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/gallatincanyon/. To subscribe to weekly text updates, text GALLATINCANYON to 41411.*
October: Town Center Improvements
Throughout October, you might notice some equipment moving around as the LMLC team conducts site grading and light utility work near Tips Up and in the parking lot adjacent to BASE. This early utility work is paving the way for future projects, including the upcoming public restroom facility. Thank you for your understanding as we work to enhance Town Center.
