This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Montana including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Montana which include contra dancing and these other forms. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Schedule note:
As of January 1, 2021, the dance listings should be fairly up to date including whether dances are canceled although I am behind in keeping up to date with festivals, weekends, etc.. At this point, my assumption is that all dances and events are canceled unless they are virtual/on-line. Since we've entered the 2020-2021 "season" for many series and they never posted dates, information about evening/afternoon dances is getting "thin". Also note that some dance weekends, etc. are already postponing events from winter/spring of 2021 to similar dates in 2022.
Conversations and cancelations are happening every day in connection with dances as part of regular series and also weekends, festivals, etc. I'll try to keep current as much as possible, but please check the individual web sites, Facebook groups/pages, e-mail lists, etc. for the most up-to-date information about a dance or other event that you may want to attend.
Belgrade: Musicians' workshop (1:00pm to 4:30pm ($50/participant (includes evening dance)), potluck supper will be held from 5:30-7:00. Bring good food to share along with your own personal eating tools; dance ($7 BFS members, $9 non-members) from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Location: Wright's Dance Barn - 9466 Springhill Road. Questions? Call 406-209-0593. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
Belgrade - Pioneer Museum Benefit: Benefit dance at the Big Yellow Barn, 9466 Springhill Road, Belgrade, MT 59714 with dinner at 6:00pm, family contra from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, squares and circles from 7:30pm to 8:45pm and bluegrass from 9:00pm to 10:30pm. Admission: Adult $10 - Family $15 - Student $5. Web site: http://www.pioneermuseum.org.
Billings: The Yellowstone Square Dance Council is sponsoring contra dances on Friday evenings starting at 7:30 for beginners with the regular dance to run from 8:00 to 11:00. We would appreciate experienced dancers to come at 7:30 to mentor the beginners. We will be dancing in Cedar Hall at MetraPark. Everyone welcome! No partner required. Live music. Admission: $10. Web site: https://www.squaredancemontana.com/contradance.
Billings - Date Night: Barn dance fundraiser for Love In the Name of Christ of Yellowstone County. Evening includes a contra dance, finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks, and raffles. Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Location: Camelot Ranch, 8736 Camelot Lane, Billings, MT. Tickets are $35. Web site: https://loveincyellowstone.wordpress.com/.
Boulder - Fall Fiddle Fest and Dance: At the Old Boulder Methodist Church and Boulder Hot Springs. Dance workshop at 1pm, open mic at 2pm, kids dance at 3pm, benefit supper at 5pm, concert at 6pm, dance at 8pm. The Boulder Methodist Church is at 211 W. Centennial Drive and the Boulder Hot Springs is 2 miles south of town on Highway 69. Contact Dustin Farnum at wobblyboy@gci.net or (406) 465-7282. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/ or http://www.montanafiddlers.org/.
Boulder: No details as of yet. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
Bozeman: The Bozeman Folklore Society sponsors contra dances usually twice a month September - May (along with other types of dancing, concerts, etc.). Beginner's workshop 7:30pm - 8:00 pm; Dance 8:00pm. Admission: $5 students, $8 members, $10 non-members, $15 families. Live music - all dances are taught - all ages are welcome and partners are not required. Please wear grit free, non-marking shoes to protect the dance floor. Most community dances occur at the Bozeman Senior Center, located at 807 N. Tracy Ave. in Bozeman. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Fall Celebration: Afternoon and evening dancing (English, international, contra) at Weather Rock Barn in the beautiful Shields Valley along Flathead Creek, on state Highway 86. Newcomers and early arrivals welcome - orientation to the Weather Rock property - snacks and drinks available. Dress for weather changes and cool evenings -- soft soled clean shoes of course for the dance floor. Some non-dance activities available. Check site for details. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
Bozeman - New Year's Eve: The Bozeman Folklore Society sponsors a special New Year's Eve Dance. Beginner's workshop 7:30-8:00 pm. // Dancing 8:00-11:00 pm. Admission: $8 members, $10 non-members. Live music - all dances are taught - all ages are welcome and partners are not required. Please wear grit free, non-marking shoes to protect the dance floor. Location: Masons Lodge, 14. S. Tracy. For more information regarding contra dances contact Ellen at 406-581-3444. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Wintergreen: The Bozeman Folklore Society sponsors the Wintergreen Contra Dance Weekend in late January at the Bozeman Senior Center, located at 807 N. Tracy Ave. in Bozeman, with dances and workshops. Register in advance, although you can register at the door for the Saturday workshops. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Family Dance: Family Dances are held seasonally, usually with a theme, and are followed by a potluck and a community dance. Family Dance 5:30 to 6:30 PM; Potluck 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Bring a dish to share. Admission is $15 per family. (Pay for the evening dance separately if you wish to stay.) All children must be accompanied by an adult. Most family dances occur at the Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N. Tracy Ave. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Annual Hoedown: We'll have a potluck starting at 6:30 PM, followed by a brief members' meeting, then music and dancing from 7:30pm. We'll feature contra, Scottish, and international folk dance, plus a sampling of some types of music you might hear at our BFS concerts. Location: Lindley Center, 1102 East Curtiss Street, Bozeman. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Special: Dances at various locations, dates, and times. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Dance PartyDance parties are for experienced dancers who already know the basic moves such as balance & swing, allemande, do-si-do, ladies chain, stars and Hey for 4. There will be no lesson, minimal instructions, and quick walkthroughs, allowing for more energetic and complex dances. A good caller, a good band, and good dancers make for a fun night! Most dance parties occur at the Gallatin Labor Temple, 422 E Mendenhall St. in Bozeman from 8pm to 11:00pm. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/.
Bozeman - Gallatin Valley Labor Temple: Dance at the Gallatin Valley Labor Temple, 422 E Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 from 8pm to 10:30pm. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/index.html.
Bozeman - Swing/Contra: The MSU SwingCata and the Bozeman Folklore Society will hold a joint swing and contra vintage dance at Romney Hall, 3rd Floor Gym, MSU Campus, $5 students, $8 BFS members, $10 general. Swing lesson at 7pm, contra lesson at 8pm. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org/index.html.
Bozeman - Summegreen Dance Weekend: Dance weekend in June at Bozeman Senior Center. Web site: https://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
Bozeman - Tina's Deck: Dance at private home, 12321 Kelly Canyon Rd Bozeman, MT 59715 from 6pm to 10pm. Starts with a potluck at 6pm, then dancing with an open band and callers. If you ever wanted to try playing or calling for dances this is the time to do so. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/653312251857767/.
Butte - Montana Folk Dance: Mostly music (eclectic) festival, crafts, with a little dancing, held in the first part of July in "Uptown" Butte. Web site: http://montanafolkfestival.com/.
Choteau: Family barn dance and pie social fundraiser at the Choteau Pavilion, 306 1st St NE; from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Bynum Elementary School and the Choteau Community Art Studio are inviting music lovers and dancers of all ages attend. Admission is by free-will donation. Proceeds from the event will be used to help support the Choteau Community Art Studio (CCAS). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/choteaucommunityartstudio/.
Dillon - Harvest Ball: Dance at the Dillon Elks Lodge, 27 E Center St, Dillon, MT 59725 from 7pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome, and no partner is required. Admission is $2 for kids 12 and under, $5 for adults and $2 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Refreshments will be provided. Costumes are optional, but welcome. Dancing for the Harvest Ball will include some called set dances and contra dances as well as waltzes, polkas and, of course, the schottische. Some of the audience will remember these dances from the past and for others, this will be a fun introduction to vintage style dancing. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/DillonJuniorFiddlers/.
East Helena - Montana Wild West: A Frontier Ball, which includes contra dancing, is part of this multi-faceted event sponsored by Montana Living History in mid-August. Web site: http://www.montanalivinghistory.org.
Eureka: Dance at the Pinkham Schoolhouse on Pinkham Rd in Eureka at 7pm. Contras, squares, polkas and waltzes. Live music and callers. Admission by donation. Open to all ages. For more information, call 406-297-0197. Web site: http://www.sunburstfoundation.org.
Fairfield: Some called dances at the Montana Old-time Fiddlers, District 8 jam, at the Cozy Corner Cafe, 402 Central Ave, Fairfield, MT 59436 from 1pm to 5pm. Web site: https://www.montanastateoldtimefiddlers.org/.
Gardiner - Squares: Kick up your heels at Electric Peak Arts Council's Barn Dance, an old-time mountain style square dance at 7pm, at the Gardiner Community Center. If you can march in time to music, you can square dance! All dances will be taught; no experience or partner necessary. Kids welcome. $10 adults, students and seniors free. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Electric-Peak-Arts-Council-EPAC-241394811386/.
Hamilton: Dance at the Rocky Mountain Grange, South 1st Street, 2 miles south of Hamilton. Dance goes from 7:00pm to 10:00pm with a beginners' workshop at 6:30pm. Cost $5/person, $10/family. Web site: None.
Hamilton - Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival: Contra dance labeled as a ceilidh happens during the festival on the Friday of the festival from 6pm to 9pm at the Marcus Daly Mansion. Web site: http://www.bitterrootscottishirishfestival.org/.
Helena: Contra Dances on the second Saturday (mostly) of each month from October to April. The price at the door per dance is $10 or $20 per family. Family dances are $15 per family (includes at least one parent with 2 or more children); price does not include regular contra dance later that evening. Students (middle school through college w/ID are $7). Location: The Cottonwood School at 322 Front Street, Helena, MT. New dancer workshop starts at 7:30 pm. The main dance will be from 8:00-10:30 as usual. Contact: For directions or information, call 406-495-0935. Come join us for lively music and fun dancing. No partner or experience necessary; beginners and singles welcome. Web site: http://lastchancesquares.org/helena-contra-dancers/.
Helena - Squash-a-palooza: Dance is part of Squash-a-palooza. Beginners, experts and everyone in between are welcome. Location: Pioneer Park (downtown Helena) Event time: 3-7pm. Web site: http://www.squashapalooza.org.
Helena - Frontier Ball: Event at The Windsor Ballroom from 7pm to 10pm. Live music, family friendly, refreshments, a silent auction. Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of "Helena- The Town that Gold Built". Tickets are $10. Order online at www.montanalivinghistory.org or call 406-458-3700. "1860s Attire is Encouraged but Not Required". Hosted by The Montana Living History Program. Web site: http://www.montanalivinghistory.org.
Helena - Squares - Placer Hotel: Placer Hotel Square Dance, 21 N Last Chance Gulch St Helena Mt 59601. 7pm. Admission $5. Time: 8pm to 10:30pm. Web site: None.
Helena - USWest Square Dance Convention: While this is a MWSD Convention, there will be a contra dance track with live callers and music. Registration is $50 until July 15 then it goes up to $60. Additional contra callers are invited to participate but must also be registered dancers. Contact Kathy Johnson, Contra Chair at lastchancesquares@gmail.com if you have questions. Web site: http://www.montana.usawest.net/.
Helena - First Friday: Free Contra Dancing at Performance Square Helena Downtown Walking Mall. Come try something new. All are welcome. No partner or experience necessary. Easy to follow instructions begin at 6:30 p.m. Dance ends @ 8:30 p.m. All ages welcom. Bring your kids, your smiles and yourselves. Fun, fast, dancing for free. For more information contact Aime at 438-5819 or David at helenacontradancers@gmail.com - Web site: http://lastchancesquares.org/helena-contra-dancers/.
Kalispell: Dances on various Saturdays of the month from October to May at (generally). Kalispell Senior Center (403 2nd Ave. West). Time: 7:30 - 8:15 PM: Beginners' lessons. All children are welcome to dance at this time. 8:15 -10:30 PM: More complex dances will be intermingled with easier ones. These dances are best suited for adults and children ages 10 and older. Prices: $8 individuals; $5 high school and college students; $18 family. Snacks: Feel free to bring snacks to share for any dance: sliced fruit, nuts, (banana, pumpkin, zucchini, whatever) bread, crackers, chips, whatever YOU like to eat!Contact: For directions or info on band/callers, please call Joe at 406-752-7469 or e-mail him at fisherdogshots[at-sign]live.com. Web site: http://www.missoulafolk.org.
Kalispell - Farm Hands Nourish: Fundraising dance at the Salvation Army Gym, 110 Bountiful Drive, Kalispell, Montana from 7pm to 10:30pm. Admission: $12; $10 for students. Family friendly and beginners are welcome! Web site: http://nourishtheflathead.org/home/.
Livingston - Park County Senior Center Fundraiser: Fundraiser Fiddle - Concert and Contra Dance at the Park County Senior Center, 206 South Main Street, Livingston. Student concert at 6pm, contra dance will begin around 7:30pm. Raffle, Silent Auction and Cake Walk. Admission $5/person. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Fundraiser to upgrade the Center's failing elevator. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/visitlivingstonmt.
Missoula: The Missoula Folklore Society sponsors dances on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from October to May, generally at the Senior Center, 705 S Higgins Ave in Missoula. There is a beginner's (or newcomer's) workshop at 7:30 p.m. and dancing from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members, under 18 is free. (Annual membership is only $20). All dances are taught from scratch. Everyone is welcome including singles, couples, groups, and families. Web site: http://www.missoulafolk.org.
Missoula - Complex Contra Dances: Roy Curet is sponsoring a short series of dances. He writes: "Over the years I have collected many fine dances at dance camps. I do not get to call these on a regular basis because they are to complex to teach at a regular Saturday night contra dance. I want some experience leading these dances and I hope you will help me by attending this series. I'll be trying out some new things so there may be some flubs but I think I can guarantee that a good time will be had by all. This series is not for new dancers. In fact, aside from some rare and esoteric figures there will be no teaching. You can expect some good recorded music and six to eight dances in an hour and a half session. The series will occur from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at The Barn Movement Studio, 2926 S. Third West (down the alley in the middle of the block across from Hawthorne School). There is a map here: http://sites.google.com/site/thebarnllc/ Bring dancing shoes. NO STREET SHOES will be allowed in the hall. Bring your own water bottle, there is no water available at the hall. This series is primarily for my own benefit so I will not be charging any admission fee. Donations will be happily accepted. Web site: None.
Missoula - Dance Camp Dances: Roy Curet is sponsoring a series of dances during the non-summer months. He writes: "The format this year will be a little different. Instead of the focus being on me learning to teach complex dances it will be on me leading workshops. Each session will start with a short dance skills workshop followed by six to eight dances. If you've been to these sessions in the past you can expect the same level of dancing. If you've never been, please come. A monthly series of Contra Dance workshops and dances for dancers of all levels. Each Friday Night session will start with a short dance skills workshop followed by dances chosen to emphasize those skills. New dancers will become better dancers. Experienced dancers will not be disappointed. You can expect some good recorded music and about six dances in an hour and a half session. These sessions will be on the Friday before the regularly scheduled Missoula Folklore Society Third Saturday Contra Dance. If you are coming from out of town you can go to two dances. Time: 7 (sharp) to (about) 8:30 PM. Location: The Barn Movement Studio, 2926 S. Third West, Missoula, MT. You'll find it down the alley in the middle of the block across from HawthorneSchool. There is a small sign by the mailbox. If the lot is full you can park across Third on Hiberta next to the school. There is a map here: http://sites.google.com/site/thebarnllc/ Bring your dancing shoes. NO STREET SHOES will be allowed in the hall. Socks are fine. Bring your own water bottle, there is no drinking water available at the hall. I will not be charging any admission fee. Donations will be happily accepted. Web site: None.
Missoula - New Year's Eve: Dance is a part of Missoula's first night celebration. Location and time changes each year. Check Web site: http://www.missoulafolk.org.
Missoula - Caller's Night Out: Missoula is fortunate to have a rich potpourri of callers. For new callers it is sometimes difficult to jump right on the expressway. You would just like to build your confidence by driving the back roads for a bit. This is that opportunity. Our goal is to provide a lovely evening of dancing and give new callers a chance to find their voice. It might not always be pretty, but it will be fun. You can expect some good recorded music and six or more dances during the two-hour session. This is also a good chance for those new to contra dancing to hone their dance skills. Please join us. Bring dancing, indoor-only, or virgin shoes. NO STREET SHOES OR BOOTS will be allowed in the hall. Bring your own water bottle, there is no drinking water available at the hall. Various Fridays March 2012 thru May 2012. From 7 - 9 PM at The Barn Movement Studio, 2926 S. Third West, Missoula, MT. You'll find it down the alley in the middle of the block across from Hawthorne School. There is a small sign by the mailbox. Please park your vehicle in the Hawthorne School parking lot. Web site: None.
Missoula - Montana Wild West: A Frontier Ball, which includes contra dancing on Saturday, is part of this multi-faceted event sponsored by Montana Living History in August. Period appropriate clothing encouraged. Web site: http://www.westernlivinghistory.org.
Missoula - Squares: Join us for a special Missoula Folklore Society treat this holiday season with a square dance at the Barn Studio on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Directions: The Barn studio is located at 2962 S. 3rd. St. W. While heading west on 3rd out of Missoula cross S. Reserve, pass Caras Nursery and look for the driveway to the barn on your right opposite Hawthorne Elementary School. If the parking lot is full, park in a lot across 3rd. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/495717053876003/.
Missoula - Squares - Downtown Dance Collective: Dances at Downtown Dance Collective, 121 West Main Street, Missoula, Montana 59802 from 8pm to 11pm. Admission: $5. Live band. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OldTimeMontana/.
Missoula - Squares - VFW: Dance at the VFW, 245 W Main St. Missoula, MT from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Web site: None.
Missoula - Squares - The Top Hat: Dance at The Top Hat, 134 W Front St, Missoula, Montana 59802 from 7:30pm. All Dances Taught! No Experience Necessary! Web site: http://tophatlounge.com.
Missoula - Square Dance Callers Workshop: Event from 3pm to 5pm. Workshop on traditional square dance calling for beginning through intermediate callers. The workshop will focus on traditional southern Appalachian squares and include instruction on how to teach dances, how to work with a band, and how to call a dance that is inclusive and fun for all involved. This is a beginners workshop, so no previous calling experience required, however some experience with square or contra dancing is helpful. Stringband musicians will provide live music, and the students will get lots of opportunities for hands-on learning. Registration fee is $25 before Feb 15th, $35 after Feb 15. Space is limited so please contact Chelle Terwilliger to reserve a place or register (chelleterwilliger@gmail.com) - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/618956521595724/.
Missoula - Squares - Old Time: Dance at the Downtown Dance Collective 121 West Main Street Missoula, MT, 59802 from 8pm to 10pm. Live music. All ages. No partner needed. No experience necessary. The caller will teach you everything you need to know. $6 suggested donation. Web site: https://www.missoulaoldtime.org.
Missoula - Squares - Old Time Social: The Missoula Old Time Social is a four-day gathering celebrating traditional, old time music and dance. The Social features old time jams, concerts, workshops, a community square dance, and a grand cakewalk, all with the purpose of bringing people together in real time, face-to-face, to share in the experience of creating, enjoying, and dancing to homemade music. Web site: https://www.missoulaoldtime.org.
Monarch - Montana Fiddle Camp - Week 1: Week long camp (multi-instrumental) at the St. Thomas Church Camp. Held in the first part of June. A little dancing (much of the time). Register in advance. Web site: http://www.montanafiddlers.org/camp.html.
Monarch - Montana Fiddle Camp - Week 2: Week long camp (multi-instrumental) at the St. Thomas Church Camp. Held in the first part of June. A little dancing (much of the time). Register in advance. Web site: http://www.montanafiddlers.org/camp.html.
Rollins - Bear Hug Mountain Festival: Weekend of music, dancing and storytelling at the Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp, held in mid-September. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.missoulafolk.org/bearhug/Current_Bear_Hug.htm.
Weather Rock Farm - Scottish Contra Dance and Music Festival: For musicians and dancers who are eager to learn about Scottish traditions and the connection with American dance. A fantastic opportunity for string players of all levels to learn about playing for dancers. The music workshop will focus on Scottish music, while the concepts can be applied to Contra dancing as well as Scottish Country Dancing. There will be a lively and exciting Contra Dance on Friday night! Register in advance for music workshops. Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
Wilsall - Dancing in the Country: Weekend dance event including international and contra. Includes a potluck on Saturday. Location: Weather Rock Barn, 678 Flathead Creek Rd. (aka Highway 86) between mile markers 30 and 31, exactly at the Park Co./Gallatin Co. line. Turn north onto a short gravel road which goes down a hill to the homestead. Located near but west of Wilsall, MT toward the Bridger mountains. Contact: Hallie Rugheimer - ph. 406 578-2353 hallierugh@gmail.com - Web site: http://www.bozemanfolklore.org.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.
**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.