The Best Performing Arts

International Wildlife Film Festival (Missoula, MT; tel. 406/728-9380): This film festival has become a required festival for international filmmakers who specialize in wildlife. It goes for a week in early to mid-May, and includes panel discussions and workshops, as well as screenings of the world's best wildlife films.

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Lewistown, MT; tel. 406/538-5436): Held each year in mid-August, this is a rhyming good time for the bowlegged and horse-drawn set. In addition to a healthy dose of range rhyme, there are arts-and-crafts shows, and booths full of leather.