Big Sky Brewing shifting gears on events, concerts; parting ways with Knitting Factory

Many western Montana music fans have been wondering what's going on with summer lineup announcements, or lack thereof, at the Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater just outside Missoula, and now it appears there's some clarity.

Big Sky Brewing cofounder Bjorn Nabozney told the Missoulian that there are some changes underfoot and some planning going on behind the scenes.

"We are currently working through three potential medium-sized events for this summer at Big Sky Brewing, including an MMA (mixed martial arts) event and two possible live music shows," he said. "At this point, nothing is finalized enough for us to formally announce, but conversations are active and moving in a positive direction."

In years past, Big Sky Brewing has partnered with Boise-based Knitting Factory Entertainment to bring shows to the amphitheater, which has a capacity of about 5,000 people. National touring acts like Trey Anastasio, Cake and Primus have played the venue.

"As part of this transition, Big Sky Brewing and Knitting Factory Entertainment have parted ways after many successful years working together," Nabozney said. "We appreciate the long history and many great events that partnership produced over the years."

It looks like the Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater will be getting a new name as well.

"Moving forward, we are evolving toward a more open venue model for The Backyard at Big Sky Brewing Co., where multiple promoters, nonprofits, organizations, and community partners are welcome to utilize the facility rather than the venue being tied to a single promoter relationship," Nabozney said. "While I wouldn’t say we are fully reintroducing The Backyard this season, we are intentionally taking measured steps toward what we hope becomes a more active and sustainable event program moving into 2027 and beyond."

The financials in the industry are complicated, he noted.

"Independent venues and event operators are facing real challenges right now from rising production costs and tighter touring economics to broader softness across parts of the entertainment and hospitality industries," he said. "We’re approaching things thoughtfully and trying to build something that is financially sustainable while continuing to provide value to the Missoula community."

He said the venue has a long history in town.

"For more than two decades, Big Sky Brewing has hosted concerts, festivals, fundraisers, and community gatherings here in Missoula," Nabozney said. "Our vision for The Backyard is to continue evolving that tradition into a casual, welcoming space where great beer, live entertainment, nonprofit partnerships, and community events can come together. We’re excited about the direction things are heading, even if this summer is more of a measured step forward than a full-scale relaunch."

Big Sky began hosting concerts in 2004, before the outdoor live music industry in Missoula grew rapidly. So far this year, Logjam Presents has announced 36 shows at KettleHouse Amphitheater for May through October. Washington-Grizzly Stadium will host two concerts, and the Zootown Festival is holding its second two-day event at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.