Great Things in Great Falls this November celebrate local history, culture, & holiday cheer

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – National Bison Day is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Great Falls. The bison, America's national mammal, has a rich history, and First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is a great place to learn more.

National Bison Day Celebrations at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

National Bison Day is today, November 2, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Great Falls. The bison, America's national mammal, has a rich history, and First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is the perfect spot to learn more about these majestic animals. Visitors can even pet a taxidermy bison and get a feel for its fur. At noon on Saturday, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center will host a double feature of Ken Burns' "The American Buffalo: Ecosystem Engineers" (36 min) and "Bring Them Home" (19 min) from the short film collection "Native Narratives & Buffalo Revitalization".

Musical Performance by Jason Coleman

Another exciting event coming up is a performance by Jason Coleman, the grandson of legendary pianist Floyd Cramer. Coleman will be performing at the Mansfield Theater on Thursday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m.

"From humble beginnings on the Louisiana Hayride, to a Hall of Fame recording career in Nashville, to the iconic "Last Date" and signature 'slip-note' piano style, Jason plays his way through the musical history of his grandfather to tell the Floyd Cramer story in a way no one else can."

This is his only Montana tour stop, and it's a chance to experience his musical talent and continue his grandfather's legacy. Tickets are $35 ($15 with a student ID) and can be purchased online at the Mansfield Box Office website .

Tickets can also be purchased with a Mansfield Theater 2024-25 Community Concert Season Package for the upcoming season.

Hook and Ladder Days at the History Museum

For history enthusiasts, the History Museum in Great Falls is hosting "Hook and Ladder Days of the Great Falls Fire Department" on Saturday, November 9 at 1pm. Led by collections curator, Ashleigh McCann, this event will explore the history of fire departments in Montana and Great Falls, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Attendees will also learn about a famous fire horse named Dewey.

Parade of Lights in Downtown Great Falls

As the month progresses, the holiday spirit will fill the air with the Parade of Lights on November 30, starting at 6:00 pm. This annual event features floats parading through the streets of downtown Great Falls, culminating with Santa using his magic to light the city Christmas tree. It's a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season in downtown Great Falls.

These events offer a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community and celebrate the season. Come join the festivities and experience the vibrant culture and history of Great Falls!