Uptown Butte

Today, the landmark neon M&M sign, saved from the fire's destruction, finally went back up, filling a big void on the Uptown Butte landscape.

The Mai Wah Society will once again host Butte America’s annual Chinese New Year Parade, which has been described as the shortest, loudest, and (sometimes) coldest parade in Montana. Celebrating the “Year of the Snake,” the parade will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025. It will start at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse (155 West Granite) at 3:00 p.m.

Here in Montana, we are very familiar with wildlife sightings within city limits, particularly if you live near the outskirts of town. Deer are commonplace. It's not even uncommon for the occasional moose to wander into town, although it will certainly raise a few eyebrows and be discussed on social media. But on a rare occasion, a predator will arrive and that's when people really start talking. That is what is happening in Uptown Butte this morning.

Have you checked out the old Stephens Hotel on the corner of Park and Montana? Well, you may have and just not realized it. The Stephens Block, on the southeast corner of the intersection was once part of a bustling Uptown urban environment with the mines in full operation, shops that rivaled those of New York or Chicago and 24/7 entertainment and nightlife just down Park Street. Today? Different, yet familiar.

If you haven't made it to the Uptown Farmers Market yet this summer, you're missing out. Especially when the sun is out, the birds are chirping, and the music is playing. It's a great event just to take in and if you're looking for fresh produce, local artisan crafts and artwork or even information on community events, this is your place.

Organizers have announced the second wave of performers coming to the Montana Folk Festival in Butte, Montana this July 12-14. “It’s shaping up to be a strong lineup for this July's Montana Folk Festival packed with master musicians and dancers” says Festival Director George Everett. "You can expect to find plenty that's familiar but also to be amazed at the variety and diversity of the event."

Uptown Hoops is an exciting 3-on-3 basketball tournament with divisions for everyone from 1st and 2nd-graders up to adults. The event has grown to include a slam dunk contest, a three-point shootout and a lightning contest and with the backing of some inpressive local sponsors like Leskovar Motors, Town Pump, McDonald's and TDS it is clear that this will be a big event not only this year but for many summers to come. This year, Uptown Hoops will be taking place in the Original Mineyard which will only add to it's identity and there is still time to be a part of the event either as a player a worker or just a fan.

St. Patrick's Day is almost here and with it falling on a Sunday, you can bet that the revelry here in the Mining City will start well before the Sabbath. Are you looking for a place to tip back a pint or two before heading into the madness near Park and Main? Or are you going straight for the Uptown? Here are a couple of places Uptown you should consider checking out.

This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday which, in many cities, would mean celebrations may be more subdued than in other years. By Butte standards, it effectively means that Sunday will be treated like a Saturday, and we will count the sick day we're using Monday to create a Butte-Irish Three-Day Weekend. So, it may be a little crazy, especially uptown. Butte loves a good party. But a good party does not mean you can be an ungracious guest, so if you're on your way, here are a few tips to help you enjoy your St. Patrick's Day in Butte, America.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Butte have been a fun and historical event going way back into Butte's colorful history and festivities this year will get underway Uptown on February 10. This year will be the celebration of the "Year of the Dragon". Chinese culture tells us that the dragon symbolizes honor, luck, nobility, power and success. Those born during the Year of the Dragon are said to be courageous, tenacious and intelligent.