A Local’s Guide to Enjoying Downtown Great Falls, Montana

Matt Ehnes

When Michigan-born Harley Severns moved to Great Falls, Montana, in 2023, she didn’t know a soul. But she was hired as the marketing and event coordinator at the Downtown Great Falls Association, a role that helped transform the city into her home.

“I have met some amazing folks who I otherwise would likely not have met if I worked any other job in Great Falls,” she says. “This position has truly helped me blossom in a community where I knew absolutely no one!”

Severns offers some of her favorite things to do in downtown Great Falls.

For example, Crooked Tree Coffee Cafe’s downtown location was the first coffee shop Severns visited in the city, and it remains her favorite.

“The folks who operate and work there are so kind, always greeting customers with a smile,” she says.

Just next door, indoor cycling studio ThriveCycle opened in late 2023 and is “the perfect addition to our downtown,” Severns says. “They have curated a beautiful community of women (and men!) who support one another and hype one another up every single day. I have so much fun at their themed classes and have enjoyed many group rides with friends there.”

Whether you like concerts, comedy shows or fundraising events, The Newberry is the place to check out in downtown Great Falls for entertainment, Severns says. She shouts out recent Bowling for Soup and Charley Crockett concerts; the venue has also hosted comedians like Josh Blue and Paula Poundstone. Be sure to buy tickets in advance.

Matt Ehnes

Drink to That

For local libations and elevated cocktails, Severns’ pick is Enbär Craft Cocktail Lounge.

“It’s a great spot to bring friends for a girl’s night out or for a romantic date night,” she says.

The cocktail menu changes seasonally, the wine list is extensive, and the taps are focused on Montana brews. Among its excellent food menu, Severns especially loves the spot’s truffle fries.

Fire Pizza’s pies are “amazing,” Severns says, and it makes “the best spinach dip I have ever had.” With nearly 30 different varieties of pizza, diners won’t run out of slices to try during the spot’s Appy Hour ($3 beer and $5 wine) or Fire Lunch Special (half-pizza, soup or salad and soda for just $15 total).

Don’t miss Thursday trivia at Magpie; it’s a must-do, according to Severns.

“I recommend getting there early,” she says. “It fills up very quickly!”

That could be due its excellent patio (“arguably the best patio in Great Falls”) and superb food.

Start training now for May’s Mimosa Showdown, which the Downtown Great Falls Association organizes.

“It is one of my favorite events to plan and attend, and it has grown so much since the start. Last year, we had 20+ participating businesses — that’s a lot of delicious craft mimosas to try!” she says.

Her advice for the day? Hydrate, take food breaks, bring a sweater — and hydrate some more!