I’m guilty of sticking to what I know, going to the same restaurants over and over, and attending events out of tradition. I am also guilty of packing my summer with so many events that I’m exhausted, but in a good way. In July, I attended eight concerts and three theatrical performances, all of which were joyful, memorable, and enjoyed with people I care about.

Here’s my challenge for you this month: break your own routine.

Pick up a Food Scene Restaurant Directory & Dining Guide in print, or visit our website and use the Bozeman Food Finder to find a new favorite place to dine. Find the perfect patio, kid-friendly places, fine dining, late night, and many other local options that fit exactly what you are looking for in the local food scene.

And, check the Greater Yellowstone Events Calendar to find a new event to add to your favorites list for summer, and beyond. Our community puts on hundreds of events every summer, and there is literally no shortage of events to attend. Nearly all are on our calendar online, and events that happen after 5 PM are in print each month. If your event isn’t listed, you can add it for FREE any time.

We forget that some of the best experiences don’t require a full tank of gas or a three-day weekend. Sometimes they’re sitting in a folding chair at a free concert (Music in the Mountains, Thursdays, Big Sky). Sometimes they’re cheering on runners you’ve never met (Runnin’ & Gunnin’ - A Run For Recovery). Sometimes they’re watching kids dance in front of a stage while their parents catch up with people they haven’t seen since ski season (SLAM Main Stage).

There’s also something refreshing about showing up without expectations. Go to the fundraiser you know nothing about. Stop at the gallery opening because you happened to walk by. Listen to the band playing outside the brewery instead of heading straight home. You may not remember what day it happened, but chances are you’ll remember how it made you feel.

Every month we pack our calendar with concerts, indoor and outdoor movies, nonprofit fundraisers, rodeos, theater, markets, workshops, and events most people never hear about until after they’ve happened. That’s a shame, because they’re the heartbeat of this community.

If you’ve lived here for twenty years, act like it’s your first. If you’re new to town, don’t wait for an invitation. Show up. Say hello. Stay a little longer than you planned.

Bozeman has never been at its best because of the mountains surrounding it. It’s at its best because of the people who decide to gather beneath them.