Missoula’s Dark Horse Bar to Host One Final Rock Show

For years, if you were a part of the Missoula rock & metal community in any form, you likely spent your share of nights at the Dark Horse. That’s because the Dark Horse has served as one of the rare local places where local bands can turn up the volume to 11 and play hard (the beer has always been cold) without anyone complaining too loudly.

That's why it’s a bit bittersweet to hear that one of Missoula’s longest-running rock venues plans to present its last concert. Honestly, I’m having trouble thinking of a better way for the Dark Horse to go out than with a night of heavy metal, burlesque and Halloween mayhem.

One Last Night of Metal at the Dark Horse

This Friday, October 30th, the Dark Horse will host the annual Grotesque Burlesque Carnival of Flesh. Sponsored by 96.3 The Blaze, this year's version will include live music by Blessiddoom, Drown the Sky, Demon Doll and Devilution. Plus, burlesque performances by The Illustrated Circus. There will be two stages, special drink prices, and the usually entertaining Wheel of Misfortune. In short, it will be one heck of a wild ride for what's sure to become Missoula's biggest Halloween party of all time.

Doors open at 7 pm. Admission price is $15. Must be 21+ to attend.

Performer in elaborate costume on stage with dancers

But, this year's carnival of flesh will carry an additional layer of significance. Because it's also being billed as the final show to ever take place on the Dark Horse stage.

What's Happening to the Dark Horse?

While many people may now start to worry about yet another Missoula watering hole disappearing forever, there's a bit more to this situation.

When I contacted the owner of both the Dark Horse and Sunrise Saloon, she told me that while the Dark Horse space is currently undergoing changes, it won’t be closing down. Instead, it will be transformed into an indoor virtual golf facility.

A man standing on top of a wooden floor

Her plan is that patrons at her other establishment (Sunrise Saloon), will have access to this new virtual golf area, which will occupy the former location of the Dark Horse. So the space isn't necessarily going away. It's just trading guitar solos and mosh pits for golf clubs and simulated fairways.

A Final Farewell to a Missoula Rock Venue

I've got plenty of memories tied to the Dark Horse, and I know I'm not alone. Over the years, that stage has given countless local musicians a place to perform and rock fans a place to gather.

Over the years, that stage gave countless local musicians a chance to get on stage and rock. That same stage also became a central gathering spot for local rock fans.

For now… let’s celebrate one more time!

people watching band on the stage

We’ll still have one final opportunity to celebrate and create some noise before they close the doors for good. So, if you’re someone who has attended concerts at the Dark Horse in the past, you might want to consider stopping by on Oct. 30th. Raise a glass and send off that stage in style.

And something tells me the Carnival of Flesh isn't planning on going out quietly.

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