Bozeman is a college town, so there are lots of places to get a casual drink accompanied by loud music. Popular watering holes include the Irish-themed Pub 317, 321 E. Main St. (tel. 406/582-8898), the vintage Crystal Bar, 123 E. Main St. (tel. 406/587-2888), and the Zebra, 321 E. Main St. in the old Bozeman Hotel (tel. 406/585-8851), ground zero for the local live music scene. If it's the college bars you are after, the somewhat grungy "Barmuda Triangle" consists of the Haufbrauhaus, the Molly Brown, and the Scoop, conveniently positioned within stumbling distance of one another near the intersection of 8th Avenue and Main Street. Another fun option (with a limit of 48 oz. per customer per day) is the Bozeman Brewing Company's bustling taproom, 504 N. Broadway (tel. 406/585-9142; www.bozemanbrewing.com), It's open Monday through Saturday from 4 to 8pm, pouring the brewery's popular Bozone-brand beers.

Bozeman is also home to coffee shops galore, including the Leaf and Bean, 35 W. Main St. (tel. 406/587-1580), HomePage Internet Cafe, 242 E. Main St. (tel. 406/582-9388), Wild Joe's Coffee, 18 W. Main St. (tel. 406/586-1212), and, near the MSU campus, Daily Coffee Bar & Bakery, 1013 W. College St. (tel. 406/585-8612). Lindley Perk (tel. 406/582-9800) is a coffee shop in the beloved new library at 626 E. Main St.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (tel. 406/994-3901; www.montana.edu/shakespeare) is a professional touring company that was formed in 1973. Based in Bozeman, the troupe of 10 to 12 actors produces more than 60 performances during the summer at communities throughout Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho -- often in a different town each day. Some summer weekends find them at their Bozeman stage -- located on the MSU campus on 11th Avenue near the corner of Grant Street -- for "Shakespeare Under the Stars." Parking is available just north of the MSU field house. Call for the schedule. Performances are always free.

For edgy and experimental fare, one-act-play festivals, and the stylings of a local comedy troupe, head to the Equinox Theatre, 2304 N. 7th Ave. (tel. 406/587-0737; www.equinoxtheatre.com).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.