By Taylor Owens CONTENT MARKETING DIRECTOR
Sponsored article
As the calendar turns and winter settles into Big Sky, The Waypoint continues to establish itself as more than just a place to grab a drink and see a movie. It’s a gathering space built around community, connection and year-round events. That spirit will be on full display during The Waypoint’s upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration, a ticketed event designed to bring locals and visitors together under one roof to celebrate, Great Gatsby-style.
“First and foremost, we are a venue for the community,” Ben Axe, The Waypoint’s general manager, said. From weekly events to seasonal celebrations, The Waypoint has leaned into filling a gap in Big Sky’s social landscape, especially during the winter months when options beyond the ski hill can be limited.
“There’s not a lot of entertainment avenues for the locals and tourists here outside of the ski hill, especially in the wintertime,” Axe said. “Trying to provide fun and exciting things for everyone to do that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg is what our core is.”
That focus on programming has shaped The Waypoint’s identity. Regular events like trivia nights, live music, film festivals, movie showings and partnerships with the Arts Council of Big Sky have helped turn the venue into a reliable outlet for locals and tourists looking to gather, unwind and be entertained. Rather than positioning itself as just a theatre and bar, The Waypoint has worked to create an unforgettable experience.
Behind the scenes, Axe credits a collaborative team culture for shaping the guest experience. “As the leader, I feel it is important in my role to also listen to the suggestions and the comments from my team to better curate a better experience for the guests that come in here,” he said. That collaboration shows up in everything from service to programming and menu offerings.
This winter season also marks an expansion of The Waypoint’s late-night presence. The venue is now open until midnight, serving food until 11 p.m. and offering a late-night menu alongside a nightly reverse happy hour starting at 9 p.m. The shift allows guests to settle in rather than treat The Waypoint as just a starting point for the evening.
All of that momentum leads into one of the venue’s most anticipated nights of the year. The Waypoint’s New Year’s Eve party will feature a Roaring ’20s theme, complete with live music from local favorite band Ticket Sauce Trio, specialty cocktails, a red carpet-style entrance with photography, tarot card readings, a best dressed contest and a casino-style blackjack setup. The night will also include a champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets are $40 and include access to all entertainment, with no additional buy-ins for activities.
Reflecting on what sets The Waypoint apart on New Year’s Eve, Axe pointed back to the experience as a whole. “The fun and friendly atmosphere that my staff curates, on top of all the different entertainment options we will be providing, will make The Waypoint the best place to go for New Year’s Eve this year.”
As Big Sky prepares to ring in the new year, The Waypoint is positioning itself as a place to stay awhile, where locals and visitors alike can celebrate together into 2026.
