Good Day
Missoula
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local nonprofit Montana Bar Fairies is leaving coffee gift cards on vehicles in bar parking lots + rewarding patrons who choose a safe ride after last call; the group is also urging tougher DUI penalties to help lower the state’s high rate of drunk driving fatalities. Montana Public Radio
- ➤ The Missoula Downtown Partnership is hosting its sixth annual Downtown Dine Local Week to support local restaurants during winter. The event runs through Feb. 1 and features daily specials at 22 eateries to boost neighborhood business. KPAX
- ➤ On Wednesday, Jan. 28, two Motor Carrier officers rescued an unconscious couple from a snowbank near I-90 using Narcan and CPR. The former Johnson Street shelter is being deconstructed for future redevelopment and state officials are seeking public input on replacing the Farm to Market Road bridge over Libby Creek. KPAX
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Logjam Presents announced its 2026 concert lineup at Kettlehouse Amphitheater in Missoula, with Claypool Gold ft. Primus scheduled for May 25, Lord Huron set for June 6-7, and Bonnie Raitt on August 30 among other summer shows. Missoula Current
- ➤ Turnpike Troubadours will perform at Missoula’s Kettlehouse Amphitheater on June 26 (tickets go on pre-sale Thursday at 10 a.m. with regular sale starting Friday at $74), marking their first return since a 2015 show. Newstalk KGVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Conference Board announced Tuesday that monthly consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since 2014, with rising concerns over gas, food, and oil prices — a sign that local spending may slow down. Missoula Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UM reached a research spending record of $149.9 million in fiscal year 2025, up from $143.8 million last year, as new federal grants expanded projects including motion sickness solutions for Navy pilots and older adults (efforts that also boosted IT research). Records reflect broader involvement across campus. Missoula Current
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NorthWestern Energy released a draft plan for Montana’s power future and is inviting public feedback online and at meetings over the next two weeks. Upcoming sessions include 5:30 p.m. meetings in Helena on Feb. 3 and in Bozeman on Feb. 4. Montana Public Radio
- ➤ The Missoula City Council confirmed nine new firefighters and one new police officer on Wednesday. The rookie class, funded in part by a passed fire levy, completed their training and will join the fire department as it plans a sixth fire station & faster response times. Missoula Current
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Flipper's Tavern is a Missoula bar that got lots of attention online after being featured on the Random Bars and Pubs Instagram page, with locals loving its burgers, cold beer & arcade games. The popular spot continues to welcome friends for a fun night out. Newstalk KGVO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Big Sky High School is set to defend its Golden Goat title at a 6:00 p.m. tipoff against Hellgate, later broadcast on SWX Montana (and SWX Local Sports). The students say the team’s unity and school spirit have prepared them to keep the trophy at home. MontanaRightNow
- ➤ At local high school games in Missoula, No. 1 Sentinel boys beat No. 2 Hellgate & No. 4 Hellgate girls held off Spartans in competitive matchups. Missoulian
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Tickets selling fast — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.
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Daniel Donato Live Performance
8-10 p.m. — Top Hat — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a night of captivating music from Nashville's own guitar-slinger Daniel Donato.
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Missoula Valley Winter Market
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore over 40 local vendors offering fresh produce, unique crafts, and tasty treats at this beloved winter market.
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Lovestruck Valentines Party
9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Dance the night away with your crush as Cupid's favorite DJs spin the perfect love-themed tunes.
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Valentine's Day Hot Dog Party
8 PM – 9 PM — Monk's Bar — $10 — Enjoy a lively hot dog party with music and contests while supporting a great cause.
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Open Skate at Monk's Bar
6-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Show off your moves at this thrilling open skate event with DJs, beginner hours, ramps, and rails.
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Parkbreezy & TF Marz Live in Missoula
9 PM — Monk's Bar — Limited presales available — Experience deep grooves and soulful beats in an intimate night of music.
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Big Sky Reptile Expo - Missoula Edition
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Big Sky High School — $10 Adults / $5 Children 5-10 — Explore exotic reptiles and top-tier pet supplies at this exciting one-day expo.
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Coordination and Collaboration in Conservation Conference
Conservation Conference — Feb 23-27 — Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown — $30 — Explore innovative solutions for navigating a changing landscape in wildlife conservation.
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Winter BrewFest
1-6 p.m. — Caras Park — $20 for taster glass — Celebrate the 15th anniversary with over 40 Montana-based brews, local food vendors, and live music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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