Good morning, Missoula.

Caras Park is updating its pavilion & bandstand with new fabric canopies and fresh paint following a 2025 fundraiser.

The work is underway and should finish in early May, in time for Garden City BrewFest on May 2 as the park continues to serve the community.

Montana Food Bank Network is expanding help with SNAP applications as new rules have made forms more complex, sometimes reaching 15+ pages.

A Hellgate Elementary robotics team has qualified for the Canada Cup, and Chico Hot Springs will close through mid May for renovations to boost guest comfort.

US Critical Materials withdrew its draft plan for exploring the Sheep Creek Project near the West Fork & Bitterroot River earlier this week and will submit a revised proposal by the end of April; the Forest Service will review the new plan for completeness before environmental analysis begins.

Pangea on Higgins Avenue announced a temporary closure due to unexpected changes and plans for new ownership and a refreshed concept.

The popular restaurant will reopen in the future, inviting diners to stay tuned for updates.

Travelers' Rest in Lolo celebrated 25 years as a State Park, attracting nearly 80,000 visitors annually and hosting community events while its visitor center showcases local heritage (including Salish history and explorer trails) that continues to capture interest across generations.

Rising grocery prices have made sustainably farmed food more affordable as local producer Jon Turner says his costs remain low compared to conventional growers, and Montana Farmers Union leader Walter Schweitzer expects more farmers to adopt organic practices soon+ buying directly from local farms gives shoppers insight into where their food comes from.

The University of Montana’s Living Lab received a $1.3 million NIH grant to launch the High School Explainer Program and connect local teens with UM faculty to study mental wellness and career pathways; boot camp classes will begin in June (Missoula and Flathead Reservation) for paid positions.

One finalist for the university president job will visit campus on April 6 and 7, as announced by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

The office said additional biographical details will be released later this week to guide the expedited search following former president Bodnar's departure.

In March, Five Valleys Land Trust completed a $4.8M conservation easement to protect 2,300 acres of wildlife habitat and agricultural land at Case Ranch in Potomac east of Missoula.

Missoula leaders reached a major milestone as the city partnered with Home ReSource and nonprofits to plan over a dozen educational events in April for Zero Waste Action Month.

If skies remain clear, Montana may witness vibrant northern lights tonight while the Pink Moon graces the sky today (a bright sign of early spring).

Montana officials will enforce new Medicaid work requirements this summer, requiring most enrollees to complete 80 hours of community engagement each month unless exempt.

Advocates recommend simplifying paperwork and auto-notifying eligible individuals while the department has launched an online help resource.

Missoula Big Sky's Kellan Krueger opened the track season by setting a new state hurdles record — he will head to Ogden next year to run for Weber State.

Rubber Soul Reimagined

7:30-10 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — $20 GA Tickets / $15 Student Tickets — Experience a staged performance of the Beatles' iconic album 'Rubber Soul' with music, dance, and film.

Jeff Tweedy Concert featuring Macie Stewart

7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Prices vary — Experience an evening of captivating music with Jeff Tweedy and special guest Macie Stewart.

Stonefruit + Cascadel Live At Monk's

7-11:59 p.m. — Monk's Bar — No cover charge — Chill live set with Stonefruit and Cascadel bringing fresh vibes to the stage.

STiLGONE Live Concert

10:30 p.m. — Top Hat — Free entry — Enjoy a live performance from STiLGONE in downtown Missoula's vibrant atmosphere.

International Ballet Stars - The Sleeping Beauty

7-10 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting tale of Princess Aurora and her magical journey from curse to awakening.

2026 Western Montana Career Fair

2:30-6 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Missoula — Free entry — Explore job opportunities at Western Montana's largest career fair.

Kitchen Dwellers Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket pricing TBA — Experience the musical journey and tales from the road with Kitchen Dwellers.

Jazzoula Festival

6-10 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — $30 Artist Supporter / $28 General / $15 Students — Experience the finest jazz from Montana's artists at the premiere festival since 1984.