Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula is trending as a top summer travel destination after Google Flights data ranked it seventh among U.S. spots, with its role as a gateway to outdoor areas near Glacier National Park.

Increased interest may bring more visitors, busier restaurants — and a livelier downtown scene.

Youth Homes in Missoula has raised 85% of its $4 million goal with a $750,000 grant to open the Birnbaum Youth Home for kids in crisis this fall, honoring former leader Geoff Birnbaum as community efforts continue to support the shelter.

Holland Lake Lodge will not use its aging wastewater tank after owner Eric Jacobsen opted out of a costly leak test—resulting in summer opening plans that may be scaled down.

County guidelines require a new or properly inspected tank unless the planned Forest Service lagoon upgrades negate the need.

Dirty Heads and Rome will perform at KettleHouse Amphitheater on August 10 (tickets go on sale Friday, Apr.

24 at 10 a.m.) as the venue plans a full-day summer hangout.

Harmon’s Histories explores Missoula’s storied mansion, built on the north side before being moved (by slicing it vertically) to the south hills near Leisure Highlands; the mansion burned in 1992 and was reborn as Shadow’s Keep restaurant, while developer Arthur Mosby launched the community’s first radio station.

Montana gas prices have stabilized after weeks of increases, with most stations in Missoula holding near $3.89 per gallon today (GasBuddy analysis by Patrick De Haan).

Experts warn prices may rise soon if oil disruptions continue.

A Helena judge allowed the State Auditor’s Office to resume its investigation into BCBSMT after the company reported that up to 462,000 customer records were exposed by a cyber incident.

The auditor’s examiner will review the breach to see if state notice laws were followed — promising further findings soon.

On April 20, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advised Missoula drivers against impaired driving, urging use of sober drivers or rideshares; Missoula Police noted a study found 26% of seriously injured or killed drivers tested positive for marijuana.

Forest Supervisor Ben Johnson will update local community members on Lolo National Forest’s revised management plan in a series of meetings that begin today in Thompson Falls and continue in Seeley Lake, Superior, Missoula and online.

He will share completed work and ongoing efforts to shape a new draft plan.

County officials are considering a pilot (requested by a local user group) to allow e-bikes on Marshall Mountain trails, with public input to be gathered before implementation in the park (covering 480-acre).

Two Montana hospitals earned 5-star ratings in Forbes’ 2026 ranking of America’s best hospitals.

Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center + Providence St. Patrick Hospital were recognized for quality care and top patient experience.

Residents of a local trailer park for seniors have unionized after a Texas-based owner raised lot rents by $195 per month over two years, leaving many worried about rising living costs in Missoula (residents seek relief from steep increases).

A former mill site along I-90 is now called Redtail Ridge and is on sale in Missoula.

The 180-acre property near North Reserve Street may eventually host housing, retail, hotel, office and light industrial uses (key to planned redevelopment) after a film studio opened on part of the site last year.

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.

Garden City Brewfest

12-6 p.m. — Caras Park — $20 for a taster glass — Experience Montana’s ORIGINAL BrewFest with over 50 beers, ciders, and more in the heart of Missoula.

Common Ground: A Conversation About Montana's Public Lands, Climate, Water, and Wildlife

Join local experts for an open community conversation with leading voices in wildlife, climate, water, and public lands. Together, we'll explore what's at stake for Montana's natural heritage, what's working, and how we can collectively navigate the challenges ahead.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Live

8 PM – 12 AM — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sounds of Unknown Mortal Orchestra from their latest album, V, in an intimate setting.

The California Honeydrops - Lovin' Made Easy Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not specified — Experience the electrifying retro-soul sound of The California Honeydrops performing live.

Beast Your Biz 2026

4-7 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — No-host bar — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and kick off your learning journey with appetizers and networking.