Good morning, Missoula.

The Clark Fork River Market starts its outdoor season today near Caras Park in downtown Missoula with nearly 300 vendors offering local food at low costs, partnering with the Food Bank and Farm Connect to help families access SNAP benefits — supporting food access as grocery prices rise.

This spring, Missoula celebrates Bike Month with events like the Commuter Challenge starting May 3rd and the 4th annual Resilient Homes Tour on May 16 in the Target Range neighborhood.

The city will also offer weekly Bike Path Tours to help residents explore new bike routes — encouraging sustainable travel.

Students and community members gathered at University Hall on May 1 for a May Day rally — organized by local groups and featuring live music, speakers, and tables addressing workers’ rights and equal pay.

Missoula small business owner Gabe Silverman met with congressional delegates and federal officials in Washington, D.C. last week to urge balanced tech policies that help his company compete amid proposed restrictions on AI and data use.

Washington-Grizzly Stadium is set to host two summer concerts — Post Malone and Jelly Roll on July 21 and Luke Bryan plus Jason Aldean on August 1; the venue, which has held only 10 concerts since 1988, has hosted acts like Pearl Jam, Pink, and Shania Twain.

Triple A reported gas prices jumped nearly 30 cents a gallon this week — Missoula regular gas reached $4.31.

Diesel fuel also climbed to nearly $5.20, marking the highest rates seen in years.

A new partnership among the University of Montana, Destination Missoula and the Missoula Tourism Business Improvement District is set to boost tourism during university events by encouraging more hotel stays, restaurant visits and retail spending; a ($100,000) investment and shared ticket sales data will drive economic tracking.

Federal officials approved a major pipeline expansion that will move 550,000 barrels of oil daily from Canada to Wyoming as it crosses Montana.

The project faces legal challenges and environmental concerns and may boost local jobs and fuel supply in the coming months.

Montana held a 3.6% unemployment rate in February while western counties recorded higher numbers.

Missoula climbed to 3.9% with 221 fewer jobs + Gov. Gianforte said state initiatives are underway to expand job training and connect employers with job seekers.

Eight sixth-graders from St. Ignatius Middle School are finalists in the National Baseball Poetry Festival — held in Massachusetts — after a month of writing baseball-themed poems in Marissa Mock's class.

Montana health professionals warned that new data center proposals in Butte and Yellowstone County may soon boost energy use and water consumption – affecting local air quality and public health.

They urge policymakers to address these impacts before they become entrenched.

Missoula's Mount Jumbo is fully open today after the city ended annual closures meant to protect elk winter range; residents can explore its trails + enjoy scenic views.

MTPR interviewed independent Senate candidate Seth Bodnar on Friday, May 1, who said his background in education and military service — a lifelong commitment to public service — drives his plan to work across party lines for Montana.

He intends to unite diverse voices and expand opportunity if elected.

A $26 million project to overhaul downtown is nearly finalized with plans to convert Front and Main Streets to two-way traffic with bike lanes, expand Higgins Avenue, and add an ADA ramp on Beartracks Bridge (with improved signal timing).

Planning wraps this summer and construction begins this fall.

Montana today updated its consumption guidance for wild-caught fish after a study found PFAS (forever chemicals) in several fish species across multiple water bodies.

Officials said larger fish accumulated higher levels and advised sensitive groups to exercise caution when eating fish.

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.

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale

2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.

Trey Anastasio Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not available — Experience an evening of exceptional music from renowned composer and guitarist Trey Anastasio.

Missoula Villages Downtown Walking History Tour

1-2:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Free for Village members — Discover untold stories of Missoula's historic district through a unique walking tour.

Bruce Molsky Concert

7-11 p.m. — Longstaff House — Ticket prices TBD — Experience Grammy-nominated Bruce Molsky as he brings traditional sounds to life with fiddle, banjo, and guitar.