Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula In Motion's commuter challenge is back and will run until May 17—residents can log sustainable trips like carpooling, walking, biking, telecommuting, skating and taking the bus to help cut emissions and ease traffic—daily raffles will award two $50 gift cards to participants.

Haley Omeasoo is a UM PhD student and founder of Ohkomi Forensics who is re-opening cold cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women - she is teaming with the Montana State Crime Lab and law enforcement to bring help to families and boost forensic testing on reservations.

She plans to keep working with these groups as she finishes her studies this spring.

Billboards across Western Montana now show simple images and messages about missing and murdered Indigenous women to raise awareness on the National Day of Awareness for MMIW.

One billboard near St. Ignatius points families to the Snowbird Fund—which has helped with nearly $80,000 in aid—to support search efforts over the past 2½ years.

On May 2, about 300 children from Lolo and Missoula learned Salish language, games, and culture at seven stations at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo—at one station they built a teepee to experience traditional living.

The event, part of The Gathering at Tmsmli, introduced students to their local heritage.

The Missoula Rural Fire Department reminds residents that May is Wildfire Preparedness Month and advises steps like clearing leaves, pruning trees, and maintaining lawns to reduce wildfire risk around homes.

Firefighters offer home risk assessments so that property owners can better prepare before the dry season.

The joint city-county Opioid Remediation Board said in a Friday meeting that nonprofits + local governments requested over $2 million in funds for fiscal year 2026, which far exceeds the available settlement money for opioid efforts.

House Bill 477 passed both chambers with strong bipartisan backing — lawmakers, agriculture, and business groups worked together to phase out single-use expanded polystyrene food containers to protect health and the environment.

The bill is now before Governor Gianforte and will become law if approved, with exemptions available for businesses that prove undue hardship.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a whimsical tale of adventure and diversity as a farm boy navigates the vibrant chaos of city life.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot, 420 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Discover local wonders at this vibrant weekly market featuring artisans and farmers.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet 2025

Time TBD — Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern — $20-$32 per person — Celebrate the special women in your life with a delicious brunch buffet featuring breakfast and lunch favorites.

U.S. Open Local Qualifying Tournament

All day — Missoula Country Club — Registration required — Compete to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open golf championship.

Steel Pulse Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $47+ — Experience the rhythmic vibes of Steel Pulse with last-minute ticket availability.

Broadway A to Z: Abba to Les Miz

6 PM - 6 PM — University of Montana — View more information on Operabase — A musical journey through iconic Broadway productions from Abba to Les Miserables.

Cradle Of Filth Concert

5:00-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $31+ — Catch the iconic gothic metal band Cradle Of Filth live in Missoula for a thrilling night of music.

Sound of Music Trail Hike

9:30 a.m. — Lincoln Hills - Mt Jumbo Trailhead — Registration required — Chase golden balsamroot blooms on a scenic moderate hike with great views.

Carpetman

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $ — Experience the unique sound of Hippie Sabotage, the production duo known for their captivating music.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy the vibrant community market atmosphere in downtown Missoula.