Good morning, Missoula.

The annual Missoula Aging Services Wear it Again Jewelry Sale will be held tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Home Arts Building at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, with free admission and jewelry donations supporting programs—such as Meals on Wheels—helping older residents live independently.

A new native plant garden was unveiled in Bonner on May 14 as part of a community project led by the Bonner Milltown History Center using Missoula County grants and local student help — sixth graders planted native species — and the students will maintain the garden through middle school to learn about their local history and care for the space.

Partners Story House Montana is turning a 47-acre former lumber site into a film production hub today with a planned 400,000-square-foot facility featuring studios, sound stages & production areas that may create more than 400 jobs, and the team has already lined up projects including a feature film and a workplace comedy series while benefiting from Montana's MEDIA ACT incentives.

Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics (FSEEE) filed a lawsuit in Missoula that claims the Forest Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service broke the Endangered Species Act by using red fire retardant with heavy metals harmful to wildlife and waterways; the planes will soon drop the retardant as summer fire season begins.

On Thursday, Missoula Airport unveiled its new baggage claim as part of a phase two project after phase one finished in 2022 (which added extra gates and wider walkways).

Airport leaders said they will move car rentals back into the building in two weeks (and plan to open new gates and more food and shop areas in the summer).

Missoula County residents can now receive a $1,435 rebate for replacing water heaters with energy-efficient heat pump models as part of a federally funded program.

Residents must submit proof of purchase and installation via the Climate Action website to qualify and may be offered additional rebates from electric utilities.

Gov. Gianforte signed HB 242 on May 5 to double fines for aquatic invasive species violations—raising first offense penalties from $500 to $700 and repeat offense fines from $750 to $1400.

The law aims to protect Montana waterways from zebra and quagga mussels and imposes fines up to $25,000 for willful violations.

Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 544 today to help families access vital prescription drugs by stopping insurance companies from denying approved treatments retroactively—an effort spurred by strong community advocacy from a Missoula mom and others.

The law will allow children and adults with serious conditions to receive the biologics they need without unwarranted delays.

Missoula residents have many events this weekend as Seether performs at the Wilma Theater today at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) and Cradle of Filth will perform on Saturday at 8 p.m., while Maggot Fest hosts a block party, free beer, and an All-Maggots Rugby Club tournament from May 17 to 18. The weekend also features the Madhouse Classic golf tournament at King Ranch Golf Course and the Motors 'n' More car show at the Missoula County Fairgrounds on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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.

Barnett Memorial Golf Tournament

54-hole stroke play event — May 25-26 — Missoula Country Club — Registration required — Compete in a local golf tradition over Memorial Day weekend.

Lord Huron Live Concert

2:30-4:00 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Cost TBA — Enjoy the enchanting sounds of Lord Huron in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Glacier Range Riders

2 AM – 11 AM — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of a five-game series as the Glacier Range Riders challenge the Missoula PaddleHeads.

Arts Missoula Annual Awards

5:15-7:00 p.m. — Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown by IHG — $55 Single Seat Tickets / $500 Table of 10 — Celebrate local artists and arts advocates at this annual reception featuring music, hors d’oeuvres, and more.

Met Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia

11 AM – 3 PM — The Roxy Theater — No hidden fees — Experience the charm of this classic opera in high-definition broadcast.

The Garden Meal

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Missoula Public Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow gardeners to create a meal using fresh produce and enjoy a community atmosphere.