Good Day
Missoula
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marshall Mountain in Missoula will see base area upgrades funded by an $838k Land and Water Conservation Fund match and local contributions — planned improvements include upgraded bathrooms, electrical and water systems, and a new pavilion over the next two years. KPAX
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sumac Cafe, a new Mediterranean restaurant, opens Tuesday through Sunday and serves dishes like pita, shakshuka, and crepes; it is located in the Florence Building on North Higgins Avenue (breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and brunch is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends). Newstalk KGVO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local experts warn that noxious weeds endanger livestock as toxic plants like nightshade and houndstooth harm horses and goats (landowners are urged to inspect pastures and use county resources to identify unfamiliar weeds). MontanaRightNow
- ➤ Speakers at the University of Montana warned that new data centers could push up electricity and wastewater costs for customers. Anne Hedges and Barbara Chillcott urged that data centers be charged separately to keep extra fees from spreading to other utility users. MontanaRightNow
- ➤ Conservation experts ended a swan restoration project in 2022 after releasing 218 trumpeter swans into the Blackfoot Valley, and up to 60–80 birds are now thriving in summer and fall. Elaine Caton and local partners continue to monitor the flocks to track their success. KPAX
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Montana received USDA approval to ban soft drinks, junk food & candy from its SNAP program in a move to support healthier choices statewide. Gov. Gianforte said the change aligns SNAP with national dietary guidelines and joins 22 other states in promoting nutritious purchases. Missoula Current
- ➤ Drivers on I-90 should expect construction delays next week as the Montana Department of Transportation and Riverside Contracting resurface a four mile section between Saltese and Haugan, with single lane traffic, a 35 mph speed limit from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and wide load scheduling required; work will finish by August. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ The City of Missoula earned a Silver Community designation for expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure under a revised Unified Development Code—marking a step up from last year—while Mountain Line was named 2026 Community Transportation System of the Year this week, highlighting smoother operations as they move toward full electrification. Missoula Current
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A local commercial real estate firm posted notice this week for a mixed-use retail development on Brooks Street anchored by a new organic grocer and flexible retail spaces ranging from 1,300 sqft to 6,000 sqft, set to deliver in April 2028. Missoula Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missoula Marathon (a 26.2 mi race) is sold out, drawing a record 1700 runners from around the globe for the event scheduled from June 26 to 28, 2026. Additional spots remain for the half marathon, Tony Banovich 5K, and Kids Marathon, and organizers are recruiting nearly 800 volunteers for support. KPAX
- ➤ Hellgate's Elly Reed and Parker Link were named winners of the 2026 KPAX-Scheels Sports Awards at the Missoula banquet on Wednesday, May 20 (held at the Hilton Garden Inn); each will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Honors Court as they prepare for their next sports chapter. KPAX
- ➤ Missoula PaddleHeads will open their 2026 season on Tuesday evening with 18 new players added to a 25-man roster as manager Michael Schlact readies a mix of rookies and returning veterans for a 12-game road trip beginning at 6:35 p.m. Pacific. Missoula Current
- ➤ The Missoula Marathon sold out in record time with 1,700 runners from all 50 states and 11 countries registered for the full race set for June 26 to 28. Spots remain for the half marathon, Tony Banovich 5k, and kids marathon, and organizers still need nearly 800 volunteers. Newstalk KGVO
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2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale
2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Trails, Rivers, and Forests Expo
5-9 p.m. — Trail Head River Sports — Free entry — Celebrate the outdoors with activities and live music at this community-focused expo featuring local non-profits and businesses.
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First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum
5-7 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Tom Catmull as part of the First Friday celebration.
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Carpentry for Gardeners Workshop
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Northside Community Gardens — Scholarships available — Master the basics of carpentry to build trellises and tomato cages with repurposed materials.
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2026 Full Draw Film Tour
7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — $11-$26 — Experience the excitement of bowhunting films and a chance to win premium gear at this thrilling cinematic event.
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4th Annual Indigenous Made Summer Market
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Explore an array of unique, locally crafted items from over 60 vendors at this summer market in Missoula.
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Zootown Festival Featuring The Chicks and More
June 18-19 — Missoula County Fairgrounds — VIP packages available — Experience a diverse lineup with top country and folk artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Welcome to the Good Day Missoula, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Missoula, Montana community. If you like the Good Day Missoula, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Missoula.
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