Good morning, Missoula.

Festival goers are lining up early for the upcoming Zootown Festival with many travelers coming from out of state to secure front row spots for Hozier (despite light rain expected on Friday and Saturday) and Kasey Musgraves set to close the event on Saturday night.

The Missoula Rotary Club donated $8,500 to fund middle school music education by supporting private lessons taught by Sentinel High School students.

Bill Schwanke presented the check to the County Public Schools Board on June 24, and the funds will help provide extra music instruction at Meadow Hill Middle School—an effort to give students more one-on-one learning time.

Missoula residents are asked by the city to water trees along sidewalks and in neighborhoods because our soil does not hold much water.

Marie Ducharme from the Urban Forestry Department said trees need a deep watering at the drip line each week to boost canopy growth + lessen the heat island effect.

Missoula will hold its 5th annual Wildfire Smoke Ready Week from July 12 to July 19 to help residents prepare for fire season with events at the Farmers’ Market, Out to Lunch, and the public library—organizers share tips on checking air quality, limiting outdoor activity, and using air filters. The event aims to equip the community as hotter, drier conditions make wildfires more likely.

Mike Garrity of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies says that Congress should pass the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act to make 23 million acres of roadless lands full Wilderness and protect clean water, wildlife, and jobs.

Supporters say the Act will help slow climate change and reduce wildfires (by keeping forests unlogged), offering a strong counter to plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule.

Crews began installing a roundabout at the Scott and Phillips intersection on Monday, which closed the road and the Scott Street Bridge.

The city is upgrading crosswalks, streetlights, bike lanes and drainage (costing just under a million dollars) and detours to Reserve and Orange streets will stay active for about seven weeks.

Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell alleged that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Barry Usher discriminated against members of the public and legislator Andrea Olsen during the 2025 session — she filed her complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau.

Usher denied the claims and said he simply enforced decorum while Dunwell said she would present additional evidence.

Eli Howard & The Greater Good Concert

8 PM - 12 AM — Monk's Bar — $10 adv $12 dos — Experience a high-energy folk-rock performance blending captivating melodies and introspective storytelling.

Cornbread Wallace Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — $10 cover — Experience the local sounds of Cornbread Wallace as he blends country, rock, and Americana in a night of engaging music.

Golf Tournament at Missoula Alliance Church

1-5 p.m. — University of Montana Golf Course — $200 per team — Participate in a 9 Hole Scramble with prizes and a silent auction to support local charities.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Great Falls Voyagers

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Cost Info Unavailable — Cheer on the Missoula PaddleHeads as they take on the Great Falls Voyagers in a thrilling baseball matchup.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant local market featuring food, crafts, and community spirit every Saturday in Downtown Missoula.

Bitterroot Community Band Performance - Evel Knievel Commemoration

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bonner Park — Free entry — Celebrate Evel Knievel's legacy with a concert by the Bitterroot Community Band at Bonner Park's bandshell.

Bluegrass Hoedown at Monk’s

7-11:59 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Kick up your boots and enjoy a lively night of bluegrass music with the electrifying Johnny Campbell Band.

Missoula People's Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Missoula People's Market — Free entry — Explore local art and handcrafted goods in the heart of Downtown Missoula.

ARK Foundation Run for Rare

4-8 p.m. — 3219 Fort Missoula Rd — Registration fees apply — Participate in a 5K run to raise awareness for individuals with rare diseases.

Death Cab for Cutie Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth and indie rock power of Death Cab for Cutie in a summer evening highlight.