Good morning, Missoula.

At the Western Montana Fair, 11-year-old Bianca O'Neill won a showmanship award for raising her pig Oscar and her family’s support helped her succeed in the 4-H program.

The event highlighted how community support builds valuable skills in youth—an effort that continues throughout the season.

A reprinted page from the July 3 Missoulian shows life in 1896 with H.C.

Myers’ blooming lawn, quality Bitter Root strawberries and a Rankin House menu that hint why Missoula is called the Garden City. The page lists names such as Bandmann, Rankin and Craig that still shape local history + notes early telephone services and a press meeting that brought the community together.

Average gas prices in Montana dropped 2.3 cents per gallon today to $3.21 after weeks of rising costs, with many Missoula stations marked at about $3.24 per gallon and the cheapest at $2.86.

Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said prices are now 5.2 cents lower than last month and 28.8 cents lower than a year ago (oil fell below $64 per barrel this week, easing fuel costs).

On Friday afternoon, local nonprofit groups and conservation districts met with the Clark Fork Coalition in Missoula to mark eight sub-basins of the central river that need work from mining, development, dewatering and neglect—an effort to build a restoration plan that can help secure Clean Water Act grants. The coalition is inviting public input via an online survey—using past work to guide new projects over the next year.

Donna Gaukler, who served as Missoula’s Parks and Recreation Director for 23 years and spent almost 50 years in public service, is preparing to retire this November.

She led efforts from the Mount Jumbo open space bond to launching Splash Montana and hopes the city finishes its trail system and builds more indoor programs—plans that honor her work.

The Montana Grizzlies women's soccer team were picked by coaches to win the Big Sky Conference and aim to be the first to win three straight regular-season titles.

Four players—midfielders Maddie Ditta and Chloe Seelhoff, defender Ally Henrikson and goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn—were named to the first Preseason All-Big Sky team as the team prepares to open its season against Southern Utah at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

The Montana Grizzlies began fall camp at Dornblaser Field with practice on Thursday and Saturday+ as they aim to return to the top of the Big Sky Conference.

Their season opener against Central Washington is set for Sept. 6+ and the team will focus on strengthening its offense and defense this fall.

Old Farmer’s Almanac said warm fall weather may delay Montana ski resort openings and change the season’s length — leaving skiers unsure about their winter fun.

Some resorts hope to extend their season into spring if enough snow falls — but officials warn that a shorter season is possible if warm trends continue.

The Montana and Montana State football teams have seven players earning eight spots on the Phil Steele FCS Preseason All-America team.

Montana's four players earned five selections—more than any other Big Sky team—while MSU players earned three spots.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Not specified — Experience a unique blend of genres and lyrical poetry from Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

Downtown ToNight

5-9 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Enjoy local food trucks and live music at the heart of Missoula this summer.

Daisy Chain Fest 2025

2-8 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Free entry — Experience nostalgic melodies from VIKA, whose haunting voice reflects love and loss.

Cornbread Wallace: Live Music Event

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — Check for entry fees — Experience the captivating sounds of Cornbread Wallace blending country, rock, and Americana in a local setting.

Alabama Shakes Concert - Night One

7:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket info TBA — Experience the electrifying return of Alabama Shakes after an eight-year hiatus.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Idaho Falls Chukars

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup in scenic Missoula.

River City Roots Festival

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Downtown Missoula Partnership — Various costs — Explore live music, local food, and community spirit at Missoula's cherished festival.

Roots & Revelry Dinner at The Stables

5-8 p.m. — The Stables — $31 to $50 — Celebrate Missoula’s culinary scene with a curated three-course dinner during River City Roots Fest.

Cornbread Wallace Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — Check for ticket details — Experience a captivating mix of country, rock, and Americana from local singer-songwriter Cornbread Wallace.

Hickoids Live at Monk's Bar

6-9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cover charge applies — Experience the cowpunk legends Hickoids on their Sasquatch Stroll tour through the Western US.