Good morning, Missoula.

Story House Partners opened a soundstage at the old Roseberg Forest Products site in May and will start filming the family film St. George in October in Missoula — the drama follows two brothers coping with the loss of their sister and genetic challenges.

Montana singers will have a virtual shot at national fame during American Idol auditions on Zoom on September 22nd; contestants aged 15 and older can perform live from home.

Producers will review each performance to find new talent that could bring Montana’s sound to the national stage—an opportunity for local voices to shine.

Montana wildlife managers set a record wolf-kill quota of 458 wolves this season to reduce livestock losses.

A study published on September 11th in Science Advances found that killing about 14 wolves is needed to save one cow—suggesting nonlethal measures may be more effective.

Missoula has gained $1.1M from an opioid settlement to support homeless services.

The city committee picked the top five of more than 29 applications from local governments & nonprofits.

Missoula’s Marshall Mountain shuttle service will begin Saturday, September 13, offering free rides from downtown to Marshall Mountain Park every weekend until October 26—buses will run hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with stops at Missoula College and Sha-Ron Fishing Access while local partners collect feedback on the pilot project.

The Missoula Fire Department is considering a plan to expand firefighter residency eligibility by changing the current 45 minute rule—if approved, more firefighters may choose homes farther from the station.

Missoula officials warned that a federal plan to cut and consolidate Forest Service offices will hurt the local economy since only the Missoula Fire Sciences Lab would stay—while nine regional offices close by the end of the year.

The city council asked Congress and the governor to share clear details to protect local jobs and community spending.

After a recent accident injured a pedestrian on West Broadway, the city plans to improve safety with a new intersection and a rapid flashing beacon — projects that will help drivers and pedestrians navigate this busy area.

Stacker has compiled Yelp ratings to list Missoula’s top cheap eats that offer quality meals at low prices — the list includes favorites such as Drum Coffee and hidden local gems.

The compilation is based on reviews as of August 8, providing diners with a guide to budget-friendly options in town.

Missoula saw its housing options shrink after COVID-era funding ended for the Johnson Street Shelter and the Montana Eviction Intervention Program, following earlier cuts to Montana Fair Housing.

City officials will soon finalize a new Unified Development Code this fall to expand affordable options by eliminating parking mandates and streamlining permits — bold changes urged by local advocates.

Montana Grizzlies wide receiver Drew Deck, a Kalispell native, scored his first touchdown on September 6 in a 42-17 win over Central Washington after five years and 30 games, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

He celebrated the milestone and his summer engagement as key events that marked a turning point in his career — a moment that brought both on-field success and personal joy.

Cornhole for Conservation

Cornhole + Conservation = Party. 🎉 Celebrate 25 years of Ecology Project International at Caras Park on Friday, Sept. 12 (5–8 p.m.). Expect cornhole showdowns, food trucks, live music, a silent auction, and prizes for the best Field Fancy fits (outdoor gear meets prom!) + top fundraisers. Come toss, eat, dance, and make a difference for the planet. 🌎✨

Playoff game #2

The Missoula PaddleHeads return home for the second game of the 2025 Pioneer League Playoffs. This is a best of three series.

Montana Grizzlies vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Co-Hosted Tailgate Required RSVP — Cheer on the Griz in this exciting college football matchup.

Hunting Dinosaur Fossils in the Bighorn Basin with Paleontologist, Jason C. Poole

Great program for all ages and all dinosaur enthusiasts! Join paleontologist Jason C. Poole to hear the latest from this summer’s field work digging up dinosaur bones in Montana’s Bighorn Basin, some of which will be exposed over the next few months at the Montana Natural History Center before your very eyes!

Hunting Dinosaur Fossils in the Bighorn Basin with Paleontologist, Jason C. Poole

Great program for all ages and all dinosaur enthusiasts! Join paleontologist Jason C. Poole to hear the latest from this summer’s field work digging up dinosaur bones in Montana’s Bighorn Basin, some of which will be exposed over the next few months at the Montana Natural History Center before your very eyes!

Ronnie And The Redwoods Live

7-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cost Info — Experience the emotional Americana/Rock sounds of Ronnie and The Redwoods with their deep lyrics and rich musical roots.

Chase Rice Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Tickets available — Experience high-energy music with Chase Rice as he performs hits from his chart-topping albums.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Indiana State Sycamores

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — VIP tickets available — Experience college football with premium seating and exclusive tailgate events.

Dark Flamingo Painting Class

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — BYOB — Sip, paint, and relax while creating your own dark flamingo masterpiece.

Out There: A National Parks Story in Missoula

Special screening of the award-winning documentary Out There: A National Parks Story as part of the Cartography Comes Alive series at Xplorer Maps Headquarters. A Q&A with director Brendan Hall and special guest Jack Gladstone will follow the film. | Sept 23 · 7 PM

Missoula Elementary School Free Movie Night

📍 Gates open at 5:00PM | 🎟️ FREE admission for students & families | 🍿 Concessions will be open — no outside food or drink allowed

Fall Beer & Wine Fest

5-8 p.m. — The Trough — $50 per person — Sample local brews and wines while enjoying live music and delicious bites.

ClimateFEST

Kickoff Climate Solutions Week in Caras Park with the 7th annual ClimateFEST, Saturday, September 27, 10AM - 2PM! Featuring dozens of local organizations and businesses, this free, family-friendly event celebrates climate solutions -- from clean energy and electrification, to art and advocacy.