Good morning, Missoula.

After years of planning and a $20 million capital campaign, the Missoula Family YMCA completed major renovations such as a new pool, upgraded gym, and an Airnasium for sports.

The campus also added a child care center and splash park—support from local volunteers and businesses helped make this project a success.

Draught Works Brewery in Missoula will host a Speed Puzzling Competition tomorrow at noon for teams of up to five paying a $25 fee to solve a 500-piece puzzle.

The top three teams will win Draught Works gift cards — spots are limited so teams should register soon.

At Missoula’s largest winery that uses its own grapes, Ten Spoon Winery began harvesting St. Pepin grapes for white wine as owners Andy Sponseller and Connie Poten rebuild vines damaged by the 2020 freeze—community volunteers helped the harvest on Thursday and Friday and live music by Bare Bait Dance is set for today and Sunday. This ongoing effort highlights changes in the growing season as climate impact alters traditional harvest patterns.

The University of Montana’s AASO program accepted nearly 10 interns this summer to learn FAA licensing and drone skills—students now gain training that can lead to jobs paying up to $65,000 a year.

UM leads drone innovation across the state and trains future experts for key industries.

Climate Smart Missoula is hosting a Sun Day celebration on September 21 at the plaza south of First Interstate Bank and a ClimateFest on September 27 at Caras Park to promote solar energy and counter policies that boost fossil fuel use—22 young people have also filed a lawsuit alleging their right to a clean environment was violated. Bill McKibben’s message on the promise of solar power underscores these community efforts.

Gov. Gianforte said the Montanans at Work tour will travel to local communities to let businesses, workers, and community members meet with DLI as it starts its 406 JOBS training program — the initiative aims to boost workforce skills.

Missoula officials will study the feasibility of a downtown recreational ice ribbon that may include an outdoor cafe, kid's play area, fire pits — and space for holiday markets.

The city will consider buying a 2.29 acre lot near Southgate Mall and then sell it to a developer planning housing on the site.

Officials said the move is expected to boost local housing development as the project moves forward.

Bitterroot Health has opened a new dialysis clinic in Hamilton to help patients avoid long drives to Missoula for treatment—Claire Ferguson, the clinic's first patient, now rides only 15 minutes from her home while nurse educator Chris Belagie said the facility will let many patients have closer access to care.

Fifth-ranked Missoula Sentinel beat Hellgate 28 to 7 on Friday at Missoula County Stadium using a tough defense that forced turnovers and made key plays by Kaden Thennis — the win brought the Spartans to a 3-0 record.

Thomas Hauck, a Butte native and former University of Montana football player and coach, died in Missoula last weekend at 83+ he helped guide Griz teams to a national championship and will have his funeral on Friday, Sept 26 at St. Francis Catholic Church.

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.

Late Night Radio Performance

7-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 cover — Experience the vibrant sounds of Late Night Radio as they electrify the night with innovative electronic beats.

2025 ZooTown Challenge

10 AM – 2 PM — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Race entry required — Compete in six challenging obstacle course races for all ages in beautiful Missoula.

2025 Ignite Conference

8 AM – 4 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula - Edgewater — Check website for registration fees — A dynamic conference for PR and marketing professionals with networking, insights, and inspiration.

Scott H. Biram Live Performance

7-8 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cover charge at the door — Experience the powerhouse sound of Scott H. Biram and his diverse musical talents.

Cyclops Performance at Badlander

5-8 p.m. — The Badlander — $10 cover — Experience the explosive sounds of Cyclops blending heavy music with experimental dubstep.