Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula's Hope Rescue Mission held bench conversations in observance of World Homeless Day Friday to raise awareness about the daily struggles faced by unhoused neighbors—executive director Jim Hicks said the talks stressed reducing stigma and connecting people to support services.

Missoula's Great Harvest Bread Co. marks its 30th anniversary by offering free slices and special Oktoberfest beer bread to customers.

The bakery opened in 1995 during UM homecoming and its owner said it will keep serving local favorites for many more years.

The University of Montana hosted homecoming celebrations this weekend—fans gathered last night at Main Hall for a bonfire, fireworks and the lighting of the M, while a parade with vintage decor started today from downtown Missoula.

Golfers near Three Forks saw a mountain lion perched in a tree next to their ball—captured in a viral TikTok video—and they paused their game to take in the animal.

The sighting shows that even on a golf course in Montana, nature can make an unexpected appearance.

Yesterday, firefighters battled a 75-acre wildfire west of Plains near Weeksville using 25 crew members, engines, water tenders, a dozer, and two helicopters — the cause remains undetermined.

Since the first of September, Montana Fish Wildlife Parks has received over 40 reports of grizzly conflicts statewide—10 near Missoula and several in the Flathead and Seeley-Swan areas—with 28 grizzlies killed this year and multiple incidents involving livestock.

Two recent encounters near Big Sky ended safely as hunters used handguns and bear spray to fend off charging grizzlies—officials urge caution amid rising conflicts this season.

A University of Montana study shows that people on the Rattlesnake Trail now tolerate almost twice as many encounters as they did in 1989, yet they still prefer some quiet time.

The research compared survey data from over 30 years and indicates that higher crowd tolerance may lead to new trail management changes—such as improved signage or designated use areas.

Advanced Imaging in Missoula is offering supplemental screenings such as MRIs and ultrasounds to help spot breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Dr. Curtis says these tests may find cancer that mammograms might miss.

On Friday night at Missoula County Stadium, a 43-yard field goal led the Missoula Big Sky football team to a historic win over the Missoula Sentinel—marking the first time they started a season 7-0.

This milestone win sets a new record for the team.

Banana Ball will expand west to Montana when the Firefighters and Party Animals hold a three-game series at Billings' Dehler Park on August 20—22, as owner Jesse Cole announced the plan.

Cole said that while Missoula is not on the 2026 schedule, the city could be considered for future events.

The fourth-ranked Montana Grizzlies will host Cal Poly for their homecoming game as they return home from their first road trip to keep an undefeated season—an important test for their skills.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers

1-2:30 p.m. — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Tickets required — Catch the thrilling college baseball showdown between the Grizzlies and Pioneers.

She Talks Mini: Montana – Women in Construction

2-11 p.m. — Forestry Greenhouse, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Celebrate and inspire women in construction, empowering the next generation of female leaders in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

Niko Moon Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Tickets available — Experience good vibes and live music from the optimistic artist Niko Moon.

Idaho State Bengals vs Montana Grizzlies Women's Volleyball

7-8:30 p.m. — Adams Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting women's volleyball match with the local favorites, the Grizzlies, in action.

MNHC Fall Banquet and Auction

Celebrating the spirit of nature! Gather with us for an evening of food, drinks, and fun to support the Montana Natural History Center's science and nature educational programming for our community, and support MNHC’s mission of connecting people of all ages to nature.

MNHC Fall Banquet and Auction

Celebrating the spirit of nature! Gather with us for an evening of food, drinks, and fun to support the Montana Natural History Center's science and nature educational programming for our community, and support MNHC’s mission of connecting people of all ages to nature.

MNHC Fall Banquet and Auction

Celebrating the spirit of nature! Gather with us for an evening of food, drinks, and fun to support the Montana Natural History Center's science and nature educational programming for our community, and support MNHC’s mission of connecting people of all ages to nature.

Candlelight: A Bewitched Evening of Halloween Classics

3:45-4:45 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Tickets start at $20 — Experience a magical concert of Halloween-themed music in a cozy candlelit atmosphere.

Montana Afoot & Afloat Final Presentation

5-6 p.m. — Free Cycles Missoula — Free entry — Experience the culmination of student projects showcasing Montana's diverse ecosystems and their exploration journey.

Margo Price Live Concert

1-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rootsy sounds of Margo Price, a Nashville trailblazer with a decade of music behind her.

Zakk Sabbath: American Winter Tour '25

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Tickets available — Experience the heavy sounds of Zakk Sabbath as they cover classic Black Sabbath tunes.

Sally Joe and Matt Heckler Performance

7-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Refunds available up to 7 days prior — Experience a captivating evening of music with Sally Joe and Matt Heckler on stage.