Good morning, Missoula.

Today, Missoula’s Chick-fil-A is hosting a free family fall festival from 5:30 till 7:30 p.m. at 2880 North Reserve Street—families can enjoy a bouncy house, face painting, and a balloon artist with a raffle to win free Chick-fil-A for a year.

KPAX is upgrading its tower on TV Mountain north of Missoula as part of a three-year project — expected to finish by the end of October — which will temporarily interrupt over-the-air viewing for some residents.

The tradition of placing a pumpkin on top of Main Hall spire at the University of Montana gained national attention when UPI published an article on September 16 describing its 30-year history and mysterious installers—school officials now hire professionals each October for safe placement.

Grit to Grind is a new book that tells the story of Montana’s skateboarding community and local heroes while detailing the rise of skateparks and capturing memories of Missoula’s skating culture — the project supports ongoing efforts from the Montana Skatepark Association.

The authors, Andy Kemmis and Chris Bacon, will sign copies today at Fact and Fiction on Higgins from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — sales will help fund future skatepark projects statewide.

A new report by Moody's Analytics shows Montana is in recession as persistent economic weakness, early job losses, and rising credit issues affect the state while its Northwest neighbors, except Idaho, face similar troubles.

Local updates include planned water system repairs at Montana State Prison funded with $21-million and a recent drug bust near Butte that led to 34 arrests—both actions aimed at addressing public safety concerns.

About 70 Missoula County Public Schools students took part in the district's second annual bison harvest at the MCPS Agricultural Center near Big Sky High School to gain hands-on experience with local bison heritage.

Missoula County Public Schools now allow the Pride flag in classrooms, following changes to the city's flag policy this summer—skirting a state law passed earlier this year.

On Tuesday, four wildlife advocacy groups filed a request in Lewis and Clark County district court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to keep the 2024 wolf season rules after the Fish, Wildlife & Parks commission raised the wolf quota, a change that could kill over 500 wolves. The groups argued that the new rules risk severe population decline and genetic erosion (a situation that may lead to inbreeding) and noted that the state's estimate of 1,091 wolves (a figure some experts question) might overstate the true number.

The Montana Meth Project launched a fentanyl prevention campaign in partnership with Red Ribbon that offers teacher and student contests until Oct.31.

The group adds new fentanyl lessons to national drug prevention resources and aims to curb rising opioid overdoses—organizers said.

FMC labor nurse Megan Carey said that after 10 years of service her unit has been devalued by cost-cutting measures led by Mr. Calhoun—this shift prioritizes real estate over patient care.

She urged hospital leadership to better understand the value of staff and community needs as further financial changes approach.

No. 4 Montana Grizzlies will host Sacred Heart in their first meeting.

Coach Bobby Hauck said—citing his team’s confidence—that Sacred Heart is expected to try for a statement win as his squad prepares to respond.

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.

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.

First Friday Celebration at Missoula Symphony Association

Evening — Missoula Symphony Association — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant arts community with music, local art, and handcrafted creations.