Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula is installing new lights along 2.7 miles of the Bitterroot Trail to keep the paved path lit year-round & help residents safely commute and recreate during winter.

A developer plans to open a gravel pit near the Blackfoot River and a local grassroots group has formed to oppose the project—residents are worried it will hurt water quality and lower property values.

The group has collected over 1,400 signatures and will ask county commissioners for emergency zoning in the coming weeks.

Under the Big Sky announced the festival will return to Big Mountain Ranch — running from July 17 to 19, 2026 — and noted that the performer lineup is yet to be revealed.

University of Montana researchers are using camera traps to study wildlife in northwest Montana—students in a local program have collected thousands of images over five years, documenting over 25 species from bears at Greenough Park to mountain lions near Rattlesnake Creek.

The study uses new analysis software to map animal behavior and support ongoing collaboration among researchers.

After the EPA approved Montana’s lower water quality standards, nine environmental groups pressed DEQ to pause wastewater discharge permits until a science-based plan is made—Upper Missouri Waterkeeper launched an online petition seeking 1,000 signatures to ensure permits are not issued before clear rules to limit nutrient pollution are set. The move comes as rising algae blooms threaten local waterways and show worsening water quality in Montana.

City of Missoula named Marina Yoshioka as the new director of Parks and Recreation and she replaces Donna Gaukler, who retired earlier this year.

Yoshioka has a decade of leadership experience from Montana Fish—Wildlife and Parks and will begin her role on Jan. 5 pending confirmation from the City Council.

Montana will travel to Weber State for its second straight road game in the Big Sky Conference, with the No. 3 Grizzlies seeking to avenge an earlier loss+ they hope to boost their season record.

Fans are watching closely as the team prepares for another key matchup in the conference.

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.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, this Christmas season.

Lost & Found

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Pick-What-You-Pay (Suggested $25) — Experience a dynamic performance featuring four new plays exploring loss and discovery within an art museum setting.

Lost & Found: Plays on Tap

3-5 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Pick-What-You-Pay — Experience four new plays exploring themes of loss and discovery within an art museum setting.

Nurse Blake: Comedy and Advocacy

8-9:30 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the humor and heartfelt storytelling of Nurse Blake, a beloved figure in the healthcare community.

Stayin Alive - Bee Gees Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — University of Montana - Dennison Theatre — Cost not specified — Relive the magic of the Bee Gees with their iconic hits in this captivating tribute show.

Hacks and Hops Montana

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Tamarack Brewing Co — Free entry — Network with security professionals while enjoying craft brews in Missoula.

Operations and Lending Team Member

Bank of Montana is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our small, but high-performing team! You will work in a progressive work environment that is challenging, allows for inspiration, and makes work fun, all while maintaining a positive, work-life balance. We are dynamic, collaborative, intense professionals who are passionate about finance and creative solutions.