Good morning, Missoula.

Turner Farms will host a Thanksgiving Farm Market on Sunday, November 23 from 12 to 3 pm at 3515 South Third Street West.

Local vendors will sell seasonal jams, jellies, cider and apple pie filling while the Turner brothers grill grass-fed hamburgers—bringing local flavor to the holiday.

Downtown Missoula Partnership invites Missoulians to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 29 with a Shop & Dine Local Headquarters at the Paddleheads Post from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where visitors can get free hot cocoa coupons and vote in the Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest through December 18 — a boost for local shops and holiday spirit.

Several Missoula stores will operate with limited hours on Thanksgiving to help last-minute shoppers—WinCo Foods will close at 3 p.m., four Albertsons, two Yokes Fresh Market locations, Rosauers Supermarkets, Orange Street Farm, Walmart Supercenter, and Pattee Creek will have set closing times while retailers such as Good Foods, US Food Chef-Store, Natural Grocers, Grizzly Grocers, Target, and Costco will be closed. This schedule aims to balance reduced holiday staffing with community shopping needs.

Barbara Ballas—retired and skilled in music composition—volunteers as the carillon at Missoula's bell tower where she plays songs each afternoon to honor local history.

She climbs 100 steps daily to ring bells that were donated in memory of important events and people.

University of Montana environmental science student Buddy Wilson was one of 16 regional finalists for the Rhodes Scholarship after he interviewed in Seattle last week.

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association director Will Israel said nonresident hunter numbers have stayed near 50,000 each year—with big-game hunters at 30,000 to 35,000 and small-game hunters at 15,000 to 20,000.

Elk harvests grew 25% from 2014 to 2024 and fees for nonresident hunters will rise to $50 in 2026.

Environmental groups and nonprofits filed a formal complaint with state utility regulators on November 20 to ask the Public Service Commission to ensure NW Energy customers do not help pay for powering planned data centers—facilities that will use more than twice the electricity supplied to customers. The commission will decide how to proceed with the groups' concerns.

Some SNAP recipients in Montana fear that new federal work rules and a longer recertification process will lower their food benefits if required forms are not completed by Dec.

15. A Billings mother said she is stressed by ongoing shortages after a recent government shutdown while a local shop owner noted a drop in sales during that time.

Missoula County is exploring options for feral horses that have long roamed Upper Miller Creek neighborhoods as the animals are seen in yards and on sidewalks.

The county will consult experts in land management, ecology and law enforcement and invite public input early next year to decide on the best approach.

Today, the Montana Department of Commerce is polling Montanans on three new highway sign designs that reflect the state’s updated brand and welcome visitors at the border.

Voting will continue until Dec 31—winning designs will be installed next spring when weather and access allow.

UM and Providence have teamed up in a project called Resolve—UM researchers will use anonymized rural health data from Providence hospitals in seven states to study ways to improve care.

The study will help rural hospitals and clinics serve patients more effectively.

Local bars in Missoula are hosting viewing parties for the Brawl of the Wild today—Buffalo Wild Wings has raffle prizes and early brunch at Thomas Meagher Bar, while others like Press Box and Iron Horse also will show the game.

Nearby events include the Montana Wine and Beer Festival at Adams Center from 6–9 p.m.—and a concert by The Last Revel at The Wilma at 8 p.m.

Griz quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat was named a Walter Camp Award finalist after posting top FCS passing numbers and making impressive plays this season.

He will lead the team in the Big Sky title game this Saturday — a move that highlights his growing reputation.

Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the excitement of college football rivalry on the field.

Memphis May Fire - Tour 2025

7-8:30 p.m. — The Wilma — General admission tickets available — Rock out with Memphis May Fire and support acts Rain City Drive, Nevertel, and If Not For Me.

Run for Beer - Ugly Sweater Run

5k Fun Run — Missoula Montana Airport — Entry fee applies — Enjoy a festive run wearing your ugliest sweater and celebrate with local craft beers and live music.

Missoula’s Cultural Heritage and the Clark Fork River – An Ever-Changing Landscape

In this presentation, guests will not only gain natural historical knowledge of the Clark Fork River, but also the innate partnership between cultural and natural heritage landscapes. This presentation will primarily examine the heritage of Missoula’s restricted communities between 1860 and 1940.

Missoula Holiday MADE Fair

9 AM – 5 PM — Adams Center, University of Montana — Entry fee required — Celebrate local arts and crafts at this vibrant holiday fair.

Sip & Sketch: Create a Phenology Wheel

Phenology is the study of change in the natural world – when flowers bloom and go to seed, when birds migrate, when the snow falls, and so much more. Taking a few minutes each day to observe and record these changes can add up to something truly beautiful over time, and there’s no better time than just before the beginning of a new year!

Hellgate Venture Network Holiday Party

5-7 p.m. — Goodworks Ventures — Complimentary beverages — Celebrate the season with great company and festive treats.