Good morning, Missoula.

The nonprofit Missoula Food Bank and Community Center launched its 40th annual holiday fundraiser—aiming to raise $325,000 by the end of December to support local food programs.

This Friday, December 5, KYSSMas For Kids returns to 94.9 KYSS FM as DJs Dennis Bragg and Denny Bedard—veteran local hosts—raise money for local families and kids.

Auction items will begin for bids on Wednesday and additional items will go live on Friday—featuring prizes from restaurant certificates to hotel stays—supporting the cause.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is holding a contest for Montana youth hunters aged 10—17 to submit a hunting story and a photo from a 2025 hunt by today.

Ten winners will be selected to have dinner with Governor Greg Gianforte and receive prizes from local Montana brands.

During his birthday elk hunt in Lewis and Clark National Forest, a Missoula man’s new truck slid on 10 inches of snow and he used his satellite SOS button—Ranger Rick arrived to lower the tire pressure and free the truck while his nephew later found the missing chains.

The hunt ended unsuccessfully, but all were safely brought back.

Gas prices in Montana dropped 3.3¢ over the past week with the average price at $2.95 per gallon on Monday, Dec.

1 — this is a 4.3¢ decrease from last month and 5.3¢ above prices from last year.

Most of Mount Jumbo and Mount Dean Stone closed Monday to public recreation as an annual measure to protect migratory elk herds that feed along the slopes—officials said the closures will lift when spring conditions permit safe access.

Missoula Parks and Recreation closed most trails on Mount Jumbo and limited trails on Mount Dean Stone starting December 1 to protect about 120 wintering elk and other wildlife.

The rules require dogs to be leashed while some trails remain open year-round—other sections will stay closed until May 1 or March 15 to reduce disturbances.

Missoula Public Health (MPH) confirmed the first flu death in Missoula County on Monday, with seven cases reported since October 5.

Montana has reported 234 flu cases and six hospitalizations, and health officials stress that getting vaccinated at the local clinic can help protect the community.

Chowhound named Biga Pizza in Missoula the best hole-in-the-wall pizza spot in Montana even though locals say it feels more like a refined hometown restaurant (its brick oven pizzas, including the Flathead Cherry, highlight Montana flavors).

The title brings an award-like nod that residents proudly share with out-of-town guests.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:30-9:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.