Happy Tuesday! You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let BaseLocal serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
- Air tankers ✈️
- Road closure 🚧
- Tap Club news 🍻
- Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Air tankers ready for wildfire season: Neptune Aviation Services, based at Missoula Montana Airport, is ramping up for wildfire season with two more air tankers set to deploy this week. With aircraft already operating in high-risk states like Arizona and Florida, the team is on 15-minute alert to respond to fires across the country — see how they’re preparing.
I-90 ramp closure ahead: Starting today at 9 am, the westbound I-90 ramp at 19th Street in Bozeman will close for guardrail repairs. Drivers should plan for detours and expect delays — here’s what to know.
Town Pump acquires Tap Club: The Club Restaurant & Tap House, a North Reserve favorite since late 2023, has been sold to Town Pump. Known for scratch-made food and dozens of beers on tap, the founders say the move opens new doors while current staff have been offered jobs at other locations — read the full announcement.
Other highlights this week:
- Support kids’ nature camps at this luncheon
- Enter this Special Olympics raffle for a free truck
- Shop thousands at this kids resale
- Square up for a good cause at Impact Golf
- Wings fundraiser features Ponies & Pints
🫶 We got your back
Shake it off: Today’s World Cocktail Day, and Stave & Hoop is the place to raise a glass. Whether you’re a classic martini type, a fan of a good old fashioned, or after something that doesn’t taste like it’s 80 proof, their cozy atmosphere and generous pours never disappoint.
Say yes to the best: There are mozzarella sticks… and then there are Paradise Falls’ mozzarella sticks. They crunch on the outside (hello, hand breaded), pack allll the flavor on the inside, and are served just hot enough to remind you why patience is a virtue.
Level up your wardrobe: Closet feeling a little “eh”? Betty V Vintage is your upgrade button. Whether you’re hunting down graphic tees, vintage gems, unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else, or a jacket that magically makes you look cooler, they’ve got the goods.
Stare at some trees: Overwhelmed? Burnt out? Tired of sitting in front of a screen? Greenough Park is the go-to spot for powering down, quieting your mind, and appreciating how the sun shines through the trees. Best part? It costs nothing (except time and fuel to get there).
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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🔔Coming soon
PaddleHeads’ 2025 Opening Day | May 27th
Cue the peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and parachutes—Opening Day at Ogren Park isn’t playing around. The Missoula PaddleHeads are launching their 2025 season with literal sky-high drama as mascot Paxton drops in via helicopter. Yes, from the sky.
First pitch is at 7 PM. Grab your tickets before they disappear faster than a foul ball in left field.
Five Valley Kennel Club Dog Show | May 29th – June 1st
Missoula’s most well-groomed event is back. The 2025 FVKC Show is packing in Conformation, Junior Showmanship, Rally, Dock Diving, and the beloved FastCAT race. Expect dozens of therapy dogs, oodles of obedient pups, and a raffle that might just be more competitive than the show ring.
Whether you’re in it for the titles or just tail-wagging good times, this is a four-day affair worth sniffing out. See what’s in store.
📆 Around town
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Know of an event we should include? Submit it here for free.
This week
🚘 Golden Gathering: Build Your Own Car Diffuser @ Golden Leaf Studios | Tuesday (5/13) at 5:30 pm – Level up your ride’s aroma game with a handcrafted diffuser and a custom scent blend. Whether you’re feeling earthy, floral, or fruity, this mellow, tea-sipping craft night has all the tools (and charm beads) you need to create something beautifully you.
🌿 Spring Luncheon 2025: Learning for a Lifetime @ Historic Florence Building | Wednesday (5/14) at 12:30 pm – Fancy lunch and a dash of naturalist nerdiness? Yes, please. Chow down on a locally catered meal, then hit the streets of downtown Missoula for bite-sized field trips on geology, wildlife, and more—all to help send kids to camp this summer.
🍺 5 Year Anniversary Party! @ Cranky Sam Public House | Thursday (5/15) at 3 pm – Cranky Sam is hitting the big 5, and they’re going full throttle with $3–$5 beer specials and $5 wings + fries all day. Show up early, stay late, and celebrate five years of local brews, bites, and good vibes.
🎤 Unseen Missoula: Hotels & Hooligans @ Burlington Northern Plaza | Friday (5/16) at 4 pm – Step back in time with this guided walking tour exploring Missoula’s railroad boom era. Discover the city’s colorful past, from its bustling hotel district to tales of scandal and seediness. A unique way to experience the hidden history of Missoula.
🧠 3rd Annual Ultimate Trivia Showdown @ Hilton Garden Inn | Friday (5/16) at 6 pm – Trivia glory and $1,000 cash are up for grabs in this all-out quiz battle. Form a team, flex your knowledge, and support Youth Homes Next Step Fund while you’re at it. Silent auction, snacks, and a no-host bar sweeten the deal.
This weekend
🎉 Bretz RV & Griz Spring Kickoff @ Bretz RV & Marine | Saturday (5/17) at 10 am – Fire up the fun with Griz football players, yard games, face painting, and food trucks galore. There’ll be live tunes from Brett Mondie, RV tours, and plenty of swag — it’s basically a tailgate party with better parking.
🔥 82 Fires – “A Tale of Fire in Footwork” @ Missoula Children’s Theatre | Saturday (5/17) at 1:30 pm – Irish dance meets family legacy in this fiery performance from the Missoula Irish Dancers. Come for the rhythm, stay for the story of a fifth-generation firefighter stepping into her power.
👟 Little Dipper Kids’ Trail Run @ Pineview Park | Saturday (5/17) at 2 pm – Wildflowers, trails, and ice cream at the finish line? Yes please. With 1-, 2-, and 4-mile run options, this kid-focused trail day is the perfect combo of exercise and sugar rush.
🍽️ Grand Opening/Fundraiser @ Rooster Café | Saturday (5/17) at 6 pm – Rooster Cafe is spreading its wings with a new space and a big ol’ neighborhood party to match. Expect celebration, community vibes, and a warm invite to support Missoula’s LGBTQIA+ gathering spot.
🎭 Broadway A-Z Concert, ABBA to Les Miz! @ University of Montana Dennison Theater | Saturday (5/17) at 7:30 pm – From “Mamma Mia” to “Les Mis,” this one-night-only musical journey hits all the high notes. With Broadway pros Teri Hansen and Destan Owens leading the way, you’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even belt a show tune or two.
📚 A Magical Story Time Adventure @ Golden Leaf Studios | Sunday (5/18) at 1:30 pm – Settle in for a sweet read-along of Sloth & Smell the Roses followed by a crafty cupcake flower workshop. Katelyn, a storytelling superstar and education major, brings big heart and charm to this free, family-friendly hour of fun. No RSVP needed—just roll in and join the magic.
🎨 Sip & Paint @ Painting with a Twist | Sunday (5/18) at 2 pm – Embrace your artsy side and brush up on summer vibes with this breezy painting session. All materials and instructions are provided, so all you need is a willingness to swirl some color and sip as you go—no experience required.
🎶 Live music & comedy
- 5/14 Steel Pulse @ The Wilma – 7 pm
- 5/15 Wolf and the Moons @ Draught Works Brewery – 7 pm
- 5/15 Icarus and more @ The Show Room – 7:30 pm
- 5/16 Beats and Bodywork @ Sacred Ally – 7 pm
- 5/16 Live Standup Comedy with Marty Cunnie @ VFW Poker – 8 pm
- 5/17 Cradle of Filth and more @ The Wilma – 7 pm
- 5/17 Pesky Varmints @ Draught Works Brewery – 7 pm
- 5/17 the pond and more @ The Show Room – 8 pm
- 5/18 Sunday Karaoke @ Thomas Meagher Bar – 9 pm
🏠 This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Listed by: Kent Pratt (Windermere R E Missoula)
This 4-bed, 3-bath townhouse in Missoula’s sought-after Brookside on Rattlesnake Creek packs 3,632 square feet of polished charm. Built in 2003, it sits on a premium end-lot in a quiet cul-de-sac and features wood finishes, a gourmet kitchen, gas fireplaces, and a luxe primary suite with a soaking tub. The fully finished basement offers bonus living space, perfect for movie nights or craft marathons.
With a finished 2-car garage and a $550/mo HOA covering exterior maintenance and insurance, this home makes upscale living refreshingly low-maintenance. All that, plus trailheads and creeks right out your door? Yes, please.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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