Subscribe | Get featured

Happy weekend, Missoula! 

In today’s happening-today edition: Mount Jumbo closure, a $3.5M John R. Toole House listing, and Hell’s Belles + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.

Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Wildlife protection takes priority: Despite poor snow, Mount Jumbo’s closure remains in effect, Missoula Parks and Recreation says, citing over 35 trespassing incidents and elk stress. The lower L and I-90 trails are open on leash — learn why it stays closed.

Former sorority home reborn: The historic John R. Toole House in Missoula’s University District is on the market for $3.5 million, listed on the National Register with campus ties and seeking a new steward — explore its restoration and history.

Torch Run legacy shines locally: Missoulians braved water when 2026 Griz Dip Polar Plunge raised funds for Special Olympics in a cooled portable pool, with State Games in Billings before moving to Missoula in 2027 — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Bingo night returns to Hellgate Elementary
• Grab sun-ripened Florida strawberries in Missoula
• Salsa basics series, no partner required
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor Money.com

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Instant postcard moment: The Greetings from Missoula Mural channels river days, smokejumpers, Griz pride, and Garden City color into one bold wave of Missoula. A casual pass becomes a quick photo op, and the wall says you’re here… without you saying a word.

Stitch something local: At Joseph’s Coat on the Hip Strip, you’ll find natural fibers, Montana and regional yarns, and tools for whatever you’re plotting, be it knit, crochet, weaving, or spinning. Expect inspiration and friendly guidance from folks who truly know their Targhee from their tweed.

Easygoing beer HQ: Draught Works Brewery nails the bring-the-crew vibe with 19 taps, a wrap-around patio, weekly live music, local art on the walls, and a kids’ corner. Beer, seltzer, kombucha, and more keep everyone happy, and this Westside staple quietly delivers.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town today & tomorrow

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎬 Montana BDR Documentary Screening @ Maverick Motorsports | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 AM – Catch the Montana BDR documentary from Backcountry Discovery Routes, the final link in the Western system, charting 900 miles from Idaho to Canada across 13 mountain ranges. Big views, no dust, actual seats. Plan your summer ride, swap stories, and call it training.

♻ Skwalapalooza Gear Swap @ Blackfoot River Outfitters | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Clear the garage and your conscience at Blackfoot River Outfitters’ annual Skwalapalooza gear swap, where used rods find new homes, and everything is 20% off. Sell extras for cash or fatter credit, demo rods, try waders, enter raffles, and pounce early for the best deals.

🥕 Downtown Indoor Farmers Market @ The Badlander | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Trade your grocery store fluorescent lights for the downtown indoor market, where live music, 45-plus local vendors, and that Missoula neighborly banter make errands feel like a social life. Bring your SNAP card, score a $30 match, and call it wholesome.

❄ Winter Market @ Southgate Mall | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – If you’re tired of pretending frozen peas are seasonal, swing through the Missoula Valley Winter Market in the Southgate Mall concourse by Schell’s. Farm-fresh produce, legit baked goods, and plenty more, all on Saturdays through April. It’s community, carbs, and zero wind chill.

👩 Women’s Fair @ University of Montana | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Missoula Women’s Fair is back at the UC Ballroom, free to stroll, shop, and get a tarot reading. Expect 50+ local vendors, pampering, raffles for good causes, and a $100 door prize. Bring a tote, your favorite girlfriends, and that ‘I deserve this’ energy.

🔔 Hell’s Belles @ The Wilma | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Saturday at The Wilma means earplugs, a beer, and Hell’s Belles, the all-female AC/DC tribute, blasting it the way it was meant to be, loud and unapologetic. Broken Anthems opens, you handle the shout-alongs. Leave the high kicks to them, knees will thank you.

🎧 Mr. Z @ Missoula Public Library | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting to spot Meadow Hill’s Mr. Z in the wild, consider this your unicorn. He’s unleashing original trumpet-and-electronics at Missoula Public Library, a free, open-to-all, and donation-supported Crescendo series showcasing young Missoula musicians and guest artists, benefiting Missoula Crescendo Club.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/7 Hell’s Belles @ The Wilma – 7:00 PM
• 3/8 Mr. Z @ Missoula Public Library – 3:00 PM
• 3/9 Social Dance @ Missoula, MT, United States, Montana – 6:15 PM
• 3/10 Youth Guitar Classes @ Tangled Tones Music Studio – 5:15 PM
• 3/11 Edgewater Rhythms @ FINN – 5:00 PM
• 3/12 Alice/Wonderland @ University of Montana, School of Theatre & Dance, PARTV Bldg, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT, United States, Montana 59812 – 7:30 PM
• 3/12 Sam Miller @ The Badlander – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Missoula report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 50°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 62%

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 50. West southwest wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: A slight chance of rain before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

—

Tomorrow – High: 54°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 55%

Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. West southwest wind 9 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: Rain before 3am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.

It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

This revitalized 1940s bungalow in Missoula’s coveted University area shines with a top-to-bottom, two-year transformation. Features new roof, siding, paint, flooring, and luxe baths, plus upgraded HVAC and A/C. The kitchen gleams with new appliances. Fresh landscaping with underground sprinklers boosts curb appeal. Offers 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths, and over 2,100 finished square feet, steps from campus and trails.

Take a peek inside →