Fourth of July shenanigans, Miss Montana, Le Petit bakery on the move, local brews ranked, and more. 
Happy Fourth of July, Missoula. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Missoula Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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Miss Montana 👑
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Zootown Fest 🎶
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Firework shows 🎆
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
New Miss Montana crowned: Haley Joy Tate of Missoula was named Miss Montana 2025 at the 75th annual pageant held in Butte on June 21st — read the full story.
Fan-favorite bakery relocates: Le Petit opened its new retail shop on Missoula’s Hip Strip on June 19th, serving breads, pastries, local goodies, and drinks daily at 529 South Higgins Avenue — read more.
Top craft pours: 94.9 listeners named their go-to hometown brews, from Highlander’s Devil Hump to Kettlehouse’s Cold Smoke — check out the full list.
Compare rates for free: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us” — this comparison tool can save you hundreds.
Highlights this week
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MT unemployment remains among lowest
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The state’s bracing for Big Beautiful Bill cuts
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Local economy stirs with recent developments
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Kids get into the ballpark free every Sunday
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Group pitched Front Street as a walking mall
🫶 We got your back
Twist and shout: Knead an excuse to carb-load? At Bayern Brewing, every pretzel is hand-rolled into a symphony of salty satisfaction. Whether you’re into classic sea-salt twists, cheese-stuffed bombs, or the seasonal cinnamon-sugar spin-offs, they’ve got the doughy goodness to keep your taste buds dancing.
Crunch time: When your stomach starts growling for something crispy, herby, and downright irresistible, Kamoon Arabian Cuisine whips up golden falafel that’ll have you reaching for extra tahini—and maybe a second pita—faster than you can say “chickpea bliss.”
Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card, throwback jersey, or commemorative puck to complete your shrine, look no further than Rockin Rudy’s Attic. From MVP autographs to limited-edition bobbleheads, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).
Energy efficiency on a budget: New windows and doors may not seem glamorous, but they can deliver real savings — windows can reduce utility bills by 7-15% and doors by up to 35%. To sweeten the savings, Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 off per door right now.
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Missoula happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🎵 Zootown Festival: Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and more @ Missoula County Fairgrounds | Friday (7/4) at 10 am – Montana’s biggest summer stage welcomes Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, plus Lake Street Dive. Score your tickets now (before they vanish faster than fireworks at midnight) and prepare for a day of soulful anthems under the big sky.
🏰 Fourth at the Fort @ Fort Missoula | Friday (7/4) at 10 am – Kick off your Independence Day with old-school flair and nonstop fun at the Fort’s 49th annual bash. Think wagon rides, vintage kids’ games, live tunes from The Missoula City Band, Calamity Cowboy, and more, plus a scavenger hunt that’s just as sneaky for adults. Explore historic gems like the lookout, Drummond Depot, and steam-engine sawmill demos, then chow down at food trucks (Patti Wagon, Buddha Belly, Boca) or grab a cold beer.
🎆 Fourth of July Celebration Night 2 @ Ogren Park Allegiance Field | Friday (7/4) at 7:05 pm – Double the nights, double the fun! Catch the PaddleHeads’ first-ever home game on July 4th, then stick around for a postgame fireworks spectacular courtesy of Missoula Motors. It’s the only place where America’s pastime meets high‐octane pyrotechnics—do your red, white, and boom duty right.
This weekend
🧘 Sanctuary Saturday Yoga @ Residence Inn Missoula Downtown | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Start your Saturday with sun salutations and sweeping rooftop views at this all-levels Vinyasa flow. It’s one hour of fresh air, mindful movement, and big sky vibes—perfect before hitting the market or grabbing brunch downtown. Mats are BYO (unless you’re staying at the hotel).
✍️ Sidewalk Signing with Tom Stockburger @ Fact and Fiction | Saturday (7/5) at 11 am – Think book signings are all hushed whispers and finger sandwiches? Think again. Join Tom Stockburger on the sidewalk as he signs copies of his laugh-out-loud memoir, The Accidental Player, chronicling a 57-year-old widower’s crash course in modern dating. Grab a copy, catch the juicy behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and swap your own tales of love, grief, and that ill-advised mercy kiss; it’s outdoor literary drama—hold the tea, bring the laughs.
🕺 Young Kids Dance Party @ Missoula Public Library | Saturday (7/5) at 11 am – Calling all mini movers and groove gurus: it’s time to boogie under the library’s kaleidoscopic light show. Bring your little ones (and maybe your inner child) for 45 minutes of disco beats and family-friendly fun. Warning: spontaneous twirls and giggles guaranteed.
🚶 Unseen Missoula: Carnal Enterprises @ The Wilma | Saturday (7/5) at 5 pm – Slip off the beaten path and into Missoula’s hidden red-light past with this one-hour guided tour. You’ll stroll five city blocks learning tales of saloons, scandals, and the femmes who fueled them—all against the stunning backdrop of historic Front Street. It’s history with a wink and a nod (and maybe a raised eyebrow).
⚾ Kids Get In Free at the Ballpark @ Ogren Park Allegiance Field | Sunday (7/6) at 2:05 pm – Round up the crew and head to the park—because every Sunday, kids 12 and under score free admission thanks to TrailWest Bank. It’s the perfect excuse for sunshine, snacks, and a little home team magic.
🎸 Mechanical Canine @ Zootown Arts Community Center | Sunday (7/6) at 7:30 pm – Philly’s devotedly DIY emo-punk bruiser Mechanical Canine is rolling into town with a whirlwind 23-minute set of earworm chaos, sharp hooks, and no-holds-barred energy. Local art-punks Apocalipstick bring glam-new-wave theatrics, and Poverty Porn rips through buzzsaw riffs and raw, unfiltered lyrics that hit like a freight train. Doors swing at 7 pm for just $10, or go all in with a $15–$20 Artist Supporter ticket and back the scene’s fiercest underdogs.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/4 Zootown Festival @ Missoula Fairgrounds – 10 am
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7/4 Missoula City Band @ Fort Missoula – 10:30 am
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7/4 Karaoke @ The Jack Saloon – 7 pm
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7/4 James Lanman @ Cranky Sam Public House – 7:30 pm
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7/5 Phil Smith @ Draught Works Brewery – 7 pm
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7/5 Neal Elder @ The Sunrise Saloon – 9:30 pm
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7/6 Mechanical Canine @ Zootown Arts Community Center – 7:30 pm
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7/6 Sunday Karaoke @ Thomas Meagher Bar – 9 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Missoula edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Listed by: Maggie Springer and Shannon Hilliard (Ink Realty Group)
This 1921 brick charmer flexes four beds and three baths across nearly 4,000 sq ft of wood-whispering hardwood and built-ins that wink at you. A gas fireplace purrs in the living room, while leathered granite counters and a four-burner gas range-grill in the kitchen eclipse chef-level dreams.
Vaulted-ceiling primary suite spoils with quartz-topped spa bath, custom tile, walk-in shower and sauna. Down below, a finished lower level tosses in bonus bedrooms, bath and open play space. Outside, a gazebo’d patio, hot tub and manicured landscaping meet mature trees on a breezy corner lot.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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