There was something different in the air at the Western Montana Fair's 4H arena this week — and it was entirely by design.

The Buddy Barrow Show, organized by Frenchtown 4H and FFA with support from Missoula County, made its Western Montana Fair debut by pairing special needs community members with 4H mentors and trained show pigs.

Every participant walked away a first-time champion, belt buckle in hand. The program grew from one man's determination to fill a gap left when a previous livestock show ended, and it's already expanding to fairs in Northwest Montana and North Idaho. Inside, we've got the story of the mentors, the buddies, and the pigs — including one named Buttons who apparently stole the whole evening.

The Alder Fire — a lightning-sparked wildfire burning about seven miles southwest of Frenchtown — has reached 100% containment, closing out one of the more notable fire responses in Western Montana this summer.

The blaze ignited on July 24, 2026 and grew to 1,235 acres before 129 firefighters, backed by helicopters, hand crews, dozers, and more, brought it fully under control.

 Command has transferred to a local Type 3 team as the incident winds down — but mop-up patrols, equipment hauls, and hotspot work continue.

Warmer, drier weather has returned to the region, and trail closures remain in effect.

Click through for the full breakdown of what crews accomplished and what still needs to happen before the area reopens.

The Western Montana Fair is making history this summer — and Missoula is the place to be for it.

For the first time ever, the fair at the Missoula Fairgrounds is stretching across two full weekends, giving locals and visitors extra time to catch rides, carnival games, fair food, and more.

The second weekend runs August 4–8 and brings rodeo action and livestock shows alongside all the midway staples. In this article, we break down what's drawing the crowds, which rides have become this year's must-dos, and exactly when you need to show up before the fair closes out for the season.

If summer in Missoula means the Western Montana Fair to you and your family, this one's worth a read before you head out the gate.

Missoula has eight bookstores — and that number alone tells you something about this city.

From the legendary used-book warehouse at <strong>The Book Exchange</strong> on Brooks Street to the beloved independent <strong>Fact and Fiction</strong> on Higgins Ave, Missoula's book scene reflects its deep literary DNA, shaped in part by the University of Montana's nationally respected MFA program.

This guide to the best bookstores in Missoula covers all eight verified local shops: where they are, what makes each one worth a visit, and which readers each store serves best.

 Whether you're after Montana authors, rare finds, curated indie picks, or just a great place to browse on a slow Saturday, there's a Missoula bookstore built for you.

Hit 'Read More' to find your next favorite shelf.

Missoula's secondhand scene is seriously underrated — and this guide to the best thrift and vintage shops in Zootown is here to change that.

From the tightly curated racks at Leftover Vintage on Helen Ave to the streetwear-meets-vintage vibe at Zootown Hype & Vintage downtown, Missoula has options for every kind of secondhand shopper.

Inside, you'll find a full breakdown of eight verified local shops — including ReStyle Clothing Exchange's buy-sell-trade model, the eclectic finds at Clutterbug Collective on Broadway, and the community-mission thrift stores at Secret Seconds and The Bridge. 

We've also included tips on the best days to shop, when inventory peaks around UM's semester schedule, and why the South Higgins Ave corridor deserves its own dedicated afternoon. Click through for addresses, phone numbers, and a 'Best for' guide to match every shop to the right shopper.

Missoula has no shortage of burger opinions — and the Zootown Lowdown went straight to the source to sort out which spots actually deliver.

This week's article breaks down the best burgers in Missoula across eight verified local spots, from the legendary bar burger at the Missoula Club on West Main to the quietly perfect Little Pink Food Truck tucked away on the south side.

We cover the Front Street burger cluster downtown, the fast-and-reliable case for Frugals on Reserve, the bar-kitchen heavyweights at Paradise Falls and The Old Post, and a 5-star newcomer on South Higgins that most people haven't found yet.

 Every listing includes the real address, phone number, and a 'Best for' guide so you know exactly which spot fits your mood. Hit 'Read More' to find your next favorite.

If your Missoula small business is running on a Google profile and a Facebook page alone, you might be leaving serious money — and customers — on the table.

In 2026, local search has gotten more competitive, AI-powered answers are pulling from business websites, and Missoula shoppers are checking for a real web presence before they ever walk through your door.

This article breaks down exactly what a Google Business Profile can and can't do for you, why social media alone isn't a reliable marketing foundation, and what a right-sized website actually looks like for a small Missoula business. 

No jargon, no upsell — just a clear, honest look at what's working locally right now and how to make smart decisions about your online presence in the year ahead.

What began as a lifelong dream has become one of Missoula's most unique real estate partnerships.

 Aragon & Partners, led by Cole Aragon and his father Rod Aragon, combines nearly 40 years of industry expertise with innovative marketing and a shared commitment to serving Western Montana.

After leaving a successful Southern California career, Rod joined Cole in Missoula to build a family business rooted in relationships and community. 

Their mission extends beyond real estate through their "We Give Where We Live" initiative, donating 10% of every commission to local nonprofits.

Whether helping clients buy, sell, or invest, Aragon & Partners believes every transaction is about more than property—it's about creating memories, strengthening communities, and building lasting relationships.

If you run a small business in Missoula, your Google reviews are one of the most powerful tools you have for getting found — and most local owners aren't asking for them nearly enough.

This article breaks down exactly how to build a steady stream of authentic Google reviews without buying them, begging for them, or violating Google's policies.

You'll learn how to create a shareable review link in under five minutes, the right moment to ask a customer so they actually follow through, how a simple 24-hour follow-up text can double your conversion rate, and why responding to your existing reviews matters more than most people realize.

 Whether you're starting from zero or trying to catch up with competitors, this is a practical, Missoula-specific guide you can act on today.

Missoula has a pizza scene that consistently surprises people — and the Zootown Lowdown just mapped the whole thing for you.

This guide covers the best pizza spots in Missoula right now, from Biga Pizza's legendary sourdough crusts on West Main Street to the perfect-rated hidden gem at Lodestone Pizza out by the Wye.

We break down every verified local option: quick Downtown slices at Front St. Pizza and Pie Hole, family dinners at MacKenzie River and Bridge Pizza, a full Italian night at Ciao Mambo, and the wood-fired mobile magic of Clove Cart Pizza.

 Each spot includes address, phone, and a 'Best for' recommendation so you can match the pizza to the moment.

If you've been defaulting to the same order for years, this one's worth a click.

Missoula's farmers market scene is one of the most vibrant in Montana — and if you haven't mapped out where to shop, this guide does it for you.

This article breaks down all six of Missoula's active markets, from the flagship Missoula Farmers' Market on N Higgins Ave to the year-round Missoula Valley Winter Market at Southgate Mall.

You'll learn what each market specializes in, which ones to pair on a Saturday morning, and what to expect from neighborhood spots like Frank's Little Farm and the Orchard Homes Farmers Market.

We also cover what's in season, how to shop like a local, and why these markets matter for Missoula's community and economy. 

Every market listing includes the exact address, phone number, and a 'Best for' line so you can match the right market to your Saturday morning.

Missoula is ringed by trailheads, and the best hiking trails near Missoula start practically at the city limits — no long drive, no planning a whole weekend around it.

This guide covers the trails locals actually hike: the iconic M Trail above campus, the Rattlesnake wilderness drainage just minutes from downtown, the ridge walks and wildlife sightings at Blue Mountain, the shaded Crazy Canyon above the University District, and the quiet river-bottom paths at Maclay Flat.

 Inside you'll find specific trailhead addresses and contacts, seasonal tips for hiking year-round, and a local resources section built entirely from verified Missoula spots.

Whether you're new to town or just looking for your next trail, this is the local guide worth bookmarking.

Every Monday morning, a crew of familiar faces spreads out across Downtown Missoula — picking up trash, clearing gutters, and scraping ice from ADA ramps.

This week, that crew got the recognition they've quietly earned for two decades.

Missoula's Downtown Clean Team celebrated its 20th anniversary on Wednesday, marking a milestone that's easy to overlook but hard to overstate. Since 2006, they've hauled away roughly 2,700 cubic yards of garbage, stripped 68,000 posters from surfaces around downtown, and cleared icy ramps 17,000 times.

 The team is run through Opportunity Resources and the Missoula Downtown Partnership — and for those organizations, it's never just been about clean sidewalks. Inside this piece, we dig into the people behind the brooms, the routines they've built with downtown businesses, and why this anniversary matters to the whole community.

Every year, Montana families quietly travel hundreds of miles to find pediatric care their kids can't get closer to home — and every year, the cost adds up fast.

The ARK Foundation exists to help carry that load, and at this year's second annual Run for Rare at Fort Missoula Regional Park, the organization hit a significant milestone: its first-ever $20,000 grant, made possible by supporters Doug and Jennifer Betters.

The grant is specifically designed to cover travel expenses for Montana families seeking out-of-state specialty care for children with rare genetic disorders, heart conditions, cancer, and more.

Inside this story, we break down where the money comes from, what drives ARK Foundation founder Alyssa Keith, and what participants said about why they keep coming back. 

Click to read the full story.

Is your Missoula business invisible on Google? You're not alone — and the reasons are more fixable than you think. Most local businesses are quietly losing customers every day to a handful of overlooked digital gaps: unclaimed Google Business Profiles, inconsistent contact information scattered across the web, outdated websites, and a near-total absence of customer reviews. In this article, we break down exactly why Missoula businesses struggle to show up in local search results and walk you through the specific, low-cost steps that actually move the needle. No technical jargon, no big-budget solutions — just a clear starting point for getting found by the customers already searching for you.

Missoula punches way above its weight when it comes to craft beer — and the Zootown Lowdown just mapped out every brewery worth your time.

This guide covers the eight best breweries in Missoula, from the iconic Big Sky Brewing Co. and the historic German lagers at Bayern Brewing, to neighborhood gems like Draught Works and Great Burn Brewing, and the scenic KettleHouse taproom out in Bonner.

Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, you'll find exact addresses, phone numbers, star ratings, and a 'Best for' recommendation for every spot — plus a full FAQ and crawl-route tips to help you plan your next beer run.

If you've ever wondered where Missoulians actually drink, this is your answer. Click in and find your next favorite taproom.

Tourism isn't just a summer bonus for Missoula — it may be the economic engine keeping many of the city's beloved small businesses running year-round. This piece breaks down what local business owners and researchers are saying about just how much visitor spending shapes life in Zootown.

 The University of Montana's tourism research director puts the statewide numbers in sharp focus: 13.2 million visitors to Montana in 2025, generating $5.6 billion in spending.

 Locally, the owners of Worden's and Betty's Divine describe summer tourist traffic as the financial cushion that carries them through slow winters. The Missoula Chamber of Commerce says it plainly — tourism may be the difference between staying open and closing. Click to read the full story.

Several thousand Missoulians headed out to Fort Missoula on the Fourth of July to celebrate a pair of big milestones: America's 250th birthday and the 50th year of the beloved 4th at the Fort event.

 The day kicked off at 10 a.m. with live music from the Missoula City Band, craft vendors, historic sawmill demos, wagon rides, and self-guided tours of the Fort's landmarks — all on a 'by donation' admission model designed to welcome everyone regardless of budget.

Community sponsors including the Good Food Store and Whitefish Credit Union helped make it happen, and proceeds support local historical and agricultural organizations.

 Inside, we've got the full rundown of what went on, who showed up, and why this annual tradition keeps drawing crowds year after year.

Missoula's human-powered compost nonprofit Soil Cycle is in a tough spot: its e-bike fleet — the backbone of daily pickup routes stretching from the Rattlesnake to the Northside — has worn down to barely one functioning bike.

Cyclists haul bins loaded to at least 100 pounds through city neighborhoods every day, and without reliable bikes, those routes go dark.

Executive director Mikela Nolin says community demand for the service is actually increasing, which makes replacing the fleet more urgent than ever.

This piece breaks down what Soil Cycle does, why the bike situation is critical, and exactly how Missoula residents can help keep this one-of-a-kind composting operation rolling. If you've ever dropped off scraps or had a cyclist swing by your door, now's your chance to return the favor.

A potentially record-breaking heat wave is rolling into western Montana this weekend, and Missoula is right in its path.

MTN Meteorologist Joey Biancone is calling this one unusually serious — western Montana could hit the low 90s, with fire weather watches already issued by the National Weather Service.

This article breaks down what's driving the extreme heat, why the rivers are riskier than they look right now (cold snowmelt meets scorching air), the safest windows to get outside, and practical ways to protect yourself and others when temperatures climb.

It also covers what you need to know about kids, elderly neighbors, and — critically — never leaving pets in a parked car. Click through for everything you need to make smart calls this weekend.

From personalized gifts and custom apparel to precision laser engraving, JJ's Quirky Collective is helping individuals and businesses throughout Western Montana bring their ideas to life.

Owned by Jana and John Hill in nearby Stevensville, this family-run shop is known for exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to treating every project—whether it's one item or hundreds—with the same care and attention to detail.

 With plans to launch a mobile embroidery and laser studio, they're making custom creations more accessible than ever.

JJ's Quirky Collective isn't just creating products—they're helping tell stories, celebrate milestones, strengthen local businesses, and build lasting relationships throughout the Missoula community.

A Missoula-area woman named Heather DeBoord fell roughly 50 feet from Heaven Cliff near Bonner on June 27 — landing in the Blackfoot River — and somehow walked away with her life.

This week, she reached out to share something she felt couldn't wait: a heartfelt thank-you to the Missoula Fire Department, the Missoula Rural Fire District, and the staff at Providence St. Patrick Hospital who cared for her.

DeBoord is recovering from serious injuries, but her message is one of gratitude, not grievance. Inside, we share the story of the rescue, her recovery, and why she says she feels like someone was watching over her.

It's a good reminder of just how hard our local first responders work — and how much it means when Missoulians take a moment to say so.

Somewhere between the frozen foods and the checkout lanes at the Missoula Walmart on Highway 93, something quietly brilliant has been happening.

Cake decorators Zoey Rodriguez and Connor Sutton have spent more than a year filling the bakery case with wildly funny, one-of-a-kind cakes — the kind that make you stop your cart, laugh out loud, and reach for your phone before your wallet.

Their creations have gone viral on Reddit, Tumblr, and TikTok, drawing fans from well beyond Missoula. The catch? They sell out fast — sometimes in under 30 minutes.

Meet the two locals behind the frosting-fueled phenomenon, find out where their ideas come from, and learn how to get your hands on one before someone else does.

Missoula's coffee scene is one of the best-kept secrets in the Mountain West — and this guide breaks down exactly where to go.

We've rounded up the eight best coffee shops in Missoula right now, from the beloved downtown institutions along N Higgins Ave and N 1st St W to the perfect-5-star Granite Mill Coffee out on MT-200.

Whether you're chasing a specialty pour-over from Black Coffee Roasting Company, a nitro cold brew from Nitro Coffee on S Russell St, or a quick drive-through hit from Good Americano on Reserve, this list has a recommendation for every kind of coffee drinker.

We cover star ratings, what makes each spot worth the stop, and who each shop is best suited for. If you're serious about your morning cup in Missoula, this is the only guide you need.

Three Missoula United Soccer Club teams qualified for the USYS National Championships, marking an unprecedented achievement for western Montana youth soccer.

The U13, U15, and U17 teams all earned their berths through strong performances at Montana State Cup and regional qualifying tournaments, showing years of player development and family dedication.

The community has rallied behind fundraising efforts to help offset travel costs for the July national championships, where Missoula teams will compete against the best youth soccer programs from all 55 state associations.

Nearly 4.5 inches of rain over the weekend has triggered severe flooding near Many Glacier in Glacier National Park, forcing reservoir operators to release record water volumes from Lake Sherburne.

The Bureau of Reclamation is releasing 2,000 cubic feet per second—more than three times the typical June-July rate—to prevent the reservoir from overflowing. Swiftcurrent Creek has dramatically overrun its banks, eroding shorelines and keeping the Many Glacier area closed to visitors.

Operators are monitoring conditions around the clock as water levels slowly begin to recede, with inflows marking the highest daily average since 2014.

Montana higher elevations received unexpected snow this week as a cold front dropped temperatures significantly below seasonal averages in late June.

Lookout Pass, Glacier National Park, and the Bitterroot Mountains all saw accumulation while Missoula valley floors experienced cold rain instead. Mount Sentinel peaks showed dusting visible from town.

The brief cold snap affected recreation plans across western Montana but brought welcome moisture to agricultural areas. Forecasters predict a return to seasonably warm temperatures by the weekend.

Early morning shoppers at the Mullan Road Walmart might have crossed paths with a very different scene last Thursday.

At approximately 1:36 AM on June 26, Missoula Police Department officers responded to reports of masked individuals near 3555 Mullan Road, ultimately arresting three young men suspected of attempting to burglarize multiple businesses in the area.

The suspects allegedly tried to break into Maxxed Out Performance and Town and Country Auto Body to steal a crowbar, intending to use it to burglarize a liquor store.

One suspect had been released from Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility just 12 hours earlier, and court documents suggest possible gang involvement.

In the heart of Missoula, this year's Fourth of July celebration is taking a high-tech turn that has the whole town talking.

After City Council concerns about back-to-back fireworks displays, the Missoula PaddleHeads have partnered with the Mayor's Office to bring something entirely new to Ogren Park: a professional 3D drone show lighting up the sky on Friday, July 3rd. 

Amid growing awareness of how fireworks affect pets, veterans with PTSD, and noise-sensitive residents, this innovative alternative delivers spectacular visuals without the explosive noise. Hundreds of synchronized LED drones will create patriotic formations and animations immediately following the evening game.

The free community celebration at Silver Park continues that night with live music from the Big Sky Mudflaps, while traditional fireworks return Saturday for those craving the classic Fourth of July experience.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast curious about drone entertainment or a family seeking a more mindful way to celebrate America's 250th, this weekend offers something for everyone.

Ravalli County authorities removed over 100 animals from a Corvallis property in one of western Montana largest recent animal neglect investigations.

The multi-day operation involved sheriff deputies, animal control, and rescue volunteers who removed horses, cattle, goats, dogs, cats, and fowl lacking adequate food, water, and shelter. Many animals required immediate veterinary care.

Bitter Root Humane Association and partners across Missoula and Ravalli counties coordinated foster placements and medical treatment. The property owner faces potential neglect and cruelty charges pending investigation completion.