Good morning, Kalispell.

Whitefish Community Foundation and Kalispell Rotary Clubs donated $100K each to fund Ashley Creek Park and its inclusive playground.

A land gift and design support from the Bibler group + a maintenance endowment mean the park will open in late summer or fall 2027.

NeighborWorks Montana and the Whitefish Community Foundation are preserving 55 households in a mobile home park in south Kalispell by acquiring Twin Willows — a resident-owned community — to prevent tenant displacement with creative financing.

Today at 10:30 p.m., the Lakeside Community Fireworks Show will launch $25,000 in fireworks from a barge in Flathead Lake near Volunteer Park, as local donations (ranging from $25 to $1,000) fund the tradition celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Glacier Fife and Drum Corps, Montana’s only group of its kind, performs in the Flathead Valley at schools, parades, and a Veterans Day event (formed less than a year ago by retired teachers) to bring Revolutionary War traditions to life.

Madelaine Thorsen, a sophomore at Bigfork High School, is nearing completion of her Eagle Scout project to build an outdoor seating area for reading at the local library + local volunteers donated materials and leveled the area for a community space.

The Flathead National Forest is launching The Coal Banks Salvage Project to manage 228 acres of wind-damaged trees from December.

The project will act in three areas — addressing fuel loads and road clearing while public comments are accepted until July 13.

Big Mountain Water Co. detected PFAS chemicals in water samples from two wells taken on April 27, with one well testing over double the EPA limit, and it will retest next week after rainy weather as it works with DEQ on a solution.

Montana Sen. Steve Daines urged Congress to pass the America the Beautiful Act to boost annual funding for maintenance backlogs at national parks including Glacier.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the bill on June 17, which would support upgrades like improving water systems.

The Grouchy Grizzly opened its doors Thursday afternoon in Whitefish, offering a local-inspired menu from bison burgers to vegan cauliflower steaks — and a Big Grizz Burger eating challenge to fuel excitement.

The restaurant is located at 1705 E. Lake Shore Drive.

NW Montana Cars and Coffee at Krispy Kreme

10 a.m. — Krispy Kreme — Free entry — Cruise in for a relaxed morning with classic cars and coffee.

Houndmouth Live Concert

9 p.m. — Majestic Saloon — Get tickets — Experience roots rock infused with indie and blues storytelling from the acclaimed band Houndmouth.

Kalispell Pet Fest

10 AM – 3 PM — Flathead County Fairgrounds — Free entry with a pet food donation — Celebrate pets with games, adoptions, and educational exhibits.

NW Montana Cars and Coffee

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Krispy Kreme — Free entry — Cruise in for a morning of coffee and classic cars in Kalispell every Sunday from May to September.

Waylon Wyatt & Cole Chaney Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the kickoff of Under the Big Sky Festival with live music from Waylon Wyatt and Cole Chaney.

Marcus King Band Concert

Official Under the Big Sky After Party — Evening — Majestic Valley Arena — Ticket info available — Experience the electrifying Marcus King Band live in Kalispell.

Charles Wesley Godwin and Coleman Jennings Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Majestic Valley Arena — Cost TBA — Experience the sounds of Charles Wesley Godwin and Coleman Jennings under the Big Sky.

NWMT Cars and Coffee at Kalispell Krispy Kreme

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Krispy Kreme — Free entry — Cruise in for coffee and classic cars every Sunday morning in the summer.

Sara Evans Concert

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. — Wachholz College Center — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience the enchanting sounds of Sara Evans in a beautiful venue.

Midland Concert

6-9 p.m. — Majestic Valley Arena — Presale tickets available — Enjoy a classic country vibe from the Texas trio Midland in an outdoor show.