Good morning, Bozeman.

The 2026 Big Sky State Fair got underway today at Gallatin County Fairgrounds — a local event that brings the community together to celebrate local culture.

The Big Sky Country State Fair is underway at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, and organizers will host a sensory sensitivity day tomorrow that offers a quieter experience with slower rides + less music.

The event runs until Saturday, featuring 22 attractions for all guests.

Montana State University named Michael Becker permanent vice president of university communications on Wednesday, Jul.

15 after serving as interim for one year. He will lead the communications, marketing, and branding teams (including MSU News Service and Montana PBS).

A Missoula-based environmental group says suspended commissioner Brad Molnar should join merger discussions between Northwestern Energy and Black Hills to help ensure the process is thorough.

NorthWestern Energy maintains that state protocols already allow any substitute access to all hearing records.

Doug Burgum and the governors of Montana, Idaho & Wyoming announced a proposal to shift grizzly bear management to the states.

The rule keeps bears under Endangered Species protections and retains federal oversight with US Fish & Wildlife Service for Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

Bystanders and boaters rescued a swimmer who went underwater at Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone Sunday (around 5 p.m.) and began CPR before emergency crews arrived, with the victim later airlifted to a regional hospital.

The Gallatin Valley 13U All-Star Team earned the right to represent Montana at the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament later this month and is raising funds for travel, lodging, meals, and fees through community sponsorship levels (Base Hit, Double, Triple, Home Run, and Grand Slam).

The Picklr in Bozeman is offering free pickleball lessons every Tuesday at Bogert Park at 11 a.m. for players of all skill levels—local pro Ben Bishop and club coordinator Keegan Aimesbury partnered with the city to reserve four courts for the fast-growing sport.

The Whags Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Check event page for details — Experience an evening with a local band rooted in Seattle's musical legacy.

Flag Football: Session 2

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Southside Park — Cost info not provided — A fun and engaging flag football session for kids aged 6-14.

Borderline Lucid at Bozeman Hot Springs

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Enjoy soaking while listening to live reggae from Borderline Lucid.

Bozeman Hot Springs Live Music

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Regular admission — Enjoy live tunes by indie rock band Left on Tenth while you relax in the springs.

Frank Turner Live at The ELM

7-9:30 p.m. — The ELM — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of captivating music with Frank Turner.

Cat Power Concert

1 PM — The ELM — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the emotional indie pop tunes of Cat Power live in Bozeman.

Cat Power Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The ELM — Cost not specified — Experience intimate genre-blending performances by the renowned singer-songwriter Chan Marshall.

STS9 Live Concert

8:00–9:30 p.m. — The ELM — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying performance by the instrumental electronic jam band STS9 blending funk, rock, and jazz.