Good morning, Helena.

Prickly Pear Park, a 240-acre area featuring Prickly Pear Creek, trails, wetlands and mountain views, officially opened on May 1 on Secondary Highway 518 in East Helena.

The park was developed on remediated former ASARCO land, with a slag pile still being removed, and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.—dogs are not allowed—so residents can enjoy its restored natural beauty.

Greater Helena Gives ended its 24-hour main campaign at 8 p.m. Thursday with record funds raised (organizers say) and donations will continue through the weekend until Monday.

Today, hundreds of people gathered along Last Chance Gulch as Helena’s longstanding Vigilante Day Parade began at high noon with 104 student-made floats built by 953 students.

The parade honored local history, named historic photographer Evelyn Cameron grand champion, and awarded multiple historical recognitions—reflecting the city’s rich heritage.

A wildland firefighting pilot who died last July while battling the Horse Gulch Fire will be honored tomorrow at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Emmitsburg—she flew for Dauntless Air in the Helena area and logged nearly 6,500 flight hours.

Her service joins 140 fallen firefighters, including another local hero who died during training last April.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deaths of two men (61 and 64) NW of Wolf Creek after dispatchers received a call at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday.

A 46-year-old man allegedly threatened a student at East Helena High School on Thursday and made his initial court appearance on Friday where Judge Piskolich set a $20,000 bond — requiring him to turn over his guns and report to pre-trial services while he faces a felony assault with a weapon charge.

Helena College officials and family members pinned 14 cosmetology students on May 2 at the Donaldson Campus, and the students are set to be honored at today’s graduation.

The program is Montana’s first public cosmetology course and prepares these students for careers in local salons and further education.

Helena's mayor and commissioners are considering raises to make leadership positions more competitive for the upcoming election.

Currently, the mayor's office plus two commissioner seats remain open.

Winter Dance Party Concert in Helena

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Ticket prices unknown — Experience the ultimate tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper's final tour.

Helena's Spring Art Walk

Helena's Spring Art Walk: Visit 100+ artists in-person, on display at more than 40 business hosts from 4 - 8pm. Start by picking up your map at Omerta Arts to win prizes, see two great new exhibitions, real artist studios, live music, BBQ + ice cream, then shuttle to the library and wander back (800 Front St.)

Don’t Fence Me In Trail Run

7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Pioneer Park — Kids 12 and under register for free — Celebrate a beloved Helena tradition with various trail run events supporting local parks and trails.

Resonance: An Evening of Art Inspiring Art

5:30-9:00 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Check event details for cost — Experience a reimagined production from the Cohesion Dance Project highlighting the intersection of art forms.

2025 North Star Subdivision Community Garage Sale

1-7 p.m. — North Helena Storage — Free entry — Discover hidden treasures and community spirit at the annual neighborhood garage sale.

Mount Helena’s Changing Forest Field Trip

9:00 AM - 12:45 PM — Delta Hotels Helena Colonial — Free — Discover how 7th graders monitor forest health in Helena with expert foresters.

Water Girl: Screening and Talkback

7 p.m. — The Myrna Loy — Special screening — Experience a supernatural drama film inspired by gbanje mythology.

Live Standup Comedy Night

8-9 p.m. — The Rathskeller — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of side-splitting humor at Helena's cozy favorite spot.

Junie B. Jones Jr.

7:30-9 p.m. — Grandstreet Theatre — Check local listings — Relive the adventures of Junie B. Jones in this delightful musical adaptation.

Adam Mamawala Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Reeder's Alley — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of comedy with Adam Mamawala, featuring Will Abeles.