Good morning, Helena.

Real Food Market & Deli turned 50 this week in Helena, marking a milestone that began when founder Laughing Water opened the store after a chance arrival at a yoga retreat.

A celebration will be held Friday, October 11th at 1096 Helena Avenue from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. with live music, free samples, discounts and raffles.

Real Food Store opened 50 years ago this week when founder Laughing Water arrived for a yoga retreat and stayed to build a trusted healthy food market for many local customers.

The store will celebrate its anniversary on Friday, October 11th — the event will feature a live band, a face painter, free samples, 50% off hot and salad bars, raffles and gift baskets.

The Horror Alley Carnival Haunted House will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October at the Lundy Center at 400 Euclid Ave—raising funds for local athletes.

A study from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the University of Montana BBER found that licensed anglers supported around 16,000 jobs and added $919 million to the state’s GDP while fishing contributed over $1 billion to the economy in 2024—analysts stress that responsible management is needed to keep natural resources balanced.

The DEQ has put forth the maximum fine for CHS refinery after it failed 32 of 44 tests on the toxic wastewater it released into the Yellowstone River from June 2021 to January 2025—records show the failures indicated high pollution levels.

With the first freeze and snowfall approaching, the Montana Department of Transportation is readying 25,000 lane-miles of road and over 500 plows to clear icy surfaces — state crews prepare salt and sand mixtures for better traction — while tire specialists advise drivers to install studded snow tires after October 1 to improve safety.

Helena officials approved a project for $964,990 to repair 20 damaged parts of a storm and wastewater system serving a local neighborhood.

The repairs will improve the aging sewer system for local residents.

Helena candidates for mayor and City Commission will hold three forums and debates ahead of the Nov.

4 election—voters can learn about each candidate’s plans at these events.

Benefis CEO said his health system will expand closer to East Helena — a move prompted by Councilman Feist's call for more local medical facilities at a recent meeting.

On Friday morning, state and local leaders joined developers as Twin Creek Apartments opened on Helena’s east side, welcoming about 20 new affordable housing residents while a second building nears completion—developers plan to operate 72 units by year end with some reserved for those earning less than 70% of the local median income.

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.)

The Rat Pack in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Tickets required — Step back into the glam of 1960's Las Vegas with the iconic sounds of Frank, Sammy, and Dean.

MT Violent Crime Investigators Association 2025 Annual Conference

8 a.m.-5 p.m. — Delta Hotels Helena Colonial — $225.00 — Explore crucial investigative tools and techniques at this informative conference featuring expert case reviews.

Mania - The ABBA Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience a dazzling tribute to ABBA with a show that's toured the globe.

Live Standup Comedy with Rodney Norman

8-9:30 p.m. — Algeria Shrine Temple — Refunds available up to 7 days before the event — Experience the hilarious insights of Rodney Norman as he closes out the Helena Comedy Festival.

PVP 'I Was There' Film Workshop

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. — Carroll College — Free entry — Discover filmmaking with fellow veterans and connect with the community in this therapeutic workshop.

Just for the Helena of It

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Spring Meadow Lake State Park — Varies by distance — Enjoy a family-friendly run with options for everyone in the scenic capital of Montana.

Haunted Helena Trolley Tour

5:15 p.m. — Mt Ascension Gastropub — Cost Info — Explore the chilling heart of Helena’s haunted past aboard an authentic trolley.

Mary Roach Live in Helena

7-9 p.m. — St Paul's United Methodist Church — Free entry — Experience the wit and insights of bestselling author Mary Roach in a lively evening event.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Admin I Training

Mon-Fri, Nov 3-7 — The Training Den Helena — $2250 — Enhance your Linux skills with hands-on training in system administration and networking.