Good morning, Helena.

The Helena Police Department Support Services Division donated 468 pounds of food to Helena Food Share as the holiday season nears—highlighting its commitment to community support.

The donation reflects ongoing efforts by the department’s 911 Center and Records staff to assist with local emergency services across Lewis and Clark County.

Local schools such as Jefferson Elementary and Helena businesses are holding Cat-Griz food drives this week to help ensure families have food for Thanksgiving—students and volunteers are donating food that will be distributed by the Helena Food Share next week.

The drives, part of a community-wide effort, have collected thousands of pounds so far and continue to boost support ahead of the holiday.

Helena Food Share is hosting its annual Turkey Challenge today at the Lewis and Clark Library in downtown Helena from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., where people can drop off frozen turkeys and other donations to help fund 2,800 holiday meals.

The group stated that it costs about $60 to provide each full holiday meal for a family in need.

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Director Will Israel said nonresident hunter numbers have stayed steady at around 50,000 per year while resident hunters increased their time in the field.

He added nonresident elk harvests rose 25% over the past decade—furthermore, a fee increase to $50 for nonresident hunters will begin in 2026 to boost block management and public land access.

Helena High School briefly enacted a shelter-in-place measure as district officials worked with police to follow up on potential leads—ultimately confirming no threat was found.

Gov. Gianforte signed a memo with a large Japanese company that will study the feasibility of energy infrastructure projects and data center development in Montana — the study may lead to future investments.

Residents in Helena have noticed discolored water with an odor when the Missouri River Plant turns on—this is part of a maintenance project that replaces valve parts on the transmission main connecting the water treatment plant to the reservoirs.

The water remains safe to use—residents can run the tap until the cloudiness clears.

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.)

Queen City Ballet's The Nutcracker

2:00-3:30 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting ballet featuring battling soldiers and a growing Christmas tree in a magical holiday tradition.

Nutcracker on the Rocks

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Helena Civic Center — Table seating available — Experience a rock-n-roll twist on the holiday classic with live performances and a dynamic cast of dancers.

Frozen Jr.

5 PM — Grandstreet Theatre — Cost information not specified — Experience a magical musical journey with beloved characters and unforgettable songs from the animated classic.

Helena Holiday MADE Fair

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds — Admission fee may apply — Discover unique handcrafted gifts that tell a story this holiday season.

Helena Holiday MADE Fair

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds — Cost info not provided — Explore unique handcrafted gifts and support local artisans this holiday season.

Python for Scientists Training/Class

Dec 8-12 — The Training Den Helena — $2250 — Enhance your Python programming skills with expert-led courses tailored for scientists.

Free NeuroMotion Brain-Body Movement Class-Thursday Dec 11 @ 1:30pm- Lewis & Clark Library

NeuroMotion is a fun, interactive brain-body class that uses 10 simple stations to engage physical movement and cognitive skills focusing on memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. The session is designed for adults of all abilities, with both standing and seated options available and taught by Montana's only Certified Brain Health Trainer.

Cookies And Cocoa - Holiday Open House and Cookie Potluck

Join us from 6pm-8pm for one of our favorite community nights of the year! Bring your favorite holiday cookie to share and we will provide hot cocoa, studios to explore, live artists demos, and holiday shopping in the gallery.

Book Reading and Kids Craft with author Deb Halliday

Bring the family at 10:30am and enjoy a cozy morning as Deb reads from her new children’s book Fox and Moon. Afterward, kids can make a fox-themed craft to take home.

A Phill Aaberg Christmas Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Myrna Loy — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting evening of diverse musical styles by Grammy-nominated composer Philip Aaberg.