Good morning, Butte.

The Montana Folk Festival is underway this weekend in Butte with 20 performers across six stages after kicking off Friday evening with Grammy-winning bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper—engaging attendees with free music, food, arts and crafts while also calling for volunteer and donation support. This free event continues through Sunday with diverse showcases that highlight long-held local traditions.

Local car enthusiasts gathered at Butte Depot on Wednesday as classic cars and lively tunes by High Ore Road—playing rock and country music—lit up the night before the Montana Folk Festival.

The Depot will host Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns on September 10th at the Butte Civic Center to continue the celebration.

Matt's Place in Butte—a drive-in known for its milkshakes and nut burger—closed during the pandemic in 2021 after nearly 90 years of service.

The building remains on the National Historic List and is now for sale, serving as a reminder of Montana's rich local history.

Workers will begin restoration work along 19 parts of the Clark Fork Riverbank after wooden barriers are constructed—five hardened access points will be built at popular spots.

The USDA announced the National Farm Security Action Plan to block Chinese and other foreign groups from buying U.S. farmland—emphasizing that strong rules are needed for national security.

Montana lawmakers already banned such ownership near military bases and key sites as part of efforts to protect local agriculture.

The Butte 100, one of the toughest mountain bike races in the country, will take place July 19 with about 500 riders challenging a 100-mile course that features rocky and sandy terrain — the course offers nearly three miles of elevation gain while also hosting the Butte 50 and Sorini 25 races.

Uptown Comedy Night

9-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs with local stand-up comedians.

Butte's Uptown Comedy Night

9-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with laughter at this weekly comedy showcase.

Uptown Comedy Night

9-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Ticket prices not listed — Enjoy a night of laughter featuring local and regional stand-up comics every Thursday.

Cruz Contreras Acoustic Performance

8-11 PM — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Admission details not provided — Experience an intimate solo acoustic performance by Cruz Contreras in the beautiful setting of Butte's Covellite Theatre.