Business Bites: Giant Springs programs; Cassiopeia author event; mini-grant applications open; library hosting summer concert series; movie in the park; Montana chamber music festival; learn to play pickleball; GF Clinic opens Helena site; and more
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks events
Several events are upcoming with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in the Great Falls area.
Discovery Quest Junior Ranger Program is July 19 at 10 a.m. for ages 7-12 at Giant Springs State Park.
Participants will go on a nature scavenger hunt and assist park rangers in a stewardship project.
All their hard work will be rewarded with a Junior Ranger badge.
Registration is required to attend this program. To register, fill out this questionnaire.
Giant Springs State Park Fun Run
The scenic run along the River’s Edge Trail is July 18.
Meet at the Giant Springs Ranger Station at 7:15 a.m. for participant check-ins and announcements.
The run begins at 8 a.m.
Advanced registration is required and available online here.
The event is free and open to the public.
Wingstop
Yes, Wingstop is under construction in Marketplace.
We reported in May that the city planning office had issued a tenant improvement permit on April 29 for Wingstop at 1601 Marketplace Drive, Unit 20, the former Taco Del Mar space.
That permit was for interior demolition.
On June 8, the city issued a tenant improvement permit for demolition as required and construction of new interior partitions, new wall, floor and ceiling finishes, new equipment, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems, including a Type 1 kitchen hood and new plumbing systems includng a grease interceptor.
The restaurant has not yet responded to our query about an opening date. We’ll report that when we know it.
Author Event at Cassiopeia Books
Meet novelist Aimie Runyan at Cassiopeia Books on July 11 at 2 p.m.
She will be discussing her new novel, Missed Connections.
Mini-grant applications open
The 2026 Great Falls Area Community Foundation grant cycle is now open through July 31.
Grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 are available for local nonprofits and government agencies.
Find more information and applications here.
Montana Chamber Music Summer Festival Tour
Montana Chamber Music Summer Festival Tour is coming to Great Falls on July 16.
The program highlights four distinctive works spanning more than a century of musical history.
From Koussevitzky’s elegant Valse Miniature and Florence Price’s lyrical String Quartet to Dvořák’s beloved “American” Quartet, the concert showcases a variety of chamber music styles and traditions.
The program concludes with Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, one of the most celebrated works in the chamber repertoire, known for its warmth, energy, and memorable melodies.
The musicians visiting from Montana Chamber Music include violinist Angella Ahn, violinist Peter Zazofsky, violist David Harding, cellist Sara Stalnaker, bassist Zachary Cohen, and pianist Jean Schneider.
Learn to play pickleball
The GF Aquatic and Recreation Center is hosting a learn-to-play pickleball clinic on July 16 from 6-8 p.m.
The facility is at 900 29th St. S.
The clinic is led by local pickleball enthusiasts. Learn the basics or hone your skills.
Registration is required and the cost is $15.
The Great Falls Public Library Summer Music Series is Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. through August in Library Park, behind the library.
In the event of bad weather, the music will be moved indoors to the Cordingley Room in the library basement.
- July 14 – Joselyn and Don (Americana/Soul/Folk)
July 21 – Tylor and The Train Robbers (Western/Rock)
July 28 – Little Jane and the Pistol Whips (Country/Americana)
Aug. 4 – Big Sky Country (Country western)
Aug. 11 – Clint Reimann (Country/Folk/Pop/Rock)
Aug. 18 – Pollo Loco (Western)
Aug. 25 – The Strawberry Jam Band (Bluegrass)
Movie in the Park
The Gibson Park Snack Shack is hosting Movie in the Park, featuring “The Super Mario Galaxy,” plus fun kids’ activities, in Gibson Park on July 18.
The movie will begin a little after 9 p.m., as soon as it’s dark enough, near the bandshell.
The movie is free, so grab the lawn chairs or a blanket and take the family to the park for an evening under the stars.
The event also includes activities for the kids, including face painting, from 7-9 p.m.
Sidewalk Sale
Downtown businesses are hosting a summer sidewalk sale July 23-25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Participating businesses include Dragonfly Dry Goods, Bighorn Outdoor Specialists, The Blue Rose, GRAE + Co., Pizazz, Farmer’s Daughter Fibers, Bison + Beargrass, The Mint at Montage, Life in Bloom, Linda Michaels, Daydream Boutique and Inge’s Fashions.
Great Falls Clinic opens new Helena location
The Great Falls Clinic has opened a new Great Falls Clinic Capital City Specialty Center in Helena at 2231 N. Montana Ave.
The new specialty center will expand access to high-quality orthopedic and specialty care for patients and families throughout Central Montana.
The Helena location will initially focus on orthopedic services and be led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter D. Hanson, who specializes in general orthopedics, treating a broad range of upper and lower extremity conditions.
In addition to orthopedic care, the practice includes pulmonology provider Patrick Smith, FNP, who will offer specialty outreach services several days each month, further expanding access to specialty healthcare in the Helena area.
Hanson is accepting new and established patients beginning July 2026. Learn more or schedule an appointment here or call 406-268-3960.
New Salvation Army leadership
Captains Jeffrey and Katie Breazeale have been appointed to lead The Salvation Army Great Falls Corps.
The Great Falls Salvation Army Corps is a community center that specializes in supporting local youth. This unit also provides families in need with social services, including a client-choice Hope Market food pantry and eviction prevention assistance.
Over the last 13 years as the Breazeales have served in multiple communities, including four years in Tucson, Ariz., three years in Yuma, Ariz., and the past six years in Turlock, Calif.
Got a business bite? Email it to jenn@theelectricgf.com with ‘business bite’ in the subject line and the details in text form in the body of the email.
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