Sep 15, 2026 You’ve heard a lot about the problems with data centers — the enormous energy and water consumption — but we don’t often zoom out to the bigger picture: data centers’ contribution to the climate crisis. As part of Billings Climate Week, this event will dive into the climate implications of AI data centers, including the emissions from the generation being built to power them, such as the massive gas plant proposed in Broadview. Our panelists will discuss current data center proposals in Montana, as well as public health and community impacts. There will be an opportunity to ask questions following the presentations. Panelists: Learn more about Billings Climate Week and see the full schedule of events here. Sep 16, 2026 Join MEIC and our partners in Missoula for the premiere of Shared Waters, Idaho Conservation League‘s new documentary exploring the fight to protect the Kootenai River from pollution caused by mountaintop removal coal mining in British Columbia. The film highlights Ktunaxa leadership, science, restoration, and resilience. Shared Waters is a film that explores the long fight for clean water and cultural survival in the Elk Kootenai/ay River Basin, as the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and other Ktunaxa Nation leaders confront unchecked coal mine pollution in British Columbia, and push for justice across international borders. Following the screening, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Vice Chairman Gary Aitken Jr. will join us for a Q&A. Film tickets are $7. Learn more and find info on how/where to buy tickets at sharedwatersfilm.org Sep 20, 2026 This event is FREE for businesses/organizations to participate as well as FREE for the community to attend. The 1-mile route, held downtown on Higgins Ave (from the XXXX’s to 5th Street), will include activities for all ages and abilities, free fitness classes, and the opportunity to meet with friends & neighbors to enjoy part of town, normally only used/occupied by vehicles. Learn more here. Sep 26, 2026 ClimateFEST is also the launch of the annual Climate Solutions Week, happening September 26 – October 4! Stay tuned for full details. Learn more about ClimateFEST here. If you’re interested in Climate Smart Missoula, check out their website. Oct 2, 2026 Following a highly successful Missoula debut, world-renowned musicians, writers, and climate advocates unite at the Willson Auditorium to protect Montana’s oldest ancient forests. The Montana Project in partnership with The Montana Project is proud to announce the return of Climate Aid | Black Ram Guitar Festival, taking place October 2, 2026, 7 p.m., at Bozeman’s historic Willson Auditorium. Building on the incredible momentum of the inaugural festival in Portland, Maine, with Maggie Rogers and Terry Tempest Williams, this high-profile evening bridges the world of the country’s finest singer-songwriters-musicians with urgent environmental action. Proceeds from the evening will support ongoing regional conservation initiatives and efforts to designate the “Black Ram” region of northwest Montana’s Yaak Valley as the nation’s first Climate Refuge. The centerpiece of the evening is the Breedlove Black Ram Guitar—a singular guitar meticulously hand-crafted from a fallen 315-year-old Engelmann spruce salvaged from the Yaak Valley. The guitar carries the literal voice of one of Montana’s oldest forests and will be played live throughout the night by a roster of celebrated artists. The 2026 line-up brings a world-class gathering of talent to the Bozeman stage, featuring: Featured Performers: Speakers: Tickets can be purchased here: https://montanaproject.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200533183 Oct 3, 2026 The 11th Annual Helena Sun Run will take place Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Smith Elementary School (2320 5th Ave). Click here for the RunSignUp registration page. The goal of the event is to support clean energy and climate solutions in Montana’s capital city. This year’s event will help complete the fundraising for a 50-kW solar photovoltaic array at Smith School. Donations can be made at the following link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MT/Helena/HelenaRunfortheSun The 1-mile starts at 10:00 (this event is untimed); The timed 5k starts at 10:30. Commemorative swag item to the first 200 to register. Registration is FREE for kids 12-and-under! For more information, contact Race Co-Directors Joel Harris (406-670-3319) or Patrick Judge (406-459-5838), info@vigilanterunning.org Helena | October 3, 10 am | Smith Elementary School, 2320 5th AveSep 2026
Data Center Climate Disaster: Billings Climate Week panel
5:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Film Premiere - Shared Waters: Ktunaxa and the Coal Mines - Missoula, MT
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sunday Streets
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday Streets events encourage all ages and all abilities to be active, support local businesses, and rethink how our Missoula community can be more livable. It’s an opportunity to temporarily close the streets to cars and open them to walkers and rollers of all ages and abilities; allowing Missoula to experience our streets in a whole new way, encouraging community and building support for broader transportation choices.Missoula's Annual ClimateFEST
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
ClimateFEST is a free, family-friendly, FUN community celebration put on by Climate Smart Missoula! Featuring dozens of local organizations and businesses and drawing hundreds of Missoulians each year, join MEIC and other environmental groups to learn about climate solutions from renewable energy and electrification, to transportation and education, to art and advocacy, and more.Oct 2026
Climate Aid: The Black Ram Guitar Festival
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Helena Sun Run
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
On-site packet pick-up opens at 9:00.
Have an event that you think may align with MEIC’s mission? Contact us at meic@meic.org, and we will consider posting it to our events calendar.
Also check out the Conservation Calendar for more Montana events.
