Come hungry and leave inspired! Join us Thursday, September 17, 2026, for an unforgettable evening celebrating the flavors of Missoula, the joy of community, and the many connections that help our local food system thrive.
✨ What to Expect
Inspired food creations from some of Missoula’s finest chefs
Wine pairings and drinks to enjoy as you explore the Rocky Mountain Gardens
Unique silent and live auction experiences
Opportunities to meet the chefs, discover new flavors, and connect with friends
Stories showing how local education is cultivating healthier people, landscapes, and communities
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the youth and community programs and educational opportunities offered by the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension and the Rocky Mountain Gardens. Together, these programs help youth and adults understand where food comes from, care for the natural systems that sustain it, and build the skills to grow, prepare, and enjoy it.
Every plate begins with a connection. A healthy local food system begins long before food reaches our plates. It grows when families learn gardening skills at the Rocky Mountain Gardens, residents plant native species that support pollinators, students discover how seeds travel through Nature’s Seed Travelers, and young people restore local landscapes through Youth in Restoration. It continues when youth and adults harvest food from their gardens, bring it into the kitchen, and learn how to turn fresh ingredients into nourishing meals.
Through hands-on education, Ecology & Extension invites people of every age to become active participants in the health of our land, our food, and our community.
Gather your friends for an evening of flavor, curiosity, and connection—and help grow a healthier, more resilient local food system for generations to come.
About This Event
Come hungry and leave inspired! Join us Thursday, September 17, 2026, for an unforgettable evening celebrating the flavors of Missoula, the joy of community, and the many connections that help our local food system thrive.
✨ What to Expect
Inspired food creations from some of Missoula’s finest chefs
Wine pairings and drinks to enjoy as you explore the Rocky Mountain Gardens
Unique silent and live auction experiences
Opportunities to meet the chefs, discover new flavors, and connect with friends
Stories showing how local education is cultivating healthier people, landscapes, and communities
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the youth and community programs and educational opportunities offered by the Missoula County Department of Ecology & Extension and the Rocky Mountain Gardens. Together, these programs help youth and adults understand where food comes from, care for the natural systems that sustain it, and build the skills to grow, prepare, and enjoy it.
Every plate begins with a connection. A healthy local food system begins long before food reaches our plates. It grows when families learn gardening skills at the Rocky Mountain Gardens, residents plant native species that support pollinators, students discover how seeds travel through Nature’s Seed Travelers, and young people restore local landscapes through Youth in Restoration. It continues when youth and adults harvest food from their gardens, bring it into the kitchen, and learn how to turn fresh ingredients into nourishing meals.
Through hands-on education, Ecology & Extension invites people of every age to become active participants in the health of our land, our food, and our community.
Gather your friends for an evening of flavor, curiosity, and connection—and help grow a healthier, more resilient local food system for generations to come.
Location
G. W. Marks Exploration Center and Rocky Mountain Gardens
1075 South Avenue West
Missoula, Montana 59801
United States
