It’s that time of year again – September marks Welcoming Week, a nationwide celebration where communities across the United States come together to honor refugees, immigrants, and neighbors of all backgrounds.
This year especially, Soft Landing Missoula is excited to double down on this spirit by making September “The Month of Welcome”, with a full calendar of events designed to build connections, celebrate diversity, and reaffirm Missoula as a warm and inclusive place for all.
Since 2017, Soft Landing Missoula and partners have worked together during Welcoming Week to foster welcoming spaces, and 2025 is shaping up to be a special year of resilience and joy in the face of unprecedented challenges. Join us for events throughout the month showcasing art, music, food, film, cultural celebrations, advocacy opportunities, and community gatherings with friends new and old.
Together, let’s BE the community we want the world to be. Below you’ll find a list of all the Month of Welcome events with links to each for more information and details on how to participate. Whether you come to one event or all of them, your presence and support strengthen our shared commitment to hospitality and inclusion.
The Month of Welcome Events
First Friday with Jeanette Rankin Peace Center & Missoula Peace Quilters
Date: Friday, September 5
Time: 5:00 to 8:00
Location: Jeanette Rankin Peace Center
Celebrate Missoula’s welcoming spirit through art and connection with Soft Landing Missoula, the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, and the Missoula Peace Quilters. Enjoy an evening of quilts, community conversations, and shared creativity.
Sunday Streets Missoula
Date: Saturday, September 7
Time: 12:00 to 4:00
Location: Missoula North Side
Celebrate community at Sunday Streets during the Month of Welcome! Stop by Soft Landing’s tables for henna and learn your name in a new language script. Music, games, food, and fun for all ages on the North Side!
Odd Pitch Brewing Trivia Takeover with Deli Arepas
Date: Monday, September 8
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: Odd Pitch Brewing
Test your global knowledge, enjoy local brews, and savor Venezuelan arepas at this fun trivia night. A perfect event for friends, food lovers, and anyone who wants to celebrate cultural diversity.
Common Goal Friendraiser at Five on Black
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 4:00 to 8:00
Location: Five on Black (Both Locations)
During The Month of Welcome Soft Landing Missoula invites you to learn more about Common Goal. Enjoy a delicious meal at Five on Black and support their mission in making soccer accessible for everyone!
Stories of Home
Date: Friday, September 12
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: The ZACC
Our cornerstone event for The Month of Welcome, Stories of Home invites you to hear firsthand from refugees and immigrants about what “home” means to them. Join us for the 5th year in a row to deepen your understanding of the diverse journeys that shape our community through documentary short films and a panel discussion.
Viva Montana: Latin Heritage Festival
Date: Sunday, September 13
Time: 10:00am to 9:00pm
Location: Caras Park, Missoula
Experience the vibrant music, dance, and food of Latin America at this joyful celebration. Join Viva Montana in honoring the cultural richness and contributions of our Latinx neighbors as part of the Month of Welcome.
Party with a Purpose at Soft Landing Missoula
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5:30 to 7:30
Location: Soft Landing Community Center
Love international food, gathering with friends, and taking action? Join us for all three at the Soft Landing Community Center. Grab a delicious dinner by Deli Arepas and other international food trucks while you get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of welcoming in Missoula.
Women’s Self Defense Class
Date: Sunday September 21
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Location: The YMCA Missoula
Take part in a women’s self defense class taught by UNHCR certified coach Eman Alsen, originally from Syria. Hosted by the YMCA for The Month of Welcome, this class shares the strength and resilience of women refugees with the women of Missoula. This class is free and you do not have to be a member of the YMCA to attend.
United We Eat Supper Club
Date: Tuesday, September 23
Time: 5:30 to 7:30
Location: Burns St. Kitchen
Reserve your spot to experience shared meals prepared by refugee and immigrant chefs, celebrating culture and connection through food. These dinners are a beloved part of United We Eat, Soft Landing Missoula’s culinary program and we are excited to share one with you during The Month of Welcome.
Pakistani Dinner & a Show!
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: 5:30 to 9:00
Location: The Roxy Theater Annex & Senior Center Parking Lot
Enjoy a night of food, film, and community! Grab dinner from Zeera Food Truck, then head to The Roxy Annex for a free screening of a Pakistani feature film that celebrates the richness of South Asian storytelling.
Volunteer & Donor Appreciation Party
Date: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Location: Burns St. Community Center
What a better time to celebrate all the people that make Soft Landing Missoula’s work possible than The Month of Welcome. More information, invites, and RSVP forthcoming.
This September, let’s make Missoula shine as a true city of welcome. We invite all Missoulians and friends to come together through these events, to build strong bonds and create a community grounded in openness and care.
We can’t wait to see you there!