2025 Campaign for Caras Park
Caras Park is an iconic destination in Downtown Missoula, serving as a premier town square that hosts over 100 events and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors annually, significantly contributing to the vibrancy of Downtown’s economy.
With its unique significance, Caras Park connects our community in ways no other place can—truly the heart of Missoula, a place we must all embrace.
Downtown’s Canopy That Connects Us All
While the Caras Park Pavilion Canopy was officially installed in 1997, with an expected lifespan of 15 years, it has far exceeded expectations, providing 28 years of service.
In 2025, the Missoula Downtown Foundation (MDF) aims to raise $500,000 to replace the canopy, preserving the park’s vitality as a riverfront venue and gathering space.
Funds raised through this campaign will support:
- Replacement of the pavilion canopy, set to begin in October 2025
- The repainting of the pavilion structure
- Implementation of phase three for the Underbridge Playground under the Beartracks Bridge, including new climbing and skating features, as well as decorative lighting.
Donate to the Caras Park Pavilion Canopy
Your donation will help ensure that our community has a canopy to gather under for years to come.
Make an online donation or mail checks to:
Missoula Downtown Foundation
218 E. Main St. Suite C | Missoula, MT 59802
[email protected]
Phone: (406) 543-4238
To commit to a three-year pledge, please contact [email protected].
Caras Park History
Pre-1980s
Caras Park was originally underwater, then became an underutilized dumping ground and parking lot adjacent to the historic Wilma Theatre.
1980s & 1990s
Caras Park began taking shape in the early 1980s with the Montana Rep Riverfront Summer Theatre, followed by the introduction of Out to Lunch in 1986. The first Caras Park tent—a circus-style orange-and-brown structure—transformed the area. By the late ’80s, it was replaced with a blue-and-white seasonal tent.
1997 & Beyond
In 1997, the current Caras Park pavilion was installed, establishing the park as Missoula’s true city center and town square ever since. Caras Park has seen multiple upgrades in the past five years, including the Caras Terrace Project, upgraded seating and shading, a stormwater infiltration system, restroom upgrades, the Beartracks Underbridge Playground, and improved accessibility features.
