Article by Stephanie Hobby

Photos courtesy of the Education Foundation 

Mark your calendars for October 3 to celebrate one of Billings' longest-running traditions. Now in its 33rd year, Saturday Live is one of Billings’ largest school fundraisers. Since its inception, the annual event has raised nearly $3 million for the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, funding art and music programs, classroom supplies and books, field trips, and support for students on school teams and clubs. 

This year's theme is "Adventure Mode," and the Education Foundation team has spent the summer planning the day. To accommodate the later start to the school year, the date was pushed back from its traditional slot in late September to October 3, giving schools and community contributors more time to plan. This fall, the Education Foundation is emphasizing minute-to-win-it and large-scale games that won't require hauling in a lot of supplies, but fan favorites such as the Haunted Tunnel and Spooky Walk will make a return. 

Although it is a fundraiser, Saturday Live Coordinator Leslie Clark of the Billings Education Foundation said the primary goal is to bring families, schools, and communities together, and give parents a way to connect with their kids through games, teamwork, and silliness. "That's what this is: connecting as a community, connecting with your family, and connecting with your schools. The bonus is that we get to fundraise for our schools. That's the by-product of it, but the purpose is really that connection and our community," Clark said. 

New this year is a single entrance fee, in place of individual game tickets, allowing attendees to play as many games, as many times, as they'd like. Entry is $10 per person, and children under 4 are free. 

Clark said the new pricing means families don't have to ration tickets and can spend the day playing together instead. "This means everyone gets to play. That is our model. It's going to be family, community, adventure, fun, and get everybody in there, where families can compete against themselves," Clark said. 

All day-of proceeds go directly back to supporting schools, while sponsorships help cover the costs of operating Saturday Live. Last year, Saturday Live raised over $45,000 and saw roughly 4,500 people attend. 

This year, organizers will have more space than ever for activities. After a permanent move to the Metra in 2024 to protect against unpredictable fall weather, Saturday Live will be held in the main arena and exhibit hall, where the floor plan has been redesigned into different activity zones featuring various sponsors. Everyone will also receive a passport and collect stamps at each activity station. Children can turn in a full passport for a spin at the prize wheel, while adults can enter to win raffle baskets and gift cards. 

Clark said families today have a lot pulling at their attention, with kids involved in more activities than ever, and Saturday Live is a reminder of how fun and affordable reconnecting can be. "If you take your families to the movies, you'll probably spend less at Saturday Live," Clark said. "It's a bargain that helps schools!" 

Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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