by maria weidich

Not only does Billings have abundant outdoor recreation with its parks, trails, river access, and proximity to the mountains. The Magic City’s vibrant and thriving urban scene offers unique, family-friendly, and often free events all year long. So, whether you're looking for arts, culture, music, food, sports, or live entertainment, take note of these celebrated events Billings has to offer. 

Please note this schedule is tentative. Check for precise dates and details as the event gets closer. 

1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celtic Fair (March) 

Wear green and come downtown to watch over 60 floats fill the streets on the weekend of St. Patrick's Day. The Celtic Street Fair continues under Skypoint with food trucks, live music, cloggers, and bagpipers. A tradition 40 years in the making! Free 

2. Montana State University-Billings Powwow (April) 

Celebrating tribes from around the state of Montana and beyond, enjoy two days of song and dance as you immerse yourself in Native American culture and tradition. Free 

3. Montana Women’s Run (May) 

After two years as a virtual event, the 41st Annual Montana Women’s Run will be in-person this year. Grab your friends and family (even the fellas) and set out on a 2- or 5-mile run, walk, or stroll through the downtown corridor. $ 

4. Queen Bee Montana Marathon (May) 

Home of the NEW Montana Marathon! This road race offers 5k, 10k, half, and full marathon options for every runner. The marathon course is also a Boston qualifier. It's a fast, downhill course as you make your way to the finish line at Pioneer Park. A fun expo with refreshments, entertainment, prizes, and awards to follow. $   

5. Wine & Food Festival (May) 

Organized by the MSU-Billings Foundation, this has been a signature event for wine and food aficionados since 1992. Enjoy and celebrate local eateries and libations while supporting Montana State University. $ 

6. SpringFest at Moss Mansion (June) 

A day of arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, and fun activities for the whole family on the lawn of Billings' historic Moss Mansion. Dozens of artists and makers featuring handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, metal sculpture, paintings, pottery, live demonstrations, and more. Free Admission 

7. Yellowstone Art Museum SummerFair (June) 

This three-day event sponsored by the Yellowstone Art Museum celebrates unique local artists and the arrival of summer! The MSU-Billings campus will have arts, crafts, live music, entertainment, and delicious food. A portion of proceeds supports YAM Education. $ 

8. Billings Mustangs Baseball (June-September) 

Nothing says summer like a baseball game. Catch one of the Mustangs’ nearly 50 home games at Dehler Park. $ 

9. Montana Renaissance Festival (June) 

Hear ye, hear ye! The Renaissance Festival has outgrown its former venue and will be held at the Red Lodge Rodeo/Fairgrounds this year. A new venue means ample parking, accelerated admission, and an unmatched jousting arena. Enjoy authentic crafts at the medieval marketplace, costumes, period-appropriate cuisine, live jousting tournaments, and more! $ 

10. Alive After Five (June-August) 

Enjoy Billings’ outdoor summer concert series featuring various musical acts every Thursday evening from 5:00-8:00pm. Free to the public, but those 21 and over wishing to consume alcohol must purchase wristbands. Each week the outdoor venue rotates to a different downtown location, featuring several food and drink options. Free 

11. Strawberry Festival (July) 

Celebrate summer’s sweet taste at Billings' largest street festival. In addition to pallets of Montana sourced berries, come downtown for arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, children’s activities, and fresh, local produce. Free 

12. Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Markets (July-October) 

For 12 weeks, starting the third Saturday in July, downtown Billings becomes a bustling market of fresh and local produce, meat, baked goods, flowers, and so much more. Free 

13. Big Sky State Games (July) 

Montana's biggest Olympic-style amateur sports event for all! Their mission is to provide quality competitions that inspire healthy and active lifestyles. Thousands of athletes of all ages and abilities compete in over 30 sport events each year. The Opening Ceremonies kick off with a Torch Lighting at Daylis Stadium. Free 

14. Magic City Blues Festival (August) 

This signature Billings event is dubbed Montana's Urban Music Festival. For two days, music fans near and far will gather outdoors at the event’s new MetraPark venue. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on, and don’t forget your dancin’ shoes! $ 

15. MontanaFair (August) 

Nine days of fun! Come for the carnival rides and games, livestock shows, concerts, exhibits, vendors, and perhaps the most popular: fair food! $ 

16. Festival of Cultures (Summer month TBD) 

Get ready to take an adventurous trip around the world! Make your way through interactive craft booths, delicious food offerings, and talented live performers. Created to educate and engage the community about culture and diversity in our region. Free 

17. MINT Festival (September) 

Walk the red carpet at Billings’ 5-day MINT Montana International Film Festival. Organized by filmmakers for filmmakers, this event brings dozens of unique films from around the world to the Babcock Theater. $   

18. Burn the Point (September) 

Watch over 500 classic cars make their way through downtown Billings at Friday’s Burn the Point Parade, followed by a dance party in the streets. Come back on Saturday for the Classic Car Show at MetraPark Fairgrounds. $ 

19. HarvestFest (October) 

Downtown Billings' famed fall festival. Celebrate the end of the harvest season with pallets and pallets of pumpkins, arts and craft vendors, activities for the kids, live entertainment, and food truck fare. HarvestFest coincides with the final farmers' market of the season. Free 

20. The Nile (October) 

The Northern International Livestock Expo brings a week of rodeo, livestock, youth education, trade shows, and western agriculture to Billings. $ 

21. Holiday Parade (November) 

Bundle up and kick off the holiday season with your loved ones at the Billings Holiday Parade. On the Friday following Thanksgiving, dozens of holiday-themed floats make their way through the streets of downtown. A Billings community tradition! Free 

22. Holiday Stroll (December) 

The final First Friday/Art Walk event of the year, get in the holiday spirit as you stroll through the shops, galleries, and restaurants downtown. They offer holiday specials, refreshments, and some extra cheer. Free trolley rides and photos with Santa (donations accepted). Free

Originally printed in the March 2022 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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