article by Hannah Olson | photos by Arianna Skoog

Live music in Billings isn’t an occasional treat anymore; it’s part of the city’s everyday rhythm. On any given night, you’ll find something playing somewhere: a touring act downtown, jazz over dinner, a local band at a brewery, a symphony concert, or an outdoor show when the weather cooperates. What was once a handful of stages has grown into a year-round scene where music lives in theaters, bars, patios, wineries, and community spaces. Whether you’re chasing big-name shows or intimate performances, Billings has quietly become a music city, one with something to hear, discover, and immerse yourself in almost every day of the week.

Major Live Music Venues

(Touring & Regional Acts)

PUB STATION

2502 1st Ave N

One of Billings’ most iconic music venues, Pub Station anchors the city’s live music scene with a steady lineup of national touring acts, regional favorites, and genre-spanning shows. From rock and indie to hip-hop, country, and comedy, it’s where big nights out often begin.

FIRST INTERSTATE ARENA AT METRAPARK

308 6th Ave N

Billings’ largest concert venue, this arena hosts major touring artists, arena-scale shows, and high-energy music events. When chart-topping performers come to town, this is usually where they land. Historic Theaters & Performance Spaces

ALBERTA BAIR THEATER

2801 3rd Ave N

A cornerstone of Billings’ performing arts scene, the Alberta Bair Theater blends music and theater, hosting symphony concerts, touring musicians, Broadway productions, and elegant crossover performances in a classic setting.

BABCOCK THEATRE (Temporarily Closed)

2810 2nd Ave N

This restored downtown gem offers an intimate concert experience, often featuring indie artists, candlelight performances, special one-night shows, and genre-bending events that feel personal and immersive.

PETRO THEATER

1500 University Dr

Located on the MSU Billings campus, Petro Theater showcases student recitals, university concerts, and community music performances, making it a key space for emerging talent and classical programming.

Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries with Live Music

THIRSTY STREET BREWING COMPANY AT THE GARAGE

2123 1st Ave N

One of the most active live-music breweries in town, Thirsty Street at the Garage hosts bands, DJs, comedy nights, and music-forward festivals. The industrial space and energetic crowd make it a favorite for discovering new acts.

YELLOWSTONE CELLARS & WINERY

1335 Holiday Cir

Known for its intimate atmosphere, Yellowstone Cellars pairs wine with jazz, acoustic sets, and singer-songwriter performances. It’s a relaxed setting where the music feels close and conversational.

BILLINGS BREW TRAIL

VisitBillings.com

The Billings brewery scene is vast, and many local spots host live music intermittently, so it’s always good to check their pages for even more opportunities to catch some great local acts!

Bars, Lounges & social Venues with Live Music

CRAFT LOCAL

2501 Montana Ave

A creative hub for Billings musicians, Craft Local regularly hosts live bands, jazz nights, open mics, and collaborative events. It’s a place where the local music community gathers—onstage and off.

LEVITY BAR & BISTRO

1027 Shiloh Crossing Blvd, Suite 8

Levity offers a lounge-style listening experience, featuring jazz trios, piano nights, and small acoustic performances. The focus here is on musicianship, atmosphere, and conversation-friendly sound.

HIGH HORSE SALOON & EATERY

3953 Montana Ave

A longtime favorite for country fans, High Horse delivers live bands, dancing, and honky-tonk energy. It’s the go-to spot for boots-on-the-floor nights and classic country vibes.

WALKER'S GRILL

2700 1st Ave N

A longtime downtown favorite, Walker’s hosts Sunday evening jazz, pairing live music with an upscale dining atmosphere. It’s a relaxed, refined way to end the weekend, with talented local musicians providing a smooth soundtrack to dinner and conversation.

Community, Arts & Alternative Music Spaces

ART HOUSE CINEMA & PUB

109 N 30th St

More than a movie theater, Art House also hosts live music nights, experimental performances, and film-plus-music events. It’s a creative space where sound and storytelling often intersect.

NOVA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

2317 Montana Ave

Best known for theater and opera, NOVA also features live music throughout the year, including vocal performances, chamber-style concerts, and music-forward productions. Its intimate setting makes it a great place to experience live sound up close, especially for classical and theatrical music lovers.

BILLINGS STUDIO THEATRE

1500 Rimrock Rd

While primarily a community theater, Billings Studio Theatre regularly produces musicals and music-driven shows that spotlight local performers and live accompaniment. It’s a space where storytelling and music intersect, offering audiences a more narrative-focused live music experience.

Seasonal & Outdoor Live Music Venues

ZOOMONTANA AMPHITHEATER

2100 Shiloh Rd

A beloved summer venue, ZooMontana Amphitheater offers outdoor concerts in a family-friendly setting. Bring a blanket, enjoy the scenery, and experience live music under the open sky.

SKYPOINT

119 N Broadway

This downtown plaza becomes a stage during festivals, parades, and seasonal events. Skypoint performances add live music energy to community celebrations throughout the year.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

related articles: