photo by Sincerely Media via Unsplash

by rebecca stewart

We've turned another calendar page and are kicking off June with all kinds of summer staples! There is fun for the whole family all weekend long - in Billings and out. These are our top 6 picks for the weekend, but you'll want to pop by the calendar to get the whole picture (spoiler alert: June is jam-packed with all kinds of goodness!). 

#1 Rock the Block | Laurel Town Square

Photo via Laurel Town Square Facebook

In Laurel, the 2021-'22 school year has wrapped, and the community is ready to kick off summer fun with the beloved Rock the Block summer concert series. Held in Laurel's Town Square, the evening is fun for the whole family with live music, food, and adult beverages (run by KC's Palace Bar & Lanes). It's also an important fundraiser for local non-profits that also sell concessions at every event. 

THE DETAILS

• When: Friday, June 3 @ 6-10pm
• Where: Town Square, Laurel (just north of Main St on 1st Ave, across from Yellowstone Bank)
• Live Music: Sanctuary
• Featured non-profit: Hometown Troops
• Happens next: June 17, with Lunatic Fringe performing

#2 Billings Mustangs VS Glacier Range Riders | Dehler Park

Dehler Park

Does anything say summer quite like an evening at the ballpark? The Billings Mustangs are in the midst of a five-game stretch against the Glacier Range Riders, having won the first two games in the series. 

THE DETAILS

• When: Friday, June 3 @ 6:35pm | Saturday, June 4 @ 6:35pm | Sunday, June 5 @ 1:05pm. 
• Where: Dehler Park, 2611 9th Avenue North | Downtown Billings
• Get Your Tickets

#3 Tour de Fleur | Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum

Photo courtesy of Billings TrailNet

This precious event is rolling into summer at a new location with a new date. Check-in registration begins at 9am at Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum, but expect vendors, Silent Auction items, and more ahead of the rides! 

Participants are encouraged to arrive with bikes decorated so they can be entered into the Fashion Show for prizes. The traditional petal toss will mark the start of the rides.  

Following the ride, head over to Thirsty Street, where Shea and Jill have been brewing up a beer specifically to partner with Billings TrailNet, promoting fundraising for our trail system. $1 per pint bought goes towards the Billings trail system. Meanwhile, Wise Wonders will be open for the kiddos to come and explore!  

THE DETAILS

• When: Saturday, June 4 @ 9am
• Where: Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum, 3024 2nd Ave North | Billings
• Ride options, 10am start: Short Ride: leading the pack and led by a Billings police officer is about 2-miles and follows the parade route / Long Ride: will break away from the short riders for a 12-mile ride on a longer trail route. 
• REGISTER NOW! 

#4 Springfest | Moss Mansion

photo courtesy of Moss Mansion

Held on the beautiful grounds of Moss Mansion, this outdoor art and craft festival is back for its 33rd run. Featuring regional artists and artisans, food, and specialty booths, the grounds are sure to create a shopper's paradise. With live music, local entertainers, art & craft demonstrations, and children's activities, it's guaranteed fun for the whole family! 

SpringFest benefits the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum. 

THE DETAILS

• When: Saturday, June 4 @ 9am-4pm
• Where: Moss Mansion grounds, 914 Division Street | Billings
• Admission: To the grounds is free; the Mansion is open for tours at regular prices

#5 Laurel FoodFest | Wood's Powr-Grip

Saturday, June 4 @ 11am-6pm | Wood's Powr-Grip. 908 W Main Street | Laurel

At Laurel Activities Recreation Complex's (LARC) first annual FoodFest you can expect 15 food trucks, vendor fair, adult beverages, live music, raffles/giveaways, and a Kids Zone. The food trucks are vying for the Foodies Award (as decided by five local celebrity judges) and the People's Choice Award. 

This is the first big fundraiser for LARC as they work to determine the logistics of providing a state-of-the-art Recreation & Activities facility that enhances the health, fitness, safety, recreation, and quality of life for the Laurel area.

FoodFest Food Trucks:

• Honey Bee Lemonade
• Tup Tim Thai Food Truck
• Cha Cha Churro
• Tastes So Good
• Mac Shack
• Big Sky Acai
• The corndog company billings
• Crazy Taco MT
• Grindy’s Cheeseballs
• Montana Melt
• Opa Grill
• The Rocky Fork
• Alfons flaming grill
• Honeybee Lemonade
• Cotta’s Custom Catering

THE DETAILS

• When: Saturday, June 4 @ 11am-6pm
• Where: Wood's Powr-Grip. 908 West Main Street | Laurel
• Admission: $5 at the gate (Free/Veterans & kids ages 12 and younger)

#6 Montana Renaissance Festival | Red Lodge

Hear ye, hear ye! The Montana Renaissance Festival has traversed to a new arena. Having moved down the road to Red Lodge, this will allow for double the parking and an unsurpassed jousting arena! 

Step back into yesteryear, to a time when romance and chivalry abound. Experience a magical world where Knights, Lords, Ladies, and Fairies carouse and play; t’was a time whence people took pride in their craft and trade.  All are invited to become immersed in the atmosphere of a 16th Century European Country Faire, exploring the bustling market place, while interacting with costumed characters. The Faire will feature full contact armored jousting tournaments, storytellers, wandering minstrels, belly dancers and more. 

THE DETAILS

• When: Saturday, June 4 @ 10am-6pm | Sunday, June 5 @ 10am-4pm
• Where: Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds, 101 Rodeo Drive | Red Lodge
• Admission info

HAVE AN UPCOMING EVENT FOR THE CALENDAR? EMAIL US AT CALENDAR@SIMPLYLOCALMAGAZINE.COM

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