Winter in Billings brings far more than snow-dusted trails and cozy evenings. It is a season when theater lights glow brighter, music carries farther and the city’s creative energy rises to full strength. From Broadway-level productions to symphonic showpieces, national comedy tours, documentary film premieres and genre-bending concerts, the winter stage in Montana’s largest city is nothing short of extraordinary.
Broadway Meets Big Sky
Billings’ winter lineup shines with major theatrical productions that bring color, emotion and powerhouse talent to the stage. Kinky Boots delights audiences with its uplifting story of two unexpected kindred spirits and its dazzling Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, paired with Harvey Fierstein’s heartfelt writing and Jerry Mitchell’s celebrated direction and choreography. That creative energy continues with The Choir of Man, a worldwide sensation that transforms the Alberta Bair Theater into the most energetic pub imaginable, complete with remarkable vocals, dance and an irresistible sense of camaraderie. Adding even more star power, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical bursts onto the stage with unstoppable momentum, celebrating the life and legacy of one of music’s greatest icons through the hits that defined generations.
Music & Magic
The winter season also elevates classical artistry through captivating performances from the Billings Symphony and distinguished guest artists. The Magic of Sleeping Beauty weaves Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with graceful choreography, bringing principal dancers from the San Diego Ballet Company together with the Billings Symphony for an enchanting retelling of the beloved tale. The symphony’s programming continues with Revolutionary Voices, a stirring concert that honors composers who broke barriers and reshaped musical history. Featured pianist Alessio Bax brings exceptional nuance and power to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, creating a performance rich with intensity and emotion.
Laughs That Light Up the Season
Billings’ winter entertainment also steps into the spotlight with top-tier comedy that fills large venues with laughter. Nate Bargatze’s Big Dumb Eyes World Tour brings his signature clean, deadpan delivery and sharp observational humor to First Interstate Arena at MetraPark. Known for widely acclaimed Netflix specials and Grammy-nominated storytelling, Bargatze offers an evening of humor that resonates across generations and leaves audiences grinning long after the show wraps.
Stories of the West on the Big Screen
The season expands beyond the stage with the world premiere of Call of the West, a documentary that places Billings at the center of an important cultural moment. Hosted at the DoubleTree Inn downtown, the film follows iconic ranching families as they work to preserve the treasured tradition of the American dude ranch. Through shifting cultural and economic landscapes, the documentary reveals the resilience, heritage and living history of the West.
Winter’s Electric Soundtrack
For music lovers, winter delivers everything from bluegrass to classic rock with performances that bring fresh energy to local venues. The Kitchen Dwellers infuse the Pub Station with a burst of Montana-made sound, blending folk-driven bluegrass picking with psychedelic and rock-inspired elements from their album Seven Devils, a concept project inspired by Dante’s Inferno. At Alberta Bair Theater, The Black Jacket Symphony offers a completely different kind of musical immersion, recreating Pink Floyd’s legendary The Wall in its entirety before launching into a second set of the band’s greatest hits. The result is a night that feels both nostalgic and electric, showcasing the enduring power of iconic rock.
From bold musicals and symphonic masterpieces to comedy, documentary film and classic rock, winter in Billings shines with performances and experiences that spark imagination and celebrate creativity. This is the season to get out, get inspired and discover the cultural energy that makes Montana’s biggest city come alive.
