If there was ever a city with quintessential autumn charm, Billings has got it.
Think crisp mornings, colorful strolls through historic streets, golden-hour views from atop the Rimrocks, and that unmistakable feeling that only a Montana fall can produce. But here’s the best part: you don’t have to sacrifice a packed calendar for the cozy fall vibes.
As Montana’s largest city, Billings brings a whole lot to the table this time of year. September and October are filled with festivals, races, live performances, classic cars, rodeo, and plenty more reasons to get out and enjoy the season.
You didn’t think fall was going to arrive without a few big events to celebrate the occasion, did you?!
Start the festivities with Sunflower Festival, September 11-13, for your chance to wander through a field of sunflowers and pick some to take home with you! Add in live music, food, vendors, and free crafts & activities, and you’ve got yourself a solid way to kick off fall.
Looking for something more “on theme?” All Hallows Medieval Fantasy Faire invites visitors into an enchanted world of medieval costumes, lively performances, and unique vendors in North Park October 3-4. Think Renaissance Festival, but delightfully strange and spooky (with plenty of turkey legs to go around).
Then, Billings’ 22nd Annual HarvestFest returns to the streets of Downtown Billings October 10. This fall favorite is packed with food vendors, an Oktoberfest beer garden, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and even a Stein Holding Contest.
We’d argue there’s no better season to get outside and explore the scenery around Billings. Luckily, there are a few races this fall that give you a pretty good reason to do just that.
Rock the Run on September 13 gives you the unique opportunity to run a 5k at one our region’s national monuments, Pompey’s Pillar. A little more memorable than your average neighborhood loop.
The Montana Marathon returns to Billings September 20th. As one of the fastest and most scenic in the region, this course is a favorite for runners chasing a Boston Qualifier. And it’s not hard on the eyes, either.
Then, there’s the Great Masked Pumpkin Run October 17, where you’ll run through the beautiful fall foliage in Riverfront Park before picking a pumpkin and racing it to the finish.
Fall also brings a packed performance calendar, with some of Billings’ major performing arts venues kicking off their seasons with plenty to put on your calendar.
The Billings Symphony brings its fall season to the stage with classical and jazz performances, while big-name artists including The Band Perry, Bonnie Raitt, and Gary Allan make their way to Alberta Bair Theater. You can even catch an exciting lineup of tribute performances celebrating the music of Queen, Bon Jovi, or experience rock classics in a whole new way with The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight.
And it’s not just music taking over Billings this fall.
September 19 brings not one, but two big names in comedy to Billings, with Matthew Broussard at The Pub Station and Rob Schneider at Alberta Bair Theater.
Then, October 6-11, the Big Sky Comedy Festival takes over Billings with a weeklong lineup of stand-up performances and comedians from around the country competing for the title of MVP.
Of course, we couldn’t make it through a fall events roundup without some horsepower (both the four-wheeled and four-legged variety).
Kick off Labor Day weekend with Burn the Point September 4-5, when more than 500 classic cars roll into Billings for a weekend of live entertainment, cruising, and some seriously polished chrome.
Then, trade the rigs for rodeo at the NILE Stock Show & Rodeo, October 9-17. A long-standing Montana tradition, NILE brings livestock shows, rodeo competitions, and plenty of western spirit to MetraPark.
And if bareback riding is your thing, don’t miss The Riggin Masters, October 16-17. The world’s largest standalone bareback bronc riding event brings 24 of the top PRCA bareback riders together to compete for a record-setting purse.
And this is only a taste of what’s happening around Billings this fall. Between the changing leaves, seasonal events, and a calendar full of reasons to get out and explore, there’s plenty more to put on your fall to-do list. See all upcoming events.
