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July 11, 2025
Big Events Under Big Blue Skies: Celebrate the Summer in Billings
From street festivals to rodeos, Montana’s big city born under big skies offers a full lineup of summer events that bring the excitement up a notch. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to stay a while, there’s always something happening, from food competitions and concerts to sporting events and cultural celebrations. Here's your guide to the most exciting happenings.
JULY
Alive After Five
Alive After 5 is Billings’ signature summer street party, turning Thursday nights into celebrations of music, community and warm-weather fun. Held downtown through July, each event features a different local or regional band performing live outdoors, surrounded by food trucks, beer gardens and hundreds of people soaking in the high-energy atmosphere.
Homesteader Days
Step back in time with this two-day festival in nearby Huntley. From tractor pulls and parades to rodeos, carnival rides and live country music, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the region’s homesteading roots. Don’t forget the legendary community BBQ!
Montana Brews & BBQ
This is what summer tastes like: smoky barbecue, ice-cold local craft beer and live music under the Montana sun. Held at MetraPark, this popular event brings together top brewers, pitmasters and foodies for a one-day feast of flavor.
Big Sky Balloon Rally
There’s nothing quite like watching hot air balloons rise into the early morning sky. Held at Amend Park, this free, family-friendly event includes balloon launches (weather permitting), meet-the-pilot opportunities and plenty of wide-eyed wonder.
AUGUST
Billings Mustangs Baseball
There's nothing like a summer evening at Dehler Park. Cheer on the Billings Mustangs as they complete another season under the lights. With hot dogs, fireworks, on-field games and kid-friendly fun, it's classic Americana done right and the perfect outing for families, friends or a date night.
Rodeo Billings
Get ready to cheer, stomp and holler at Rodeo Billings, where top riders and ropers showcase their grit in true Western style. This high-energy event brings the thrill of bronc busting, barrel racing, bull riding and more to Montana’s biggest city, with cowboy hats, rodeo queens and plenty of local pride.
Above the Rim 3x3 Tournament
Basketball takes over the SCHEELS parking lot in this high-energy streetball tournament. Teams from all over the region battle it out for prizes and bragging rights, with plenty of fun for fans on the sidelines.
Crow Fair
Crow Fair is one of the largest Native American gatherings in North America, and has been called the “Teepee Capital of the World.” For over a century, this vibrant six‑day festival has drawn tens of thousands of participants and spectators, with as many as 1,500 traditional canvas teepees pitched along the Little Bighorn River. Visitors can witness spectacular morning parades featuring Crow tribal officials, veterans, riders on horses adorned in exquisite regalia, and elaborate beadwork.
MontanaFair
End your summer with a bang at Montana’s biggest event. With concerts, carnival rides, rodeos, livestock shows, art exhibits and food vendors serving everything from fried Oreos to elk sliders, MontanaFair is a whirlwind of fun for all ages. It draws nearly 250,000 people each year and it’s easy to see why.
Burn the Point
Roll into fall with style at Burn the Point, a weekend-long celebration of classic cars and rock 'n’ roll spirit. Things kick off with a vintage car parade through downtown Billings, followed by a party filled with nostalgia. From polished hot rods to slick cruisers, this beloved tradition is a must-see for car lovers and anyone who appreciates a little retro flair.
