Billings (MT) April 8, 2025 – As Montana’s largest city, Billings is the destination for leisure, business and sports travelers. Those who yearn for that authentic Western experience set amid a culinary scene with James-Beard nominated chefs, shopping extraordinaire, and a burgeoning nightlife will find it all in Billings. And with a new ice complex about to break ground, Billings is poising itself to become a top destination for sports. Here’s a look at what’s new and trending in Billings this spring.

 

The Puck Stops Here

The city of Billings and the Yellowstone Ice Foundation are set to break ground on a new state-of-the-art ice complex at Amend Park, adding to the city’s world-class line-up of amateur and professional sports venues. The lower level of the complex will include two sheets of ice, locker rooms, a lobby, public restrooms and space for a pro shop, concessions, offices and storage. The mezzanine is expected to have a workout room, a hockey shooting space, an entertainment suite and skyboxes. The 69,000 sq. ft. facility is expected to have capacity for nearly 3,000 people.

 

The Art House Turns 10

There are movie theaters. And then there is the Art House in Billings. Described by the Billings Gazette as “the greatest temple to the cinematic arts in Montana, and probably for a few states in all directions,” the Art House Pub and Cinema is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025. The Art House is open every day, showing acclaimed documentaries, independent films and foreign works. Visitors also can enjoy a full-service restaurant along with wine and a bounty of beer taps.

 

New Look for the Nightlife

Billings native and entertainment industry expert Connor Lorenz is redefining nightlife in Billings with the opening of Club Lux. Lorenz has channeled influences from his favorite domestic and international venues to create a reimagined nightlife experience that includes themed events, live music and more. Libations will include deluxe signature cocktails, beers, kava, kratom, energy drinks, bucket specials and more. One of the first shows is Finesse2tymes on May 4^th, who is on his “Stuck in My Ways” tour. Finesse2tymes is an American rapper from Memphis, best known for his single "Back End" which entered the Billboard Hot 100.  

 

Grab Life By the Horns

Experience the electrifying adrenaline rush of PBR Billings. Witness world-class athletes going head-to-head with powerful bucking bulls at this must-see competition. PBR Billings takes place April 11-12 at MetraPark’s First Interstate Arena. PBR was founded in 1992 by a group of 20 visionary bull riders who broke away from the traditional rodeo scene, believing that bull riding deserved to be in the limelight and could succeed as a standalone sport. Since then, PBR has rapidly transformed into one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

 

Montana Marathon

The 45^th annual Montana Marathon – one of the oldest races in the state and a Boston-qualifier – will take place June 1 and is a treat to runners and spectators alike. The first 10 miles of this trek feature some rolling hills, while the final 16 grace runners to a loss of 1,000 vertical feet, making for a quicker-than-usual course. If you’re not running and want to watch the exciting finishes, set up camp at Pioneer Park in Billings where the marathon, as well as the half marathon, 10k and 5k races, will finish. Visitors also can enjoy a vendor area, refreshments and music.

 

Dine with Pirates

Beginning May 9, Captain Scurvy’s Black Dragon Pub will take visitors to a time when lights were low, goblets were raised high and the conversations lively. The new restaurant concept was born of the region’s Renaissance Festival steering committee members who wanted to create a similarly immersive experience for visitors year-round. The pub will offer patrons the taste of old-world pub fare with modern flavor, in an immersive, Medieval-fantasy portside tavern experience. Menu items will include pub fare staples like smoked meats and melts, burgers, nachos, fish and chips, gourmet flatbreads and turkey legs.

 

Socializing Sober

Visitors who prefer a spirits-free night out while on vacation can find a place to mingle and socialize at The Good Wolf, one of the newest social spots in Downtown Billings. Home of the Wrecking Clown dance crew, The Good Wolf is a multi-functional youth and family-friendly community center and event space designed to provide a safe, sober environment for recovery, dance and community support for residents and visitors alike.

 

Something’s Always Happening

Like any big city, if you’ve visited Billings before, chances are there’s even more to explore today. Just this year, more than 10 new businesses – from restaurants to stores for everyday goods – opened doors in Billings. Some of the favorites include Happy Pairings MT, a mobile charcuterie cart, Wicked Bull Trading Post (artisanal and cultural products), Boomin’ Boba Bubble Teas and  Earthbound Café. So head back to Billings to enjoy even more of Montana’s big city born under big skies.