Billings (MT) July 8, 2025 – From new flight connections and fresh venues to exciting food ventures and major recreation upgrades, Montana’s big city born under big skies is getting even bigger. Whether you’re flying in from Chicago, planning a downtown event, catching a rodeo, or grabbing tacos and tater tots from a local favorite, there’s never been a better time to experience Billings. Here’s a look at what’s new, what’s next and what’s bucking up excitement across the city.

 

New Nonstop Flights from Chicago

Traveling from the Windy City to Montana’s biggest city is a breeze. United Airlines and American Airlines began daily, nonstop service from O’Hare to Billings Logan National Airport. Fly into Billings via the big blue skies of Montana with ease. Less time traveling means more time crossing items off your Montana bucket-list.

 

Big Event Spaces Under Big Skies

The Paper Mill, a new 16,000-square-foot event venue in downtown Billings, is now open for event bookings. Located at 2019 Montana Avenue in a historic brick building once home to the Carpenter Paper Company, the space blends industrial charm with modern elegance, featuring polished concrete floors, exposed wood beams and Edison bulb lighting. With current capacity at 300 (soon expanding to 500), it’s designed for memorable gatherings of all kinds. Owner Teresa Larsen named it in tribute to the building’s past, turning a century-old warehouse into a space for new stories to unfold.

Upping the Competition

In addition to a new dual-sheet ice rink, Billings continues to add to its lineup of amateur, collegiate and professional sports venues. Billings Parks and Recreation unveiled plans for a new indoor court complex at Amend Park, featuring four NCAA courts (convertible to eight junior courts) and space for volleyball, pickleball and more. Meanwhile, MetraPark completed a $2.5 million outdoor arena to better serve rodeo and agriculture events, cutting costs and expanding capacity for livestock shows, horse events and more. Daylis Stadium is also set for a $12.5 million revitalization, including the addition of a new eight-lane track, new lighting and sound, improved restrooms and concessions, and updated seating for spectators. Billings is also excited to welcome The Flying Pickle as one of the premier pickleball club's first franchise locations. The 17-23 indoor court facility is expected to open in 2026.

 

Rodeo Billings at MontanaFair

An all-new PRCA pro rodeo begins in Billings at the 2025 MontanaFair on August 14-16, 2025. Rodeo Billings will bring pro rodeo’s biggest names and an all-star lineup of bucking horses and bulls. Rodeo Billings will become one of the most sought-after wins on the PRCA circuit as it will fall in the most prime time for rodeo athletes to win dollars for the National Finals Rodeo.

 

New Tortilla Shop

Colima Tortilleria is bringing the flavors of Mexico to Billings, one fresh tortilla at a time. The family-run shop churns out thousands of corn and flour tortillas daily using a tortilla machine imported from Mexico. Open since late April, it’s the newest venture from Murillo and Miguel, also behind Billings’ Fiesta Mexicana and Camachos Tacos. Customers can buy tortillas by the pound or enjoy tacos and snacks on-site, with most items selling out by day’s end. Murillo’s mother, Natalia Ramirez, recently moved from Mexico to help in the kitchen, making the tortilleria a true family affair and a heartfelt bridge between cultures.

 

Let’s Talk Tots

Ron Myler didn’t just start a food truck; he built a rolling tribute to his mom, Bobbie Williams, and her unforgettable sausage gravy. After her passing, inspiration struck: what better way to serve her signature recipe than over a bed of golden, crispy tater tots? That’s how Pops Tots was born, with Mom’s Breakfast Tots leading the charge (tots stacked with a made-to-order egg, savory gravy and smoky bacon). The menu quickly grew to match Ron’s creativity. Think chili cheese tots, poutine-style, buffalo ranch, churro tots, and even sweet berry-topped dessert tots, all customizable (yes, even burrito-style). In its first full year on the road, Pops Tots made a splash on the Billings festival circuit, taking home awards at three different events. Most notably, Ron’s chili earned top marks in the 2024 Magic City’s Best Chili Cookoff, and the truck itself was crowned the savory champion at the Billings Fun Con’s Battle of the Food Trucks.

 

It's Patio Season in Billings

In Billings, patio season feels like the city is letting out a deep breath after a long winter, inviting you to linger longer, laugh louder and savor every sunlit moment. Nearly 20 downtown patios come alive with the rhythm of clinking glasses and the scent of grilled bison and smoky brisket drifting on a warm breeze. At spots like Buffalo Block, Montana Brewing Company and Bar MT, tables fill with friends sharing stories over craft beer, while string lights flicker above late-night bites at Spitz. Sidewalk spots like Big Dipper offer a sweet pause with dripping ice cream, kids chasing shadows and the soft hum of summer stretching into dusk. Here, the city’s historic streets become a backdrop for connection, flavor, and the easy joy of being outdoors. So pull up a chair, order something local and make the most of Billings’ favorite season, one patio moment at a time.

 

Drinks on the Go

Bee Bar Billings is buzzing through town. This mobile drink trailer, dreamed up by sister duo Carly and Casey Williams, is shaking up the local scene with fizzy sodas, fresh lemonades and even trailer-made cocktails for private parties. Their goal is to create the ultimate three-in-one drink stop. With help from Wild West Designs in Boulder, CO, the custom trailer came to life in just a month, and the sisters haven’t stopped pouring since. Whether you need a soda shop, lemonade stand, or mobile bar, Bee Bar is ready to roll up and sweeten the day.

 

Ice Cream Mexican Style

There’s a new ice cream shop in Billings, unlike any other in town. Heart Beat Coffee and Ice Cream at 1414 Main St. is delivering more authentic flavors of Mexico, locally made in Montana, to the Billings Heights. The new shop will feature paletas (or popsicles) along with the owners' other authentic Mexican street food offerings. Heart Beat is a family-owned business. Jesus and Michell Martinez opened Heart Beat with their daughter Alison, next door to the family’s restaurant Burritos Don Chuy, which opened in the Heights last fall. The Martinez family isn’t new to ice cream though. They are the owners of the popular Mexican ice cream destination Michoacan A Pedir De Boca, in Western Montana.

From new nonstop flights and revitalized venues to homegrown food ventures and vibrant public spaces, Billings is embracing growth while staying true to its local roots. And it’s a great time to visit.