The Best of Billings: Fall Edition
As the hustle and bustle of summer gradually turns into a more slow style and the sunny days turn into crisp fall air, Billings continues to captivate residents and visitors alike with its charm as the season fills the community with tons of events and activities.
From outdoor movie nights in the park to downtown festivals and family friendly events every weekend, Billings truly has something for everyone – especially this time of year.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for your next hike, a foodie seeking the best place to watch a game or simply someone who loves to soak in the rich ambiance of fall, Billings is the place to be.
In this Best of Billings Guide, you’ll find all of the can’t miss moments to fill your season with fun! 🍂
Let’s dive in!
The Best Spots To Watch A Big Game in Billings, MT
The Den Sports Bar and Ale House – a popular West End spot for quick bites, bar seating and of course flat screens to enjoy your game of choice
Hooligan’s – your traditional Irish pub style environment serving up all the classic bites in a lively bar atmosphere with pool & flat-screen TVs
The Vig Alehouse and Casino – a true sports bar style restaurant serving up delicious food and drinks alongside their popular trivia nights
The Divide Bar and Grill - located in West End, The Divide Bar & Grill provides a great atmosphere, dynamic food and great brews and makes for a great spot to watch a game!
Montana Brewing Company – a true Downtown Billings classic as it’s around since 1994. Known as Montana's first brew pub, you’ll get to enjoy the atmosphere of a brewery, full bar and entire restaurant under one roof when you visit.
Diamond X Beer Co – a casual and welcoming family friendly brewpub making the perfect place to watch a game on the TV! Diamond X offers a true taste of Montana with local beer and wine paired with classic bites that are sure to satisfy.
The Best Fall Outdoor Adventure in Billings, MT
Four Dances – if you want a quick hike that delivers incredible views, Four Dances is your spot. The 1.7 mile loop is open year-round, so even if you’re visiting when it’s a bit cooler, you can take advantage of this trail. The 30ish minute hike will give you a view like this!
Zimmerman Park – this is your go-to spot for exploring some of the best views in Billings. Here you’ll find easy access to the Rimrocks with hiking and biking trails, picnic spots and even safe paths to bring your pup!
Norm Schoenthal Island - a prominent part of Riverfront Park, Norm’s Island has over two miles of trails and is a popular walking spot to easily enjoy the outdoors. It’s also an off leash dog park situated by the river, making it a great place for your pups!
Lake Elmo State Park - this public recreation area is a popular spot for those looking to swim, boat, paddleboard or picnic (depending on the season of course). In the fall, it’s a great spot for a dreamy day date, is welcoming for the whole family or is perfect for the solo adventurer.
Phipps Park - a popular downtown park destination offering all of your traditional outdoor activities along with its unique disc golf experience for all to enjoy and your pup is welcome here too!
The Best Family Friendly Fall Activities in Billings, MT
Attend a Rocky Football Game 🏈
When it comes to game day in Billings, you have a few options depending on your style. In early fall, you’ll find lots of football, soccer and volleyball games and as we head into late October and early November, basketball season will start to rev up!
In Billings, there are two rival teams that make up the community – Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University - Billings.
If you’re looking for a traditional fall football game, here’s a look at the Rocky schedule to choose your game for a fun family outing!
Grab tickets for a MSUB Soccer Game ⚽️
If you’re more of a soccer fan, you can’t go wrong with grabbing tickets to watch a MSUB game – this would be my pick!
Click here for the MSUB sports schedules!
Catch a show at the Alberta or the Nova 🎥
All year round, the Alberta Bair Theatre and The NOVA Center for the Performing Arts features classic musicals and plays that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Spend the day at Moss Mansion 🏛
Moss Mansion is a classic Billings museum featuring tons of family-friendly events all throughout the year, but the fall season is extra fitting!
Click here to view their event schedule or choose a day to simply stroll the grounds for a fun outing.
The Best Annual Fall Events in Billings, MT
There are so many fun events that take place in Billings year round, but there are a few fall favorites that locals look forward to every single year, including:
Annual Grape Stomp at Yellowstone Cellars & Winery – Yellowstone Cellars & Winery hosts an annual Grape Stomp event each year that’s open to all ages!
Grape Stomping lasts until the grapes are gone, food is available for purchase and of course live music will keep you entertained! 🍇
Laurel Brewfest – this annual Brewfest in Laurel features unlimited tastings from 10-15 professional craft brewers from around the state for just $40/person.
Enjoy a fun, fall afternoon full of music, food and local brews! 🍻
Yellowstone Chili Cookoff – a newer fall event for the community to enjoy featuring samples of various homemade chili's from amazing local chefs.
You can cast your vote and enjoy live music along the way, all in support of the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch campus activities for youth! 🌶
Nile Stock Show and Rodeo – The NILE (Northern International Livestock Expo) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and embracing the western way of life through the promotion of livestock, youth education and respect for western ag culture.
This annual week-long event includes four nights of rodeo so buckle up and strap on your boots because the NILE rodeo is ready and waiting for you! 🤠
Billings Harvest Fest – Presented annually by the Downtown Billings Alliance and Montana Brewing Company, located in the center of downtown Billings under Skypoint, HarvestFest is a grand community fall festival taking place the second weekend of October.
This full day of fun celebrates the fall season with a rich diversity of arts and crafts, mums, pumpkins, face painting, balloon twisting, baked goods, and the final offerings of locally grown goods. 🍂
Downtown Trick or Treat – the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat, is hosted by the Downtown Billings Alliance, and has been a popular and safe Halloween alternative for the Billings’ community for 21 years.
This free community event brings thousands of children in costume downtown to trick or treat at over 50 participating businesses that offer candy, healthy treats, and unique Halloween themes or activities. 🎃
Boo at The Zoo - Another family favorite Halloween event for safe trick or treating and fun activities!
ZooMontana turns into a night of Halloween themed fun with animal enrichments and candy galore! Included with regular admission and FREE for Members. 🦁
The Maize at Grandpa’s Farm – a true Billings staple, The Maize at Grandpa’s Farm is a one stop shop for all of your fall fun.
Enjoy a family day out where kids can play, ride the train, and take part in all kinds of unique activities alongside the pumpkin patch and corn maze. 🌽
Scarity Haunted House – presented yearly for those who enjoy a real Halloween fright
The Scarity Haunted House is hosted at the Historic Billings Depot on Montana Avenue in Billings, MT. 👻
Annual Halloween Bar Crawl - this isn't just any bar crawl… it's the ultimate Halloween party where you and your friends can dress up in your most creative costumes and hit the town for a night you won't forget!
Your ticket includes 2-3 complimentary drinks, no cover fees, drink specials, and more! 🍻
As you can see, Billings is truly THE place to be in the fall and my hope is that this Best of Billings Fall Guide helps you thoughtfully plan your days to enjoy with family and friends this season.
If you’re looking for more specific guides for the area, I invite you to explore our Weekend Guides to Billings on the blog to find itineraries for your specific scenario – we’ve got you covered from outdoor adventures, to wellness weekends and even a couples getaway.
Here’s to a fun filled fall season!
