The Best of Billings: Summer Edition
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Montana, Billings comes alive during the warmer months, offering an abundance of exciting activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike.
From fun outdoor activities to vibrant community events, this city has something for everyone.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or someone that simply loves to soak in summer by doing the absolute most, this guide will ensure that you make the most of your summer adventures in Billings, MT and create lasting memories with unforgettable experiences.
From sipping drinks on patios, to sitting poolside, to riding ferris wheels with the whole family and attending local events, this summer is sure to be one to remember. ☀️
Let’s dive in!
The Best Pools in Billings
One of the great things about Billings is that we really don’t experience those scorching hot temps or crazy humidity that many states have to endure during the summer season.
Instead, we’re blessed with high 70’s to mid 80’s June - August which makes for the perfect pool day!
If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off this summer in the Billings area, there are some great neighborhood and community pools that you can take advantage of, including:
Billings Parks and Recreation Pools, including Rose Park Pool, South Park Pool, Castle Rock Splash Park and a few wading pools for the littles. These family-friendly facilities offer various amenities with play areas making them perfect for a fun-filled day for the whole family!
Oasis Water Park is located within MetraPark and offers a thrilling destination for water enthusiasts of all ages. This expansive outdoor water park has exciting attractions like water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and splash pads!
The Reef Indoor Water Park is the largest indoor water park in the state of Montana (we’re talking as big as a football field!) which means your kiddos will be greeted with TONS of fun with slides, wave pools and interactive playhouses for the little ones.
The Best Spots for Summer Snacking in Billings
After a full day at the pool, everyone deserves a summer snack right?! Luckily, Billings has some of the best spots for a treat, including:
Big Dipper Ice Cream - a Montana classic, Big Dipper has been serving up handcrafted ice cream since 1995 and has made many national media appearances. You can find the famous shops in a few different Montana cities, one being Downtown Billings. 🍦
Soda Station - a classic Montana soda shop where you can grab your favorite soda and mix it with all kinds of fun flavors 🥤
Milkshakes from Candy Town USA - this is the largest candy store and old-fashioned soda shop in Montana where you’ll find delicious caramel apples, chocolate fudge, gourmet candies and out of this world milkshakes! 🍫
Mo Cones - the cutest roadside ice cream shack in Laurel, MT serving up tasty treats all summer long 😋
The Best Annual Summer Events in Billings
There are so many fun events that take place in Billings year round, but there are a few summertime staples that locals look forward to every single year, including:
Alive After 5 Outdoor Summer Concert Series - Alive After 5 is Downtown Billings most anticipated summer concert series and runs from early June to early August annually!
Each weekly concert takes place Thursday evenings, from 5:00pm -8:00pm at a different outdoor venue in downtown Billings. The series’ entertainment line-up changes annually and ranges from local and regional favorites to nationally touring bands. 🎶
SummerFair - the largest arts and crafts festival in the region, SummerFair features artisans from across the country that comes to Billings for 3 full days!
More than 100 artists, community groups and food vendors participate every year and booths include painting, pottery, art from nature, glass, wood, metal, fiber art, photography, body products and artisan foods.
SummerFair is a great place to find that unique gift for yourself or someone special while supporting the Billings community! 🎨
July 4th Celebration in Laurel, MT – there's nothing quite like a small town July 4th celebration and Laurel, MT is known for there's every single year!
The day begins with a community run and pancake breakfast, followed by the Grand Parade, food and craft fair, all day entertainment and the day is rounded out by the best fireworks around starting at dusk!
It's truly an all day event and one that you don't want to miss if you're in town. 🇺🇸
Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market – this annual farmers market runs every Saturday from July 15 - October 7 rain-or-shine right in Downtown Billings.
You can grab fresh fruits and veggies that are grown within a 120 mile radius and enjoy ready-to-eat foods in a festival style atmosphere! 🧺
Strawberry Festival – the annual Strawberry Festival that takes place in the streets of Downtown Billings is a long-time cherished community event that kicks off the summer season!
In the heart of the urban center, you can have a day filled with food trucks and entertainment that's fun for the whole family. 🍓
Montana Brews and BBQ - this annual event is the only true "brewfest" in the state of Montana!
This festival features an outdoor experience complete with entertainment, keg beers from local breweries and of course delicious BBQ from various vendors. 🍻
MontanaFair – summer simply isn’t complete without a classic state fair and that’s exactly what the annual MontanaFair brings to Billings!
This family fun event is a summer tradition that takes place in August and makes for a great day or evening out for you to enjoy all of your fair favorites like ferris wheels, funnel cakes, concerts and other entertainment all week long. 🎡🎟
The Best Places for Outdoor Dining in Billings
I don’t know about you, but when the sun is shining I just want to be outside and sometimes the best way to make that happen is to take my meals outdoors!
There’s a few spots in Billings that stand out as great options for outdoor dining, including:
Bin 119 – a chic spot with seasonal tapas, dinner and brunch fare, plus a large wine list and lovely patio to enjoy on those warm Billings days.
Montana Brewing Company – this place has been around since 1994, so you could say it’s a true downtown classic! 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.
Thirsty Street Brewing – a downtown favorite, this family-friendly microbrewery offers hand-crafted beer on tap, wine, cider, seltzer and non-alcoholic drink option paired with live music and events!
Diamond X Beer Co. – a casual and welcoming family friendly brewpub perfect for an after work drink with your co-workers, Diamond X offers a true taste of Montana with local beer and wine paired with classic bites that are sure to satisfy.
Canyon Creek Brewing – Billings first built from the ground up brewery and tap room, Canyon Creek offers craft beers centered in an environment that’s perfect for a night out with friends.
Meadowlark Brewing – another Billings brewhouse featuring craft beers, fun events and yummy food in a family friendly environment.
The Windmill & Bar 51 – talk about dinner with a view! The Windwill is a long time Billings classic serving up yummy steaks and seafood with patio seating overlooking a gorgeous pond!
The Granary – a 50 year landmark in Billings, The Granary is a city staple that has recently been remodeled with a modern design to match the upscale menu featuring your seafood favorites. Insider tip: I HIGHLY recommend the oyster selection!
Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse - a century-old Billings icon offering a wood-fire, old west, classic steakhouse experience
The Best Summer Camps for Kids in Billings
With the kids out of school for the season, as a parent you might be looking for a few fun ways to occupy their time while you’re working.
If so, there are TONS of summer camps available in and around Billings, including:
Billings Parks and Recreation Summer Camps – the community of Billings offer various camps all summer long for school aged kids, including Rock Band Camp, Adventure Camp, Swimming Camp, Rocket Camp and more to keep your littles entertained all summer long
Crooked Line Studio Summer Art Camps – various half and full day camps available for kids aged 5-15 June - July
Wise Wonders Discovery Museum – various science based day camps June - August for kids ranging from ages 4-12
ZooMontana Summer Camp – animal based half day camps offered June - August for kids aged 6-12
Montana Audubon Center Adventure Camps – educational and discovery camps offered throughout the summer for various age groups including, littles (K-2nd grade), middles (3rd-5th grade) and older kids (6th-9th grade)
Billings YMCA Summer Camps – various camps offered June - August for different age groups, including pre-K camp, Kinder camp and traditional camp for grades 1st-7th, with each featuring fun daily activities, field trips and themed days
Moss Mansion Themed Summer Camps – your kids aged 6-14 can enjoy themed summer camps, like SuperHero Camp, Jedi Training and Harry Potter, at Moss Mansion during June and July
Summer at the YAM – the Yellowstone Art Museum offers Summer Art Academy, day camps and art studio classes June - August for kids aged 5-14
NOVA Center for the Performing Arts Summer Camps – if your kiddos love to act, sing and dance, the NOVA camps are perfect for them! There are June, July and August camps that feature different themes for different ages starting at 6 years old!
Sports Camp at Rocky Mountain College – have a kiddo that loves sports? They can spend some of their summer time at Rocky Mountain College for a camp dedicated to their very interest! Offerings include basketball, soccer, football, volleyball and even aviation for Kindergarten - 8th grade kids.
Summer Adventure Camp at Magic City Gymnastics – a fun gymnastics and cheer camp offering with various camp options for your 1st - 6th grade kids during the months of June - August
As you can see, Billings is truly THE place to be in the summer and my hope is that this Best of Billings Summer 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 summer!