If you’re planning for summer, Billings has plenty going on that’s worth adding to your calendar. These are the kind of events that get your kids excited, offer something for every age group, and make you feel like your community shows up. Whether you live nearby or just outside the city, it’s worth sticking around town for these.
Dr. Ryan Hecht and the team at Montana Smiles Orthodontics always enjoy seeing patients get the most out of each season, not just with healthy smiles, but by being out there making memories as a family. This list covers the best of what’s coming up in Billings this summer. You’ll find a mix of free events, festivals, and just-for-fun days that feel like summer should: relaxed, local, and full of simple things done well.
Celebrate Freedom at Castle Rock Park
July 4, 2025 | 4 PM – 11 PM | Free
Billings doesn’t hold back on the Fourth of July. Celebrate Freedom is one of the city’s best all-ages events, and it’s been a tradition since 2002. You’ll find it at Castle Rock Park in the Heights starting at 4 p.m., plenty of space, lots of shade, and a community turnout that gets bigger every year. What to expect:
- Family activities from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Splash pad, yard games, and a silent disco
- Live music and entertainment throughout the evening
- A packed lineup of food trucks
- Fireworks at dusk to close out the night
You can bring your own picnic or try something new from the food vendors on-site. Either way, it’s a laid-back way to spend the Fourth without needing to leave the city or deal with packed highways. It’s one of those events where neighbors run into neighbors, and kids look up from their devices for a while.
Castle Rock Park is easy to find on West Wicks Lane, and there’s usually plenty of room to spread out.
Strawberry Festival in Downtown Billings
July 12 at 9 am – 4 pm
One of Billings’ most-loved summer traditions, the Strawberry Festival brings downtown to life with more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and interactive activities for all ages. It’s coordinated by the Downtown Billings team and co-hosted by Visit Billings, so you know it’s well-run and packed with things to do.
You’ll find it under Skypoint at 2nd Ave N. and N. Broadway. Expect food from all over, like crepes, noodles, BBQ, and a crowd that shows up early and stays all day. Kids love the roaming entertainers and hands-on crafts, while adults get to explore the booths, grab a treat, and enjoy a day that’s all about local talent and community.
Parking can take a little patience, but once you’re there, it’s worth it. If you’ve never been, this is the summer to check it out. If you’ve gone before, you already know it’s one of those events that manages to feel fun without being overwhelming.
Big Sky Balloon Rally
July 24–27, 2025 | Amend Park | Free
This is one of the most visually impressive events in Montana and a favorite for families who want something a little different than the usual summer festival. The Big Sky Balloon Rally (formerly the Big Sky International Balloon Rendezvous) brings a burst of color to the skies over Billings and gives you a reason to set your alarm a little earlier than usual.
Schedule highlights:
- Morning balloon launches each day at 6 a.m.
- Saturday evening festival with food trucks, face painting, and live music
- Balloon glow at dusk on Saturday (weather permitting)
If you have early risers at home, bring them out to Amend Park to see dozens of balloons lift off into the morning sky. It’s peaceful, colorful, and way more memorable than cartoons on the couch. If your crew prefers evenings, Saturday night’s festival has plenty to keep everyone busy, and the glow event makes a great backdrop for photos.
Red Lodge Summer Fest 2025
August 1–2, 2025
Roosevelt Center | Red Lodge, MT | From $20/day
Just an hour south of Billings, Red Lodge Summer Fest is worth the drive, especially if live music, good food, and a laid-back vibe are your thing. Held outdoors at the Roosevelt Center on South Broadway, this two-day event brings together musicians, vendors, and families for a weekend that’s as fun for the adults as it is for the kids.
The music lineup includes well-known names like The Last Revel and Big Richard, plus local favorites like Lena Rich and Wild Horses. Things kick off Friday at 3 p.m. and run through Saturday night, with plenty of open space and seating areas to keep things comfortable. You’ll also find food trucks, drink vendors, artist booths, and designated spots for kids to hang out and play.
Tickets start at $20/day and must be purchased online at redlodgesummerfest.com. Local discounts are available, and while some tickets may be sold at the gate, they’re limited, so grab them early if you know you want to go.
Burn the Point Classic Car Weekend
August 29–30, 2025 | Downtown Billings + Henry’s Garage
Billings closes out summer strong with Burn the Point, a two-day throwback celebration of classic car culture. If anyone in your family loves cars or you just like a good parade, this one’s worth making time for.
- Friday, August 29 at 6 PM – Downtown Billings
Catch the cruise parade with over 500 classic cars rumbling through the streets. There’s live music after the parade, and Broadway transforms into a dance floor. It’s loud, fun, and packed with energy from start to finish.
- Saturday, August 30 at 10 AM – Henry’s Garage
Come back for the car show, featuring 300+ cars and trucks, food vendors, music, and a swap meet. Admission is just $5, and kids under a certain age usually get in free. You’ll see everything from old-school Mustangs to custom builds you’ve never seen before.
This event, organized by the Chase Hawks Memorial Association, continues to grow each year. It’s become one of the top summer highlights in town, and if you have little ones who love engines or teens who need something cool to check out, this is the weekend to go.
Book an Appointment Around the Fun
If you’re trying to balance orthodontic appointments with camps, vacations, or local events like these, just let us know what you’ve got going on. Dr. Hecht and the team at Montana Smiles Orthodontics are here in Billings and are always happy to work around what matters to your family.
We’ll help you stay on track with treatment, and still make room for festivals, fireworks, and all the things worth saying yes to this summer. Give us a call when you’re ready.