The heart of the city with a true snapshot of our history, arts and culture. Downtown embodies the western history of Montana while celebrating cultural and artistic diversity. Find gourmet fare, unique shops, engaging history, and artistic expression on every corner.

 

Where to Stay

The Northern Hotel offers historic luxury right in the heart of the city, with exceptionally warm Four-Star service; an iconic landmark that boasts amenities both modern and charming. Stop in at Bernie’s for a Montana-style breakfast, or indulge at TEN for scallops and foie gras, hand cut steaks, local trout, and house made pasta. See the city from new heights at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Enjoy the restaurants, breweries and shopping surrounding the hotel, or relax at the rooftop restaurant Montana Sky and enjoy gorgeous views while you dine. With so many events within walking distance, the Best Western Plus Clocktower Inn is the prime location for convenience. And Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery right next door provides extra comfort with their giant cinnamon rolls and pancakes.

 

Where to Eat

Truly taste Montana with a melt-in-your-mouth USDA Prime wet or dry aged steak at Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse at the Rex, a 100-year-old icon that has served the likes of Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane. Or try the tangy coconut shrimp, bison medallions or a char-crusted ribeye at Jake’s Downtown, celebrating 40 years in the historic Grand Building. Located in the very heart of downtown, Montana Brewing Co features the best in gourmet bar food, from fried enchilada bites and wood-fired pizzas to award-winning brews and a beautiful patio. Or stop by Stacked, A Montana Grill for some wasabi deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, or a truly “stacked” burger. Known for its award-winning burgers like the “I’m Your Huckleberry” Burger, with huckleberry hatch chili BBQ sauce and goat cheese, The Burger Dive offers delicious and trendy takes on the classic. Find more delicious burgers on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail. For the epicurean palate, don’t miss these gastric sensations. The Marble Table serves elegant comfort food with locally sourced ingredients, with a stunning take on dishes like Kimchi Carbonara and Braised Beef Bolognese. Walker’s Grill is the epitome of farm-to-table fare, with innovative combinations of flavor and truly inspired cocktails in an environment both chic and relaxing. And don’t miss The Sassy Biscuit Co. for a southern scratch-made breakfast you won’t forget, paired with delightful craft mimosas.

 

Cocktails

Enjoy the charm and intimacy of Bin 119 Bistro and Wine Bar as you sip from their vast and stellar collection, or slip across the street to Doc Harper’s for a traditional martini, or choose from the more than 35 specialty martini cocktails served straight up. For the best in micro-brews, check out the Billings Brew Trail.

 

Coffee

Our locals are coffee connoisseurs, and that trait has spurred many great local spots to pop up with their own specialty blends. Black Dog Coffee House on 10^th is nestled in the midst of a quaint neighborhood, and boasts delightful pastries and crafted drinks. Take a break at Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, with their own signature roasts and the perfect spot to watch the downtown bustle from their cozy corner in the heart of downtown. And for parents checking out Wise Wonders Children’s Museum, grab the perfect nitro from Ebon Coffee Collective, voted best coffee shop in 2022 by Food & Wine Magazine.

 

Treats

Get your sugar rush at Big Dipper Ice Cream, serving up handcrafted ice cream across Montana with flavors like cardamom and Mexican chocolate, or stop in and sample the double dipped caramel apples, fudge and other confections at Brockel’s Chocolates, a family business making delicious handmade confections for 45 years. A must-visit location, award-wining artisanal bakery Le Fournil serves the best bread in the city, along with other delectables like croissants and pains au chocolates, just to name a few.  Nestled near downtown, Miss GiGi’s Sweets is the perfect spot to find traditional doughnuts like maple bars and the old-fashioned cake made fresh every day. Veronika’s makes French, Eastern European and Russian pastries fresh daily, but be sure to arrive early as she sells out by 9 a.m. Try an almond croissant, fruit tart or the Rugelach. Check out other sweets across Billings with the Trailhead Treats Pass.

 

Shopping

Find your Montana style at Aspinwall Mountain Wear founded by locals Derek and Lucy Aspinwall, with quality gear and apparel designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Once geared up, don’t leave the Big Sky State without a custom hand-crafted cowboy hat from Rand’s Custom Hats. They’ve been making fine quality custom hats in Billings for 30 years. Or stop by D. James Hats for a custom hat consultation that includes background on the hat-making process, customized fitting and personalized design. There are several shops downtown that offer boutique women’s clothing, from the glamour of Montana Dress Co. and refined style of The Cricket Clothing Company, to the modern, chic and effortless looks found at SOMETHINGchic. Liberty & Vine Country Store is housed in an old brick warehouse that has been a historic part of Montana Avenue since 1914. They offer mercantile goods with a focus on Montana-made or -grown products, as well as home décor and an antiques warehouse. If antiques are your thing, then check out Yesteryears Antique Mall for more treasures. Other great hot spots to shop are Zest Kitchen & Cookware and This House of Books.

 

Music and Entertainment

If you are looking to see a performing arts show, then the Alberta Bair Theater is your ticket. The gorgeous renovated building hosts the finest performers in every discipline, including classical and popular music, country music and jazz, opera, ballet, modern and ethnic dance, comedy, drama, musical theater, and a full lineup each year of the Billings Symphony. Finally, be sure to get tickets to a show at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, offering drama, musical theater, improv comedy and opera billing all local talent. If you’re interested in the kind of show with buttered popcorn and blockbuster hits or favorite oldies, look no further than the historic Babcock Theatre built in 1907 and fully renovated to host great films and live performances. If independent films are more your style, then be sure to visit Art House Cinema & Pub, a non-profit geared to inspire conversation through film, with three screens and artisan dining offered at the in-house restaurant, Reels. The live music scene is thriving, with several downtown pubs and restaurants hosting artists weekly. Craft Local, located in the historic Carlin building, offers live music, dance, poetry, comedy and other cultural events most nights of the week, as well as showcasing work from over 100 local artists. Set in a former Greyhound station, Pub Station is a top choice for live music gigs, with a trending lineup of local and traveling bands and 32 beers and ciders on tap. Stop by Thirsty Street Brewing Co. for a local brew and live music every weekend, or get your jazz fix at Walkers on Sunday evenings.

 

Museums and Galleries

Downtown is home to some unique and intriguing historical museums. As with most western towns, the railroad depot was the centerpiece, so be sure to visit the Historic Billings Depot, built in 1909 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property has been completely restored and visitors can see the 200-passenger waiting area, gentlemen’s smoking room, ladies waiting room and baggage area, all with original woodwork and informational reader boards. The Moss Mansion Museum, also on the National Register of Historic Places, is a turn-of-the-century home built in 1903 for entrepreneur Preston Boyd (P.B.) Moss. Take advantage of a self-paced or guided tour of this home’s beautiful craftsmanship, original décor, and inspired design by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, designer of the original Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotels. Don’t miss the Western Heritage Center, founded in 1971 and housed in the Parmly Billings Memorial Library, a city landmark built in 1901. The center shares and interprets the stories and history of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern High Plains. They offer interpretive hands-on displays, traveling exhibits, walking tours, and a collection of over 400 oral histories and 40,000 historical items. Looking for something to do as a family? Visit Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum, with hands-on STEM exhibits and activities, a mini grocery store to imagine the shopping experience, a significant play structure, toddler area and even coffee for the adults. The Yellowstone Art Museum is a fully accredited museum offering a collection of over 3,000 pieces of significant contemporary art from the region, including the largest public collection of work by cowboy illustrator Will James, as well as other historic regional artists, including J.H. Sharp, Charles M. Russel and more.

 

Experience the arts firsthand through the talent of local artists. At Far West Gallery, find one-of-a-kind authentic beadwork and Western memorabilia, or stop in to see the beautiful bold color schemes of Harry Koyama Fine Art, showcasing local favorite Harry Koyama’s award-winning artwork depicting the American West with his dramatic impressionist style. Check out Robert Tompkins Fine Art, part of the Western Masters-Heart of the West artists with a realistic but impressionistic style. The Sandstone Gallery hosts a slew of original artwork, from paintings to pottery and sculptures to jewelry all by local artists. Toucan Gallery believes in art for the everyday that inspires and uplifts. With a gorgeous space, they show the work of local and regional artists and artisans in many styles and types of media. With a mission to support emerging and established artists in the region, Terakedis Fine Art carries the finest artwork and handcrafted jewelry. Finally, don’t miss the Underground Culture Krew, with more than just tattoos, as they have transformed many outdoor spaces across Billings with their unique murals.

 

Public Art

There are so many ways to explore art in downtown Billings, with unique sculptures, murals and even bikes! The Light Bike Trail is a walkable trail of wall-mounted LED-lit bicycles, paired with beautifully unique painted murals. The trail runs through alleyways of downtown Billings as part of the Downtown Billings Public Art program. Along the trail you will see plenty of murals, as well as over 20 wrapped traffic signal boxes featuring work from local artists. View the Downtown Billings Public Art Map to see all of the locations of the murals, traffic signal box wraps, and the LightBike Trail bikes.

 

 

Events

Every First Friday there is a celebration in downtown Billings! Check out the local shops, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife hotspots on the first Friday of the month and enjoy special events, complimentary refreshments, promotions and live entertainment from the participating shops and businesses. And as a bonus, every other month on the First Friday, you can find engaging fine arts and crafts that are showcased during the Billings ArtWalk. A tradition for over 40 years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celtic Fair celebrates the Irish heritage and features a parade with over 40 festive floats. There is also a Celtic Fair & Street Party that fills downtown with various street food, festive music, cloggers, bag-pipers and of course green beer! The annual Alive After Five Outdoor Summer Concert Series is a highly anticipated event that runs weekly on Thursdays from 5pm-8pm at different outdoor downtown venues from June to August. Enjoy the lineup of local and regional bands while partaking in a delightful variety of local food and drink. A cherished community event that ushers in the summer season, the Strawberry Festival is a must attend event in downtown Billings in early July. Experience a wide range of artistic and crafted creations, “Made in Montana” goods, and activities for the kids including balloon animals, crafts and activities. Join the festivities and enjoy mouthwatering food truck fare and live entertainment right under Skypoint.

 

With over 60 vendors in the heart of downtown, the Yellowstone Valley Farmer’s Market offers the best in fresh local products, from produce, meat and flower bouquets to jams, spices, and pies. The market also boasts some of the best local sips and bites, from handmade crepes and eggrolls to fresh squeezed lemonade and craft coffee, it’s open every Saturday from 8am-12pm from mid-July to early October.  Burn the Point is a classic car-lovers nirvana. This Labor Day weekend event brings the downtown streets to life with a classic car parade, street dance and car show. “Rev up your deuces” at this signature event that helps to raise funds for the Chase Hawks Memorial Association crisis fund.

 

Pumpkin spice is in the air at the annual community fall festival, HarvestFest, the second weekend of October. This grand finale of the Yellowstone Valley Farmer’s Market celebrates the season with pumpkins, gourds, pies and the final offerings of the summer produce season, along with food-truck fare and live entertainment. And just a few short weeks later, check out Downtown Trick-or-Treat, a community event that brings thousands of children in costume to trick-or-treat at over 50 participating businesses that offer candy, treats and themed activities. The annual Holiday Parade is a long-standing tradition for the community, ushering in the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Bundle up your family and friends to see the over 75 decorated floats along with Santa riding in the parade finale. Then take care of all of your shopping at the Christmas Stroll the first Friday of December, with holiday-centric events, activated spaces, shop specials, holiday beverages and snacks, and a whole lot of cheer.