“Late-Summer in Billings: Food, Fun & Community Favorites”

September is gently rolling in, and it’s bringing those magical late‑summer days we all cherish.

It’s the perfect moment to bask in sunshine, savor simple pleasures, and discover the local gems that make Billings feel so special.

Here’s your all‑local, all‑joy guide to soaking up the season.

In what year was the city of Billings, Montana, founded, and what was it originally named?

Sip & Stroll: Ales for Trails & Farmers Market

• Ales for Trails: Enjoy craft beer, live music, and food trucks—all to benefit our city’s trail system—a fun way to unwind and give back.

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• Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market: Fresh, local produce and artisan finds—great for leisurely browsing and delicious discoveries.

Dive Into Culture: Film, History & Art

• MINT Film Festival: Celebrate local storytelling—immersive, thoughtful films in a true creative vibe.

• Western Heritage Center: Housed in a historic downtown library building, this museum spotlights our regional stories and rotating exhibits.KOA+

• Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM): Montana’s largest contemporary art museum—contemporary galleries, public programs, and the unique Visible Vault.Through My Lens+2

Live Music & Theatrical Nights

• Pam Tillis performs at Petro Theatre on September 13—a must for live-music lovers.

• Alberta Bair Theater: Our grand performing arts venue between Spokane and Denver—home to touring artists and Broadway shows.

• Billings Studio Theatre: A community staple with fresh plays and musicals all year

Outdoor Escape: Nature & Relaxation

• Rimrocks: Breathtaking trails for hiking or biking, with sweeping city views—perfect for peaceful mornings or energizing evenings.Through My Lens+

• Lake Elmo State Park: Think paddleboarding, picnicking, and riverside relaxation—plus a dog‑friendly area if you’re bringing a furry friend.

• ZooMontana: Montana’s only zoo and botanical park. A tranquil, nature-rich destination featuring animals, gardens, and lovely picnic spots.

Community & Connection

• Billings Climate Week (Sept 14–18): Free panel talks, bike rides, and workshops exploring local sustainability efforts.

• Business After Hours (Sept 10): is the premier networking event

   for business professionals in the Billings area. It is held on the second Wednesday of each month from 5 – 7 p.m.

  $10 includes two complimentary drink tickets, hors d’oeuvres, and great conversations! Don’t forget your business cards!

  Frequently attending Business After Hours? Consider a VIP Card!

  https://business.billingschamber.com/.../business-after...

  Stockman Bank, 2700 King Ave W, Billings, MT

Brady Schug wasn't searching for love when he first stepped into Clydehurst Christian Ranch as a high schooler.

But summer camp has its own magic for creating lasting connections, and that's exactly where the 21-year-old MSUB business student met Delaney, who traveled from Oregon each summer to work alongside him.

Today, their romance has blossomed into marriage and a thriving entrepreneurial venture — The Wonderful Wiener hot dog cart that's become a beloved fixture around Billings.

Schug's journey from camp counselor to cart owner started during those three magical summers south of Big Timber. While handling maintenance duties and kitchen work, he discovered his passion manning the hot dog grill during camp cookouts.

"I just got asked if I wanted to cook the hot dogs, and I did," Schug recalls. That simple request evolved into his signature role — and eventually, his business inspiration.

The cart stands out in

Earthbound Café

Valley Federal Credit Union Building, 207 N. Broadway, Downtown Billings.

Earthbound Café serves breakfast and lunch with a diverse menu featuring vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivorous options. The rotating menu has already attracted a loyal crowd.

Tup Tim Thai

Location: 2916 1st Ave N, Downtown Billings.

Tup Tim Thai serves genuine Northern Thai cuisine in a relaxed, downtown setting—offering a flavorful new dining option for locals and visitors alike.

Boomin Boba Bubble Teas

Boomin Boba Bubble Teas offers a variety of bubble tea favorites and is a sweet, fun new stop for downtown visitors craving a refreshing treat. Call them to find out where they'll be. +1 406-930-1267

Randall Siding Co.

Looking to give your home a fresh new look or tackle some overdue upgrades? Randall Siding is a trusted local name with over 40 years of experience in siding, replacement windows, and roofing. Their craftsmanship speaks for itself—just ask any of their many satisfied customers!

Fully licensed and insured, Randall Siding is all about doing the job right the first time, with quality you can see and service you can trust. They’ve built their reputation one home at a time right here in our community.

📞 Ready to get started? Give them a call at 406-855-7825.

Support local. Choose excellence. Call Randall Siding today!

In the vibrant golf scene of Billings, Montana, Leslie Spalding stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Born and raised in the city, she dominated high school championships in 1986 and 1987, paving her way to collegiate success at the University of Alabama.

There, she claimed titles like the 1990 Neva McCall and 1991 Southern Intercollegiate crowns.

Turning pro in 1992, Spalding joined the LPGA Tour in 1995, competing in 215 events and earning over $600,000.

Her highlights include a career-low 64, two holes-in-one, and a third-place finish at the 2001 ShopRite Classic.

After retiring in 2005, she returned to Montana, coaching at Montana State from 2007 to 2011 and later elevating San Diego State's program with conference wins.

Spalding's story fuels local enthusiasm, from record crowds at Anaconda's State Four-Ball to youth programs at Yegen Golf Club in Billings.

Her resilience inspires Montana's growing golf community, proving homegrown talent can conquer global stages.

👀 Next Week’s Kitchen Hack Teaser

A personal pet peeve of mine? Peeling hard-boiled eggs that refuse to give up their shells. Drives me nuts.

Well, I finally found the solution—and I’m going to pass it on to you in the next issue.

Until then… don’t put all your eggs in one basket (unless they’re hard-boiled). 🥚😉

That’s a wrap for this week’s issue. Thanks for letting me pop into your inbox and share a little slice of Billings with you. Keep your eyes open for those late-summer sunsets, try something new around town, and most of all—enjoy the people you share it with.

Catch you next week,
The Trailhead Buzz Team

ion

The city of Billings, Montana, was founded in 1882. It was originally named Clark's Fork Crossing before being renamed after Frederick H. Billings, a former president of the Northern Pacific Railway.