"From Harvest Markets to Medieval Faires: Fall in Billings is here! 🍁"

Trivia Question❓

What’s the name of Miley Cyrus’ famous godmother?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall"

It’s that magical time of year when the iced coffees get warmer, the evenings come quicker, and crunchy leaves become everyone’s favorite background music. But what really happens when we shift from summer to autumn?

As Earth tilts on its axis (a cool 23.5° lean, to be exact), the Northern Hemisphere starts receiving less direct sunlight. That’s why the days grow shorter and the temps start to dip — no, it’s not just your imagination or your local barista switching to PSL mode.

Nature gets the memo too: chlorophyll (the green stuff in leaves) begins to break down, revealing those gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. Animals start prepping for colder months, and some of us humans begin the great closet switch-over from sandals to socks.

So whether you're mourning summer or ready to dive into pumpkin patches, take a moment to enjoy this cozy transition — it's nature's most colorful exit.

Billings MT Harvest Market

Date: Fri, Oct. 3 → Sat, Oct. 4, 2025 · Time: 5:00 PM (Oct 3) – 4:00 PM (Oct 4) · Location: Metra ExpoPark, 308 6th Ave N, Billings · Admission: $15.50 (Fri), $5.50 (Sat)

Browse handcrafted goods, rustic treasures, and artisan finds in this cozy fall market.

All Hallows Medieval Fantasy Faire

Date: Sat, Oct. 4 – Sun, Oct. 5, 2025 · Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun) · Location: North Park, Billings · Admission: Children under 4 free

A magical medieval-themed faire with jousting, artists, live acts, artisan booths, storytelling, and more. All proceeds help revitalize North Park.

MetraPark Events: Autocross & Spay/Neuter Clinic

Date: Sat, Oct. 4 & Sun, Oct. 5, 2025 · Time: From 9:00 AM · Location: MetraPark, Billings · Admission: Standard event pricing

The Yellowstone Region SCCA Autocross brings motorsport racing to MetraPark, and alongside that, Spay Montana will host a spay & neuter clinic.

ArtWalk

Date: Fri, Oct. 3, 2025 · Time: Evening · Location: Barjon’s Books, downtown Billings · Admission: Free / open to public

A themed ArtWalk event celebrating raven motifs and the work of artist Karyne, with art, live music, and community engagement.

Hippies & Cowboys

Saddle up for a day of music, culture, and good ol' Western fun at the Hippies & Cowboys Festival brought to you by On the Rocks! Join us at the scenic Huntley Project Museum for an unforgettable experience filled with live music, vendor booths, delicious food trucks fare, a full bar and a spectacular car show with prizes and awards.

Saturday October 04 - 12PM to 11PM

770 Railroad Hwy - Huntley, MT

This newsletter sponsored by

Ace Hardware - In Honor of Skip King

We lost a good one way too soon.

Here's a tidbit Skip shared in a Billings Gazette profile written nearly 20 years ago.

Describe how you got where you are in your work today:

"By being optimistic and persistent and by not giving up. By building a reputation for taking care of people, and by embracing changes in the business."

Read More: Billings Business Icon Skip King Passes Away | https://kmmsam.com/ixp/990/p/skip-king-passes-away/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of a homemade pumpkin spice latte filling your kitchen with fall aromas. This recipe creates the perfect balance of rich espresso, creamy milk, and warm spices that’ll have you skipping the coffee shop line.

Ingredients

2 shots espresso (or substitute 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
1 cup milk of choice (oat milk froths beautifully)
3 tablespoons pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup for natural sweetness
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Extra cinnamon or pumpkin spice for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Pour milk into a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until hot and almost simmering, about 3-4 minutes.
Make your espresso and pour it into a large mug or mason jar.
Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the espresso.
Stir vigorously until everything combines smoothly with no lumps.
Use a milk frother to froth your heated milk for about 30 seconds until foamy and doubled in volume.
Pour the frothed milk into your mug over the pumpkin espresso mixture, reserving the extra foam.
Spoon the reserved foam on top for café presentation.
Add whipped cream if desired and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Notes

Fresh is best – enjoy immediately while foam is perfect. You can prepare the pumpkin spice mixture (without milk) up to 2 days ahead. Oat milk creates the most café-like foam, but whole dairy milk works wonderfully too.

As we head deeper into October here in Billings, it’s hard not to pause and soak it all in. The Rimrocks glow golden in the late afternoon sun, the air has that perfect crisp bite, and every street seems to be dressed in its finest reds and yellows. It’s the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you—one day you’re sipping iced tea on the porch, and the next you’re pulling on a sweater, kicking through leaves, and realizing just how lucky we are to live in a place that shows off this time of year.

So whether you’re taking a walk along the Yellowstone, wandering the farmers markets, or just enjoying a cup of something warm on your back deck, make sure to look up, breathe deep, and let October remind you why Billings is such a special place to call home.

Until next week—enjoy the view.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Dolly Parton