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🌞 January or April? Who Can Say Anymore...

Well folks, it’s January in Billings — allegedly. The calendar says “deep winter,” but your thermostat says “light jacket season,” and frankly, the trees are starting to look a little suspicious. If a tulip pops up this week, we’re not even going to question it.

Are we on the brink of an early spring? Should we start packing picnic baskets and dusting off the lawn chairs? Or is this just Montana giving us a false sense of security before the snow comes back with a vengeance? Either way, we’re soaking it up while it lasts.

In this week’s roundup, we’ve got local events that’ll warm your heart, family fun that’ll keep the kids busy (without screen time!), and even a few paw-some happenings for the dog lovers among us. So grab your coffee, your planner, and possibly your sunglasses — let’s dive into what’s happening around town!

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A Swainson's Hawk named Hayden captivated families this weekend at the Montana Audubon Center in an engaging conservation education program.

A teacher at Billings Senior High School was attacked and sustained stab wounds Tuesday afternoon at approximately 4:23 PM, after regular school hours.

An altercation erupted on the third floor between the teacher and a female student, resulting in both individuals suffering stab wounds during the confrontation.

🧑‍🎤 Billings Symphony: The Magic of Sleeping Beauty

📅 Friday, Jan 23, 2026
🕒 7:00 PM
📍 Alberta Bair Theater
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed
📄 Details: Symphony performance themed around the classic ballet with orchestral arrangements — a great cultural night out.

🏀 Local Basketball & Community Events

Various in Late Jan – Feb
🕒 Schedules vary
📍 MetraPark / Local Gyms
🎟️ Some free / some ticketed
📄 Details: High school and community sporting events like Lockwood vs. Central basketball and wrestling meets.

🎸 Keith Henry Music — Tiny’s Tavern

Wed, Jan 21, 2026
🕒 8:30 PM (approx)
📍 Tiny’s Tavern, Billings
🎟️ Free / Low‑cover live music
📄 Details: Local musician Keith Henry performs a mix of original songs and favorites at this cozy downtown venue — a great mid‑week show.

🎷 Lena Marie Schiffer — Big Winter Chill Series

📅 Fri, Jan 23, 2026
🕒 5:30 PM
📍 (Venue TBA — often at local event space or lounge)
🎟️ Admission varies
📄 Details: Part of a local winter music series featuring live band performances — check local listings or venue page for exact location/tickets.

🎤 Emo Kids — The Pub Station Taproom

📅 Fri, Jan 23, 2026
🕒 Show: ~8:00 PM
📍 The Pub Station, Billings
🎟️ Ticketed ($25–$30)
📄 Details: Energetic live set with emo/rock influences. Great for a Friday night show.

🎶 Kitchen Dwellers + Magoo — The Pub Station Ballroom

📅 Thu, Jan 29, 2026
🕒 Doors 7:00 PM • Show 8:00 PM
📍 The Pub Station Ballroom
🎟️ Ticketed ($40–$70)
📄 Details: Touring bluegrass‑rooted band Kitchen Dwellers with special guest Magoo — high‑energy and rootsy.

📚 Adventures in Story Time – Preschool Program

📅 Tuesday, Jan 20 & Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
🕒 5:00 PM
📍 Billings Public Library
🎟️ Free
📄 Fun stories, songs, rhymes, and interactive activities designed to engage young children and build early reading skills. Great for toddlers and preschoolers with caregivers

🎶 Free Family Concert: Symphony on Pointe

📅 Saturday, Jan 24, 2026
🕒 12:00 PM (Noon)
📍 Alberta Bair Theater
🎟️ Free
📄 The Billings Symphony presents a family‑friendly musical experience with dancers from the San Diego Ballet joining the orchestra — a perfect cultural outing for kids and parents alike.

📕 Storytime & Activities at Barnes & Noble

📅 Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
🕒 6:00 PM
📍 Barnes & Noble Bookstore
🎟️ Free
📄 Community silent reading night — cozy book sharing that’s especially nice for school‑age kids and families who love reading together.

🕹️ Fun Places for Family Outings (Anytime)

• All Fun & Games – Indoor arcade and amusement center with games and rides for kids and teens.

• Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum – Hands‑on science exhibits and interactive learning for curious minds.

• Lava Island – Large indoor playground for hours of active fun.

• Splat Attack Battle Arena- Billings, Montana – Family‑friendly arena games and play.

• Chuck E. Cheese – Classic kid‑friendly arcade + pizza night.

• The Reef Indoor Water Park – Great for water slides, pools, and indoor water play.

• ZooMontana – Always a hit with kids; animals and interactive exhibits make for a fun winter visit.

• Yellowstone Art Museum – Explore art with family; check for kids’ activities.

• Bad Bear Laser Tag – Fun group activity for older kids and teens.

• 📖 Billings Public Library programs – Weekly Story Tower and themed events for various ages (storytime, Tiny Tales, Art Club for tweens).

🐕 Ways to Spend Time With Your Dog Around Billings

🐕 Outdoor & Social Spots

• High Sierra Dog Park – Large off‑leash dog park with separate small‑dog area for social play.

• Centennial Dog Park – Another favorite fenced dog park ideal for socializing and running around.

• Zimmerman Park & Lake Elmo State Park – Scenic leashed‑dog walking areas with trails and winter views.

🐾 Dog Adoption Event at PetSmart

📅 Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 (check exact schedule locally)
🕒 Starts ~11:00 AM
📍 PetSmart Billings West
🎟️ Free to attend
📄 Looking to add a furry friend to your family? A local group is hosting a dog adoption event with pups of all ages looking for homes — great for dog lovers and families alike to meet dogs and talk with rescue volunteers.

🏠 Visit & Support at Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

📅 Ongoing — check open hours
🕒 Times vary
📍 5056 Jellison Rd, Billings
🎟️ Free visit / Adoption fees apply
📄 Pop in to meet dogs and other animals at the shelter — a lovely way to support animal welfare and possibly find a new companion. They often have meet‑and‑greet sessions, volunteer opportunities, and puppy socialization events.

📨 That’s a Wrap — For Now!

Whether you’re heading to a storytime session, tapping your toes at a local concert, or just enjoying a snow-free stroll with your four-legged friend, we hope this unseasonably lovely weather keeps your spirits high and your boots mud-free.

Keep an eye on the skies — and maybe don’t fully pack away the snow shovel just yet. Montana has a way of reminding us who’s boss.

Until next week, stay curious, stay kind, and keep finding joy in the little local things. 🌤️

“Tim McGraw”