Randy Diefel
Sep 8, 2026
Trivia Question❓How many major islands make up Hawaii? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Fall is starting to creep into the Yellowstone Valley, and there’s plenty happening around town to catch up on. If you were downtown Friday night, you probably heard the rumble before you saw it. Burn the Point brought the classics back out for another cruise, and we’ve got a look at the cars, crowds and familiar Billings tradition. Looking ahead, some very large four-legged visitors are headed our way—the Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to town—and we’ve rounded up a bunch of other events worth getting out of the house for, including a little fall fun just down the road in Laurel. There’s some heavier news to catch up on, too. We’re following a shooting in downtown Billings, along with a new development in the local data-center debate as opponents launch write-in campaigns. Pour another cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s catch up on what’s been happening—and what’s ahead—around our corner of Montana. |
Every Labor Day weekend, Billings, Montana transforms into the beating heart of classic car culture.
The Burn the Point Classic Car Show celebrated its 22nd consecutive year, drawing crowds to witness hundreds of meticulously restored muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage trucks.
The weekend launched Friday with over 500 vintage rides rumbling through downtown's 3rd Avenue North, followed by Saturday's main showcase of 300-plus classics at Henry's Garage.
Beyond the chrome and horsepower, the event carries profound community impact. Read More... |
A Sunday afternoon shooting near North 23rd Street and First Avenue North in Billings sent one man to the hospital and sparked a massive law enforcement response that unsettled the neighborhood for hours.
The Billings Police Department issued a public alert just after 3:30 p.m., urging residents to avoid the area as officers and a SWAT unit moved in.
A suspect was believed to be barricaded inside a nearby home, prompting a full perimeter lockdown and shelter-in-place order for surrounding residents. Read More... |
Wed, Sept. 9 — Budweiser Clydesdales |
The Clydesdales will be on Broadway Avenue from 5–7 PM for photos, then make another appearance Sept. 11 at Dehler Park. |
11th Annual Laurel Fall Festival |
Just a short drive from Billings, the 11th Annual Laurel Fall Festival is taking over downtown Laurel this Saturday, September 12. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with food trucks, local craft and market vendors, kids’ activities and plenty of reasons to wander around downtown. As the afternoon winds down, the fun keeps going with a street dance beginning at 5 p.m., making this an easy all-day outing for families, friends or anyone ready for a little early fall fun. 📍 Downtown Laurel / The Front Porch, 109 W. First St. |
Wed, Sept. 9 — Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal |
Four-time Grammy winner Rosanne Cash performs with guitarist John Leventhal at Alberta Bair Theater |
Thu, Sept. 10 — Rafael Aguirre: Grande Musica |
Classical guitarist Rafael Aguirre performs at MSUB’s Cisel Hall. Spanish guitar phenomenon, Rafael Aguirre, is likely the most acclaimed guitarist of his generation. With an incredible tally of 1st prizes from the most important international competitions to collaborations with conductors and musicians across the globe, Rafael’s guitar playing speaks for itself – technically perfect, captivating, dazzling, and full of fantasy and introspection |
Thu, Sept. 10 — Black Flag |
Black Flag brings its iconic hardcore punk sound to the Pub Station Taproom in Billings, MT, on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Fans can anticipate an intense performance from the legendary band, known for their raw energy and influential presence in the punk scene. This single evening event at the intimate Pub Station Taproom offers a unique opportunity to witness Black Flag live, with the show scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. Prepare for a powerful night of classic punk anthems. |
Fri–Sun, Sept. 11–13 — Sunflower Festival 🌻 |
Flowerstead Farms hosts its three-day festival with pick-your-own flowers, live music, food and plenty of fall-photo opportunities |
Sat, Sept. 12 — Run for HER 5K/10K |
More Than a Race! Run for HER is more than a 5K and 10K. It's an opportunity for our community to stand together against exploitation, support survivors, and create lasting change in Montana. Whether you're running, walking, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, every participant helps move the mission forward. Together, we're building a Montana where every woman can live free from exploitation and thrive in her community. - Click Here for details |
A proposed 5,100-acre data center complex near Broadview, Montana is sparking fierce opposition from residents who say they never got a real say.
Quantica Infrastructure's Big Sky Campus would target 1,100 megawatts of power capacity — and draw up to 150,000 gallons of water daily during peak construction from a deep local aquifer.
For a rural community already stretched thin on water, those numbers are alarming. Read More... |
That’s a wrap for this week, neighbors! |
There’s plenty happening around Billings and the Yellowstone Valley, so get out there, enjoy the start of fall, support a local business, and maybe say hello to someone you know along the way. See something we should know about? Send us a tip, event, photo or local story—we’d love to hear what’s happening in your corner of the community. Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other. 🍂 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 8 - Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe |