Randy Diefel
Trivia Question❓Who won the first season of American Idol? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Hey, Billings! 👋 |
The calendar says fall, but the Magic City still has plenty of heat. From fresh faces and local favorites to weekend plans worth clearing your schedule for, there’s a lot happening right in our backyard. We’ve got the scoop on what’s new, what’s next, and what you won’t want to miss around town. Pour another cup, Billings. Your weekly Buzz starts now. ☕ |
Billings took a serious hit Saturday as nearly three inches of rain overwhelmed the city, flooding basements, swamping streets, and turning parks into shallow lakes.
Storm drains buckled under the volume, leaving entire blocks submerged and forcing drivers to find alternate routes.
Some residents called it the worst flooding they had seen in decades.
High school soccer matches were among the casualties, canceled after standing water reached two to three inches deep on local fields.
Dedicated parents showed up anyway — boots on, umbrellas ready — before being sent back home.
Baseball diamonds across Yellowstone County sat submerged as the slow-moving storm refused to let up.
Not everyone suffered, though. Indoor businesses on the west end thrived, with golf simulation lounges reporting a surge in walk-ins from rain-weary locals seeking dry shelter.
Officials noted no catastrophic damage, but the flood of calls about impassable roads and waterlogged homes told a different story.
With aging drainage infrastructure under recurring strain, Billings residents are demanding lasting solutions — and this storm made that case loudly. Read More... |
A Yellowstone County jury found Bryce Tayler Blackburn guilty of deliberate homicide in the fatal beating of 55-year-old Denis Osborne, closing one of Billings' most closely watched criminal cases in recent memory.
The June 2024 incident unfolded in the Billings Heights neighborhood, where Osborne stepped into the street to confront a driver — Blackburn — racing a modified Honda Civic through a residential area.
After Osborne threw a plastic bottle to get the driver's attention, Blackburn stopped, got out, and struck Osborne repeatedly — including while he was already on the ground.
Osborne died shortly after from his injuries.
Only 17 at the time, Blackburn was tried as an adult after Judge Jessica Fehr ruled the case belonged in District Court — a decision Osborne's family welcomed.
The defense argued self-defense. The jury disagreed.
Now 20, Blackburn faces 10 to 100 years in prison under Montana law, with sentencing still ahead.
For many Heights residents, Osborne's death reflects a longstanding frustration over reckless driving in neighborhood streets — a tragedy that hits far closer to home than any courtroom verdict can fully capture. Read More... |
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Tuesday, September 22Born of Osiris7:30 PM 📍 The Pub Station Taproom Progressive metal band Born of Osiris takes over The Pub Station for an evening of heavy music. Tickets listed at approximately $29.
Meet Billings' City Administrator Candidate4:30–6:00 PM 📍 Billings City Hall, Fifth Floor Residents have an opportunity to meet the candidate for Billings City Administrator. This is a chance to learn more about the person being considered for a major leadership position in city government.
Billings Chamber NextGEN Quarters4:00–5:30 PM 📍 Art House Cinema & Pub The Billings Chamber is hosting a NextGEN gathering focused on the projects, ideas, and people shaping the future of downtown Billings. Representatives from the Downtown Billings Alliance, A&E Design + SMA, and Art House Cinema are among those involved.
Wednesday, September 23Psychostick with Galactic Empire6:50–10:00 PM 📍 The Pub Station Taproom For something a little different, comedy metal band Psychostick joins Galactic Empire for a night of heavy music and humor.
New College of Nursing Building Grand Opening10:00 AM 📍 Billings A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for the new Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing Building. The event is listed on the City of Billings calendar.
Thursday, September 24Billings Chamber Annual Business Celebration3:00–6:00 PM The Billings Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2026 Annual Business Celebration. This year's theme is: The Power to Thrive: Your Chamber Reimagined The event brings together members of the Billings business community.
🍂 THE WEEKEND: September 25–27This is where things get particularly interesting for families and people looking for fall activities. Friday, September 25BRICK HAUS & AJA: Bricks in Space9:00–11:00 PM 📍 The Pub Station The Brick Haus brings RuPaul's Drag Race performer Aja to Billings for a space-themed drag event. Ages 18+.
Saturday, September 26🥕 Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market📍 Downtown Billings One of the community's favorite Saturday traditions returns. Expect a chance to shop for seasonal produce and locally made goods while supporting area growers and vendors. This is an especially timely outing as Billings transitions into fall.
🍁 Fall Fest at Roots Garden Center📍 Roots Garden Center Roots Garden Center is hosting a fall festival on September 26. For families looking to get into the autumn spirit, this is one to investigate. Check with Roots for the full activity schedule and admission details.
🧙 Witches and Wizards Spirits at Moss Mansion📍 Moss Mansion, 914 Division Street Historic Moss Mansion is hosting a witches-and-wizards-themed event. It's an opportunity to experience one of Billings' most recognizable historic properties through a seasonal event.
🎻 Billings Symphony: Dvořák No. 8📍 Alberta Bair Theater The Billings Symphony presents Dvořák's Symphony No. 8. For anyone looking for an evening of classical music in downtown Billings, this is a notable event on the September calendar.
Sunday, September 27🎤 Queen: It's a Kinda Magic📍 Alberta Bair Theater Queen's music comes to the Alberta Bair Theater in a theatrical concert experience. Expect a show built around the legendary band's catalog of rock anthems.
September 28–30Monday, September 28Billings City Council Meeting5:30 PM 📍 City Hall Council Chambers, 316 North 26th Street, Fifth Floor The City Council holds its regular business meeting. For residents interested in local development, public spending, infrastructure, or other municipal decisions, the city's meeting calendar is a useful resource.
Wednesday, September 30Two notable entertainment events are scheduled for the same evening. 🎸 Chicago Live at MetraPark7:30 PM 📍 First Interstate Arena at MetraPark Legendary rock band Chicago comes to Billings. The band's catalog includes:
This is one of the larger concerts on the upcoming Billings entertainment calendar.
😂 Comedian Steve Hofstetter7:30–10:30 PM 📍 The Pub Station Ballroom Stand-up comedian Steve Hofstetter returns to Billings with a new set. The show is general admission, seated, and restricted to ages 18+.
👻 Thursday, October 1Ghost Tours at Moss Mansion6:00–9:00 PM 📍 Moss Mansion, 914 Division Street October begins with ghost tours inside one of Billings' most historic homes. Visitors can explore the 1903 mansion after dark while hearing stories about the property, local legends, and reported paranormal experiences. This could make a fun kickoff to Halloween season. |
Sunday in Billings felt heavier than most — but also full of something rare.
Hundreds gathered for the Yellowstone Valley Out of the Darkness Walk at Will James Middle School, uniting families, survivors, and volunteers in a deeply personal stand against suicide.
Montana has ranked among the nation's highest for suicide rates for decades, making the event far more than symbolic.
Many walked in memory of someone they lost — sons, siblings, friends.
One Billings family returned to honor a son and brother who died by suicide after quietly battling anxiety and depression.
His sister said it plainly: when communities avoid hard conversations, stigma fills the void — and stigma costs lives.
Volunteers from Montana State University Billings, including the softball program, showed up to prove mental health matters in athletics and beyond.
The event chair, who lost her own son over two decades ago, has made it her mission to ensure no one walks through grief alone.
For Billings, this walk is a reminder that community itself is a form of lifesaving.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Read More... |
The Billings Mustangs are Pioneer League champions for the first time in 12 years, clinching their 16th league title with a dramatic 14-11 victory over the Long Beach Coast on a rain-soaked Friday night.
Billings surged to a commanding 9-0 lead before the Coast rallied to within two in the sixth inning, threatening to steal the moment.
Outfielder Adam Cootway had other ideas, launching a clutch three-run home run that put the game out of reach.
Cootway was a consistent force throughout the entire postseason run.
Infielder Cameron Bowen credited the team's relentless, one-game-at-a-time mentality as the true engine behind the championship push.
The Mustangs led the league in offensive production all season — including a record-tying 30-hit performance — making Friday's 14-run output feel less like a surprise and more like a signature.
A late downpour couldn't dampen the celebration for a fanbase that had waited over a decade for this night. Read More... |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Kelly Clarkson |