Good morning, Billings.

The Heart and Sole Race will take place on Father's Day weekend in Billings as a community event that promotes healthy lifestyles and supports local causes by benefiting Billings Family YMCA and Billings TrailNet.

Registration is open until June 13 and the race offers a virtual event, a 2-mile run, and 5K and 10K races—providing families different ways to join.

Matthew Wade, scheduled to be inducted as junior vice commander of VFW Post 4669 in Black Eagle later this month, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Sunday when he hit a deer on a hill between Augusta and Simms—he was flown by helicopter to Benefis Health System in Great Falls and is now in the ICU with a fractured skull, brain bleeding, and other injuries.

Billings Fire Chief Pepper Valdez will step down at the end of the month after serving over 30 years and leading the fire department since 2021.

He said 2024 was challenging due to replenishing ranks & rising operational demands, and city officials praised his achievements such as improved insurance ratings for local businesses.

The Montana Department of Commerce awarded over $400,000 in grants to three communities in coal-impacted areas to support public safety and development projects.

Big Horn County will receive more than $155,000 for a library boiler and fire system replacement + Forsyth will get $200,000 for a new water tank and booster pump + Winter is allocated $50,000 for a dump truck to improve services.

Yellowstone Cellars and Winery Event

7:30-10 p.m. — Yellowstone Cellars & Winery — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a delightful evening at one of Billings' top-rated wineries.

PBR Billings

12:45-4:45 p.m. — MetraPark - First Interstate Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of professional bull riding in one of America's fastest-growing sports.

Billings School District #2 Candidate Forum/Meet and Greet

Please join Forward Montana and League of Women Voters for a candidate forum/meet and greet on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00pm at the Art House Cinema and Pub in Downtown Billings. We’ve invited all candidates in the two competitive districts #5 and #7 and look forward to a night of hearing from them about their plan for the school board + hearing from YOU so you can learn more and make an informed vote!

Billings School District #2 Candidate Forum/Meet and Greet

Please join Forward Montana and League of Women Voters for a candidate forum/meet and greet on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00pm at the Art House Cinema and Pub in Downtown Billings. We’ve invited all candidates in the two competitive districts #5 and #7 and look forward to a night of hearing from them about their plan for the school board + hearing from YOU so you can learn more and make an informed vote!

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Babcock Theatre — $25 — Experience breathtaking mountain adventures through a collection of inspiring films while supporting local conservation efforts.

Clay Pot Painting Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Roots Garden Center — Free entry — Unleash your creativity with a fun day of painting your own clay pot planter.

Cooper Alan Live in Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Pub Station — VIP tickets available — Experience the dynamic sounds of rising country star Cooper Alan with a mix of heartfelt and playful anthems.

Yellowstone Chapter PGA Pro-Pro Tournament

— Time TBA — Hilands Golf Club — Participation fee required — Compete in the prestigious Pro-Pro golf tournament at one of Billings’ premier courses.

Veterans Benefits Overview

5:30-7 p.m. — Grace Montessori Academy — Free entry — Discover essential benefits including healthcare and support for veterans and their families.

Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony Dress Rehearsal

7-10 p.m. — Alberta Bair Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Tchaikovsky's classic symphony performed by the Billings Symphony Orchestra.

Earth Day Family Bike Ride

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Spoke Shop — Free event — Enjoy a fun family bike ride to celebrate Earth Day with fresh air and community spirit.