Good morning, Billings.

The University of Montana announced that the 2025 Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit will run in Billings from October 21 to 23.

The event will bring together outdoor leaders + community planners to discuss challenges and opportunities in recreation with expert panels and interactive sessions while early-bird registration ends on July 1.

Fifteen years ago on June 20th, 2010, a rare tornado with winds over 100 mph hit Billings on Father’s Day near Lake Elmo and Main Street — causing millions in damage and leading to changes in emergency plans and weather alerts.

Local officials and residents say the event remains a powerful reminder of the city's need to be ready for severe weather.

Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund died in a single-engine plane crash south of Billings on Thursday afternoon—officials confirmed the crash near Blue Creek Road and notified his family—and search crews paused efforts to locate a missing hiker near Red Lodge because dangerous conditions halted ground and air operations. In Shepherd, teams continue to assess storm damage as residents are urged to contact adjusters for repairs.

A severe hailstorm recently hit Huntley and damaged farmer Greg Gabel’s barley and sugarbeet fields as well as his home and vehicles—Gabel said the barley will not recover and he will use crop insurance to help fix his farm.

Billings and Laurel refineries will continue under the 2024 EPA rule as officials maintain the regulation amid ongoing emissions concerns — Billings has the highest total sulfur dioxide emissions in the state while Helena recorded less than a tenth of that amount.

Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund died Thursday when his Cessna plane struck power lines, crashed, and burst into flames south of Billings—a preliminary FAA report noted that high density altitude may have reduced the plane's lift, and colleagues remembered him as a passionate flyer.

Joe Stamm Band Live

7-10 p.m. — Craft Local — Free entry — Experience the unique Black Dirt Country Rock sound with storytelling from the Joe Stamm Band.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Billings Mustangs

12:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Check local listings for ticket information — Catch an exciting baseball matchup under the Billings sky.

Hayden Coffman with Special Guest Cody Cozz

7 p.m. — The Pub Station — Ticketed event — Experience rising country star Hayden Coffman and the soulful sounds of Cody Cozz in an intimate setting.

Daft Punk Night

9:00–11:30 p.m. — The Pub Station — $19 to $22.50 — Dance the night away to Daft Punk hits and French electro vibes.

Amigo The Devil Concert

7-9 p.m. — The Pub Station — $36 to $64 — Experience the haunting melodies and raw truth of Amigo The Devil along with special guest David Talley.

Alive After 5: John Roberts y Pan Blanco

5-8 p.m. — Rainbow Bar — Free admission (wristband required for alcohol) — Celebrate 90 years of Rainbow Bar with live music and family-friendly activities.

Celebrate Freedom - Fireworks at Castle Rock Park

4-11 p.m. — Castle Rock Park — Free entry — Enjoy family activities and a spectacular fireworks display in a beautiful park setting.

Glacier Range Riders vs. Billings Mustangs

6:35-8:05 p.m. — Dehler Park — Tickets available — Enjoy a thrilling baseball clash between the Glacier Range Riders and Billings Mustangs.

VNN & Pizza Ranch's Community Impact Fundraiser

5-9 p.m. — Pizza Ranch — 20% of orders donated — Support veterans transitioning to civilian life while enjoying a meal.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

All day — Rocky Mountain College Rimview Dorms — $97 fee for observing coaches — Enhance your basketball skills with expert coaching and high-energy drills.