New for ’23 Venue Celebrates 45th Anniversary of Billings’ Summerfair

UPDATE 6/23 - DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, SUMMERFAIR HAS BEEN MOVED INDOORS TO METRAPARK.

Summerfair kicked off back in 1978 on the campus of Rocky Mountain College. Over the years the event has grown into one of Billings' signature summer events. The family-friendly weekend is billed as the largest arts and crafts festival in the region and draws artists, community groups, and vendors from around the nation. Summerfair 2023 is June 23-25. 

A change of venue for the 45th anniversary.

Summerfair has bounced around a little bit in recent years. It has been held at Pioneer Park, Veterans Park (for many years), the MSU-B campus, once in the Rimrock Mall parking lot (?!), and new for 2023 it will be held at South Park, at the corner of 6th Ave South and 30th St. South.

South Park should be a fantastic location for the 3-day event, with a sprawling 16 acres of level ground. Ample shade covers a nice portion of the park, allowing guests and vendors a break from the sun and heat, should it get hot towards the end of June. If you haven't been to South Park in a while, here's a description of amenities from the City of Billings,

Located within the park there is the South Park Swimming Pool, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, horseshoe pits, lots of open green space, barbeque pits, basketball courts and  baseball/softball fields.

A slight lack of parking seems like the only inconvenience.

Arts, crafts, food, and affordable entertainment.

Summerfair is a fundraising/community engagement event, hosted by the Yellowstone Art Museum. In a press release from YAM, Billings Mayor Bill Cole expressed excitement about the new venue,

I am thrilled that the Yellowstone Art Museum is hosting SummerFair at South Park. South Park is a gem in our downtown core and offers many family amenities. This new venue brings energy—and the arts—to the heart of our magic city. —Mayor Bill Cole.

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Live music and a dedicated food truck court.

Summerfair is free for kids aged 6 and under. A performance stage will host "Montana’s favorite funk band" Reverend Slanky from 5 – 8 PM on Friday, 6/23. Local Country/Rock favorites, Calvin and the Coal Cars on Saturday, 6/24 from 5 - 7 pm.

Summerfair opens on Friday at 4 pm and 10 am on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more HERE.