Events
Special Events
Symphony in the Park 50th Anniversary
Sunday
Jun 26, 2022
4PM – 9PM
Pioneer Park
Music begins at 5PM
VIP seating and preferred parking available for purchase.
FREE FAMILY EVENT! Bring your blanket or lawn chair and relax to an evening of music under Montana’s big sky. Featuring special guests Paige and the People’s band, as well as the long-standing tradition of our Kids’ Conducting Contest, the Instrument Petting Zoo, and more. Round out your experience with picnic fare from participating food trucks and vendors.
Check out our insert in the Billings Gazette on Sunday, June 12 or read about the details here!
The Billings Symphony returns to Pioneer Park for our 50th annual Symphony in the Park! This free concert is part of our Explore Music! community engagement program and is our largest free event of the year, featuring an evening of world-class entertainment in Billings’ backyard.
We’ll have our traditional favorites plus new guest artists joining us. Paige and the People’s Band will make their Symphony in the Park debut, including two pieces arranged specially for this concert. We will also feature the Armed Forces Salute, the Kids Conducting Contest, AND the 1812 Overture—complete with cannons!
We can present Symphony in the Park for free to the community, thanks to the efforts of our hard-working staff and symphony musicians, volunteers, sponsors, Billings Parks and Recreation, and participating businesses.
50th Annual Symphony in the Park
Schedule of Events
4PM
Montana Fiddle Club sponsored by Billings Youth Orchestra
Instrument Petting Zoo and concessions open
5PM
Billings Community Band
*Instrument Petting Zoo closed during music performances
6:45PM
Kids Conducting Contest
*wands available for purchase at Symphony Information Tent
7PM
Billings Symphony Orchestra featuring Paige & the People’s Band
Paige and the People’s Band
Paige And The Peoples Band have made a name for themselves as being one of Montana’s Premiere Musical acts. The Band was formed in 2016, however members of the PPB have been charming, captivating and blowing the collective minds of audiences throughout the United States and Europe for many years. Sharing the stage with such musical legends as The Doobie Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Brandie Carlile and Mike McCready, Paige & The Peoples Band are no strangers to the big show. A mix of Rock, Soul, Funk and Fusion they keep the crowd bumping and the energy climbing. This horn powered, fully charged Band was voted Bozeman’s Choice for three years in a row and premiered season Thirteen of 11th and Grant with Eric Funk on PBS. The Episode later went on to win an Emmy Award for best Audio. Paige & The Peoples Band deliver a performance to remember and not to miss!
Instrument Petting Zoo
Ever wonder how much breath it takes to play a tuba or a flute? Or how does the bow feel in your hand when playing a viola or a cello? Thanks to Eckroth Music, you can experience a variety of instruments up close. This free hands-on event is fun for the whole family! Sponsored by Crowley Fleck.
Kids Conducting Contest
This annual tradition has become a favorite for the young and the young at heart. Children are invited to come down to the front of the stage at 6:45PM to conduct a march by John Philip Sousa. Guest judges will select four winners, who will get to conduct the orchestra on the Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea. We’re excited to welcome back all our budding musicians! Wands are available for purchase at the Symphony Information Tent. Sponsored by Mayor Bill & Anne Cole.
CONCESSIONS AND VENDORS
Visit the Information tent to purchase ice cold bottled water and wands for the Kids Conducting Contest are for sale as well. There will be an ATM machine available behind the info tent.
- Khanthaly’s Eggrolls – featuring delicious egg rolls, chicken fried rice, fried noodles, chicken skewers, and fresh-made lemonade.
- Rollin Ritos – This sassy truck features a fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, from sushi burritos to nachos & tacos (gluten free and keto options available)
- I’m Cravin Bar-B-Que – If you’re craving stick-to-your-ribs barbecue, this is your place. Also offering fries and chili to pair with that BBQ brisket, pulled pork, or chicken sandwich.
- Crepe Diem – fresh, made-to-order French crepes! Each Crepe Diem crepe is made extra-special, with a “crepe-lovin’ taste.” Choose from signature dessert crepes, savory crepes and more.
- Opa Grill – New to the Billings food truck scene, the Opa Grill offers Greek-style gyros, falafel, salads, baklava, and other Greek inspired dishes.
- Georgette’s Galettes – Offering ready to eat Belgian waffle treats, known as a galette. This delightful Belgian pastry has a soft sweet buttery vanilla taste with a surprising crispy crunch.
- Snow Drift Snow Cones (Snowie) – The perfect summertime treat! Enjoy shaved ice cones in a variety of delicious flavors.
- Spicy Cow LLC – Mexican fare including tacos, smothered green & red chilis, burritos, and chimichangas.
- Singing Mountain – Visit Cheryl, the “Pie Lady” of Billings, featuring homemade pies, tarts, pastries, yogurt, granola and more.
- Ceci’s Popcorn – gourmet popcorn truck offering the perfect snack for any of your snack time cravings!
PARKING AND SEATING
Reserved Parking – For $10, you can reserve parking in the Senior High parking lot, located adjacent to Pioneer Park. A golf cart shuttle will be available to drive you right to the action! Parking passes can be purchased in advance at billingssymphony.org or the day of (cash only). Limited spots are available and are first come, first served. Handicapped parking (with proper permit) is available for no fee.
Reserved Seating – Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy creekside seating under a shade tent, complete with a cash bar, so you can have it Made in the Shade! Purchase a $15 wristband at billingssymphony.org in advance day-of at the event (cash only). Seating is limited and is first come, first served.
Golf Cart Shuttle – We offer a golf cart shuttle at no charge from two locations. Pickup and drop-off at Third Street West (by the wading pool in Pioneer Park) and at the far edge of the Senior High parking lot (back north corner). Tips are accepted and will benefit our Symphony education programs.