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2017 4th of July Celebrations

Food, family, friends, and fun: the ingredients to a perfect Fourth of July. On this day when we come together as a country, letting freedom ring with celebrations of all kinds, from parades and rodeos to magnificent fireworks shows; let us help you find the fun in Billings and beyond!

2017 4th of July Celebrations

STAYING AROUND TOWN

Laurel

Known for lighting up the night sky with the “biggest fireworks display in the state,” crowds of people descend upon Laurel year after year to experience this incredible show, and the fun and festivities that come before it. Before the fun on the Fourth, the adults can get the festivities going on July 3 with the Street Dance, now held next to KC's Palace Bar & Lanes, (Colorado Avenue). The 7th Avenue Band will be playing, music 7-11pm. July 4 Schedule
  • 6am-11am, Laurel Jaycees Pancake Breakfast– Held at Fireman’s Park, Main and 1st Avenue ($6/adult, $4/children 12 and younger, 6 and younger eat free)
  • 6am- Sign-in for Chief Joseph Run- Thomson Park picnic shelter-6th Street; 6:30am- 8-mile start; 7am- 2 & 4 mile start. (Register up until July 3 at https://runsignup.com/Register/?raceId=17447)
  • 10am- Kiddie Parade - Begins at Western Security Bank, ends at Firefighter's Memorial (2nd Avenue and 1st Street)
  • 11am- The Grand Parade starting at Alder on the East side of town
  • 9am-9pm- Food & Craft Fair– Tasty eats, creative fare, activities, entertainment, and music in Thomson Park
  • The Main Event: Fireworks as soon as it gets dark! Thomson Park, Laurel High School’s lawn and beyond fills up quickly, so be sure to get there early to secure your spot.

Billings

Celebrate Freedom Festivities

Harvest Church is once again bringing Fourth of July fun to the Heights at Castle Rock Park with a variety of activities for the whole family! Here’s a look at the evening’s festivities: July 4
  • Starting at 5pm- Celebrate Freedom Festivities- Free activities include face painting, temporary tattoos, inflatables, and games for all ages!
  • Live entertainment
  • Concessions (fresh lemonade, snacks, frozen treats, soda and floats), along with nachos and BBQ brown bag ranging in price from $0.50-$3.
  • The Fireworks show starts at dark!
For more information about the day’s festivities (or to volunteer) go to www.CelebrateFreedomBillings.com.

TAKING A SHORT JAUNT

Roundup Independence Days Extravaganza (RIDE)

Hit the highway and head to Roundup for their 13th annual three-day festival that’s all about celebrating western history and national pride. A RIDE Wristband will get you into all events, except the 5k run and rodeo. Bring your chairs and blankets! July 2 Schedule – Ridge Riders Arena (405 12th Ave East)
  • 8am- Cowboy Church (pretty informal, so don’t forget your lawn chair!)
  • 9:15-10am, check in- Buttons & Bows Youth Rodeo (Entries must be turned in and postmarked by June 24, for ages 3-18). More information: roundupindependencedays.com
  • 10:30am- Buttons & Bows Grand Entry
Roundup City Park, Stage Area
  • 10am-6pm, Civil War Experience Encampment
  • 6pm- Civil War Presentation and Sgt. John Ordway of Lewis & Clark Expedition (actor/speaker)
July 3 Schedule Downtown
  • 11am- Main Street Parade
Roundup City Park
  • 12-5pm, Kids Kountry (all kinds of fun and activities for the kiddos!)
  • 6:30pm- Evening Entertainment: First to the stage is Jason Larson & The Bull Mountain Boys, opening for Bed of Roses (“World’s finest Bon Jovi Tribute Band”)
  • Fireworks by Roundup Skylighters & MT Poor Boys Pyrotechnics, directly follow the evening entertainment
July 4 Schedule Downtown
  • 7:30am- 5K Fun Run-Walk-RIDE (pre-register at imathlete.com)
  • 11am- Main Street Parade
Roundup Fairgrounds
  • 2:30pm- Rodeo (RIDE wristband does not include admission to rodeo).
Roundup City Stage
  • 6pm- Evening Entertainment with Mr. Lonnie Bell hosting: Performances by Melissa Forrette, Plug Nickel’s, Moe Bandy

Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo & Parades

It’s traditional 4th of July at its very finest in Red Lodge, MT. The Home of Champions Rodeo has been a part of the community for nearly 90 years! So pull on those boots for a “ropin’ and ridin, singin’ and swingin’ good time!” The Home of Champions Rodeo action runs:
  • July 2 @ 6pm
  • July 3 @ 6pm
  • July 4 @ 3pm
For tickets or more information call 406.446.1718 or go to http://redlodgerodeo.com. Rodeo tickets can be purchased in Billings at Shipton’s Big R East and West. The parades start each day, promptly at noon. This year’s theme is “Rodeo & Ag Team Up” with Grand Marshalls, Farmer/Ranchers Dena and Dean Spaulding leading the way. Each day a special group/theme is recognized with a variety of prizes awarded each day. July 2 – Children’s Day July 3 – Mining and Agricultural Appreciation Day July 4 – Traditional Independence Day

HITTING THE ROAD

Livingston Roundup Rodeo

Rodeo is a beloved piece of Montana’s fabric and the Livingston Roundup Rodeo has been a part of our history for over 90 years! Make your way to this beautiful part of our state for three days of outstanding rodeo action! (Tickets sellout earlier every year, so get yours sooner rather than later! $16/general admission, $27/reserved). July 1 Schedule
  • 3pm- Livingston Slack (the “overflow” rodeo competitors)
July 2 Schedule
  • 3pm- Livingston Chamber of Commerce Parade (downtown Livingston)
  • 8pm- Livingston Roundup Rodeo (Family Night, Fireworks)
July 3 Schedule
  • 1pm- Kiddie Rodeo (Held at the Park County Fairgrounds and uses stick horses, not live animals. Autographs with Miss Livingston Roundup and Miss Rodeo Montana.)
  • 8pm- Livingston Roundup Rodeo (Fireworks)
July 4 Schedule
  • 8pm- Livingston Roundup Rodeo (Crowning of Miss Livingston Roundup, Fireworks)
For more information or to reserve tickets: 406.222.3199, http://livingstonroundup.com/tickets-2017.

West Yellowstone

Pack up your bags and pile in the car as you make your way to West Yellowstone for their annual 4th of July Celebration that includes “down home” fun, a parade, live music in the park, and fireworks!
  • 11am-‘til the food is gone! Fire Department Benefit BBQ in the Chamber Parking Lot/Dunbar Park
  • 1pm- Pie on the Porch: Pop by the porch of the historic Union Pacific Depot for a homemade slice of heaven from some of the best bakers in Montana.
  • Evening activities- Parade, free music in Pioneer Park following the parade, and fireworks (conditions permitting)
And while you’re there… The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo continues to be underway, with regular performances at 8pm, June-August (including July 1, 4-8). For ticket information go to: www.yellowstonerodeo.com.

Cody, WY

Cody Stampede

Finally, rounding out our highlighted rodeo excitement is the Buffalo Bill Cody Stampede Rodeo (knocking on nearly 100 years of stellar rodeo action) where over 800 of the top contestants vie for a payout of over $400,000 entitling it the PRCA's Largest One Header Rodeo!
  • July 1-3 @ 8pm, gates to open at 6pm, tickets $20/person
  • July 4 @ 5pm, gates to open at 3pm, tickets $25/person
  • And don’t miss the Cody Stampede Parade at 9:30am on July 3 & 4
For more information or to order tickets go to: www.codystampederodeo.com/events