Kick off summer with Moss Mansion’s SpringFest

Art, crafts and ample entertainment in Billings June 4; and magical cocktails June 11

Art Beat

Moss Mansion in Billings welcomes the greenest of seasons June 4 for the 33rd annual SpringFest – a spectacular art and craft festival, all beautifully presented on the museum’s lawn.

Little garden sprite at work during SpringFest at the Moss Mansion.
Little garden sprite at work during SpringFest at the Moss Mansion.Photo © Moss Mansion

SpringFest delivers a day of shopping, live music, delicious food and fun activities for kids of all ages. Featuring over 50 juried artists and thousands of unique treasures, it’s the perfect place to shop, relax and connect with friends while enjoying one of Montana’s best historic places.

The day begins with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Then, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., shoppers explore works of art and fine crafts presented by the artists. This year’s festival features a wide variety of handmade art in mediums such as jewelry, photography, clothing/textiles, leather, wood, pottery/clay, paintings and prints, and more.

The selection of foods includes tacos and burgers, while mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine and locally brewed beer are on hand to fuel a day of shopping. And, for anyone with a sweet tooth, the festival features kettle corn, homemade baked goods and ice cream!

Watch artists demonstrate their work or take in the sights and sounds of performers at three stages. This year’s line-up of entertainment features Second Avenue Stompers, Ellen and the Old School, Christina and Friends and John Adams, each playing on the Veranda beginning at 10 a.m.; Russ Engesser, Sofia, Brad Welbes and Lindsey Jacobsen take turns in the Back Courtyard beginning at 8:30 a.m.; and Song Dog Serenade, the Mandela Effect and Rimview Dance Studio perform in the driveway, beginning at 10 a.m.

Little ones will also find fun things to do in the children’s area, which offers games, face painting, sno-cones and cotton candy.

Admission to SpringFest is free. The Moss Mansion and Gift Shop, located at 914 Division St., Billings, will be open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also at regular tour prices.

For tour pricing and additional details visit www.mossmansion.com.  All proceeds from artist booth fees, donation jars and food and drink sales benefit Moss Mansion’s operations and ongoing preservation projects.

Also at the Moss: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Spirits

Welcome to “Mogwarts” School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a a magical 5-part cocktail experience, 5-9 p.m. June 11.

The school is looking for the brightest students to compete for this year’s House Cup. Gryffindor has won two times in a row. Will they be able to maintain their winning streak or will another house snatch the cup?

Grab your classmates and be ready to answer Harry Potter trivia to collect house points (wearing a costume automatically earns 10 points for your house). At the same time, sample five Harry Potter inspired “spirits” in Mogwart’s magical common rooms while touring the mansion and enjoying the grounds. Enter the costume contest for even more magical prizes.

Reservation and payment of $50 includes admission to the mansion and grounds, five tastings of specialty spirits plus a Butterbeer (non-alcoholic options available too).

Each group will be assigned a time to get into the mansion on a first-come, first-served basis, and groups will enter Mogwarts (for spirits tastings and trivia stations) every 5 minutes (must arrive before 7:30 p.m.). Spirit stations will be located on three levels of the mansion and outside, so be ready for plenty of stairs with sensible shoes. Those who intend to drink cocktails need to bring a form of ID. Reservations are not eligible for refund but may be transferred by calling 406-256-5100.

Register online for a night at Mogwart’s.