Moss Mansion kicks off summer with SpringFest

Art, crafts and ample entertainment fill the historic home’s lawn June 1

Art Beat

Moss Mansion in Billings welcomes the greenest of seasons Saturday, June 1, during the 35th annual SpringFest – a spectacular art and craft festival, all beautifully presented on the museum’s lawn.

Mimosas and bloody Marys are awaiting shoppers at the annual SpringFest.
Mimosas and bloody Marys are awaiting shoppers at the annual SpringFest.

SpringFest delivers a day of shopping, live music, delicious food and fun activities for kids of all ages. More than 50 juried artists offer thousands of unique treasures, and an opportunity to 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.

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.

An Elegant Evening: Cigar Dinner

Celebrate the pleasures of living well on the Moss Mansion grounds June 20 during the 11th annual Cigar Dinner.  Created through the efforts of the Billings Preservation Society and the Northern Hotel, with a combined goal of providing a unique social gathering to raise funds for the historic Moss Mansion, the Cigar Dinner pairs top-shelf whiskey and award-winning cigars with an unforgettable meal.

This elegant evening of dinner, drinks, cigars, good company and no fundraising asks is delivered under the big white tent on the Moss grounds. Contact Aly Turner at [email protected] for an invitation.

Also on tap at the historic mansion in June: Trunks and Treasures Tours, June 2; Clue, June 7-8; Ghost Tours, June 16; and the Harry Potter Summer Camp, June 17-18.