Billings365 Grand Reopening
Billings365 has always been the go-to source for discovering the best events, dining, and activities in Billings; but now it’s getting an exciting refresh! Under new ownership with Simply Local Magazine, the site is expanding, evolving, and becoming even more user-friendly. It’s not about reinventing the wheel; it’s about taking a great resource and making it even better. With a fresh look, improved functionality, and a renewed focus on community connection, Billings365 is here to ensure you never miss out on the magic happening in the Magic City.
Billings365 has been a trusted source for events and things to do in Billings since 2009, but with new ownership under Simply Local Magazine, it’s becoming an even bigger part of the Simply Local family. Rather than standing alone, Billings365 is now an extension of the Simply Local Magazine medias. It’s an added resource that works in tandem with Simply Local’s mission: to celebrate, support, and engage with the people and businesses that make Billings such a great place to live.
Jenny Barriger, owner of Simply Local Magazine, saw the potential to integrate Billings365 seamlessly with Simply Local’s existing platforms, creating a more comprehensive way to connect people with their community. For her, this relaunch is deeply rooted in Simply Local’s guiding philosophy: “Love where you live.”
“This relaunch is all about connection,” Jenny shared. “There are a million ways to connect with our community through Billings365, and we hope to continue growing that. It’s about actively loving where we live.”
No more trying to track down what’s happening in town, Billings365 makes it easier than ever to find events, discover new experiences, and stay connected to the community. The updated website is designed to be more user-friendly, visually appealing, and packed with features that make exploring Billings a breeze. Tove Oblander, Head of Digital Experience, spearheaded the reopening, explained that one of the biggest priorities was accessibility.
“We wanted to make it easy for people to see what’s going on and find exactly what they’re looking for,” she said. “Whether it’s searching by category, event type, date, or venue, the site now allows users to effortlessly navigate their options.”
Another major upgrade? The featured events section. Businesses and event organizers can now purchase featured listings to make their events stand out, ensuring that the community never misses out on something amazing.
Billings365 isn’t just about listing events, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. Maisie Dority, whose focus is audience engagement, sees the site as a way to make everyone feel like they have a seat at the table.
“I want people to feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life, or you just moved to Billings and don’t know where to start, Billings365 is here to help you feel connected.”
That sense of connection extends beyond events. The platform highlights local businesses, shares feature blogs on everything from the best places to sled in town to where to grab the coziest bowl of soup.
“Billings has so much to offer,” Maisie added. “People don’t always realize how many incredible things are happening every single day. Billings365 makes sure you never miss out.”
Another exciting addition? The expanded blog section, offering engaging, informative, and hyper-local content you won’t find anywhere else. Brittany Schimke, Staff Writer and Creative, shared her vision for how Billings365’s blogs will continue to evolve.
“I want these blogs to be a resource,” she said. “People should be able to hop on the site and find out exactly what’s happening today or learn something new about a local business or event. Each blog is a way to celebrate the magic of Billings and the people who make it special.”
From seasonal guides to expert recommendations on the best spots in town, Billings365’s blogs will be an essential read for anyone looking to explore Billings to the fullest.
With an expanded presence across the site already large following on social media, a growing e-newsletter with over 10,000 subscribers, and integration with the Simply Local app, Billings365 is making it easier than ever to stay informed. And for those who aren’t big on social media? No worries, Billings365 has you covered.
“This is a space for everyone,” Tove emphasized. “Some people don’t use Facebook or Instagram much, and that’s okay. Billings365 is here to make sure you can still find the information you need in the way that works best for you.”
Stephanie Toews, Executive Editor of Simply Local Magazine, has been deeply involved in the transition. She emphasized how important it was to maintain what people already loved about Billings365 while making meaningful improvements through the seamless partnership with Simply Local. “This site has always been a trusted source for locals, and we wanted to build on that foundation” she explained. “It is the perfect marriage to Simply Local where meaningful stories are told, bringing neighbors and community together. Everything happening in Billings can now be found in one place, answering the question: 'What's there to do in Billings?'"
This relaunch isn’t just about a fresh look, it’s about creating a lasting tool for the community. The team behind Billings365 is passionate about making the site the go-to hub for all things Billings. Maisie emphasized that user feedback is key to shaping the future of the platform.
“This is just the beginning,” Jenny shared. “We want people to know that if there’s something they’d love to see on Billings365, they should reach out and let us know. This is a tool for the community, and we want it to be the best it can be.”
Billings365.com, explore the new and improved site, check out the event calendar, sign up for the newsletter, and start discovering all that Billings has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect weekend plan, a local favorite brewery, or just a way to feel more connected to your community, Billings365 is your ultimate guide to loving where you live.
