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Photos courtesy of Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools
Saturday Live: A Celebration of Schools
Get ready, Billings, Saturday Live is back, bigger and brighter than ever. This isn’t just a school carnival, it’s a full-on community tradition where families come together, kids light up with excitement, and every ticket sold goes right back into our schools.
For over three decades, Saturday Live has been a staple in Yellowstone County, uniting thousands of families for a day filled with activities, food, and entertainment. Presented by Altana Federal Credit Union, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 27th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MetraPark Pavilion. Proceeds support the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, with every dollar raised going directly back into schools and student groups. Last year alone, the event raised $66,000 to fund clubs, classroom projects, and programs that might not otherwise receive support.
Saturday Live is often described as a “school carnival on steroids,” and for good reason. From the moment you step inside the Pavilion, you’re greeted by the hum of activity, booths brimming with games, and families enjoying every corner of the space. What started as a creative way to provide schools with additional fundraising opportunities has grown into the Foundation’s largest annual event, supporting not only School District 2 but all schools throughout Yellowstone County. While many still fondly remember its early years at Pioneer Park, the permanent move to MetraPark has helped organizers “weather-proof” the experience. No more last-minute venue switches due to rain or wind. The Pavilion offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor space to accommodate the crowds and showcase its growing list of attractions.
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The day begins with a burst of energy and color, literally. The COLOR Run is a one-mile fun run circling MetraPark, where participants are sprinkled with colorful powder at stations along the way. It’s not a timed race, but a chance to start the day laughing, running, and covered head-to-toe in vibrant colors. Best of all, proceeds from the run benefit the PEAK after-school program, which provides enrichment activities for students across the district.
From toddlers to teens, Saturday Live has something for everyone. Returning favorites, such as the rock-climbing wall, the spooky Terror Shack, and the quirky Troll Tunnel, will keep kids busy. Meanwhile, booths offer interactive fun, including book walks, human slot machines, inflatable archery, and fairy wings. A new highlight this year is the petting zoo hosted by the Billings FFA, giving kids a chance to meet animals up close and learn a little about agriculture along the way. Activities range from 1 to 8 tickets each, with tickets available at the event for 50 cents each.
The Pavilion will stay buzzing with entertainment all day long. Families can catch Atomic Circus, visit with animal friends from ZooMontana, enjoy performances from local dance groups, and dance along with the ABC Band. To top it all off, Elsa from Frozen will be on-site for magical photo ops with the kids.
And of course, you’ll want to come hungry. School groups are serving up everything from BBQ pulled chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs at the Bronc Booster BBQ to savory Indian Tacos. Sweet treats are easy to find too, with cotton candy, shaved ice, and ice cream, plus coffee from City Brew to keep the grownups fueled.
What sets Saturday Live apart is its purpose. A local school or activity group operates each booth and activity, and the money raised goes straight back into those programs. Whether it’s funding art supplies, supporting sports teams, or helping clubs cover competition fees, every ticket purchased has a direct impact. Parents, teachers, and students work for months to prepare their booths, and their efforts create an atmosphere of pride and community spirit that’s felt in every corner of the event.
Saturday Live doesn’t just support students; it also showcases their talents. Each year, the event’s official logo is designed by a student from the Career Center’s graphic design class. This project gives students real-world experience in design and branding, and their creativity sets the tone for the entire event. New this year, elementary students will have the opportunity to join in the fun ahead of time. Additional student logo submissions have been turned into coloring sheets, which will be sent home for kids to complete. Children who bring their colored sheets back to Saturday Live can enter to win a $50 gift card from Altana Federal Credit Union.
Saturday Live has been carefully planned for nearly six months by the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, and it stands as the single biggest fundraiser for schools in Yellowstone County. It’s not just a day of fun; it’s a chance for the entire community to show pride in local schools, recognize the hard work of students and teachers, and invest in the future of education.
Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 27th, 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 a.m. at MetraPark Pavilion. For more information, visit www.efbps.org.
