This Big Event Venue West Of Billings is a Hidden Gem

We've driven past the new-ish event center in Columbus, MT, many times, on our way from Billings to Bozeman (or beyond). Surely, you've noticed the facility from your driver's seat too, as you cruise by on I-90. It's located just a few hundred yards northwest of the Columbus exit and is impossible to miss. Last weekend, my family got to check it out.

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A lot of nice space at a pleasant price.

If you've booked a space for a wedding reception, a big party, or other special event recently, you know how expensive they can get. Some of the well-known venues in the Billings area can easily approach $5,000. The Civic Center at the Stillwater Country Fairgrounds starts at just $600. 

We were there for a quinceañera.

What's a quinceañera? It's a big party when a Mexican girl celebrates their 15th birthday. Think Sweet Sixteen, but on steroids. My wife loves doing party decorations, and her friend asked if she would do the decor for their quinceañera.

Setting up for the party the night before, I checked out the place.

The Stillwater Civic Center has a shiny, clean, commercial kitchen space/food prep room with a huge freezer and fridge, an oven/stovetop, stainless steel prep areas, various sinks, coffee pots, and more.

A clean, comfortable, blank canvas for your special event.

The restrooms are built to accommodate a crowd and are nice. There is plenty of parking and the venue is ADA accessible. Garage doors provide easy access for unloading DJ or band gear, and you can rent all the tables and chairs you'll need for your party for a nominal fee.

Columbus might be a bit of a drive if you're coming from Billings, but for residents in Laurel, Park City, or the western edge of Yellowstone County, it's only about 20 minutes away. Find out more about the Stillwater County Civic Center HERE.

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The $8.1 million Stillwater County Civic Center and fairground facility was completed a couple of years ago, funded by a combination of metal mine dollars, PILT, reserve, and American Reinvestment and Recovery monies. The master plan indicates that the footprint will eventually include an indoor arena and other amenities.