Located at 2801 3rd Ave North in downtown Billings, Montana, the Alberta Bair Theater stands as a premier performing arts center on the historic homestead site of businessman Charles M. Bair. As the only fully equipped performing arts center between Spokane, Washington and Denver, Colorado capable of staging major professional touring companies, it offers you a diverse lineup ranging from local community groups to national Broadway tours.
Originally opened in 1931 as the Art Deco-inspired Fox Theater, designed by Robert Reamer, it has a rich legacy hosting iconic stars like Boris Karloff, Marian Anderson, Dizzy Gillespie, Joan Baez, and The Temptations alongside the Billings Symphony Orchestra. After extensive community-backed restorations—including a major $13.6 million upgrade completed in 2021—you will discover a modernized 1,394-seat venue featuring a new facade, updated seating, improved electrical systems, and full ADA accessibility. When you visit, you can catch an incredible array of live events, including professional touring artists, local productions, and Broadway musicals.
Supporting education through discount performances, student programs, and theater tours, this nonprofit staple reflects the true cultural heart of Billings.
What to see at Alberta Bair Theater
- 1,394-seat theater hosting local productions and major national Broadway tours
- The only venue fully equipped for major touring artists between Spokane and Denver
- Rich history dating back to 1931 on the homestead site of Charles M. Bair
- Modernized with full ADA accessibility, updated seating, and a new facade
Visiting tips
Inquire about local theater tours or educational programs to explore the history of this downtown landmark.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: During scheduled performances
How to get there & what’s nearby
Alberta Bair Theater is easy to reach on Billings’s public transport, and pairs naturally with ZooMontana and St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Billings travel guide.
See the full Billings travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.