Experience Montana’s vibrant fall festivals, where harvest traditions, local culture, and stunning landscapes come together in celebration.
As autumn unfolds in Montana, the state’s picturesque landscapes are the perfect backdrop for fall festivals celebrating its rich cultural heritage, agricultural roots, and artistic talents. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of a local Oktoberfest, the charm of a pumpkin patch, or the creativity of a craft fair, Montana’s fall festivals offer something for everyone.
These seven hand-picked events invite you to explore the heart of Big Sky Country while enjoying the vibrant festivities that mark the season.
Montana State University Bobcat Homecoming
Location: Bozeman, MT
Date: October 4-5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: College Spirit & Community Pride
Bozeman comes alive with school spirit during Montana State University’s Bobcat Homecoming. This event isn’t just about the big game; it’s a community celebration featuring a parade through downtown, tailgate parties, and alumni gatherings. In 2023, the homecoming parade honored local philanthropist Ted Turner for his contributions to Montana’s conservation efforts. The weekend also includes the Bobcat football game at Bobcat Stadium, where fans cheer on their team amidst a sea of blue and gold. Local bands like The Clintons perform at various venues, adding to the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re an MSU alum or a visitor, Homecoming is a great way to experience the pride and tradition of Bozeman.
McIntosh Apple Day & Liquid Apple Night
Location: Hamilton, MT
Date: September 28 & October 5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000
Theme: Apple Harvest & Cider Celebration
McIntosh Apple Day in Hamilton is a beloved celebration of the Bitterroot Valley’s apple harvest. The event, held at the Ravalli County Museum, features a bustling farmers market where visitors can sample crisp McIntosh apples, fresh-pressed cider, and homemade apple pies. The festival’s apple pie-eating contest is a crowd favorite, with 2023 champion Sarah Jenkins setting a new record by devouring three pies in five minutes. Following Apple Day, the adult-oriented Liquid Apple Night on October 5th showcases the region’s growing hard cider industry. Local cideries, including Montana CiderWorks and Bigfork Cider House, offer tastings of their craft beverages, accompanied by live music and food pairings that highlight the versatility of apple-based drinks.
Great Northwest Oktoberfest
Location: Whitefish, MT
Date: September 26-28 & October 3-5, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: German Culture & Local Brews
Whitefish transforms into a Bavarian village during the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, a lively event that spans two weekends. Held under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park, the festival features authentic German beer, bratwurst, and live music from bands like Europa, who keep the crowd dancing with traditional polka tunes. In 2023, the stein-holding contest was fiercely competitive, with local favorite Hans Weber claiming victory after a 10-minute endurance battle. Visitors can also participate in keg-tossing competitions, dance in the polka contests, and enjoy family-friendly activities such as face painting and a children’s yodeling contest. The scenic mountain backdrop adds to the festive atmosphere, making this a must-visit event for beer enthusiasts and families alike.
Montana Film Festival
Location: Missoula, MT
Date: October 3-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Independent Cinema & Filmmaking
The Montana Film Festival, held at the historic Roxy Theater in Missoula, is a celebration of independent cinema and emerging talent. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films, including narratives, documentaries, and shorts that often focus on Montana’s unique landscapes and stories. In 2023, the festival awarded the Best Feature Film prize to “The Divide,” a locally produced drama that explores the challenges of rural life in the American West. Attendees can engage with filmmakers during Q&A sessions, participate in workshops on screenwriting and cinematography, and enjoy special screenings of Montana-made films. The festival’s intimate setting and focus on storytelling make it a highlight of the fall cultural calendar.
Ennis Hunters Feed
Location: Ennis, MT
Date: October 18, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 2,000
Theme: Wild Game Cuisine & Hunting Traditions
Ennis, a small town with a big heart for hunting, hosts the annual Ennis Hunters Feed, a unique event that celebrates Montana’s hunting culture with a community feast. Main Street is lined with booths where local cooks serve up an array of wild game dishes, from elk chili to antelope sausage. In 2023, the Best Dish award went to “Mountain Man Stew,” a hearty concoction of venison, potatoes, and root vegetables, crafted by local chef Jake Warner. The event also features storytelling sessions where seasoned hunters share tales of their most memorable hunts, as well as live folk music that adds to the rustic charm of the day. This is an event where the flavors of Montana truly shine.
Kootenai Harvest Festival
Location: Libby, MT
Date: September 21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 1,500
Theme: Local Agriculture & Community Celebration
The Kootenai Harvest Festival in Libby celebrates the autumn bounty in northwest Montana. Held in Riverfront Park, this event brings together local farmers, artisans, and musicians for family-friendly fun. The festival features a farmers market where visitors can purchase fresh huckleberries, pumpkins, and handcrafted goods. In 2023, the festival’s highlight was the giant pumpkin contest, with the winning pumpkin tipping the scales at an impressive 1,200 pounds. Children can enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, and pumpkin decorating, while adults can watch demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing and wool spinning. The festival’s laid-back atmosphere and focus on local culture make it a perfect fall outing.
Red Lodge Oktoberfest
Location: Red Lodge, MT
Date: September 21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Bavarian Tradition
The Red Lodge Oktoberfest on September 21st features authentic German food, craft beer from local breweries like Red Lodge Ales, and live music from bands like The Bavarian Echoes, who bring a traditional polka sound to the mountains. The event’s stein-holding contest and bratwurst-eating competition are always popular with the crowd. The festival is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring traditional German music, food, and beer, and is a popular local event in the region.
Planning Your Visit to Montana’s Fall Festivals
Montana’s fall festivals are a great way to experience the state’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
To make the most of your visit, consider booking a vacation rental through Lake.com. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant arts scene in Missoula, the Bavarian charm of Whitefish’s Oktoberfest, or the rustic appeal of Ennis during Hunters Feed, Lake.com offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs. Imagine staying in a cozy cabin near Flathead Lake after a day of exploring the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, or relaxing in a lodge in the Bitterroot Valley after celebrating McIntosh Apple Day in Hamilton.
Booking a vacation rental ensures you have a comfortable and convenient home base as you immerse yourself in Montana’s autumn festivities.
