Fall Events in Montana's Yellowstone Country

Songrwiters at Livingston Songwriter Festival, Livingston, MT Photo courtesy Livingston Songwriter Festival


While the first official day of fall is just around the corner, Mother Nature got a jump start — we woke up Monday morning to three inches of snow in the mountains at Bridger Bowl! That, of course, quickly shifted the collective mindset from warm summer days to deep stashes of powder. It’s clearly too early to tell, but there are a lot of fingers crossed around here in hopes of a snowy winter!

In the meantime, Montana’s Yellowstone Country is full of exciting family-friendly events, offering visitors the chance to experience local flavors, culture, fashion, history and the community spirit that makes the region so special. We’ve got a rundown of the highlights, but be sure to check our event calendar for a comprehensive list!

Big Sky Oktoberfest


Sept. 18-20

A fundraiser for the Big Sky Youth Alliance, which expands access to youth sports, this three-day festival includes Bavarian food, German bier, live music and classic Oktoberfest competitions.

Belgrade Fall Festival


Sept. 19

What began decades ago as a harvest celebration, today the community spirit continues with a homecoming parade, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, a barbecue lunch, food trucks and a kids' zone. It’s a fantastic reminder of the importance of community.

Livingston Songwriter Festival


Oct. 1-3

An engaging and intimate weekend of songwriting, storytelling and soul-filling music. Meet regional and national songwriters (many inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame) as they showcase their original works in their own voices.

Bridger Raptor Festival


Oct. 3-4

Centered around one of the largest known golden eagle migrations in the country, the festival includes live raptor viewing, nature walks and talks, educational and entertaining programs and activities for people of all ages.

Big Timber, Montana Big Timber

Big Timber Fall Festival


Oct. 3

Located in the new Sheepherder’s Square, the festival includes food, vendors, a pumpkin patch, youth activities and live music.

Bozeman Film Festival


Oct. 8-11

Bozeman Film Society brings its inaugural festival, titled “A Confluence of Cinematic Landscapes,” to multiple downtown vendors for 4 days of emerging films. You’ll hear filmmakers' unique visions, enjoy engaging panels and Q&A sessions and celebrate the creative spirit with parties and awards.

Indigenous Cookies, Neighboring Nations Indigenous People’s Day Neighboring Nations Indigenous People’s Day

Neighboring Nations: Indigenous Arts and Culture Festival


Oct. 9-11

Spend Indigenous People’s Day at this inaugural festival in Red Lodge. Surround yourself with Native art, stories, film and music.

Bozeman MADE Fair


Oct. 9-10

Nearly 200 local and regional artists showcase their work, from functional, affordable art to heirloom fine art pieces.

Museum of the Rockies Indigenous People’s Day Fashion Show


Oct. 12

Another remarkable Indigenous fashion show featuring the work of Rebekah Jarvey and Angela Howe, who share designs rooted in heritage, storytelling and cultural pride.