As the amber hues of autumn paint the Montana landscape, the state comes alive with colorful festivities that celebrate the season’s bounty and beauty. Here are the five best fall festivals in Montana for 2024 that you won’t want to miss:

1. The Great Northwest Oktoberfest – Whitefish

Embrace Bavarian traditions with a Montana twist at The Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Whitefish. This festive event brings together lederhosen, polka music, and delicious German fare. Don’t miss out on the lively contests including log sawing, keg throwing, and of course, the stein-holding competition.

2. Missoula Fall Art Festival – Missoula

For art enthusiasts, the Missoula Fall Art Festival is a must-visit. Enjoy a weekend filled with masterpieces from local and regional artists, interactive sessions, and live demonstrations. As you stroll through Caras Park with a backdrop of larch and aspens showing off their fall colors, find unique handcrafted items to kick off your holiday shopping.

3. Ennis Hunter’s Feed – Ennis

The Ennis Hunter’s Feed celebrates hunting season and is typically held the Friday before rifle hunting season opens. Chefs and amateurs alike whip up wild game dishes for this community potluck event. Sample everything from elk chili to unique takes on venison amidst a crowd of hunters and non-hunters enjoying the feast together.

4. HarvestFest – Billings

Billings’ HarvestFest is an autumn celebration that invites families to revel in fall’s splendors with a day filled with local produce markets, craft vendors, food trucks, and live music performances. Activities for kids include pumpkin decorating and hayrides while adults can enjoy Montana’s fine craft beers at the beer garden.

5. Montana Corn Maze – Manhattan

What’s fall without getting lost in a corn maze? The Montana Corn Maze near Manhattan offers an intricate design each year on its sustainable family-owned farm. Alongside the maze, they host weekend events with hayrides, historic farm equipment displays, and a petting zoo making it perfect for an autumn family adventure.

As these festivals bring people together to celebrate harvests, culture, and community spirit wrapped in warm scarves against crisp Montana air, participating in any or all of these festivities will undoubtedly put you squarely in an autumnal spirit for 2024.