It’s time to activate your escape mode and close out your summer in the best way; check out this Montana Fall Festival Bucket List!
Whether you seek to experience your first Chainsaw Carving Competition, learn all about the deliciousness of Chokecherries or attend all three of the film festivals in Montana, get out your calendar now and make plans to explore our Treasure State this fall!
While you are enjoying the charm that comes with living and working in the Last Best Place, feel free to contact our real estate firm that can introduce you to homes for sale in our charming towns in Montana like the ones that are hosting these classic home-town festivals.
Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Championship –
September 4 – 7, 2025
Libby, Montana
It’s the annual “Clash of the Carvers,” and THE international chainsaw carving competition in the USA – with the top carvers coming to Libby, Montana, from all over the world, yes all over the world! To get you inspired to add this to your Bucket List, check out the this YouTube story presented by Montana’s Best productions.
Rockin’ the Rockies Music Festival
(formerly Rockin’ the Rivers Festival)
September 5 – 6, 2025
Lincoln, Montana
Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, Country Classic, Bluegrass and beyond await you and yours at one of Montana’s favorite fall festivals to attend every year! Get your tickets now to settle in and set your sights on 20 local bands at Grantier Ranch in Lincoln, Montana. Even more reason to attend; it’s presented by the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) which is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
Chokecherry Festival
September 6, 2025
Lewistown, Montana
The first Saturday after Labor Day, central Montana ushers in the return of fall with the annual Chokecherry Festival. The festival is attended by more than 5,000 people from near and far, enjoying the event and soaking up the beautiful scenery of central Montana. See the full schedule here and we’ll see you at the “must-not-miss” Pit Spitting Contest at 2:00 pm!
EQUUS International Film Festival
September 11 – 13, 2025
Missoula, Montana
EQUUS INTERNATIONAL Film Festival is the only international event of its kind, headquartered in the heart of the American West. The non-profit organization’s website explains its importance best: “EIFF strives to spur international awareness, appreciation and knowledge of the horse (and other equines) by recognizing and celebrating the talent, ideas and creativity of film, television and multi-media artists.”
Flathead Celtic Festival
September 12-13, 2025
Kalispell, Montana
Whether you are a fan of Celtic music and dance or not, this is always a fun one to attend every fall. You can watch, or participate, in the festival’s classic Highland Games or just sit back and savor some of the best locally sourced food and drinks throughout the day. And here’s a local tip: bring your Christmas shopping list as the local artisans will help you cross the list off before the day is done!
Makoshika Music & Arts Festival
September 13, 2025
Glendive, Montana
This annual celebration in Southeast Montana is another opportunity to enjoy local music, art, food and family festivities throughout the day. It’s a free event wrapped with some of Montana’s most scenic ”Badlands topography’ sights. The festival is hosted in Makoshika State Park, which is our largest state park, protecting 11,531 acres within the Treasure State.
Montana International Film Festival
September 18- 21, 2025
Billings, Montana
One of the most acclaimed film festivals in America brings some of the best short films and documentaries to Billings every fall season. What makes it so praised as it’s produced by filmmakers for filmmakers with a purpose to redefine what a world-class festival could be and IS right here in Montana.
Festival Days
September 19 – 21, 2025
Havre, Montana
If you have ever wanted to attend a truly classic, All-American” fall festival, head to the northern part of our state this fall. Within the small town of Havre is one of the biggest line-ups of all things to do and see in Havre, in just one three-day weekend! Among the highlights: 48-Hour Softball Tournament, Quilt Show, Pancake Breakfast, Parade, Burger Feed & Bingo, Havre Holiday Village and their famous “Unleash the Beast” fun run.
Miles City Bluegrass (AND PIE!) Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Miles City, Montana
Over at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds you can savor some of the best home-made pies on the planet while tapping your toes away all day long. What’s unique about this annual gathering is that the organizers promote the music as much as the food, and with good reason. As they note: unlike typical festival fare, they present ‘lovingly prepared dishes that evoke the warmth of home,’ while celebrating the rich traditions of Bluegrass music.
Big Sky Paranormal Conference
September 27, 2025
Butte, Montana
Leave it to the folks in Butte, Montana to kick off the haunted season to come in style. Every year they gather to present the latest insights into the paranormal world. Among the highlights are their renown paranormal speakers who always surprise us with details (that keep up at night) with TRUE STORIES about ghosts, hauntings and extraterrestrial encounters.
Live It. Love It.
As we all look forward to cooler nights and crisp Montana fall days, we always look forward to sharing our insight about living the good life in Big Sky Country. Contact the Hollinger Team for your personal tour of lakefront homes, ranches, and open land for sale in Montana.
