Sweater season; it happens quickly in Bozeman. The air is brisk, and snow is likely, but the locals will tell you Fall is one of their favorite seasons. Bozemanites don’t stop playing just because the air cools. The countdown to winter has begun, and in the meantime, there are plenty of cultural and sporting events, entertainment, and outdoor activities to keep you busy. October is packed with events both inside and out. You can enjoy local food, art and sporting events all within minutes of downtown Bozeman.
FALL FARM FESTIVAL AT ROCKY CREEK FARM
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October
The Fall Farm Festival is a local favorite. Bring the kiddos for hay rides, pumpkin patches and delicious food, (think; cider doughnuts)! Pick your own raspberries, and tour this beautiful farm, just a few miles from town. Hours are Friday from 1pm - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9am - 5pm.
Mazes
Hay bale or corn, the mazes here don’t disappoint. Put it this way; it’s not uncommon to ask for clues to get out.
- Bozeman Straw Bale Maze: Constructed from hay bales, this maze is great for families. Activities include a bungee trampoline, mini-train, hay ride, corn bins and pumpkins.
- Montana Corn Maze: This corn maze is located on a 160-acre farm in nearby Manhattan, MT, first homesteaded in 1897. Today, the maze draws people from all over the state to try to exit out of 2.5 acres of twists and turns. This year’s theme is “Farmers Market.” Good luck!
QUICK DRAWS AND COCKTAILS
October 5, 2018
Watch some of Bozeman’s local artists create original works on the spot. You’ll watch painting, fiber art, and jewelry making while enjoying an evening of cocktails, appetizers, music and dancing. The evening culminates with a live auction of the artwork!
Bridger Raptor Festival
October 5 - 7, 2018
Centered around the largest known golden eagle migration in the United States, the Bridger Raptor Festival is a free, family-oriented local favorite. Each year, a formal raptor migration count takes place at Bridger Bowl ski area and along with it is a full weekend of educational talks, raptor viewing and entertaining activities. The festival kicks off October 5 at the Ellen Theatre, with keynote speaker Amanda Rodenwald.
Winter Farmer’s Market
October 6 & 27, 2018
The fall bounty is here and the farmer’s market has moved indoors. In addition to the produce, you’ll find locally raised meats, honey, and other hand-crafted foods.
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING AND FOOTBALL GAME
October 12 & 13, 2018
Grab your blue and gold and get ready for some serious school spirit! The Montana State University Bobcats take on the Idaho Vandals in this year’s homecoming game. Festivities kick-off with a Friday evening pep rally in downtown Bozeman. Saturday starts with the annual homecoming parade, followed by tailgating at the stadium. Go Cats!
Intermountain Opera Bozeman, Pirates of Penzance
October 12 & 14, 2018
The season for Intermountain Opera Bozeman starts with a festive fashion. The adventures of young Frederic, mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates at birth, the lovely Mabel and her sisters, pompous Major General Stanley, and of course the rowdy Pirates of Penzance themselves! Prepare for a night of laughter with the parody and silliness that ensues during one of the most popular and hilarious productions that has ever brought to the stage. This hysterically funny operetta is wrote by the comedic genius of Gilbert and Sullivan.
WARREN MILLER’S FACE OF WINTER
October 20 & 21, 2018
Winter enthusiasts of all age love the iconic films of Warren Miller. This year’s film, the 69th installment, honors the legendary icon by visiting some of Warren’s favorite locations such as Switzerland, France, British Columbia, Alaska, Chile, Iceland and New Zealand. Get ready to get pumped; winter is coming!
BOZEMAN-MADE FAIR
October 20 & 21, 2018
This inaugural event brings together over 200 local artists and non-profits to purvey their original Montana works. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the skill and craftsmanship found in this little mountain town. Entry is free, (though a can of food to donate to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank is much appreciated!)
JAY OWENHOUSE, THE AUTHENTIC ILLUSIONIST
October 27, 2018
Voted “One of the Top 10 Live Shows in America” and “Best Touring Family Show in Asia,” Jay brings an evening of storytelling, grand illusions and Bengal tigers to Montana. Bring the whole family, this show is loved by all ages. Get your tickets early!
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
October 27, 2018
Who says you can’t run in costume? Get ready for Halloween with this 10K, 5K, and kids’ run that helps support the Help Center’s work on suicide prevention and intervention. There are prizes for best costume—dogs included!
For more trip planning ideas, go to http://www.bozemancvb.com.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Getting The Most Out of Your Trip to Bozeman This Fall
- 5 Beautiful Fall Hikes Near Bozeman
- Why You Need to Visit Bozeman in the Fall
- Fun Fall Activities for Kids In Bozeman
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.