October in the Flathead Valley: Big Events, Fall Traditions & Things to Do

October might be one of the best months to be in the Flathead Valley. The summer crowds begin to fade, the mountains start showing off their fall colors, and the calendar fills up with Oktoberfest celebrations, outdoor races, fall festivals, live entertainment, markets, and plenty of Halloween-season events.

Whether you live here year-round or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the community. Here are some of the bigger events and local traditions happening around the Flathead Valley this October.

🍻 Great Northwest Oktoberfest | Whitefish

October 1–3 & October 8–10

One of the biggest fall traditions in the Flathead Valley is back! The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes over Whitefish for two weekends of German food, live music, dancing, stein-holding and log-sawing contests, food trucks, artists, crafters, and plenty of Oktoberfest atmosphere.

The celebration kicks off October 1, with additional events continuing October 2–3 and October 8–10. It is one of those events that has become a true part of the Flathead Valley's fall identity.

🏃 Le Grizz Ultramarathon & Relay

October 10

For those who would rather spend their October outside, Le Grizz brings runners into the mountains for an unforgettable day of endurance racing.

The event starts and finishes at the Glacier Institute's Big Creek Outdoor Education Center and includes the ultramarathon and relay, along with 10K and 5K options for those looking for a shorter challenge.

Even if you're not running, it is a great reminder of just how much outdoor adventure is packed into life here.

🎃 Fall Festivals & Harvest Season

October is when the Flathead Valley really leans into fall.

Local pumpkin patches, corn mazes, harvest celebrations, and seasonal markets pop up throughout the valley, giving residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy crisp fall days and the changing scenery.

One community event to put on the calendar is Harvestfest in Hungry Horse on October 17, featuring a 5K, costume parade, chili cook-off, pie-eating contest, games, activities, and other fall festivities.

🎶 American Rhapsody & the Start of Glacier Symphony's New Season

October 17

Music lovers have something to look forward to as Glacier Symphony opens its new season with American Rhapsody on October 17.

The program features music by American composers and a performance of Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

It's a great option for a night out when you're looking for something a little different from the typical brewery, restaurant, or outdoor activity.

👻 Conrad Mansion Ghost Tours | Kalispell

October 16, 17, 23 & 24

If you're looking for a little Halloween-season excitement, the historic Conrad Mansion becomes a very different place after dark.

The annual Ghost Tours take visitors through the mansion by candlelight while sharing stories of reported paranormal activity and strange happenings throughout the historic home. Tours run on select Friday and Saturday nights in October.

🐴 Clydesdale Outpost Haunted Hayride

October 15–24

For something a little more intense, Clydesdale Outpost in Whitefish is bringing back its Haunted Hayride and Asylum experience.

Running October 15–24, the event combines a haunted hayride with an immersive Halloween experience for those who like their fall activities on the scarier side.

🎭 A Night at the Theater in Bigfork

October 16–25

Bigfork Community Players are bringing The Game's Afoot – Holmes for the Holidays to the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

The murder mystery comedy runs October 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances on October 18 and 25 at 2 p.m.

It's a fun option for a date night or an evening out with friends while supporting local theater.

🎨 Seasonal Markets & Local Shopping

October also marks the beginning of the Flathead Valley's fall and holiday market season.

From the Market Beautiful and Artists & Craftsmen of the Flathead events at the Flathead County Fairgrounds to other seasonal markets popping up around the valley, October is a great time to shop local and start finding those Montana-made gifts before the holiday rush.

🥕 One Last Trip to the Kalispell Farmers Market

Saturdays through October

Before the outdoor market season wraps up, there are still opportunities to visit the Kalispell Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

The market brings together local farmers, makers, artists, and small businesses, with everything from produce and baked goods to handmade goods and Montana-made products.

For many locals, it's one of those little Saturday traditions that makes living in the Flathead Valley feel like home.

🍂 October in the Flathead Valley

October is a pretty good example of why we love calling the Flathead Valley home.

You can spend one weekend listening to live music and celebrating Oktoberfest in Whitefish, the next watching runners take on the mountains, shopping local makers, catching a show in Bigfork, or getting into the Halloween spirit at a haunted attraction.

And, of course, sometimes the best way to spend an October day here is simply getting outside and enjoying the changing colors before winter arrives.

What are you putting on your October calendar? Let us know what Flathead Valley event you're looking forward to most!