Visiting Big Sky, MT this Fall? Here's What's Happening
Ask a Big Sky local when their favorite season is, and fall wins more often than you'd think.
When September comes around, the trailheads clear out, the Gallatin runs low and clear, and the aspens climbing the canyon walls appear to turn gold overnight.
Staying at The Wilson Hotel puts you within easy reach of Big Sky’s best trails, rivers, and scenic routes, plus walking distance to exciting Town Center, our neighborhood gathering spot for live music, holiday parties, and more. Here are the best fall events and experiences to check out this season.
Big Sky Fall Farmers Market | Wednesdays in September
The fall farmers markets is a local ritual, happening every Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Town Center Plaza, directly in front of The Wilson Hotel. With stunning mountain views and smaller crowds, the fall market brings in local vendors and farmers selling fresh vegetables, handmade crafts, artworks, and baked goods. Get there early and savor huckleberry treats as the sun goes down. All ages welcome.
Big Sky Oktoberfest | September 18–20
Every September, Town Center Plaza trades mountain-town casual for a weekend of Bavarian celebration.
You'll find overflowing steins, bratwurst, giant pretzels, live music, and plenty of friendly competition. The Hammerschlagen tournament has become a crowd favorite, drawing participants eager to prove their strength. Whether you're there for the beer or the atmosphere, it's one of Big Sky's signature fall weekends.
Big Sky Food & Wine Festival | September 24–26
The Big Sky Food & Wine Festival brings together chefs, winemakers, breweries, and distilleries for tastings, demonstrations, and dinners spread throughout Town Center. With crisp mountain air and snow beginning to appear on the highest peaks, it's hard to imagine a better setting for such a delicious weekend.
Haunted Peaks Halloween Festival | October 24–26
Haunted Peaks fills three days with Halloween frights and delights, including a costume 5K run, horror film screenings, the annual Skull & Roses Ball, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and even a Yappy Hour costume contest for four-legged visitors. Local shops and restaurants join the fun with decorated storefronts and themed events designed for families.
More Ways to Experience Fall in Big Sky
Explore the fall colors: Mid-September through October is one of the most scenic times to explore Big Sky. Trails like Ousel Falls, Beehive Basin, and Lava Lake are framed by changing aspens, while the drives between trailheads offer plenty of reasons to pull over for a photo.
Visit Yellowstone National Park: Fall is one of Yellowstone's quieter seasons. Cooler temperatures bring active wildlife, including free roaming bison and families of bears, while lighter crowds means more space to take in the park's famous geysers and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Spend a day on the water: Autumn is prime fly-fishing season in southwest Montana. As trout feed before winter, rivers like the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone offer excellent conditions for anglers of every experience level. If you've been thinking about booking a guided trip, this is one of the best times of year to do it.
End the day somewhere warm: After a day outside, settle in with dinner at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar for European-inspired dishes and an enchanting Mountain evening. If you're not quite ready to call it a night, wander through Town Center's galleries and boutiques or pick up local treats at Roxy's Market or Hungry Moose before heading back to the hotel. Be sure to keep your eye on the calendar for local events – there's always something fun happening at Big Sky Town Center.
Stay Close to It All
Planning to explore Yellowstone? Our Yellowstone Road Ready Package makes it easy to spend a day in the park before returning to the comfort of The Wilson. Looking for a longer mountain escape? Our Settle In to Big Sky package is designed for guests who want a little more time to enjoy the season.
Fall doesn't last long in Big Sky. The leaves change quickly, festival weekends come and go, and before you know it, the conversation turns to ski season.
There's no better time to slow down, spend a few days in the mountains, and experience Big Sky between the rush of summer and the start of snowy winter.