Fall in Southwest Montana | Events
We had an amazing summer in Southwest Montana: lovely weather, memorable events, and best of all – NO smoke! As you can imagine, it’s a little difficult to consider giving up such an incredible season … but, I suppose if something were to entice me to move on it would be pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather, and haunted encounters!
It’s time to dive into fall, and trust us we will be diving head first 🙂 As we start considering fall in Southwest Montana, our bucket list contains things like: a soak in our natural hot springs, a few hikes, a fishing trip in the Ruby or Madison Valleys, a fall road trip, and of course a ridiculous number of haunted events!
Here’s a quick hit list of Southwest Montana’s Haunted Encounters this year!
Butte’s Haunted Trolley | Spooks and Spirits
Explore what goes “bump in the night” with this interactive tour of Butte’s verified hauntings. Learn about the murderers and murdered of the Mining City. This year, the tours are available for $50/ticket. These tours always sell out, make sure to get your tickets soon! Reservations for 2023 can be made here.
Haunted Helena Tour: Ghost Gulch | Montana History Foundation
The Montana History Foundation has created a 2 hour PG-13 tour of Downtown Helena. The tour will include a journey through time as you peddle the Bert & Ernie’s Pub Trolley by the Myrna Loy, Cathedral of St. Helena, Grand Street Theatre, Reeder’s Alley and more! 2023 Reservations are Currently Sold Out.
Whitehall’s Screams Come True
Whitehall will be hosting a two weekend Halloween event that Travel Pulse Magazine ranked Montana’s Number One Haunted House! Join us October 19-21st, 26-28th, and 31st – this haunted house is sure to be worth the scare. The haunted house, hay maze and escape rooms will be hosted at the Whitehall community center.
Boulder’s Big Rock Fright Night
In collaboration with Whitehall, Boulder will also be offering a two weekend Halloween event, taking place the 20-21st and 27-28th from 6-9pm. The entrance fee is $5. Join in the Halloween fun with activities for kids of all ages from the Fright Barn to the Great Pumpkin Party. They’ll also feature the Haunted Hoof Carousel, and the Sleep Hallows Haven!
ExplorationWorks! Nightmare Affair
Join us for the 16th Annual Nightmare Affair! This is the largest fundraiser for ExplorationWorks! of Helena. This year’s event will be hosted at the Great Northern Best Western Hotel on October 28, 2023 from 6-9pm. The night will include a silent and live auction, live music, a delicious dinner, wine, and science themed cocktails! Tickets go on Sale September 28th and can be purchased here.
Old Prison Haunted House
The Old Prison Museum in Deer Lodge is once again putting on the annual Haunted House! It’s an interactive haunted house, held on October 20-21st and 27-28th from 6pm to midnight, that you won’t want to miss. $10 admission fee for kids and $20 for adults.
Bannack Ghost Walks
Our annual Ghost Walks will be held on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. Two shows nightly at 7 and 9 pm. We take groups of 100 through the town at each show to see our “ghosts” reenact the events of Bannack’s past. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 12 and under. Call the park to make reservations, each show has a limit for attendees so make sure to reserve in advance! Remember to dress for the weather – it is usually quite chilly. Call the park (406-834-3413) for more information or visit the facebook page.
If you aren’t as excited about the haunted encounters, there is no reason not to enjoy fall on a tamer level!
Fall Festivals
There are an array of Fall Festivals taking place across Southwest Montana, there is sure to be one to pique your interest!
Annual Fall Festival and Car Show in Townsend | Sept 29 – Oct 1, 2023
Edgewater Farms Corn Maze | Townsend
Located just 6 miles south of Townsend, Edgewater Farms is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. They will be open weekends between September 22nd and October 28th, this is a fall experience you won’t want to miss!
Pumpkin Sunday | Grant-Kohrs Ranch
This annual event is the perfect opportunity for families with children of all ages to get in the fall mood! Enjoy the fall season with fall activities, special programing, and more. There will be pumpkin painting, hay rides, crafts, and memories to be made. This year’s event will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 1pm – 4pm!
Wherever the road takes you in Southwest Montana this fall, we are glad to have you!
