3 Free Montana Fall Festivals to Check Out This Year

If you’re trying to save a little money these days, you’re certainly not alone.

A lot of us are looking for ways to have some fun without spending a ton of money. That can be a little tougher in the fall, when Montana’s calendar starts filling up with football games, concerts, festivals, and other activities that can get expensive pretty quickly.

But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy fall in Montana without spending money on admission.

A recent poll from Market Beat asked Montanans about some of the best free fall festivals in the state, and three festivals stood out.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this fall while keeping a little more money in your wallet, here are three to check out.

Townsend Fall Fest

The Townsend Fall Fest takes place October 2 through October 4 at Heritage Park in the center of Townsend.

The three-day celebration is set against the foothills of the Big Belt Mountains and features arts and crafts, live music, and local food.

It’s a pretty good way to enjoy a Montana fall weekend without having to spend money just to get through the gate.

McIntosh Apple Day in Hamilton

If you’re looking for a fall tradition a little closer to home, McIntosh Apple Day is coming up October 3 in Hamilton.

The event is built around the Bitterroot Valley’s apple harvest and has become one of the area’s best-known fall traditions. It’s even billed as the “biggest bake sale under the Big Sky.”

You’ll find homemade apple pies, apple butter, other baked goods, a farmers market, crafts, and live music.

You might end up spending a little money on a pie, but at least admission won't cost you anything.

Belgrade Fall Festival

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, the Belgrade Fall Festival is happening Saturday, September 19.

The festival takes place along East Cameron Avenue near the Belgrade Senior Center in the heart of the Gallatin Valley.

There will be local craftspeople, food vendors, and live entertainment.

So, if you're trying to stretch those dollars a little further this fall, you don't necessarily have to give up having fun.

Sometimes, you just have to look for the events where free admission is the best part of the deal.

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Of course, there is one other expense to consider: getting there. Gas isn't exactly free. But if you're already close to one of these festivals, they could be a pretty inexpensive way to get out, enjoy a Montana fall day, and save some money at the same time.