As October settles into the valleys of northwest Montana, the town of Whitefish embraces the season with a chill in the air, golden larch trees, and cozy community celebrations. Whether you're seeking haunted hikes o creative costumes, Whitefish offers a unique mix of spooky fun and mountain soul.
For the 4th year, Clydesdale Outpost hosts a chilling Haunted Hayride filled with candlelit rides, spooky storytelling, themed attractions, and midway entertainment. This year’s “Werewolves of Whitefish” edition promises thrills for the whole family
Dates: October 16–18 & 23–25
Downtown transforms into a costumed celebration with contests, themed drinks, and prizes. Presented in collaboration with local bars and The Firebrand Hotel.
Date & Time: October 31st 7 pm - 10 pm
Get your groove on at Second Story, with a high-energy Halloween dance party complete with DJs, spooky drink specials, and bewitching cocktails. Ages 21+.
Date & Time: October 31st 7 pm - 11:45 pm
Enjoy a suspenseful evening with this classic psychological thriller presented by Whitefish Theatre Company. A perfect spooky season show.
Dates & Times: October 17 & 18th at 7:30 pm, 19th at 4:00 pm, 23rd - 25th at 7:30 pm
Trick-or-Treat Streets
Bring the kids for this community tradition! Local businesses open their doors for safe and festive trick-or-treating downtown.
Dates & Times: October 31st 3 pm - 5 pm
Huckleberry Halloween Sweet Rolls
Inspired by autumn traditions and Montana flavors, these Halloween sweet rolls put a festive twist using local huckleberries—resulting in a soft, fragrant roll with a burst of berry flavor.
Ingredients:
3½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
½ cup milk, warmed
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp orange zest
1 cup huckleberries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
Egg wash (1 egg + splash milk)
Huckleberry glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp huckleberry juice
Optional: colored sugar, edible flowers, or marigold petals
Instructions:
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
3. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Knead until soft and elastic (~8–10 min).
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (~1 hr).
8. Cool, then drizzle with huckleberry glaze and decorate with sugar or petals.
These rolls are perfect served warm with a cup of chai, cider, or Montana roasted coffee.
October is a stunning time to visit Whitefish. Crisp mountain air, golden foliage, and fewer crowds make it an ideal season for hiking, shopping, and cozy evenings by the fire. Pair that with festive events and a unique cultural celebration, and you’ve got a fall getaway unlike any other.
SAVE up to 15%* on stays now through Halloween
Whitefish welcomes you with open arms—and maybe a ghost or two.
