My favorite part about the fall season is the food. Whether it be the harvest, the production process, or consumption, every aspect of fall foods is exciting. The two most dominant flavors that come up (particularly in the sweets category) are apple and pumpkin. For those who are as interested as I am in the harvest season, I have compiled a list of all things apple and pumpkin. Whether it be harvesting, producing, or consuming, here are all the apple and pumpkin-related events going on in the Bozeman area this October. 

Apples

Not Enough or Too Many Apples
Montana’s climate and dryness makes it difficult to grow most things, especially fruit. Compared to most fruits, apples do relatively well in Montana because they are generally cold-hardy and resistant to fire blight (according to MSU Extension). As a result, it seems that a lot of people are in two different camps: those looking for apple picking options, and those who have a big tree with too many apples to know what to do with. If you look on Facebook or the Bozeman subreddit, you might stumble upon someone advertising their apple trees for harvest. In years past, this has shown to be a great way to get rid of or acquire excess apples; however, there are a few more exciting options to choose from.

Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farm 
In Montana, the Bitterroot and Flathead Valley of Western Montana both contain a wide majority of the apple production in Montana. However, those interested in visiting an apple orchard this fall are not without options. The most famous choice is Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farms, famous for their “U-Pick berries and apples.” Unfortunately, the prime time for apple picking is mid-late August through late September, so it’s unlikely the bears will have left anything behind by October. Luckily, Gallatin Valley Botanical will still have apples sourced from an orchard on Flathead Lake for sale at their farm stand Tuesday-Saturday 9-5, and Sunday 10-4. You can take apples home for some seasonal baking, or learn how to press your own cider on site! Those with excess apples are also welcome to bring their own to press into cider. You can always purchase pre-pressed cider at their farm stand this fall. 

Lockhorn Cider House 
This year, Lockhorn Cider is continuing their tradition of the Bozeman Backyard Blend: a mixture of all the apples, crabapples, and pears grown locally are mixed together into one batch. Locals are encouraged to bring in 20-25 pounds of produce to trade in for a pint of cider. For those not interested in the process, you can always try one of their 14 (gluten-free) cider varieties, or their non-alcoholic hot cider, once it’s cold out. In the past, Lockhorn has worked with nonprofits like Haven and the Bozeman Symphony to give back to the community through the Backyard Blend. 

Pumpkins grown and photographerdby Remy Brault, Lebellum

PUMPKINS
Again, Montana’s climate is not great for growing most fruits, and pumpkins are no exception. Tell Rothing from the Bozeman Maze sources pumpkins from a farmer in Three Forks. Apparently, they require a lot of attention, so he is thankful to have a great resource close by. Despite the fact that pumpkin patches are harder to come by, there are still some great local options for picking out the perfect pumpkin. 

Yellowstone Adventures
The fifth annual Harvest Market will take place Saturday, October 4th from 11am-5pm at 13707 Cottonwood Canyon Road. This all-ages event will include food, vendors, and activities. These include bounce houses, a climbing wall, axe throwing (ages ten and above), zipline, face painting, yard games, and a tractor hay ride. Once you’re tired out, you can stop by the pumpkin patch to pick out your perfect carving specimen, and try some of the many concessions, which will include locally made pumpkin donuts, and apple cider. Check out the Yellowstone Adventures Alliance website for a list of vendors and more information. 

The Bozeman Maze
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a corn maze/pumpkin patch, and the Bozeman Maze has provided that for the last 28 years! Though the main draw is the ornate maze, done in a different shape every year, this year’s event will have a powerjump trampoline, mini-train, hay ride, corn bins, courtyard games, concessions and, of course, pumpkins. Though they do not grow their own pumpkins, they are sourced locally from a farmer in Three Forks. On alternating weekends there will be a petting zoo, as well as fresh produce vendors (see Facebook or their website for up-to-date details). Bozeman Maze runs from mid-September- November 2nd Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, generally from 6-10 pm (check their website for specific hours). This event is dog-friendly, as long as pets are leashed and within the courtyard. Dogs are not allowed within the maze. Concessions include fresh-pressed cider (cold and hot) and a pumpkin spice beverage. 

Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farms Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch
Every weekend of October through Halloween starting at 1pm, Rocky Creek Farm offers hay rides to their pumpkin patch, as well as to their apple-picking and cider pressing locations. On top of their cider and juice, their farm stand will have seasonal produce such as decorative gourds, dried flowers, ornamental grasses, and more pumpkins! They will also serve fresh apple cider donuts on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you’re busy on the weekend, you can always pick up a pumpkin at their farm stand. See their Facebook page and website for more information.

Story Mill Park: Annual Pumpkin Stroll Drop & Glow 
Once Halloween rolls around and pumpkins have been carved, you are welcome to drop them off at the Story Mill Community Center anytime from 9am-2pm on October 29th. Then, from 6-8pm, Jack-o-lanterns will be lit and placed around the activity lawn in Story Mill Community Park for the pumpkin stroll. Hot apple cider will be served, and costumes are encouraged.

Story Mill Park, Kirk Park
Pumpkin Smash
Put on in part by Happy Trash Can Curbside Composting, Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Bozeman Solid Waste Department, the tradition of the annual Pumpkin Smash continues at Story Mill Park. To help reduce waste after Halloween, Story Mill invites locals to bring old Jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkins to the park on November 8th from 11am-2pm to smash the old so they can help create something new through composting.   

Kenyon Noble’s 27th annual pumpkin carving contest
Families are invited to spend a fun-filled afternoon on October 25, 2025, from 12 PM to 2 PM carving pumpkins at Kenyon Noble. Children ages 12 and under will each receive a free pumpkin, carve their favorite designs, and have the chance to win exciting prizes. Prize categories are divided into three age groups: 0–5, 6–9, and 10–12. At 2 PM, judges will select the top three winning pumpkins from each age group, with winners announced shortly afterward. (Winners must be present to claim prizes.) Costumes are encouraged for anyone who would like to join the fun. Snacks and free goodie bags filled with Spooktacular Halloween swag will also be available.

For those who aren’t as interested in the harvest or the production process, there are always plenty of great local options for seasonal treats. Rather than support a massive chain, why not try a Pumpkin Spice Latte from one of our many local coffee shops, and enjoy an apple-filled baked good at one of our bakeries. 

Wild Crumb
This October, Wild Crumb bakery in downtown Bozeman will have some of their seasonal staples like pumpkin cheesecake, caramel apples, pumpkin loaves with maple brown butter, and their house made hot apple cider.

The Daily
The Daily cafe will have pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cheesecakes, and pumpkin flavoring that you can add to any drink you would like.

Feed Cafe 
If you’re looking for breakfast/brunch with your Pumpkin Spice Latte, The Feed Cafe will have a pumpkin spice syrup for drinks, and the cold foam latte special will be an apple cake flavor. 

Farmer’s Daughters Cafe 
For their fall menu, Farmer’s Daughters is serving “pumpkin patch waffles,” a peach cobbler ice tea, and a brown sugar latte.

Beacon Coffee Roasters
Beacon Coffee will be serving a pumpkin spice London Fog, a caramel apple latte, and a pumpkin spice chai. You can also try their pumpkin bar, available year round.

Rockford Coffee 
Aside from the traditional pumpkin spice latte, Rockford Coffee will have a pumpkin spice chai, and a pumpkin sweet cold brew. They will also have rotating apple and pumpkin snacks, like pumpkin muffins, pumpkin and apple sweet bread, apple galettes, and scrumptious treats.

Whether you prefer Pumpkins or Apples, happy fall everyone.