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# Things to do in Missoula this weekend: October 16 to 18: Oktoberfest at the ballpark, Griz football and Herb Alpert
- URL: https://www.missoula-commons.com/events/things-to-do-in-missoula-this-weekend-october-16-to-18-oktoberfest-at-the-ballpark-griz-football-and-herb-alpert/
- Published: 2026-10-15T20:51:40.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T20:51:40.000Z
- Description: Pitchers and Pints Oktoberfest at the ballpark, Griz football vs. Idaho, the 17th Tweed Ride and Herb Alpert at the Dennison lead a weekend of pumpkin parties, a Halloween 5K in Lolo, free Top Hat shows and a fire-lit party at the KettleHouse in Bonner.
- Author: Missoula Commons Staff
- Tags: Event

*Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026*

Oktoberfest takes over the ballpark Friday night, the Griz host Idaho for Family Weekend on Saturday afternoon, and Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass close the weekend at the Dennison on Sunday. In between there are pumpkin parties on three farms, the Tweed Ride, a Halloween 5K in Lolo, free shows at the Top Hat and a fire-lit party at the KettleHouse in Bonner.

## Missoula

### Friday

- [Pitchers and Pints Oktoberfest](https://tickets.paddleheadspost.com/event/oktoberbest-rlw9jg?ref=missoula-commons.com), Ogren Park at Allegiance Field, doors 4 PM, from $22\. The PaddleHeads turn the ballpark into a beer garden with local and seasonal pours, music, a Bavarian buffet and a costume contest. Each ticket includes three tasting tickets and a custom Oktoberfest cup.
- [Montana Natural History Center Fall Banquet and Auction](https://www.montananaturalist.org/event/mnhc-fall-banquet-auction-2026/?ref=missoula-commons.com), University Center Ballroom, 5 to 9 PM, tickets through MNHC. Silent and live auctions, dinner and drinks mark the center's 35th year.
- [B is for Bonner book launch](https://www.instagram.com/p/DecuLWZj0Ag/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Vespiary Books, 3:30 PM, free. Locals Breeann Adam and Molly Russell sign their rhyming ABC book about the small town up the Blackfoot.
- [Dia de los Muertos community crafting](https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dia-de-los-muertos-community-crafting?ref=missoula-commons.com), Giving Art to Missoula, 3:30 PM, free. Help make marigolds for the community altar on November 1.
- [Friday Nights on the Farm](https://turnerfarms406.com/pumpkin-patch?ref=missoula-commons.com), Turner Farms, 3515 S. 3rd St. W., 4 PM. The pumpkin patch stays open into the evening with food on site.
- [Dance on Location](https://www.umt.edu/theatre-dance/2026-2027-season/dance-on-location.php?ref=missoula-commons.com), Montana Museum of Art and Culture, performances at 5, 6 and 7 PM, $10 suggested donation, RSVP required. UM dancers perform original choreography inside the galleries, inspired by the art of Morton Levin.
- [Planetarium show: The Universal Sound](https://www.umt.edu/physics-astronomy/planetarium/public-shows.php?ref=missoula-commons.com), University of Montana planetarium, 6 and 7 PM, tickets through UM. An immersive dome show set to Big Thief, Coldplay, Tyler Childers and The Smiths.
- [Twin Peaks, episodes 13 to 15](https://www.theroxytheater.org/show/twin-peaks-episodes-13-14-15/?ref=missoula-commons.com), The Roxy Theater, 5:15 and 8 PM, tickets at the Roxy. The watch party repeats Saturday and Sunday at the same times.
- [Roxy Jr.: Hotel Transylvania 2](https://www.theroxytheater.org/show/hotel-transylvania-2/?ref=missoula-commons.com), The Roxy Theater, 1 PM, tickets at the Roxy. A school's-out matinee for the kids; it repeats Saturday at 1 PM.
- [Kate Stephenson with Hayden Everett](https://showroom.zootownarts.org/events/?ref=missoula-commons.com), ZACC Show Room, doors 7 PM, all ages. Singer-songwriters in the Main Street showroom.
- [Come From Away](https://www.mctinc.org/event/community-1/?ref=missoula-commons.com), MCT Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 PM, tickets through MCT. The community-series musical about the town that took in 7,000 stranded travelers on 9/11 runs through Sunday: Saturday 2 and 7:30 PM, Sunday 2 and 6:30 PM. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
- [Cascadel](https://logjampresents.com/event/cascadel-78093/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Top Hat, doors 10 PM, music 10:30 PM, free, 21 and up. Groove Concert Series rock to end the night downtown.

### Saturday

- [Clark Fork River Market](http://clarkforkmarket.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com), under the Beartracks Bridge, 9 AM to 1 PM (October hours), and [Missoula Farmers Market](https://www.missoulafarmersmarket.org/?ref=missoula-commons.com), north end of Higgins, from 9 AM. Two downtown markets for squash, apples and the last of the tomatoes.
- [Garden City Harvest Pumpkin Party](https://www.gardencityharvest.org/events/2026/10/17/pumpkin-party?ref=missoula-commons.com), PEAS Farm, 3010 Duncan Dr., 11 AM to 3 PM, free admission. Pumpkins by weight, carving stations, a produce stand and gelato sandwiches from Cool Earth Creamery. No cider this year after a tough apple season. Costumes welcome.
- [Moon-Randolph Homestead open day](https://www.missoulaevents.net/10/17/2026/visit-the-moon-randolph-homestead/?ref=missoula-commons.com), 11 AM. The historic homestead and orchard in the North Hills opens its gate for visitors.
- [Cereal Cartoon Saturday](https://www.theroxytheater.org/show/cereal-saturday/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Roxy Lounge, 11 AM, tickets at the Roxy. Ninety minutes of classic cartoons with a bowl of sugary cereal in front of the TV.
- [Turner Farms Pumpkin Festival](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55742?ref=missoula-commons.com), 3515 S. 3rd St. W., noon to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday, free admission. Live music, food trucks and pumpkin picking on the farm's third festival weekend.
- [Griz football vs. Idaho](https://gogriz.com/sports/football/schedule?ref=missoula-commons.com), Washington-Grizzly Stadium, 1 PM kickoff, tickets through GrizTix. Family Weekend and the Vandals in town; the campus will be full all day.
- [Pumpkin Carving Contest](https://www.missoulaevents.net/10/17/2026/pumpkin-carving-contest/?ref=missoula-commons.com), The Florence Building, 111 N. Higgins, 1 to 4 PM, $20\. The fee covers your pumpkin, a carving kit and a cookie from Bernice's Bakery. All ages.
- [17th annual Tweed Ride](https://freecycles.org/events/tweedride26?ref=missoula-commons.com), Free Cycles, 732 S. 1st St. W., meet 3:30 PM, ride at 4 PM, donations welcome. Wool, tweed and old bikes on a leisurely five-mile loop through town, with a cuppa before you roll.
- [Beyond the Backcountry](https://logjampresents.com/event/beyond-the-backcountry-78096/?ref=missoula-commons.com), The Wilma, doors 4:30 PM, show 6 PM, $62.50 advance. Snowmobile film premiere of Progression Vol. 3 with athlete meet-and-greets and a Polaris Boost giveaway.
- [That's So Sketch live sketch comedy](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55614?ref=missoula-commons.com), City Life Community Center, 1515 Fairview Ave., 6:30 PM, tickets on Eventbrite. Listings disagree on the start (one says 7 PM), so check before you go.
- [Griz volleyball vs. Utah Tech](https://gogriz.com/sports/2021/7/28/ticket-central?ref=missoula-commons.com), Dahlberg Arena, 7 PM, tickets through GrizTix. A second home game to stack on top of football.
- [Halloween Spooktacular at Get Air](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55986?ref=missoula-commons.com), Get Air Trampoline Park, 2501 Brooks St., 7 to 10 PM, pricing through Get Air. Jumping, games, prizes and a costume contest.
- [Pianissimo](https://www.missoulaevents.net/10/17/2026/u-of-m-school-of-music-presents-pianissimo/?ref=missoula-commons.com), UM Music Recital Hall, 7:30 PM, tickets through UM. Five concert grands on one stage; the Sunday 3 PM show is free with a suggested $20 donation.
- [Griz Hockey vs. Providence](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55896?ref=missoula-commons.com), Glacier Ice Rink, 7:30 PM, tickets through Griz Hockey. The Breast Cancer Awareness game, with pink jerseys auctioned to benefit Missoula Chicks 'N' Chaps.
- [Missoula Folklore Society Contra Dance](https://www.missoulafolk.org/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Elks Lodge, 112 N. Pattee, beginners' workshop 7:30 PM, dance 8 to 10:30 PM, $10 suggested donation. Swing Away plays, Mark Matthews calls, and no partner or experience is needed.
- [Goth Ball](https://showroom.zootownarts.org/events/?ref=missoula-commons.com), ZACC Show Room, doors 8 PM, $17.10, all ages. DJs Gingerbat and Sister Midnight with a live set from Order of the Static Temple.
- [Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts](https://logjampresents.com/event/ryan-chrys-and-the-rough-cuts-78083/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Top Hat, doors 10 PM, music 10:30 PM, free, 21 and up. Outlaw country in the Groove Concert Series.

### Sunday

- [City to Sky Trail Races](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/54184?ref=missoula-commons.com), finish at Dornblaser Track. The 50K starts at Dornblaser at 7 AM with 8,000 feet of climbing around the Pattee Creek watershed; the 25K starts at the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area at 8:15 AM, with mandatory shuttles loading at the Lewis and Clark lot at 7:15 AM. Expect runners on the Mount Sentinel and Pattee Canyon trails most of the day.
- [Spooky Skate](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55949?ref=missoula-commons.com), Glacier Ice Rink, noon to 2 PM, $15, register ahead. Halloween music and an on-ice costume contest.
- [Griz soccer vs. Weber State](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55499?ref=missoula-commons.com), South Campus Stadium, 1 PM, tickets through GrizTix.
- [Dried Flower Wreath Workshop](https://forms.gle/9Df4E3BxWb1wzq2J8?ref=missoula-commons.com), Draught Works, 2 PM, tickets through Beverly Blooms. Build a fall wreath from flowers grown in the Beverly Blooms fields, with all materials provided.
- [Pumpkin carving with Queer Prom](https://thequeerprom.org/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Western Montana's LGBTQ Community Center, 500 N. Higgins, 5 to 8 PM. For teens 13 to 18, with guest judges, snacks and drinks.
- [Pianissimo: Frighteningly Festive](https://www.missoulaevents.net/10/18/2026/pianissimo-frighteningly-festive/?ref=missoula-commons.com), UM Music Recital Hall, 3 PM, free with a suggested $20 donation. Five pianos, costumes and familiar classical favorites from UM faculty, students and community pianists.
- [Roxy Book Club: Carrie](https://www.theroxytheater.org/show/carrie/?ref=missoula-commons.com), The Roxy Theater, 6 PM, tickets at the Roxy. The 1976 Stephen King adaptation on the big screen for spooky season.
- [Asa Menlove with The River Ramblers and Carter French](https://showroom.zootownarts.org/events/?ref=missoula-commons.com), ZACC Show Room, doors 7 PM, all ages.
- [Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55056?ref=missoula-commons.com), Dennison Theatre, 7:30 PM, tickets through GrizTix. The 90-minute show mixes the TJB hits with stories and audience questions about A&M Records, Sergio Mendes and Burt Bacharach.

At the library: [Symphony Kids string quartet](https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/program-calendar/symphony-kids/?occurrence=2026-10-17&time=1792234800&ref=missoula-commons.com) plays movie soundtracks in the Imaginarium Saturday at 11 AM, with instruments to try afterward; the [Stop Animation Workshop](https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/program-calendar/stop-animation-workshop-for-kids/?occurrence=2026-10-17&ref=missoula-commons.com) for ages 9 to 13 runs in MCAT Saturday 1 to 3 PM, free; and [MakerSpace walk-in hours](https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/home/spaces/makerspace/?ref=missoula-commons.com) run Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM.

Brews and music: Friday brings [Jordan Smith at Sumac's hummus happy hour](https://www.sumacmissoula.com/HummusHappyHour/?date=2026-10-16&ref=missoula-commons.com) at 5 PM, [The Three-O at Ten Spoon Winery](https://tenspoon.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 6 PM ($5 cover, pizza 5 to 8), [karaoke at OddPitch Brewing](https://www.oddpitch.com/events?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 6 PM, [UM jazz students at Leaf and Quiet](https://www.leafandquiet.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 7 PM, [Way Down North at The Old Post](https://www.oldpostmissoula.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 8 PM, [Koverkill and Rhymes With Purple at Monk's](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koverkill-with-rhymes-with-purple-live-at-monks-tickets-2002161006467?ref=missoula-commons.com) (doors 8, $5 advance, $10 door, 21 and up) and the [Blue Collar Band at the Union Club](https://unionclubbarandgrill.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 9 PM. Saturday has [bingo at OddPitch](https://www.oddpitch.com/events?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 6 PM, the [Blue Moon Blues Duo at Draught Works](https://www.draughtworksbrewery.com/events/live-music-calendar/?ref=missoula-commons.com) 7 to 9 PM, [GoldenTroubles' Dark Matter Project Halloween bass party at Monk's](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goldentroubles-presents-dark-matter-project-tickets-2002737433576?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 9 PM ($5, with a food drive for the Missoula Food Bank) and [Defuncked at the Union Club](https://unionclubbarandgrill.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 9 PM. Sunday offers a [pinball tournament at OddPitch](https://www.oddpitch.com/events?ref=missoula-commons.com) at 4 PM and [Sunday Jazz Night at Draught Works](https://www.draughtworksbrewery.com/events/live-music-calendar/?ref=missoula-commons.com) with Bob Packwood, 6 to 8 PM.

## Lolo and south

### Friday

- [Karaoke at The Jack Saloon](http://www.thejacksaloon.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Lolo, 7 PM, free. Kaleidoscope Entertainment runs the mic at the Lumberjack.
- [The Shark Is Broken](https://stevensvilleplayhouse.org/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Stevensville Playhouse, 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday, 2 PM Sunday, tickets through the playhouse. A comedy about three feuding actors stuck on a boat while the mechanical shark keeps breaking.
- [Field of Screams](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55868?ref=missoula-commons.com), 1497 Hwy 93 N, Victor, dusk to 10 PM Friday and Saturday. The Bitterroot's haunted attraction runs through Halloween.

### Saturday

- [Harvest Fest](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55016?ref=missoula-commons.com), Ravalli County Fairgrounds, Hamilton, 10 AM to 4 PM, free admission. The sixth annual craft fair with fall, Halloween and Christmas makers and the Meandering Moose food truck.
- [Boos and Brews 5K](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boos-and-brews-fun-run-x-lolo-peak-brewing-2026-mt-brewery-running-series-tickets-1975064342616?ref=missoula-commons.com), Lolo Peak Brewing, 6201 Brewery Way, 11 AM, tickets on Eventbrite. A costumed fun run that starts and ends at the brewery, with a beer, a costume contest and prizes at the finish. Dogs and strollers welcome.
- [Trekker Kids at Travelers' Rest State Park](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/56013?ref=missoula-commons.com), 6717 Hwy 12 W, 11 AM, free, for kids 10 and under. This week's craft is candle making.

## Frenchtown and the Mullan Road

### Friday

- [Missoula Fall Festival](https://www.missoulafallfest.com/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Grass Valley Farms, 5280 Deschamps Lane, Friday 4 to 8 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM, $25, kids 3 and under free. The first-year festival west of town has a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, a barrel train and a giant slide, all included with admission.
- [Pop-up flu and COVID immunization clinic](https://www.missoulapublichealth.org/news/missoula-public-health-offers-flu-covid-vaccine-clinics-countywide/?ref=missoula-commons.com), Frenchtown Fire Station, 16875 Marion St., 3 to 6 PM. Missoula Public Health's countywide series; walk-ins welcome, first come first served, flu and COVID shots only, sliding fee scale.
- [A Haunting on Porter Lane](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078460732017), 11620 Porter Lane, Frenchtown, 7:30 to 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday, PG-13\. The annual haunted house runs three weekends through Halloween.

## Bonner, Milltown and the Blackfoot

### Friday

- [First Fire Party at KettleHouse Brewing](https://www.missoulaevents.net/10/16/2026/first-fire-party-at-kettlehouse-brewing/?ref=missoula-commons.com), 605 Cold Smoke Ave., Bonner, 5 PM, free. The Blue Moon Blues play, the pumpkin carving and s'mores bar are free, and Cold Smoke, Fireside Pie and Oktoberfest are discounted as the fire pits get lit for the season.

Brews and music: the KettleHouse party above is the one to catch, and Bonner's own ABC book launches Friday afternoon at Vespiary Books in Missoula (see the Missoula list).

## Seeley-Swan

### Friday

- [Swan Valley Branch story time](https://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/program-calendar/swan-valley-branch-story-time/?occurrence=2026-10-16&ref=missoula-commons.com), Swan Valley Library, Condon, 11 AM to noon, free.

### Saturday

- [Glass recycling event](https://www.seeleylakecommunityfoundation.org/glass-recycling?ref=missoula-commons.com), Foundation Building parking lot, 3150 MT Hwy 83 N, Seeley Lake, 10 AM to 2 PM. The Seeley Lake Community Foundation collects glass as a fundraiser.

At the library: the Swan Valley story time Friday is the only branch program listed for the weekend up the corridor.

Look ahead: the [Montana Film Festival](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55559?ref=missoula-commons.com) opens at the Roxy on Thursday, October 22\. [Shakey Graves](https://logjampresents.com/event/shakey-graves-75793/?ref=missoula-commons.com) plays the Wilma Friday, October 23, and [comedian Zoltan Kaszas](https://logjampresents.com/event/zoltan-kaszas-75733/?ref=missoula-commons.com) follows on Saturday, October 24, the same day as [Missoula Trunk or Treat](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/55892?ref=missoula-commons.com) at the fairgrounds (1 to 4 PM) and the Missoula Symphony's [Masterworks 2: Pictures in Music](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/56018?ref=missoula-commons.com) at the Dennison (also Sunday at 3 PM). The [Skeleton Skedaddle 5K and Kids Pumpkin Run](https://destinationmissoula.org/event/54185?ref=missoula-commons.com) takes over Silver Park Sunday, October 25\. Up the Blackfoot, [Tap Into Soul with Solomon Jaye](https://www.seeleyswanevents.net/10/25/2026/tap-into-soul-with-solomon-jaye/?ref=missoula-commons.com) comes to Seeley-Swan High School October 25 and the [Foundation Building Halloween event](https://www.seeleyswanevents.net/10/31/2026/halloween-event/?ref=missoula-commons.com) is set for October 31\. Halloween weekend itself brings [The Rocky Horror Show Live](https://logjampresents.com/event/the-rocky-horror-show-live-night-1-76592/?ref=missoula-commons.com) to the Wilma October 30 and 31.

*Know of something we missed? Send your events to missoulacommons@gmail.com and we will add them.*