Once a year, the Bitterroot Valley goes a little wild for autumn. For one day from sun-up until sun-down, you can gather your family and enjoy a little magic at the apple festival in Hamilton, MT. As a Montana family photographer, I am constantly searching for brand new ways to help parents create long-lasting family memories. Here is why you need to check out the Annual McIntosh Apple Day!
205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840
The Annual McIntosh Apple Day is a proud Hamilton, MT festival that stretches back over 45 years. The very first fest was held back in 1979 as a way to remember the Apple Boom of 1907 to 1907. Today, it draws up to around 175 vendors from all across Montana and Idaho. While most of the action can be found inside the museum, you’ll find vendors on the streets outside, waiting to help you welcome in the season.
During the first Saturday of October, things kick off bright and early at 9 AM as the apple festival (aka “The Biggest Bake Sale Under the Big Sky”) formally begins in Hamilton, MT. This part of the day is completely family-friendly with events for people of all ages. As you wander down the street, you can check out kids’ activities, live entertainment, and a raffle. Inside the museum, you will be able to browse from baked goods like pies, caramel apples, apple fritters, and apple cider. You will get to spend the day sampling pretty much every apple-based treat you could possibly imagine. Need a little bit of a break from the fruit? Then you can check out the street vendors selling meals like steak kabobs. Trust me, by the end of the day, you will feel so wonderfully full, you won’t know what to do with yourself.
McIntosh Apple Day officially wraps up around 2 PM. Once this apple festival ends, the organizers get to work transforming the Hamilton, MT grounds to get it ready for Liquid Apple Night. Things start back up at 5 PM as cider makers from across the Rocky Mountain northwest offer samples of their carefully brewed products. This part of the event will take place outside on the museum grounds with propane heaters to provide some warmth. Regardless, be sure to bring along some blankets and sweaters because it gets chilly! In addition to all the cider, you can check out food trucks and live music. While this event does welcome kids, only adults over the age of 21 can try the samples.
If you are looking for the best way to get into the fall spirit, I just know you are going to adore McIntosh Apple Day! This annual apple festival in Hamilton, MT gives you the chance to enjoy the sweetest parts of the season!
Do you need a way to make your family memories last forever? Then I would love to help you out! I am a Montana family photographer, and I love working with parents all across the Bitterroot Valley to plan sessions so they can remember every single second throughout these magical years. If you want to find out if my style is a match for you, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more.