The Tamaracks are glowing and the leaves are crunching underfoot as fall has arrived. October is packed with cozy and vibrant events. Find them all on our online calendar at DailyInterLake.com/events. 

October means the Great Northwest Oktoberfest commandeers Whitefish's Depot Park for two big weekends of authentic German food, beer, dancing and more. Don the lederhosen and polka your way to Whitefish October 1st through 10th. The festival boasts three great bands including The MAC-toberfest Band, the Bavarian Echoes, and Bavarski. Time to start practicing your keg toss and stein hold for the nightly competitions for laughs and bragging rights.   

Cowboy Country & the Gold Dust Girls trade in their boots for beads and take the stage at the Kalispell Eagle's Ballroom – unquestionably the best dancefloor in the valley – for their legendary Celebrate the '60s Rock & Roll Show on Saturday, October 3rd. Twist and jive the night away with the music of Elvis, the Animals, Beach Boys and more. 

The American folk and Americana duo Shovels and Rope takes the stage at the Wachholz College Center on Wednesday, October 7th.  Shovels and Rope are known for their raw, energetic sound that blends folk, country, rock and a bit of blues. 

Bias Brewing in Kalispell gets you and your best friend into the spirit of fall on October 10th with Barktoberfest. Grab your four-legged bestie and join in an afternoon of doggone good brews, delicious food for a paws-itively awesome time that supports Flathead Shelter Friends and Northwest Montana Humane Society. Of course, there is a dog costume contest and a pumpkin carving contest.  

The historic Conrad Mansion in Kalispell gets dressed up for the spooky season with their annual Ghost Tours. October 16th through 24th tour the mansion after dark and hear chilling ghost stories and accounts of paranormal activity experienced within its rooms. It is said that the mansion's original inhabitants, Charles and Lettie Conrad, have haunted the mansion for the past 100 years! 

The Game's Afoot! With the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts in their next installation of Holmes for Holidays running for various dates and times October 16th through 24th. Mystery, murder and plenty of laughter are in store for this classic whodunit. 

For the 5th year, the Clydesdale Outpost in Whitefish hosts their haunted hayrides and midway from October 15th through 24th. The Clydesdale Outpost's property comes to life – or death – as a remote asylum where unspeakable experiments were performed and the patients revolted. Sure to be a fun and spooky experience for the whole family. 

The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the hilarious "Tokens of Affection" for various dates and time October 15th through 24th at the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in Whitefish. Billed as a parent trap for grownups, this modern homage to mid-century romantic comedies, is a warm-hearted delight, offering a laugh-out-loud look at family dynamics temporarily turned upside down. 

The Wachholz College Center hosts wife and husband duo The War and Treaty on Friday, October 23rd. Known for blending genres like country, soul, gospel, blues and Americana into a powerful and emotional sound. 

Support the Flathead Food Bank and get your boogey on at the Feed the Need Benefit Concert on Saturday, October 24th. Invasion will be taking the stage at the Wachholz College Center and sharing high-energy covers of classic '60s and '70s British rock acts like Queen, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Led Zeplin. Local phenom Tommy Edwards opens the night with all proceeds supporting the Flathead Food Bank. 

The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation once again hosts their Grand Wine Tasting. An unforgettable evening where you indulge in exquisite wine sampling and delectable small bites from a variety of local chefs. Celebrate our community's vibrant culinary culture while supporting the Foundation in their efforts to provide student scholarships. There are always some great prizes to bid on c in silent and live auctions. 

Enjoy your Halloween afternoon at the Wachholz College Center as the Glacier Symphony presents Peter and the Wolf. A vivid narration and symphonic cast of animal characters, this suspenseful children's story comes to life symphony style. Costumes are encouraged! 

Thanks for tuning in to the Daily Inter Lake's Local Events podcast. I'm your host Melissa Wells reminding you to layer up and enjoy the sweata-weatha! 

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