TOWNSEND, Mont. — Townsend’s annual Fall Fest saw its biggest turnout on record in 2026, with organizers estimating nearly 15,000 visits over the festival weekend.
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According to attendance data provided by organizers, this year’s Fall Fest brought an estimated 14,700 visits to Townsend, surpassing the previous record of 13,000 set in 2024.
“This year's Fall Fest was technically the best ever,” Fall Fest Planning Committee Co-Chair Jeff Langlinais said.
The record turnout marks a significant rebound from 2025, when organizers recorded roughly 9,600 visits. Attendance has generally climbed since 2022:
- 2022: 7,600 visits
- 2023: 10,500 visits
- 2024: 13,000 visits
- 2025: 9,600 visits
- 2026: 14,700 visits
Organizers said weather played a major role in this year’s turnout. After less favorable conditions contributed to lower attendance in 2025, organizers said near-perfect weather helped bring people to Townsend this year.
The attendance data also indicated more than 12,000 new individual visitors came to the area during the 2026 event.
The crowds had an impact beyond Fall Fest itself. Organizers said they spoke with local businesses after the event about how they performed during the weekend. According to that feedback, some businesses reported Fall Fest was their most profitable weekend of the year.
Fall Fest is organized by the Rotary Club and brings food, vendors, live music, a car show and other activities to Townsend each fall.
With a record-setting 2026 event now behind them, organizers are already looking toward next year.
“That'll be a tough Fall Fest to top,” Langlinais said.
The Rotary Club is expected to begin planning in January for the 2027 Fall Fest, which will mark the event’s 25th anniversary. Organizers say Montanans can expect something special to commemorate the milestone.
