This year, the small Montana town of West Yellowstone, with a population of 1,269, will host the Feast of Tabernacles. Located adjacent to the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Feastgoers will have the opportunity to explore many unique sites and wonders of God’s creation. Sitting atop one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, Yellowstone National Park features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. There are over 10,000 thermal features, over 300 geysers and more than 290 waterfalls—the biggest being the 308-foot lower falls of the Yellowstone River. The park is home to hundreds of animal species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.

Services: Feast services will be held at The Madison Crossing Event Center located in the heart of West Yellowstone just west of the intersection of Madison Avenue and North Canyon Street. The Event Center is over 1600 square feet of space located in the original West Yellowstone School which was built in 1918. Capacity of the Center is limited to only 150, so this will be a small site.

Music: The music coordinator is David Chomomaz (dbchomo@comcast.net).

We know many may want to come to West Yellowstone for the Feast, but please consider these facts when deciding if West Yellowstone is the site for you, especially this year:

• This year (2024) the dates of the Feast are the latest of this decade. The average high temperature for October in West Yellowstone is only 50 degrees. The average low temperature is 28 degrees. (The averages drop lower in November.)
• The elevation of West Yellowstone is 6,666 feet above sea level.
• The chance of precipitation during October is approximately 20 percent and there is about a 5-10 percent chance it could be snow. But if it does snow in October, the locals say it generally melts the next day.
• You’ll want to bring warm clothes.

Although the Feast is late, the park is still open and so many tourists will still be coming to visit the park. Rates will be lower than the summer peak rates, but not considered cheap. With so many options available we believe everyone should be able to find housing to suit their needs. There are also many restaurants and other activities available such as the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, Museum of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone Aerial Adventures & Zipline Park and the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theater (IMAX).

Travel: The nearest airports to West Yellowstone are Bozeman, MT, Idaho Falls, ID, and Jackson, WY.

Opening night service: Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.

First day service: Oct. 17, 1:00 p.m.