The Autumn Leaf Festival is back bigger and brighter! Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
Every year, the small town of Clarion, Pennsylvania, transforms into a vibrant hub of community pride, tradition, and autumn charm. The Autumn Leaf Festival is a beloved event that draws over 500,000 visitors annually, and for good reason. From the energy of the infamous Farmers & Crafters Day and Tournament of Leaves Parade— to the scent of hot kettle corn on crisp fall mornings, this is the kind of festival that is a tradition for generations!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Autumn Leaf Festival 2025.
2025 Festival Dates & Must-See Events
This year’s festival, themed as “Meet Me on Main,” will run from October 18-26, 2025. Yes, the dates for the festival are a little later than normal this year due to the fact that the festival is usually scheduled with the PennWest Clarion University homecoming football game.
You’ll find events for all ages, from classic car shows to carnival rides, live music, and one of the largest & most popular crafters markets in the region.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
- Food Truck Rally & Beer Garden: Local eats, regional brews, and live entertainment
- Kids Parade (Oct 21): A kids favorite, the parade starts at 6:00 pm on Main Street, with rain date set for October 22. Register here.
- Farmers & Crafters Day (Oct 24): This is the most popular event, and is one of the largest fall market events in northwestern PA. Over 250 vendors take over Main Street in Downtown Clarion from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with handmade goods, seasonal produce, and local art.
- America 250 Mobile Experiential Unit (Oct 24): The America250PA Mobile Unit is a rolling celebration of our country’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s proud place in the American story. This unit, powered by Penske, is a custom-built experience on wheels designed to bring the Semi quincentennial directly to Autumn Leaf Festival. It will be in front of the Clarion County Historical Society – South 5th Avenue on Grant St. Check out this video to learn more about the unit.
- Tournament of Leaves Parade (Oct 25): High-energy spectacle featuring marching bands, floats, dance troupes, and local pride. Line-Up is at 10:00 am, and the parade starts at 12:00 pm. This grand day ends with an oldies music concert that will be taking place in front of the Clarion Courthouse from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. To join the parade, attendees are requested to register here.
Tip: Check the Clarion Chamber of Commerce for the full event schedule as it’s updated.
Insider Tips for Visitors
As a popular fall destination, the festival gets busy especially on parade weekend. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
🅿️ Where to Park
- Use satellite lots and take advantage of the shuttle service (especially during Farmers & Crafters Day and Parade Day)
- Arrive early—Main Street fills up fast!
🪑 Best Parade Viewing Spots
- Near Clarion University: Great energy and student performances
- Downtown Clarion: Central location, close to food vendors and shops
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Zones
- The Kids’ Carnival area is ideal for little ones, with games and rides
- Quiet rest areas are available near Memorial Park for stroller breaks
Fall Food, Craft Beer & Local Flavor
You won’t go hungry at the Autumn Leaf Festival!
- Must-try festival eats include funnel cake, cinnamon rolls, apple dumplings with warm caramel, and more
- Smoked turkey legs and loaded pierogies
- Fall inspired dishes and treats from our local restaurants
Drink Local:
- Visit the beer garden, featuring Clarion-area breweries, ciders, and live acoustic sets in the evenings
Looking for a sit-down meal?
- Michelle’s Café or Canyon Coffee for coffee/tea drinks and local pastries
- Daddy’s on Main Street for hearty favorites
- County Seat Restaurant on Main Street for a traditional diner experience
- Clarion River Brewing Company for craft beer and pub fare
🧭 While You’re in Town…
Extend your stay and explore Clarion County’s natural and historic charm:
- Hike the Clarion Loop Trail
- Stroll along the Allegheny River Trail in Foxburg
- Take a fall foliage drive to Cook Forest’s Forest Cathedral
🧡 A Festival Full of Heart
Since 1953, the Autumn Leaf Festival has been more than a week of fun—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and Clarion pride. It’s the smiles of kids catching candy at the parade, the reunion of alumni returning to Clarion University, and the sense of place that only a small town can offer.
To learn more about the history of the Autumn Leaf Festival, explore the featured article and check out this mini-documentary video below: