Celebrate Autumn in Historic Jim Thorpe
Just as NEPA’s fall scenery begins to change from deep forest greens to vibrant oranges, yellows and reds, the streets of Jim Thorpe start filling up with visitors, live music, train whistles, food and so much more. If it’s October, it’s time for the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival. Head to the historic and always-scenic Carbon County town for plenty of fall fun during three weekends this October.
The Fall Foliage Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday from October 5 through October 20. Enjoy free live music, plenty of shopping and dining, kids’ activities, train rides, historic tours and so much more.
Check out what’s going on at this year’s festival.
Visitors can shop to their heart’s content at over 50 local stores lining the festive streets and craft vendors throughout town. You’ll find it all from records and books to antiques and handcrafted soaps just to name a few.
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All of the restaurants throughout Jim Thorpe are authentic, original and local. From pub style dining to seasonal fare to unique settings, you’ll find it all. And don’t forget the festival’s incredible food vendors lined up around Josiah White Park daily.
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Enjoy free, live music throughout the festival from local acts featuring everything from rock, country, polka and more. Live music will take place on four separate stages all weekend long throughout the festival.
Between festival activities located in Josiah White Park to adventures throughout town and in nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park, there’s no shortage of fun for the little ones during Fall Foliage weekends.
Experience the full spectrum of autumn color on a scenic train ride along the mighty Lehigh River and Lehigh Gorge. Visit the station at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to purchase tickets for an unforgettable, 45-minute ride. Trains depart every hour from 10 am to 5 pm.
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Pair your visit to the Fall Foliage Festival with an adventurous bike ride along the Lehigh Gorge Trail, plan a hike in Lehigh Gorge State Park,or connect with a local, river rafting guide and take on the rapids of the Lehigh River.
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It’s not all about walking, sight-seeing and shopping. Sometimes. You just need to have a drink and relax. Jim Thorpe is home to a handful of laid back NEPA wineries, craft breweries and a distillery.
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History is the star of the show in Jim Thorpe. From the Old Jail Museum and the Jim Thorpe Memorial to the stunning Asa Packer Mansion and the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company, you’ll find no shortage of cool history, the occasional ghost story and more.
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You may need more than a day to take in all sights and sounds of Fall Foliage Festival weekends. Luckily, Jim Thorpe plenty of places to stay. Book an evening at boutique inns and hotels, adorable bed and breakfast options or even a stay at the famous Asa Packer Mansion.
See AllFree Live Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, October 5
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – PA Villagers Polka Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – KJ Riemensnyder and Jay Smar
3 pm – 5:30 pm – Geezer Ride
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Dave Matsinko
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
11 am – 2 pm — TBD
3 pm – 5:30 pm – TBD
Sunday, October 6
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – Teacher and the Poet Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – Mystic Stew Jazz Band
3 pm – 6 pm – Free Range Folk
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Alex and Naomi
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
11 am – 2 pm – Jay Smar
Saturday, October 12
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – Teacher and the Poet Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – Twin Hills and The Mountain
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Dave Matsinko
Sunday, October 13
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – Justin Skyler Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – Oldies Rockin’ Duo
3 pm – 5:30 pm – Brad and Luke
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Peaches and Wine Duo
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
11 am – 2 pm – Honey and Nutz
Saturday, October 19
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – Justin Skyler Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – Renard Band
3 pm – 5:30 pm – Brad and Luke
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Alex and Naomi
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
11 am – 2 pm – Honey and Nutz
Sunday, October 20
Downtown Gazebo
10:30 am – 1 pm – PA Villagers Polka Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 pm – 2:30 pm – Twin Hills and the Mountain
Race Street Stage
12 pm – 3 pm – Peaches and Wine Duo
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
11 am – 2 pm – Geezer Ride
3 pm – 5:30 pm – Becky and the Beasts
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival weekends are the busiest time of year for the small Carbon County community. While plenty of parking is available, officials advise visitors to plan ahead for traffic congestion and parking. Many parking areas also include free shuttle services to the downtown area.
Parking Options:
Carbon County Parking Lot
On-Street Parking (very limited)
Immaculate Conception Parish Parking in October
Pocono Whitewater Weekend Shuttle Parking
Reserved Parking at Mauch Chunk Lake Park – Weekend Shuttle in October
Sam Miller Field – Weekend Shuttle Parking (Fall Festival Weekends)
Plan ahead
Download the free, detailed walking map and enjoy a magical weekend in Jim Thorpe. Visit the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency for more festival information
Article updated from its original version published on 9/5/2023.
