Celebrate Autumn at the Annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
Each October, the streets of Jim Thorpe fill with music, food and the colors of fall, turning this small town into one big celebration of the season. As the Pocono Mountains transform into a canvas of fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt oranges, this Carbon County town hosts one of the region’s most celebrated annual fall traditions—the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival.
From scenic train rides through the Lehigh Gorge to live music echoing across historic streets, the festival blends small-town charm with big seasonal fun. Explore unique shops, sample delicious food, and enjoy family-friendly activities all October long.
The 2025 festival runs the first three weekends in October—October 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19—and we’ve rounded up the best food, shopping, entertainment, and travel tips to help you plan your visit.
Fuel your fall adventures with authentic dining options from Jim Thorpe’s cozy restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Seasonal specialties—from hearty comfort food to pumpkin-inspired treats—pair perfectly with cool autumn air. Don’t miss the lineup of food vendors around Josiah White Park, where festival flavors fill the streets.
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Sip and savor the season at Jim Thorpe’s wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Whether you’re in the mood for a bold IPA, crisp cider, or a local vintage, there’s a spot to relax between festival stops.
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With four stages of live music spread throughout downtown, you’ll catch everything from rock and folk to country and polka while you explore. Performances take place daily from noon to 5 p.m. at the Downtown Gazebo in Josiah White Park, Quarry Street Stage, Race Street Stage at Shozo Park, and the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Check out the free live entertainment schedule below for times and acts.
Climb aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a breathtaking, 45-minute ride through the gorge at peak color. Trains depart hourly from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering some of the best views of autumn foliage in Pennsylvania.
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Families will find plenty to do between kid-friendly activities in Josiah White Park and outdoor adventures nearby. From pumpkin painting to exploring Lehigh Gorge State Park, kids can enjoy fall just as much as the grown-ups.
With dozens of local shops and additional craft vendors, festival weekends are perfect for browsing. Find antiques, vinyl records, handcrafted soaps, books, home décor, and one-of-a-kind artisan goods to take a piece of Jim Thorpe home with you.
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Pair your festival visit with fresh-air fun. Go biking along the Lehigh Gorge Trail, hike scenic overlooks, or book a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Lehigh River for an adventurous twist on fall sightseeing.
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Jim Thorpe’s rich history shines through every cobblestone street. Explore landmarks like the Old Jail Museum, the grand Asa Packer Mansion, or hop on a trolley tour for fascinating tales and maybe a ghost story or two.
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One day won’t be enough to take it all in. Extend your visit with a stay at boutique inns, B&Bs, or historic hotels. Overnight guests enjoy quiet mornings, late-night strolls, and even more time to soak in autumn’s magic.
See AllFree Live Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, October 4
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Teacher and The Poet
Quarry Street Stage
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Jay Smar
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Free Range Folk
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Jessica Corbin
Mauch Chunk Opera House
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Shane and Claire from France
Sunday, October 5
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – PA Villagers Polka Band
Quarry Street Stage
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Kimberleigh Rose
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Twin Hill and The Mountain
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Dave Matsinko
Mauch Chunk Opera House
TBD
Saturday, October 11
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Teacher and the Poet
Quarry Street Stage
Dani Long Legs and The Electric Circus
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Len Brunson and The Humidors
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Alex and Naomi
Mauch Chunk Opera House
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Shane and Claire from France
Sunday, October 12
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Justin Skyler Band
Quarry Street Stage
Dani Long Legs and The Electric Circus
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Twin Hill and The Mountain
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Llana Mujevic
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Peaches and Wine
Mauch Chunk Opera House Steps
TBD
Saturday, October 18
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Justin Skyler Band
Quarry Street Stage
Linwee Belly The Dancer
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – KJ Band and Tim
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Dave Matsinko
Mauch Chunk Opera House
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Honey and Nutz
Sunday, October 19
Downtown Gazebo (Josiah White Park)
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. – PA Villagers Polka Band
Quarry Street Stage
Linwee Belly The Dancer
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Twin Hills and The Mountain
Race Street Stage (Shozo Park)
12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Shawn McGeehan
Mauch Chunk Opera House
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Justin Skylar Band
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Becky and The Beasts
Parking in Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival weekends are the busiest time of year, and parking fills up quickly. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, plan ahead, and use shuttle options when possible.
Parking Options Include:
Carbon County Parking Lot (main lot downtown)
On-Street Parking (very limited, metered)
Immaculate Conception Parish (October weekends)
Sam Miller Field Shuttle Lot (weekend shuttle service)
Mauch Chunk Lake Park Reserved Parking + Shuttle (prepaid, October weekends)
Pocono Whitewater & Whitewater Rafting Adventures Shuttle Lots
Plan Ahead for Your Fall Getaway
October is Jim Thorpe’s busiest season, so planning ahead is key to making the most of your visit. Expect large crowds, heavy traffic, and limited parking downtown during festival weekends—arriving early or using shuttle services will help you spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time searching for a spot. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the town’s hilly, winding streets, and layered clothing will keep you cozy in the crisp mountain air.
Whether you’re stopping by for a day or settling in for a weekend stay, the Fall Foliage Festival captures the best of autumn in the Poconos. The combination of small-town charm, vibrant mountain scenery, and lively seasonal atmosphere makes this annual tradition a can’t-miss celebration. Before you go, check the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency for the latest event updates, maps, and visitor resources.
Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival FAQ
- Do I need tickets to attend?
No tickets are required—the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival is free and open to the public. Simply plan ahead for parking and transportation, then head into downtown Jim Thorpe to enjoy the festivities. - Will food and drinks be available?
Yes! Food vendors are set up throughout downtown and in Josiah White Park, and local restaurants will feature seasonal specials all month long. - Is the festival family-friendly?
Absolutely. Children can enjoy kid-friendly activities in Josiah White Park, sweet treats from local vendors, and nearby outdoor adventures like hikes and bike rides in Lehigh Gorge State Park. - Can I stay overnight in Jim Thorpe?
Yes. Lodging fills up quickly in October, so book early if you plan to stay. Options include boutique inns, historic hotels, and charming B&Bs. - Where can I find more information?
The Jim Thorpe Visitors Center, located in the train station, is open daily with extended weekend hours during the festival. You can also visit the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency website for updated maps, schedules, and parking details. - Where should I park?
Parking fills up quickly on festival weekends. The Carbon County Parking Lot and limited on-street spaces are available downtown, but visitors are encouraged to use shuttle lots at Sam Miller Field, Mauch Chunk Lake Park (reserved/prepaid), Pocono Whitewater, and Whitewater Rafting Adventures. - What if I can’t find parking right away?
If downtown parking is full, consider exploring nearby towns such as Lehighton, Weissport, or Lansford for a few hours before returning later in the day when spaces may open.
Article updated from its original version published on 9/5/2023.
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