A Five-Day Celebration of Fall in the Mountains
If you’re planning a fall getaway to Deep Creek Lake, there’s no better time to visit than during the Autumn Glory Festival. Held each October in Garrett County, this beloved event brings together small-town traditions, live entertainment, local food, and the beauty of the mountains during peak autumn.
The 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival takes place October 7-11, 2026, making it one of Maryland’s most anticipated fall festivals.
Centered in Downtown Oakland, the five-day celebration transforms the town with colorful decorations, craft vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and community events. Visitors can enjoy a full schedule of events, including artisan markets, parades, and historical exhibits.
The Annual Autumn Glory Festival officially began in 1967, although its history stretches back even further. The event’s roots trace to 1954, when local turkey growers gathered to celebrate the harvest with a community dinner that served 475 people. Today, the festival still celebrates Garrett County’s traditions, and the Turkey Trail guides visitors to restaurants and community organizations serving traditional turkey meals throughout the week.
Who Should Visit (and When)
One of the best things about the Autumn Glory Festival is that it appeals to just about everyone. Families, couples, friend groups, and first-time visitors all find something to enjoy, while many repeat guests make the festival an annual tradition and have returned year after year.
If you’re hoping to avoid the largest crowds, consider arriving on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. You’ll still enjoy live entertainment, shopping, and many of the festival activities, but with a more relaxed pace. Saturday is the busiest day of the festival because it’s when the famous Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade takes place through Downtown Oakland.
Whether you’re visiting for one day or planning a long weekend, there’s plenty of time to experience the festival while also exploring nearby parks, restaurants, and Deep Creek Lake.
Signature Events You Won’t Want to Miss
- Grand Feature Parade – Held Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade travels through Downtown Oakland with colorful floats, marching bands, community organizations, local businesses, and performers celebrating Garrett County’s traditions.
- Turkey Trail & Area Turkey Dinners – The Turkey Trail celebrates the event’s roots by guiding visitors to churches, restaurants, and community organizations serving traditional turkey dinners throughout the festival.
- Craft Vendors, Live Music & Family Fun – Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, farmers markets, shopping, live music, children’s activities, demonstrations, and various other events taking place across Downtown Oakland.
The Small-Town Charm of Deep Creek in Fall
While the schedule is packed with activities, what truly makes the Autumn Glory Festival special is its atmosphere.
Storefronts throughout Downtown Oakland are decorated for the season, American flags line the streets, and residents gather to welcome thousands of visitors as if they were neighbors. It’s the kind of event where you’ll see families watching the parade together, children collecting candy, and longtime friends catching up on the sidewalks between festival events.
2026 Autumn Glory Festival Royalty
Each year, the festival recognizes outstanding local students who represent Garrett County as festival royalty. During the 2026 Autumn Glory Festival, King Jaxxton Miller and this year’s Queen Jayden Weaver will serve as the official ambassadors for the celebration.
Jaxxton Miller, a senior at Southern Garrett High School, has been recognized for his academic achievements, athletics, and community involvement. Jayden Weaver, who has participated in every Autumn Glory parade since she was four years old, shares a deep love for Garrett County and values giving back to her home community. The Royalty will preside over the Kick-Off Reception & Dinner on October 7 and each will receive a monetary contribution toward future educational endeavors.
Other Attractions Worth Your Time
- Wisp Resort – In October, Wisp offers scenic chairlift rides with panoramic mountain views, along with mountain biking, golf, and other seasonal activities.
- Deep Creek Lake – Rent a kayak, take a scenic boat cruise, enjoy a lakeside lunch, or relax by the water while taking in the beautiful fall colors.
- Swallow Falls State Park – One of the area’s most popular natural attractions, featuring hiking trails, old-growth forests, and Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall.
- Alpaca Acres Annual Fall Fest – Celebrate the season with a themed corn maze, pumpkin patch, alpaca viewing, Spookley the Square Pumpkin’s Storybook Trail, outdoor games, and delicious fall treats like apple cider slushies and fresh cider donuts.
- Downtown Oakland – Beyond the festival, you’ll find locally owned boutiques, antique stores, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and nearby wineries.
Make It a Weekend to Remember With Prime Vacation Rentals
The Autumn Glory Festival is much more than a parade – it’s a celebration of Garrett County’s history, community, and mountain heritage. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or continuing a family tradition, spending a few days in the Deep Creek Lake area gives you the chance to experience everything the festival and the surrounding mountains have to offer.
At Prime Vacation Rentals, our local team can help you find the perfect home base for your festival getaway. Choose from cozy cabins, lakefront homes, pet-friendly rentals, and spacious properties for family gatherings – all conveniently located near Downtown Oakland, Deep Creek Lake, and the area’s most popular attractions.
Browse our properties and start planning your Autumn Glory Festival weekend today.
