Enjoy the beauty of the fall season in the mountains as Garrett County, Maryland, celebrates the 58th anniversary of its annual Autumn Glory Festival, which features two large parades, live music competitions, antique and craft shows, and much more from October 8 – 12, 2025. Team One GMC is the title sponsor of the 58th annual Autumn Glory Festival.
Known for scenic Deep Creek Lake and Maryland’s only ski resort, Wisp Resort, Garrett County is also home to the annual Autumn Glory Festival, a five-day celebration of autumn that celebrates the beauty of the local fall foliage. From Wednesday through Sunday, the area offers a wide variety of things to do indoors or outdoors.
Take in the breathtaking views of our spectacular Fall Foliage by driving or biking one, or both, of the county’s 2025 Autumn Glory Fall Foliage Tours. Head to garrettheritage.com/fall-foliage-driving-tours or the Garrett County Visitors Center in McHenry to pick up the full map and directions.
Kicking off the festivities on Wednesday, October 8, is the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Autumn Glory Kickoff Reception & Dinner, sponsored by Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine, featuring networking, dinner, and a recognition of the annual Autumn Glory Golden Ambassador.
Thursday, October 9, features a fireman’s parade, and the week continues with Heritage Fall Foliage Driving Tours, Turkey Trail Dinners, Royalty Court, Autumn Glory Sales, Farmers Markets, Craft Shows, Antique Shows, and more.
The Official Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin Championships are slated for Friday, October 10, at 6:00 PM at Southern Garrett High School and will feature banjo, fiddle, and mandolin contestants of all ages competing for top honors.
On Saturday, October 11, the Town of Oakland’s Annual Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade, sponsored by First United Bank & Trust, begins at 1 p.m. in downtown Oakland. Over 100 entries, including floats, clowns, bands, antique vehicles, and more, increase the festival atmosphere. The Grand Marshal Sponsor is Garrett Regional Medical Center, a proud partner of WVU Medicine. Saturday night will also feature the Western Maryland Tournament of Bands at Southern Garrett High School with a high school field show competition.
Antique and Craft shows continue throughout the County on Sunday, October 12, along with the Autumn Glory Festival Car Show by Mountain Top Cruisers in downtown Oakland from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
In 2021 & again in 2024, Travel & Leisure listed Oakland, MD as Best Small Towns in the U.S. to See Fall Foliage, which led to a 2021 segment featuring Oakland and Autumn Glory on the Today show. Country Living selected Oakland, Maryland one of its 55 the Best Fall Towns in the U.S. for Foliage in 2023. TripAdvisor selected Oakland, MD, as one of the 20 Best Fall Vacations in America for Seeing Autumn Foliage. Also in 2017, Oakland, Maryland, was selected by U.S. News and World Report as one of 50 Small Towns Across America with Gorgeous Fall Foliage, MSN.com listed Oakland as one of the prettiest leaf peeping towns in the U.S., and Reader’s Digest listed Garrett County as one of the 11 Road Trips That Showcase Stunning Fall Foliage You Need to Take This Autumn.
For more details about the 58th Annual Autumn Glory Festival, please log onto visitdeepcreek.com/autumnglory or call 888-387-5237 or 301-387-4386.
Photo from Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
