Few events capture the magic of Maryland in October quite like the Autumn Glory Festival. Now in its 59th year, this beloved five-day celebration draws more than 60,000 visitors, making it one of the most anticipated Deep Creek Lake events of the year. What began in the 1950s as a local turkey growers’ tradition has grown into a full-scale festival featuring parades, live music, artisan markets, scenic drives, and so much more, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking Maryland autumn color.
The Deep Creek Lake area has been named the top destination to see fall foliage in Maryland, and that comes as no surprise to those of us who spend each fall here. The scenery is simply breathtaking. If you haven’t made the trip yet, this fall is your perfect opportunity. There are so many things to do on Deep Creek Lake. Time your trip to coincide with the annual Autumn Glory Festival, and you won’t be disappointed.
When it comes to lodging, look no further than the Lake Pointe Inn, one of the finest boutique hotels at Deep Creek Lake. Perfectly situated on the water’s edge, our location places you right near all the festival action while offering a peaceful, luxurious retreat to return to each evening. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, we are the ideal home base for your Deep Creek fall festival experience. Book your stay today!
The 59th Annual Autumn Glory Festival: What to Expect
The Deep Creek Autumn Glory Festival runs October 7–11, 2026, and is packed with five days of events celebrating fall in Maryland in the most glorious way. Here’s a look at the highlights:
The crown jewel of the festival, the Autumn Glory Grand Parade, rolls through downtown Oakland with food trucks, live music, marching bands, and festive floats. It’s a classic small-town celebration that brings the whole community together and is not to be missed.
Running all five days at the outdoor Mt. Fresh Pavilion in downtown Oakland, this seasonal market is a wonderful place to browse homegrown produce, fall flowers, locally crafted goods, and delicious baked treats. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special or check off a few items on your holiday shopping list early.
One of the most beloved things to do in Deep Creek during the Autumn Glory Festival, the self-guided Fall Foliage Driving Tours wind through Southern and Northern Garrett County on two routes, one short, one long; each approximately 40 miles long. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Swallow Falls State Park, Monroe Run Outlook, the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, and more stunning vistas of fall in Maryland.
A tradition as old as the Autumn Glory Festival itself, the Turkey Trail celebrates the event’s agricultural roots. Local restaurants, organizations, and markets throughout the area offer special turkey dinners, including the legendary “GarLand” roast turkey with gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and cranberry sauce. It’s a true taste of Maryland autumn culture.
A yearly tradition for many families, this half-mile Cove Run Farm’s Corn Maze through the cornstalks is a fun outing for all ages. It’s one of those quintessential things to do in Deep Creek that visitors come back for year after year.
Circle R Ranch offers guided horseback rides through the colorful forest canopy — a truly magical way to experience fall in Maryland. Advanced reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead.
If you’re on the hunt for antiques, collectibles, or unique handcrafted gifts, the festival’s antique and craft events in downtown McHenry and at the Garrett County Fairgrounds are not to be missed. With dozens of vendors showcasing pottery, jewelry, candles, woodcrafts, and more, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
While the Deep Creek fall festival is the centerpiece of the season, there’s plenty more to explore. Popular things to do in Deep Creek in the fall include hiking and biking through Swallow Falls State Park, chairlift rides up Wisp Mountain Resort, kayaking, mountain biking, and simply soaking in the natural beauty of Maryland in October at its finest.
Stay At the Best Boutique Hotels at Deep Creek Lake
The Autumn Glory Festival may be what brings you to Deep Creek Lake, but it’ll be our Boutique Hotel at Deep Creek Lake that keeps bringing you back. Perched right on the water’s edge, our Hotel offers stunning lakefront views that become even more spectacular during Deep Creek fall festival season, when the hillsides are ablaze with red, orange, and gold. Relax in the cozy living room by the roaring river rock fireplace, sip tea in a rocking chair on the wrap-around porch overlooking the lake, or head out on the water in one of our kayaks, canoes, or pontoon boat to take in the fall foliage from an entirely new vantage point.
The Arts & Crafts-designed guest rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, with plush robes, en suite bathrooms, jacuzzi tubs, and modern amenities. Some rooms look out over the glassy lake; others face the garden or the slopes of Wisp Resort just across the way. Every view is a showstopper during the fall foliage season.
As one of the highest-rated boutique hotels at Deep Creek Lake, the Inn is known for its exceptional breakfasts. Guests choose from a wide variety of sweet, savory, hearty, or lighter options each morning, and the kitchen happily accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs. Lodging fills up quickly for Deep Creek Lake events in October, particularly during the Autumn Glory Festival, so don’t wait to secure your room. Reserve your room now!
