Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Oakhurst Fall Festival

When the first chill of October rolls in and the hills of Oakhurst start to turn amber, the town’s biggest family‑friendly celebration lights up the mountain air. The 2026 Oakhurst Fall Festival is set for Saturday, October 9 through Monday, October 11, and it’s shaping up to be the most vibrant yet.

This year the festival has moved to a bigger plot just off Highway 41, right behind the Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce building. Organizers say the new site lets them spread out food trucks, a larger artisan market, and a dedicated kids’ zone without feeling cramped. Parking will be available in the lot adjacent to the chamber, plus overflow lots on both sides of the highway—just follow the orange signs on the day of the event.

What’s on the agenda? Expect a mix of classic fall favorites and a few fresh twists. On Saturday morning the pumpkin patch opens at 9 a.m., offering pumpkins of every size for carving, plus a “pick‑your‑own” corn maze that winds through the newly planted rows of sweet corn. By noon, the main stage kicks off with local folk bands, a bluegrass quartet, and later that evening a high‑energy mariachi group that’s been winning over Fresno audiences.

Kids won’t be left out. A separate “Little Trailblazers” area features bounce houses, face‑painting, a storytelling corner with a resident “forest ranger” narrator, and a crafts table where youngsters can make leaf crowns and pine‑cone whistles. For the more adventurous, there’s a modest zip‑line set up on the edge of the field—an adrenaline‑pumping way to see the foliage from a new angle.

Food lovers can meander through the vendor alley, where you’ll find everything from wood‑fired pizza and gourmet grilled cheese to hearty chili and fresh apple cider. Don’t miss the local honey and jam stand—both are made by families who’ve been in the valley for generations.

Artisans are also front‑and‑center. Hand‑crafted jewelry, woven blankets, and locally carved wooden figurines line the booths, giving visitors a chance to snag unique gifts before the holiday rush. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Meet the Maker” series on Sunday afternoon, giving a quick behind‑the‑scenes look at how some of those items are made.

Safety and comfort have been top priorities for the organizers. Portable restrooms are spaced every 150 feet, and hand‑sanitizer stations are at each major entrance. A volunteer “help desk” will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day to answer questions, direct traffic, and provide lost‑and‑found assistance.

Planning tips? Arrive early—especially on Saturday—to beat the crowds and snag the best parking spot. Bring a blanket or folding chairs if you want a comfy place to sit on the lawn while you watch the performances. And, of course, dress in layers; mountain evenings can get surprisingly cool even after a warm afternoon.

Whether you’re a longtime Oakhurst resident or a first‑time visitor, the 2026 Fall Festival promises a weekend of crisp air, colorful scenery, and community spirit. Mark your calendar, gather the family, and get ready to celebrate autumn the Oakhurst way.