Maple Leaf Festival & Parade | Carthage

The Maple Leaf Festival Parade is the signature event of Carthage’s beloved fall festival, and 2026 is a milestone year as the Maple Leaf Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary. This year’s theme, “Maple Leaf Meets Main Street: Celebrating 60 Years,” sets the stage for a nearly two mile parade that begins at the Historic Carthage Square and travels down Grand Avenue, lined with stunning historic homes. With crowds of more than 100,000 visitors during festival week, it’s one of the biggest fall traditions in the region.

The parade steps off Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m. from the Historic Carthage Square. Make a day of it with the car show and tractor show that morning, street vendors all day and a free concert on the square after the parade. Arrive early, since the parade route fills up fast. Find more information on the Carthage Chamber of Commerce Website.