PAOLI — The countdown is on for one of Paoli’s favorite hometown traditions.
The 2026 Paoli Fall Festival, hosted by the Paoli Chamber of Commerce and celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, is set for Wednesday, September 2, through Sunday, September 6, with a full lineup of carnival rides, food, live entertainment, contests, community events and the annual fall festival parade.
With activities planned throughout the long weekend, there will be something for all ages to enjoy.
Wednesday and Thursday, September 2–3
The festival gets an early start with the Huesman Carnival Rides opening at 5 p.m. at JayCee Park on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Friday, September 4
Friday brings the start of a busy festival weekend, beginning with townwide yard sales in the early morning.
Other Friday activities include:
- 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Orange County Historic Museum open with free admission
- 1 p.m. — Lost River Co-Op & Cafe Pie Contest drop-off; preregistration is required
- 5 p.m. — Food trucks, lawn vendors and Huesman Carnival Rides open
- 5:30 p.m. — OC Tobacco Free Coalition Pickleball Tournament check-in at Paoli Community Park, with the tournament beginning at 6 p.m.
- 5:50 p.m. — Pie Contest winners announced at the JayCee Park entertainment tent
- 6–9 p.m. — Gospel Night featuring free live entertainment at the JayCee Park entertainment tent
Saturday, September 5
Saturday is packed with activities, beginning with another day of townwide yard sales.
The morning lineup includes the LIFE 5K at 9 a.m. at Paoli Community Park, followed by a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest from 9 a.m. to noon at JayCee Park near the basketball courts.
Car enthusiasts can also head to JayCee Park for the Paoli Fall Festival Car Show, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The car show is sponsored by The Rowlett Group — Williams Carpenter Realtors.
The rest of Saturday includes:
- 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Orange County Historic Museum open with free admission
- Noon — Food trucks, lawn vendors and Huesman Carnival Rides open
- 2–4 p.m. — Superburger Hot Dog Down at The Superburger, 600 W. Main St.; registration is required
- 3 p.m. — Car Show Trophy Presentation at the JayCee Park entertainment tent
- 5 p.m. — Veteran 7 Patriotic Chili Challenge at the Veteran 7 Clubhouse, 1999 W. Main St.
- 6 p.m. — OC Youth’s Got Talent, sponsored by Team OC, at the JayCee Park entertainment tent
- 7 p.m. — Free live music featuring Beau Avery at the side entertainment tent
- 8–10 p.m. — Free live music featuring Yobananaboy at the JayCee Park entertainment tent
Sunday, September 6
The festival wraps up Sunday with food, carnival rides and the event everyone has been waiting for — the 2026 Fall Festival Parade.
Food trucks, lawn vendors and Huesman Carnival Rides will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
Parade registration and lineup begin at noon at the Paoli Jr./Sr. High School football parking lot. The parade will step off at 2 p.m., traveling from Elm Street to West Main Street and then along the south side of the Paoli Square.
The weekend concludes at 3:30 p.m. with the Parade Trophy Presentation and a big announcement for 2027 at the JayCee Park entertainment tent.
From carnival rides and live music to yard sales, contests, food and the parade, the Paoli Fall Festival offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the community.
The Paoli Chamber of Commerce extends its thanks to the festival’s community partners, sponsors and event hosts, as well as Timeless French Lick, for helping make this year’s celebration possible.
Mark your calendar for September 2–6 and make plans to celebrate the 2026 Paoli Fall Festival with family, friends and neighbors.
Some festival events require preregistration prior to the event date. For additional festival information and event details, scan the QR code on the festival flyer or visit the Paoli Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
