By Kate Bartlett
The Panama Rocks Foliage Festival take place on October 3-4, 2026, from 10am-5pm. Guests can enjoy free admission to shop over 80 handmade craft and artisan vendors, a wide array of food trucks, live entertainment and unique craft demonstrates immersed in the beautiful surroundings of Panama Rocks Scenic Park in autumn.
In 2022, park owner Jonathan Weston revived the fall festival that was started by his parents around 25 years ago. “I initially just planned this to be a small thing in my mind,” explains Jonathan. “I figured it’d be a fun event with a few food vendors, a small artisan market and some live entertainment. It’s been so well received that it’s evolved to be between 80-90 artisan vendors, a wide array of food and entertainment and activities over two days.”
The festival includes unique traditional craft demonstrates including chainsaw carving and blacksmithing. A costume contest for kids and adults will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm with prizes for adult and youth categories. Other fall-themed activities including wagon and pony rides, balloon artist and face painting throughout the weekend. “It really is fun for the whole family,” explains Jonathon. While the festival is free, there is a small additional cost for hiking Panama Rocks, wagon/pony rides and face painting. “Everyone is invited to come celebrate the fall season and shop these wonderfully unique vendors and enjoy a beautiful fall day. We do our best to keep it affordable for families while providing a range of activities for all ages.”
The vendors are unique in that all items must be hand crafted. “It’s important that our artisans have handcrafted goods,” explains Jonathan. “We have so many talented artists in the area and we’re proud to provide a platform to support them.” Vendor goods include seasonal decor, 3-D printed objects, woodworking, paintings, pottery, jewelry, clothing, candles, and more. As for food, Jonathan ensures a wide array to please every palate including local food vendors offering everything from Italian sausage and cheese steaks to sweet treats and fresh fudge with gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Traditional and original music will be provided by Davis & Eng at 11am-3pm both Saturday and Sunday, as well as Lewis Ecker at 1pm on Saturday and by Son at 1pm on Sunday. Costume contest takes place daily at 2:30pm with prizes awarded for youth and adult categories.
Jonathan describes the Fall Foliage Festival as a quintessential way to celebrate the fall season. “Fall at Panama Rocks Scenic Park is especially beautiful,” explains Jonathan. “The first weekend in October is the perfect weekend for this festival. Guests are immersed in the fall foliage; the leaves have just started to change. The sunflowers, golden rod and asters are out and the air is crisp. I think people appreciate fall and its beauty, especially before the winter weather comes.”
The Park sits in the small village of Panama, about 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake and 45 minutes from Erie. It’s a privately owned, family friendly destination that blends geology, nature, and exploration. The main trail is relatively easy (Class 1) but uneven, with roots, rocks, and gentle elevation changes. The massive rock formations, towering 60-foot boulders and ridges create a dramatic, almost fairy tale landscape set in the ancient forest. Guests can stay on the marked path or venture into side paths, climb formations (with caution), and even use their hands to feel the textures of the rock surfaces.
For more information and full schedule of events visit PanamaRocks.com and follow on social media. Admission is free for the festival with free street parking and$5 for field parking. Standard admission cost applies to enter Panama Rocks Scenic Park and explore the trial.