With Mother Nature’s Cooperation Festival of Leaves Draws Another Huge Crowd to Greet the Fall Season

While we’re still awaiting an official estimate on the number of visitors drawn by the Festival of Leaves 2026, a day-long viewing at the Gazebo-anchored Stage number 1 of 4 stage areas would seem to indicate a number in line with previous regional crowd estimates. Those estimates have been around 15,000. And while that seemed a little optimistically drawn to this reporter, after watching the crowd wander through the East Main and Chester Street, Gazebo Park-anchored area throughout the day into the early evening of October 10, 2026 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — perhaps such estimates are on the money.

They just kept coming; the crowd built through the day and stayed built until closing time approached, with a threat of mild rain showers. Below, tables show where one could eat from the wide variety of food vendors and local restaurants available. Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini unless otherwise noted

With apologies to Stage Areas 2, 3, and 4, below we will photographically explore the 54th Festival of Leaves opening ceremonies and musically driven entertainment at Stage Area 1. But first, before that exploration, we will offer a brief festival management summary of the day’s planned activities, which included the presence of:

• Live Entertainment: Three distinct stages featuring all-day live music and performances.
• Marketplace & Vendors: Over 225 artisan, craft, and commercial vendors lining the downtown streets.
• Food & Drink: A variety of food trucks, local eateries, and an Oktoberfest / adult beverage garden featuring regional beer, wine, and mead.
• Family & Kids’ Activities: A dedicated Kids’ Zone with family-friendly games and attractions.
• Car Show: An annual car show showcasing classic and custom vehicles.
• Historic District Integration: Local downtown shops, galleries, museums, and restaurants stay open with special activities and demonstrations.

The Warren Heritage Society also had a day-long contribution to the event — see below graphic included with photos.

And on that note let’s jump into the opening ceremonies, some of the musical performances and the crowd reaction to them. And a warning: the stilt lady was back. — But don’t be scared. She seemed to just want to have fun along with everyone else.

The Skyline High School band opened the event patriotically with the anthem. Below, the R-MA color guard and Historical Society group provided assistance with that patriotic opening.

The Yesterday Swing Orchestra presented a stirring collection of music from that “Swing Era,” with historical footnotes on the origins of several songs.

Souled Out was second musically, with a nice selection of Rhythm & Blues music. The crowd found both bands’ eras of music very dance-friendly.

However, Souled Out looked a tad worried as the giant, stilt lady joined the dance party. But don’t worry, she was just having fun too, if a little more elevated than the other dancers.