Carthage, MO 60th Annual
October 9–17, 2026
Thank you, Mercy Hospital Carthage, for supporting the 60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival!
Official Theme of the 2026
Maple Leaf Festival®
History
The Maple Leaf Festival® The City of Carthage, known as America’s Maple Leaf City, is home to one of the region’s largest festivals, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year during the third week of October. This beloved tradition honors the beauty and spirit of the community.
Proudly organized by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, the festival began as a marching band competition. Over time, it has grown into a signature event made possible by dedicated community members and Chamber staff, celebrating the vibrant fall foliage of the maple trees and the unique charm, heritage, and experiences that make Carthage so special.
This event generates a strong local and statewide economic impact by showcasing area businesses and attracting visitors from across the region. The festival spans a full week of daily activities, culminating in its signature event, a nearly two-mile parade held each year on the third Saturday of October.
The parade begins at the beautiful Historic Carthage Square and travels down Grand Avenue, where stunning historic homes line the route, before concluding at Carthage Junior High School.
Following the parade, the Square becomes a lively hub filled with activities, vendors, and entertainment for all.
The Carthage Chamber, Maple Leaf Festival® volunteers, and the citizens of Carthage invite you to experience the magic of America’s Maple Leaf City this October.
For more information, contact the Carthage Chamber of Commerce at 417-358-2373 or email at
info@carthagechamber.com.
VENDOR APPLICATIONS
Vendor space is full!
2027 vendor applications will open in February 2027.
Call: 417-358-2373
Email: kgarren@carthagechamber.com
FESTIVAL EVENT INFO
2026 Event Information
Parade
Entries Closed!
Maple Leaf Pageants
Entry Deadline:
10/01/26
Rodeo
BBQ Contest
(FREE to Enter!)
Entry Deadline:
10/01/26
Toddler & Baby Show
Pre-Registration Deadline:
10/01/26
Onsite Registration: 9-9:45 AM
Saturday, October 10th
Hall of Carthage Heroes
Chicken Pageant
Onsite registration available, but pre-registration is heavily encouraged!
Chili Cook-off
Entry Deadline:
10/01/26
Dog Show/Dachshund Race
Entry Deadline:
10/05/26
Touch-A-Truck
Truck/Equipment
Entry Deadline:
10/01/26
Taco Tuesday
Entry Deadline:
9/25/26
Night of Praise
Maple Leaf LIVE!
(Talent Contest – New Event!)
Entry Deadline:
10/02/26
Car Show
Pre-registration deadline:
9/30/26
Registrations after 10/1 will have an extra $5 registration fee
Quilt Crawl
Quilts and entry forms must be dropped off between 10/5 and 10/7
Maple Leaf 5K
Onsite pre-registration available at 6:30 AM.
Tractor Show
Arts & Craft Show
VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
Brats on the Square
Concert on the Square
MapleCon
(Formally – ToyCon!)
Grand Marshall
Maple Leaf Festival® Lighting Contest
(Returning Event!)
Entry deadline: 10/01/26
Calendar of Events
Parade
2026 THEME:
MAPLE LEAF MEETS MAIN STREET
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
PRESENTED BY:
MERCHANDISE
Check out our new exclusive Carthage Chamber and Maple Leaf Festival® Erimish bracelets—available only through the Chamber Office! Choose from either edition #2, 2026 emerald green Erimish stackable or the edition #1, Erimish stackable. There is a limited supply of the edition #1, 2025 Erimish stackables.
Stop by 402 S Garrison Ave, Carthage, MO, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while supplies last!
Thank you to our 2026 Parade Sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Maple Leaf Festival® Sponsors
Thank You to Our Major Chamber Investors!
