Columbus Day Weekend Guide
Peak fall foliage is upon us, so it’s time to head down Rt. 49 and celebrate fall in Waterville Valley! This Columbus Day weekend is stacked with events, so let’s break it all down:
Thursday, October 9th
SIP N’ PAINT | 6-8PM
Relax and unleash your inner artist at Valley Pub & Restaurant! Enjoy a guided painting session, drinks, and a creative atmosphere. Come solo or with friends and leave with a masterpiece.
FRIDAY, October 10TH
FALL FOLIAGE FESTIVAL | ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Celebrate the beauty of autumn at Waterville Valley's Fall Foliage Festival, a weekend packed with family fun and colorful adventures! On Friday, from 9am-5pm, the Sport Thoma Tent Sale will be going on in Town Square! The tent sale will be going on all weekend long, so get some new gear and get ready for the 2025/26 ski season!
PUMPKIN NEEDLE FELTING | 6-8PM
Join us at the Valley Pub & Restaurant for Craft Night! Create a Needle Felted Pumpkin, sip, laugh, and enjoy the fall vibes with friends!
TASTE OF WINTER | 7-9PM
Kick off the upcoming season with a flavorful evening at the Freestyle Lounge with Waterville Valley Resort! Sample fresh new creations from our Food & Beverage Team while getting a sneak peek at what’s in store for the 2025/26 winter season. From exciting menu tastings to insider updates, it’s the perfect way to warm up for winter. This event is free and open to all!
Freestyle doors will open at 7pm, with new menu items served buffet-style from 7:30-8:15, and a cash bar open until 8:30pm! We can't wait to see you there!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
HISTORICAL TROLLEY TOURS | 10-11AM
Discover the history of Waterville Valley on a scenic trolley ride. Tours depart from the Town Square trolley stop and are free of charge.
No reservations required.
FALL FOLIAGE FAMILY FUN | 11AM-3PM
Stop by Town Square and have some fun! This year, the Waterville Valley Business Association presents:
Bungee Trampoline
Giant Corn Maze
Scarecrow Shooting Gallery
Face Painting & Balloon Twisting
Rain Location: Waterville Valley Recreation Department
LEAF CATCHER CRAFTS | 12-2PM
OSCEOLA LIBRARY BOOK SALE | 12-3PM
Plan on stopping by Osceola Library Book Sale to browse their spectacular selection of books. Library tote bags available for purchase to fill up with books!
Rain Location: WV School Cafeteria
APPLE CIDER DONUT WALK | 3PM
LIVE MUSIC IN TOWN SQUARE | 12-3PM & 4-7PM
Enjoy more live music as the sun sets over the valley. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a full day of fun.
Presented by Waterville Valley Resort.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
SUNDAY MORNING CHURCH CHAIR | 8:30AM
Begin your day with a peaceful morning service set against the natural beauty of Waterville Valley. Guests will load Snow’s Mountain chair between 8:30am-8:50am and the service will begin once the last guest arrives at the summit (9am). Guests will then have the option to ride the lift down or hike down after the service.
The chairlift ride is complimentary for this church service.
FALL FOLIAGE FOOTRACES | 9AM
The 18th Annual Fall Foliage Foot Race Fun Run, 5k & 10-mile Trail Race is set for Sunday, October 12th, 2025! This classic event will start and finish at Waterville Valley Resort Town Square between the Ice Arena and Corcoran Pond. This 5k is a USATF certified course (#NH11020RF) and a family favorite.
Packet pickup held in Town Square Sunday morning beginning at 8am. Award ceremony at 11am in Town Square.
HISTORICAL TROLLEY TOURS | 10-11AM
If you missed Saturday's tour, you have another chance to explore Waterville Valley’s history on Sunday morning!
LUMBERJACK BASH | 11AM-3PM
Put on your best plaid and join us for a day of lumberjack-themed fun the whole family will enjoy during the Fall Foliage Festival! Activities include:
Bring a Flannel, Take a Flannel – Swap your gently used flannel for a fresh look!
Pumpking Painting – Kid-friendly competitions with a lumberjack twist.
Axe Throwing – Adults can test their aim with real axe throwing.
Kid-Friendly Blowup Axe Throwing – Safe, inflatable fun for younger lumberjacks-in-training.
LIVE MUSIC IN TOWN SQUARE | 12-3PM
SCHWENDI FEST | 12-5PM
Join us for a mountain-top extravaganza that celebrates stunning foliage while looking ahead to ski season! Enjoy this year's festival with a scenic chairlift ride on Tecumseh Express 6-Pack, live music, themed food & drinks for purchase, retail & merchandise, a plethora of games & activities, and more!
First Chair at 12pm, Last Chair at 4:45pm
MONDAY, SEptember 1st
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER SERIES: NEW HAMPSHIRE WILDLIFE | 10AM
Hosted by Squam Lakes Science Center, this live animal presentation takes place in the Lower Courtyard of Town Square. Learn about native New Hampshire wildlife and the adaptations that help them thrive.