Jim Thorpe’s annual Fall Foliage Festival kicks off this weekend and runs across three consecutive October weekends.

The festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year, runs Oct. 3-4, Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18 in downtown Jim Thorpe. Vendor hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission to the festival is free, though fees apply for parking, food, train rides and some attractions.

Activities

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers vintage train rides of 45 to 70 minutes through the Lehigh River canyon, with multiple departures each festival day. Tickets sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to reserve them in advance.

Free live music is scheduled at multiple downtown stages each weekend.

Today, the Downtown Gazebo at Josiah White Park features Peaches & Wine from noon to 4 p.m.

The Quarry Street Stage hosts Jay Smar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by KJ, Brad & All from 1-3 p.m. and Al, Matt, Deanne & Brad from 3-5 p.m. Jesse & Dee play the Race Street Stage at Shozo Park from noon to 3 p.m. Solbride performs at the Mauch Chunk Opera House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Sunday, the PA Villagers Polka Band takes the gazebo from noon to 4 p.m. Dave Matsinko plays the Race Street Stage from noon to 4 p.m.

The Quarry Street Stage features Dani Long Legs and The Eclectric Circus, Solbride and the Al Donadi Combo. Honey & Nuts close out the Opera House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic attractions will be open, including the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum. Horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers and artisan craft vendors selling handmade goods, apple dumplings, pierogies and hot cider will be spread throughout downtown. Bike rentals and access to the D&L Trail offer outdoor options along the river.

Parking

• The main Carbon County Jim Thorpe Municipal Parking Lot at 1 Susquehanna St., just north of the train station, charges $25 per day on weekends and holidays. Buses, campers and vehicles towing trailers park there for $75 per day on weekends. Payment is accepted at kiosks, through the Flowbird app or by text.

Several satellite lots with shuttle service operate on festival weekends:

• Mauch Chunk Lake Park, 625 Lentz Trail: $40 per car. Reservations required. Shuttle runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 15-minute intervals, dropping off and picking up at 10 Hill Road next to the Opera House. No shuttle Oct. 31.

• Sam Miller Field, 122 North Ave.: $25 cash per car. Lot opens around 11 a.m. Shuttle drops off and picks up at 10 Hill Road. No shuttle Oct. 31.

• Pocono Whitewater, 1519 Route 903: $5 round trip per person; children under 5 ride free. Shuttle runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, dropping off at LiveWell Empowerment at 30 River St. — a 10-minute walk over the Sergeant AJ Baddick Bridge to downtown.

• Whitewater Rafting Adventures, 101 West Adventure Trail, Nesquehoning: $20 per car; buses, trailers and RVs welcome. Shuttle runs 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., also dropping off at 30 River St.

• Immaculate Conception Parish, 178 W. Broadway: $25 cash or $28 via ParkMobile (Zone 55599). Lot opens 11 a.m., closes 9 p.m. No overnight parking.

• West Broadway Lot, 375 W. Broadway: $30 cash per car. Lot opens 10 a.m. No shuttle service or overnight parking.

On-street metered parking is available along Broadway from the train station to the Opera House, with a five-hour limit. Weekend meter rates are $2 cash or $2.50 by card per hour, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Traffic pattern

Borough traffic pattern changes take effect on all three festival weekends. Packer Hill Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Center Avenue will run one-way westbound from Walnut Avenue to Cedar Avenue, and South Avenue will run one-way eastbound from Cedar Avenue to Walnut Avenue. The changes take effect at 4 p.m. Friday and remain in place through Monday morning. GPS apps may not reflect the current configurations; follow posted signs and any on-site flaggers.