The Autumn Leaf Festival is held to celebrate autumn and its beauty. The festival first began in 1953 during the homecoming of the Clarion State College. Businesses were asked to decorate the town. In 1954, Clarion Chamber of Commerce took that idea and the leaves were colored. Since then throughout the state this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It takes place annually in late September to early October in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

It is a nine day festival that attracts many visitors. It exhibits scholarship pageants, motorcycle show, airplane rides, carnival, arts and crafts show, farmers show, food vendors and parade.