Erie County Bureau of Forestry will welcome residents and visitors to celebrate one of Erie County’s sweetest traditions at Maple Fest 2026 on Saturday, March 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bureau of Forestry, located at 11200 Genesee Road in East Concord.
Held in partnership with 42 North Brewing Company, Maple Fest offers a family-friendly afternoon of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and fresh local flavors, all of which will highlight Erie County’s maple syrup production and forestry operations.
“Maple Fest is a celebration of our Erie County parks, our environment, and an annual tradition that brings families together,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “From tree tapping to syrup tasting, this event showcases the incredible work of our forestry team while offering residents a chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about how maple syrup is made right here in Erie County.”
New for 2026, Maple Fest will feature a live wood carving demonstration, where a professional woodcarver will create a maple leaf sculpture near the warming hut. The finished piece will remain on permanent display at the Sugar Shack.
Event Activities Include:
- Sugar Shack tours and demonstrations
- Maple syrup sampling, with bottles available for purchase
- Live music featuring Ed Croft & Tina Williams
- Food vendors, including Fat Bob's Smokehouse and Blue-Eyed Baker
- Bureau of Forestry demonstrations
- Guided hike
- Park Ranger Educational Exhibit
For those unable to attend Maple Fest on March 21, the Sugar Shack will host a special Open House on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering another opportunity to experience Erie County’s maple syrup production.
For accessibility needs, please contact the Erie County Office of People with Disabilities at (716) 858-6215.
For more information:
About Erie County’s maple syrup production and forestry programs, visit www3.erie.gov/parks
