Michigan doesn’t just grow apples—it throws full-blown celebrations in their honor. When fall hits, orchards and towns across the state come alive with parades, pie contests, and cider that tastes like crisp autumn air in a glass. From lakeshore villages to orchard-lined country roads, each festival offers its own flavor of tradition. Some pair apples with barbecue smoke, others with craft cider, and a few with marching bands and carnival lights.
If you’ve ever wanted to taste Michigan’s fall spirit in its purest form, these apple festivals are where the magic happens—one crunchy, cinnamon-dusted bite at a time.
Michigan Apple Fest — Sparta, MI
Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta is a heartwarming celebration enveloped in the aroma of apples. This vibrant festival, held in mid-September, offers a classic fall experience. Imagine strolling through a craft marketplace, tasting apple pies, sipping cider, and listening to live music.
The whole town participates, with decorated shop fronts and locals sharing their best apple recipes. Kids enjoy games while adults compete in apple pie contests. The community’s warmth is palpable, making it a quintessential Michigan fall day.
Charlevoix Apple Fest — Charlevoix, MI
Located in Downtown Charlevoix, the annual Apple Fest is a feast for the senses. Held in October, it features over 30 apple varieties and a lively fall farmers’ market. The scenic backdrop of parks and autumn colors enhances the magic.
Local orchards provide fresh apples, while craft booths line the streets. Families enjoy pony rides and petting farms, adding to the festival’s charm. The community spirit and array of apple treats make it a memorable event.
Four Flags Area Apple Festival — Niles, MI
In Niles, Michigan, the Four Flags Area Apple Festival is a beloved tradition since 1972. This four-day event, held in late September, is a blend of carnival fun, parades, and apple delights. Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, and nightly entertainment. A highlight is the free apple given to each attendee.
The festival’s atmosphere is filled with apple and caramel scents, creating a whimsical and family-friendly experience. It embodies fall festiveness in every bite.
Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival — Britton/Tecumseh, MI
Nestled near Britton and Tecumseh, Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival offers a delightful orchard immersion. Held in October, visitors can pick their apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, and savor bakery treats. The aroma of freshly pressed cider fills the air, setting a perfect fall scene. Kids delight in petting farms, while adults relish caramel apples and apple fritters.
The festival’s charm lies in its rustic ambiance and family-friendly activities, capturing the essence of autumn in Michigan.
St. John the Evangelist Applefest — Fenton, MI
In Fenton, St. John the Evangelist Applefest is a lively parish-centered event held in September. It combines community spirit with delicious apple offerings.
The festival features carnival rides, pancake breakfasts, and food trucks serving apple pies and elephant ears. A crowd favorite is the apple pie judging and auction, showcasing local talent. The festival not only delights the taste buds but fosters a sense of purpose as a fundraiser, making it a heartwarming gathering.
Virtue Cider Apple Fest — Fennville, MI
At Virtue Cider in Fennville, the Apple Fest is a celebration of apples and cider culture. Held in late September, it offers free admission to enjoy live music, apple treats, and games. The cidery setting provides a unique experience with apple pies and fresh cider offerings.
The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with an added grown-up twist. Visitors enjoy the cider house ambiance, complete with tasting rooms and orchard views, capturing the spirit of fall.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival — Silver Lake (Mears/Hart), MI
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival combines apple delights with smoky barbecue fun. Held in early September, it features apple pie contests, fresh apple markets, and crafts.
The festival also hosts classic car and ORV shows, adding to the excitement. The pairing of apple and BBQ flavors, along with the scenic dune backdrop, creates a unique fall experience. It’s a feast for the senses, blending apple sweetness with savory BBQ aromas.
Huron Township Applefest — New Boston, MI
In New Boston, Huron Township Applefest offers a vibrant weekend celebration in early October. It features apples, vendors, and carnival rides, creating a lively atmosphere. The festival is perfect for those seeking fall flavors without traveling far.
Visitors can indulge in fresh apples, orchard treats, and apple pies. The energy is contagious, with activities for all ages. It encapsulates the crisp autumn spirit, offering a slice of Michigan’s seasonal charm right in the Detroit metro area.