Are you looking for the perfect outdoor experience with the freshest of fruits? If yes, then look no further than the charming Apple Festival in Long Grove in Lake County, Illinois. This amazing festival not only celebrates the joy of apple picking but also provides you with an opportunity to learn about the history, traditions and culture of the area.
No matter what your age or background, the Apple Festival in Long Grove features something for everyone. From freshly-picked apples to scrumptious apple desserts, this one-of-a-kind event has something for everyone. You can also browse a variety of antiques, shop for unique items and take part in fun activities. Not to mention the live music and family-friendly events!
The Apple Festival is the ideal way to spend some quality time with your loved ones. So come down to Long Grove and be a part of this amazing festival!
Festival Summary
Long Grove Apple Fest is held annually in historic downtown Long Grove, Illinois. In 2023, this will take place on September 22-24, 2023 and will feature a range of delicious apple treats and family-friendly activities.
Enjoy a variety of apple-inspired food and beverages, including chocolate caramel apples, apple sangria, hard apple ciders, fresh apple cider donuts, and much more.
Get your fill of fun with the classic carnival, kid’s zone, and live music playing on multiple stages. With its picturesque setting and endless activities, Long Grove Apple Fest attracts thousands of visitors every year. Tickets are available online and range from single day passes to the three day festival pass. Bring the entire family for a weekend of delicious food and fun!
History of this event
The Long Grove Apple Fest is a yearly tradition that dates back to 1992. Held in the historic streets of downtown Long Grove, this celebration of apple season is a beloved Midwest event that draws in thousands of attendees.
Featuring dozens of local vendors serving up apple-inspired treats from green apple cotton candy to chocolate caramel apples and more, the fest has something for everyone. While indulging in apple delicacies, visitors can also enjoy live music on multiple stages, family activities in the Kids Zone, a classic carnival, and much more. It’s a fun-filled weekend for the entire family to enjoy.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
The Long Grove Apple Fest takes place September 22-24, 2023 from Friday to Sunday and is held in the picturesque downtown area of Long Grove, IL.
Single day pass will cost $5 per person, with a 3-day pass at $10. K Kids 12 and under are admitted to Apple Fest for free. If you are a ride lover, you can further buy the carnival wristband at a discounted rate of $25 for unlimited rides and can be purchased onsite.
The opening hours vary across these 3 days:
- Friday (Sept 22nd) – 12pm -11pm
- Saturday (Sept 23th) – 10am -11pm
- Sunday (Sept 24th) – 10am -6pm
Apple Fest boasts a variety of offerings from food and drinks to live entertainment and family activities. Visitors can expect to find countless apple-inspired treats like caramel dipped apples, apple sangria, and hard apple ciders. Music will fill the air with live performances from local and touring bands, as well as a classic carnival complete with rides and games for all ages. The Kid’s Zone also offers pumpkin painting, pie eating contests, and more.
Applications for merchants and restaurants can be found online, with additional information available by emailing [email protected]. With its charming atmosphere, tasty treats, and family-friendly entertainment, the Long Grove Apple Fest is sure to be a memorable event.
Best Time to Visit, Parking & Shuttle Service
To save money, visitors should consider buying a 3-day pass online. Kids 12 and under receive free admission. To avoid the crowds, festival-goers should try to arrive early in the day before the music and activities begin. The festival grounds open at 12pm on Friday and 10am on the weekend days.
Parking is available in the lot located at 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047. Festival attendees can also make use of the free shuttle service that runs from the parking lot to the festival grounds. The shuttle will run a loop between: Golf Dome Parking Lot
801 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 and Archer Rd (in between Robert Parker Coffin & Old McHenry Rd) which is next to entrance to Carnival Parking Lot
The shuttle will be available on Saturday, 9/24 from 10:45am – 11:15pm and Sunday 9/25: 10:45am – 6:15pm.
Best Food in the Long Grove Apple Fest
One of the best features of Long Grove Apple Fest is the variety of delicious treats that can be enjoyed. From classic apple pies to candied apples and donuts, there is something to satisfy every appetite. Savory dishes like apple goat cheese dumplings and granny apple popcorn are perfect for those looking for something a bit more unique. And for those with a sweet tooth, the event features treats like apple sangria, apple crisps, and green apple cotton candy. There is truly something for everyone!
Long Grove Apple Fest is a mecca for apple-inspired drinks. From apple wine to hard apple ciders and spiced apple lattes, the variety of drinks on offer is truly impressive. For those looking for a way to cool off on a hot day, creamy apple-infused Italian ice or a refreshing green apple slush is the perfect way to quench your thirst. For those of age, seasonal brews like the Caramel Apple Blonde Ale and Apple Fest Hard Cider are sure to be a hit.
Performance & Activities
The whole family will also find plenty to do at Apple Fest, a classic carnival with rides and games, and live music performances throughout the weekend. There will also be a Kid’s Zone offering arts and crafts, including pumpkin paintings, pie eating contest and Little Parade. A variety of talented acts from local up-and-coming artists to Chicago’s most well-known festival bands will take to the multiple stages in the area, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for teens or grown-ups.
See below for the details of the performance lineup all starting from noon:
Friday, September 22 – Hillbilly Rockstars, Pettykings, Pipe Dream, Weekend Social, Sam Fazio Quartet
Saturday, September 23 – Terrapin Flyer, The Gingers, 7th Heaven, Members Only, Senn Alan Trio, School Of Rock Arlington Heights
Sunday, September 24 – Sixteen Candles,, Robby Celestin Band, School of Rock Barrington
Three Things you should know before you go!
The 31st Annual Long Grove Apple Fest offers a delicious and fun-filled way to celebrate the fall season. Taking place on September 22-24, 2023 from Friday to Sunday in the historic downtown Long Grove area at Downtown Long Grove 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047.
This three-day event is packed with family-friendly activities and endless opportunities to indulge in the sweet treats of autumn. Apple Fest will feature live music and entertainment on multiple stages, a classic carnival, and a Kid’s Zone with arts and crafts and other fun activities. Be sure to check out the live music schedule here.
Ticket prices are $5 per day or $10 for a three-day pass. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. Kids 12 and under are free.