Nappanee Apple Festival 2024 in Indiana
A giant apple pie and plenty of entertainment during one weekend in September
Dates: September 19–22, 2024
The historical town of Nappanee hosts one of Indiana’s top fall festivals every September. The Nappanee Apple Festival features a 7-foot apple pie weighing 600 pounds, which festival guests can sample when the event kicks off on Friday morning. Attracting around 80,000 attendees, the festival offers a delightful mix of games, shopping, entertainment, rides, and, of course, delicious apple pie. Join the festivities and enjoy all the fun!
Schedule
On Thursday, September 19, it will be open from 5 pm to 9 pm. On Friday, September 20, the hours are 11 am to 10 pm. On Saturday, September 21, the festival will be open from 10 am to 10 pm, and on Sunday, September 22, it will run from 11 am to 5 pm.
Events & Activities
The Nappanee Apple Festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a range of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, games, and a spectacular aircraft fly-over. Two stages provide continuous entertainment, while over 150 exhibitors at the marketplace offer a unique shopping experience. Highlights of the festival include a downtown parade, the Miss Apple Blossom scholarship pageant, and various contests such as apple peeling, apple pie eating, and a 5K road run. Additional attractions include goldfish races, a wings & wheels show featuring cars and airplanes, an antique tractor and engine show, and a kids' and adult pedal pull contest.
Food
The festival also features the popular Napple Store, where you can savor fresh baked apple dumplings, apple pie, apple butter, apple cider, apple fritter bread, apple turnovers, homemade applesauce, apple butter as well as lots of freshly picked Indiana apples.
Locations
The celebration takes place at various locations in downtown Nappanee. Carnival rides are on S. Main Street, food vendors are located in the Depot Plaza, and exhibitors line North and South Clark Street. The largest apple pie in Indiana is baked at the Don Carlos Bar & Grill Restaurant on West Market Street.
History of Nappanee Apple Festival
The Nappanee Apple Festival launched in 1975, has become a cherished tradition in Indiana. A highlight of the festival is the annual baking of the iconic 7-foot apple pie, weighing 600 pounds. Attracting over 80,000 visitors each year, the festival has grown into one of Indiana’s largest events, reflecting the strong support of sponsors, committee members, volunteers, and the community. Visitors are invited to experience the festival’s rich heritage and enjoy its many attractions.