Hickory Apple Festival 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA

The Hickory Apple Festival is a delightful celebration held 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Pittsburgh over a weekend in early October. This event, filled with seasonal delights and community spirit, has been a staple for locals and visitors alike since 1983. The festival combines delicious apple-themed treats, live entertainment, and a variety of activities to create an enjoyable fall experience for all.

Activities and Attractions

The Hickory Apple Festival offers a variety of activities designed to entertain attendees of all ages. According to the organizers, visitors can look forward to performances from local musicians and entertainers, nearly 100 unique crafters showcasing their skills and wares, and an array of kid's activities including a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, and children's characters. Additionally, the festival features engaging demonstrations such as chainsaw sculpting, blacksmithing, rope making, and old-fashioned thread spinning.

Schedule

On Saturday, October 5, festivities kick off at 10 am with the Fort Cherry Band, followed by performances from the Strabane International Button Box Band and Ruff Creek. Apple-themed contests like pie eating, cider chugging, and apple bobbing will take place throughout the day. Sunday, October 6, starts with a 9 am service by Hickory United EPC, with musical performances from Aaron Margaria, Hug and the Embracers, and Part Time Cowboys. Both days also feature hands-on demonstrations.

Food

Food is a central feature of the Hickory Apple Festival. As the organizers state, festival-goers can indulge in a variety of homemade apple-based treats and other delicious foods, including apple crisp, apple butter, apple pies, brick oven baked bread, candied and caramel apples, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos. Fresh apples and apple cider, available chilled or warm, are also popular. The pancake breakfast, available from 7:00 am to noon, is a crowd favorite, followed by festival booths operating from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Tickets and Parking

Admission to the fest is free. Parking is also free, with several designated locations and shuttle services provided. According to the organizers, parking can be found at Hickory Transportation (4207 Henderson Road, Hickory, PA 15340), Clearview Federal Credit Union and J. DeBar Plumbing Field (1581 Millers Run Road, McDonald, PA 15057), Range Resources Field (130 McCarrell Road, Hickory, PA 15340), and Mt. Pleasant Twp Municipal Building (31 McCarrell Road, Hickory, PA 15340), which is handicap accessible. Overflow parking is available at Fort Cherry Junior/Senior High School and Hickory U.P. Church, with shuttle services provided.

Location and Infrastructure

The Hickory Apple Festival takes place in Hickory, Pennsylvania, within Mount Pleasant Township. The nearest city is Pittsburgh, approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of the festival site. The location offers a blend of rural charm and accessibility, with ample amenities for visitors. As the organizers highlight, the festival supports the Mount Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Company (VFC), which serves a community of around 3,500 residents and numerous businesses.