The crown jewel of Hendersonville’s event calendar is here! The 2025 NC Apple Festival returns this Labor Day weekend, transforming downtown into a vibrant celebration of our region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. For four spectacular days, Main Street becomes the center of all things apple, bringing together locals and visitors alike in a tradition that has defined our community for generations.
As you mark your calendars for August 29 through September 1, prepare for an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Henderson County. This isn’t just any festival – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the orchards that have shaped our landscape and economy for decades. With activities for all ages, mouth-watering treats, and the warmth of small-town hospitality, the NC Apple Festival represents everything we love about living in this special part of North Carolina.
- The official logo of the NC Apple Festival 2025, welcoming visitors to a weekend of community and celebration in Hendersonville. Source: ncapplefestival.org
The 2025 NC Apple Festival promises to be the biggest celebration yet, with downtown Hendersonville’s historic Main Street transforming into a lively street fair spanning four full days. Festival hours run from 10 AM to 9:30 PM Friday through Sunday, with Monday’s festivities continuing until the end of the grand parade. This beloved event typically attracts over 250,000 visitors – nearly five times the county’s population – all gathering to honor Hendersonville’s apple-growing heritage in remarkable fashion.
Beyond the abundance of apples, festival-goers can enjoy continuous live music from the main stage, browse unique offerings from hundreds of craft vendors, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Children’s activities operate until 8 PM daily, while food vendors and entertainment continue until 9:30 PM. Monday’s King Apple Parade caps off the celebration as a community tradition not to be missed. The festival isn’t just about fun – it represents the cultural and economic cornerstone of our community, highlighting the agricultural traditions that have sustained Henderson County for generations.
At the core of the NC Apple Festival are the fourteen Henderson County apple growers who line Main Street, sharing their passion and harvest directly with visitors. Each grower has a designated location along the festival route, creating a delightful orchard tour right in downtown Hendersonville. From Justus Orchards at Allen & Main to Twisted Apple at Main & Barnwell, these family-run operations showcase generations of expertise and the incredible diversity of apples grown in our region’s ideal climate and soil conditions.
Visitors can sample and purchase not just fresh-picked apples but an array of apple-derived treats – from refreshing slushies and cider at Owenby’s Farm to Refreshing Ridge’s famous hot fried pies that have been drawing crowds for over 30 years. Many of these growers represent multi-generational family businesses, like Ottanola Farms with seven generations of apple-growing history and Bright Branch Farm’s six generations of the Enloe family. The festival provides just a taste of what these farms offer – visitors are encouraged to continue their apple adventure by visiting the orchards themselves, many of which offer U-pick experiences, farm markets, bakeries, and seasonal activities throughout the harvest season.
