Each year, the NC Apple Festival pays homage to North Carolina’s great apple harvest. It is one of the most anticipated events of the fall season in Western North Carolina, so if you have yet to make the trip, then don’t put it off for another year! Below you will find a comprehensive guide to this year’s celebration, but if you are looking for more things to do in the area, simply download our free Chimney Rock/Lake Lure Vacation Guide! It is full of recommendations on the area’s top attractions, events, restaurants, and more!
Your Guide to the NC Apple Festival
About the Festival
Apples are one of the most important agricultural crops grown in Henderson County, NC. In fact, they generate an average income of 22 million dollars each year! The NC Apple Festival is a four-day event that celebrates Western North Carolina’s rich agricultural history and the great apple harvest which takes place each autumn. This four-day event features arts and crafts, free entertainment, and all of the things that we love about autumn in Western North Carolina. The festival is held each Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville, NC. Read on to discover what you can look forward to at this year’s event!
The Fair & Parade
The Street Fair at the NC Apple Festival features over 200 local vendors! Here, you will find quality arts, crafts, and of course, apples! Enjoy a smorgasbord of goodies like caramel apples, fried apple pie, raw apples, and much more. The fair takes place on Main Street in Hendersonville, NC, and runs from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday through Monday. However, on Labor Day, the hours are from 10:00 am until the end of the parade.
The King Apple Parade is the closing piece of the NC Apple Festival and takes place each Labor Day Monday! This spectacular finale draws over 60,000 individuals. Professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, fire trucks, and many others participate.
Activities for the Kids
If you are travelling with children, then you and yours will love the Fun Zone at the NC Apple Festival. Rides, inflatables, and more await! Don’t be surprised if the kiddos don’t want to leave. The Fun Zone is open Friday noon to 9 p.m., Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase onsite.
Live Entertainment
The 2022 NC Festival kicks off on Friday, September 2, with live entertainment by the Buddy K Big Band. If you love swing jazz and the music of Les Brown, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller, then you need to check out this dynamic group! On Sunday, September 4, you can look forward to the smooth sounds of traditional & modern bluegrass by Asheville Junction Bluegrass.
Tips for Your Trip
- The events/attractions mentioned above are just a few of the things you’ll see at the festival this year! For a full list of attractions, FAQs, volunteer information, and more, visit the event website.
- The 2022 NC Apple Festival will run from Friday, September 2, to Monday, September 5. In September, you can expect chilled mornings and warm afternoons. In preparation of the weather, we recommend wearing layers!
- Between a trip to the festival, lodging, and food, the cost of your Labor Day weekend vacation can quickly add up! Save money on lodging and other area attractions by taking advantage of our current specials at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant!
Where to Stay
Nestled in the mountainside of Western North Carolina, just a short trip away from Chimney Rock State Park, The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the best of what the area offers. When you book a stay in any of our cozy mountainside cabins, like our Rocky Broad River Cabin, you can always look forward to the best amenities, packages, and top-notch service. A complimentary gourmet breakfast at The Esmeralda Restaurant is just one of the many conveniences that you can enjoy during your stay!
Labor Day is right around the corner, and crisp autumn air and apple harvest season are just a couple things that make fall one of the most popular seasons to visit! We are booking up quickly, so check our availability and reserve your room today! We can’t wait to hear about your adventures at the NC Apple Festival!
If you are looking for more fun fall activities like the NC Apple Festival, read our blog on Hendersonville apple orchards