6 Ohio Apple Festivals to Enjoy this Fall

Ohio is home to hundreds of orchards, growing the sweet red (and tart Granny Smith) varieties of apples that this time of year is known for. Check out these festivals for apple-flavored treats, and a little bit of history too. 

Jackson Apple Festival | Sept. 17–21
With its tagline “Apple Treats on Jackson Streets,” this annual festival promises a bite out of sweet, apple-flavored eats during its 83rd year. Enjoy live music from acts like The Wet Bandits and Mark Willis, as well as the lip-sync battle, zoo animals, carnival rides and more. The whole family can enjoy the parade, which lays claim to the largest lighted parade in the state and features 20 marching bands.


Apple Harvest Weekend | Sept. 21–22
Enjoy harvest season the old-fashioned way at Lake County Metroparks’ Farmpark. Enjoy the ages-old art of apple butter- and cider-making, as well as other activities that shine a light on harvest seasons of yesteryear. Topping off the festival weekend, enjoy apple-focused crafts and activities, as well as a 3-acre corn maze the whole family can try to make an escape from.

Johnny Appleseed Festival | Sept. 21–22
Laying claim as the first Johnny Appleseed Festival in the state, this annual event returns to downtown Lisbon for its 56th year. Perhaps the sweetest part of the festival is the Apple Pie Contest, where locals bring their best, flaky, baked apple treats for judging. The two-day festival also includes the Miss Appleblossom and Mister Applebud kids pageants and Appleseed’s Got Talent, a competition for singers, dancers, comedians and more to entertain the guests.

Apple Peak: A Harvest Gathering | Oct. 12
Visit Quarry Hill Orchards in Berlin Heights during the peak of apple season to enjoy activities throughout this family-owned orchard just miles from Lake Erie. Start the day by taking a wagon ride through the orchard or picking your own apples to take home. Guests can also shop from local crafters and makers like Fireland's Coffee and Stein's Honey before grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food vendors, including The Pierogi Lady.

Apple Butter Festival | Oct. 12–13
Apple butter is a treat rooted in history, and a great place to learn how to make this fall staple is at the Century Village Museum in Burton. Watch skilled makers simmer this treat in copper kettles or try your hand at making it yourself. The two-day festival also includes other historical demonstrations from reenactors to show the skills and trades that were once a part of everyday life in the region. 


Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival | Oct. 18–20
Experience this Roscoe Village tradition in it's 53rd year as it returns to the brick streets of this historic canal town. Join the other 10,000 visitors for a weekend full of fun including craft vendors and costumed re-enactors demonstrating sewing and of course, apple butter making. Live music completes the festival feel, along with food from vendors lining the streets.