Submitted by Jody Grimaldi
If autumn had a flavor, it would taste like apples in Long Grove. The historic village’s oldest and most popular festival will return for its 33rd year, inviting visitors to savor the season.
Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in historic downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Road. Admission is $7 per person, per day, or $15 for a three-day pass; children 12 and younger are admitted for free. For tickets and details, visit longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest.
Apple Fest isn’t just about apples — it’s about atmosphere. Nestled around Long Grove’s iconic covered bridge and vintage storefronts, the festival embodies the best of fall’s in-between moment: when summer lingers but crisp autumn breezes arrive, and the whole town feels like a harvest postcard.
The food
Fresh cider doughnuts will be available at Long Grove Apple Fest. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2024
Caramel-dipped, chocolate-covered, candied, baked in pies, pressed into cider, swirled into sangria — you name it, Apple Fest has it. Dozens of vendors and local restaurants will showcase apple-inspired treats, both classic and unexpected, from warm apple doughnuts to gourmet twists like apple wine. The village’s tasting rooms, taverns, and eateries join the fun with seasonal specials.
Fall traditions
Shoppers browse the offerings at last year’s Long Grove Apple Fest. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2024
Apple Fest highlights include:
- Classic carnival rides and games for all ages.
- Apple-themed contests like pie-eating and bobbing.
- A vendor marketplace with fall favorites, specialty foods, and unique seasonal finds.
- Pet-friendly atmosphere, where even four-legged family members can join the fun.
- New for 2025: Giant Pumpkin Weight-Guessing Raffle. Visitors can scan a QR code next to a massive pumpkin to submit their guess for its weight. The closest entry wins $1,000 (ties split the prize). The official weigh-in happens Oct. 18 during October Days in downtown Long Grove.
Live entertainment
Musician Joe Fascetta performs at last year’s Long Grove Apple Fest. Three stages of entertainment will be featured this year. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2024
Three stages of entertainment keep the energy flowing, from acoustic sets by the pond to family-friendly action in Fountain Square. The Main Stage music lineup is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 26
- iPod music, noon-2 p.m.
- Rememories Band, 2-3:30 p.m.
- Daniel Cronson Band, 4:30-5:50 p.m.
- Rok Brigade (Def Leppard Tribute), 6:30-8:20 p.m.
- Hi Infidelity, 9-11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27
- Brothers Field — Battle of the Bands winner, noon-1 p.m.
- Southwater, 1:30-3 p.m.
- Santeria (Sublime Tribute), 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Rearview (Pearl Jam Tribute), 5-6:30 p.m.
- Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute), 7-8:20 p.m.
- 7th heaven, 9-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28
- TBD, noon-1 p.m.
- Chicken Dolphin Band, 1:30-3:15 p.m.
- American English, 4-6 p.m.