Cory Apple Festival

About the Event

Nestled in the heart of small-town Indiana, the Cory Apple Festival is a joyful celebration of community spirit, apple heritage, and homemade fun that draws families, friends, and festival lovers from across the state. Held on the spacious Community Building grounds in Cory, this annual event transforms the area into a bustling hub of crafts, classic cars, delicious comfort food, and lively entertainment from Friday through Sunday. What makes it truly special is its warm, welcoming vibe—think friendly faces chatting over fresh cider, kids darting between vendor booths, and the sizzle of fish fries under twinkling lights. People flock here not just for the bargains and bites, but for that genuine sense of belonging, all while supporting the local volunteer fire department. It's the perfect escape where laughter echoes, memories are made, and everyone leaves with a smile (and maybe a pie or two). ## The Surrounding Area
Cory, a charming speck in Clay County just southeast of Terre Haute along State Road 46, embodies the timeless appeal of rural Indiana with its quiet streets, historic roots, and tight-knit community feel. Once a thriving railroad town at the turn of the century—complete with blacksmiths, saloons, and general stores—it became famous in the 1920s for the sprawling Cory Orchards, where E.A. Doud grew apples on nearly 300 acres, drawing crowds for fresh picks and free Sunday cider. Today, visitors love exploring the area's peaceful orchards (remnants of that legacy still whisper through the landscape), nearby parks, and easy access to Terre Haute's shops and eateries. Grab a bite at local diners serving hearty Hoosier fare, or pop into Clay City for quick essentials and ATMs. It's an inviting slice of Midwest heartland, ideal for a weekend getaway blending festival excitement with serene countryside drives. ## Activities & Attractions
This festival brims with diverse, family-friendly fun that keeps everyone engaged all weekend. Browse endless rows of crafts, antiques, flea markets, and yard sales scattered around town, hunting for unique treasures from local artisans. Car enthusiasts rejoice with the Corvette Show on Friday noon, Cruise-In Car and Motorcycle Show Saturday from 11am to 3pm (with judging and awards), and Sunday's Jeep Cruise-In starting at 1pm, complete with a scavenger hunt, silent auction for childhood cancer research, and Jeep parade. Foodies savor standout meals like the Fireman’s Breakfast (Friday and Saturday mornings), mouthwatering Jonah Fish Fry (Saturday noon to 8pm, dine-in or carry-out), and hearty Chicken and Noodle Dinner (Sunday 11am to 2pm). The Bad Apple Saloon opens daily at noon, offering beer, wine, food, and live music—catch acts like That Arena Rock Show Friday night, Pfreak Show Saturday, or Paul Erdman Sunday afternoon. Test your skills at the cornhole tournament Saturday at 1pm, play BINGO Friday 7-9pm at the firehouse, or groove to karaoke and other performances. Don't miss the Fire Department Raffle Sunday after the parade, plus foam parties with Foam Homies, food booths, and community memorabilia displays—pure, wholesome excitement for all ages. ## Schedule & Logistics
Mark your calendars for September 25-27, 2026, with gates opening early and action running from morning to late night. Friday kicks off with Fireman’s Breakfast 6-10am, vendors at 9am, Corvette Show and Bad Apple Saloon at noon, BINGO 7-9pm, and live music 9pm-midnight. Saturday features breakfast 7-10am, vendors 9am, Cruise-In Car Show 11am-3pm, Jonah Fish Fry noon-8pm, cornhole at 1pm, parade around 3pm, and evening music. Sunday starts with vendors at 9am, Chicken and Noodle Dinner 11am-2pm, Saloon at noon, Jeep Cruise-In 1-3pm, parade at 3pm, and raffle at 3:45pm. The grounds are fully handicapped accessible, with ample parking (fees benefit the fire department). Admission is free, meals available dine-in or carry-out, and ATMs are nearby. Come early for the best spots, wear comfy shoes, and soak in every moment of this seamless, small-town spectacle. ## History & Heritage
Rooted in Cory's proud past, the Apple Festival began in 1970 as a clever fundraiser after the local school closed in 1967, with residents repurposing the building as a community center. Inspired by the town's apple legacy—sparked in the 1920s by E.A. Doud's massive orchards that produced up to 100,000 bushels yearly and earned the high school team the nickname "Cory Apple Boys"—the event honors that golden era while sustaining the Cory Volunteer Fire Department. Proceeds from meals, parking, apple stands, and raffles fund vital equipment and community needs, making it a cornerstone of local pride. Over 50+ years, it's grown from a simple gathering into a beloved tradition, blending heritage displays (like school memorabilia at the firehouse) with modern fun, all powered by devoted volunteers. Attending feels like stepping into living history, strengthening the bonds that make Cory shine.