Nappanee Apple Festival

The Nappanee Apple Festival is a free, family-friendly annual event held in downtown Nappanee, Indiana, showcasing a lively celebration centered on apples with a variety of entertainment, food, contests, and activities for all ages. The 2025 festival runs from September 18 to 21 in multiple locations across Nappanee including Downtown, Depot Plaza, Municipal Airport, Nappanee Public Library, and The Barns at Nappanee. The event is wheelchair accessible.

The festival atmosphere is festive and community-oriented, drawing over 80,000 visitors annually. It combines the charm of a traditional fall harvest festival with dynamic family entertainment, notable exhibits, large-scale food features, and vibrant local culture. A highlight every year is Indiana’s largest 7-foot baked apple pie, freshly baked and ready for festival kickoff, recognized as one of the top fall festival signature foods in the state.

Key Attractions and Activities

• 7-foot Baked Apple Pie: A central marquee attraction baked just before the festival to enjoy.
• Antique Tractor & Engine Show: Demonstrations of sawmill operations, wheat threshing, hand baling, steam engines, apple pressing; accompanied by parades and tractor games held at Nappanee Power From The Past Show Grounds.
• Wings & Wheels Show: A display of military aircraft and classic vehicles at the airport.
• Three Entertainment Stages: Live music and performances including jazz, martial arts demos, puppeteers, and bands such as Krazy Train and Blue River Jazz.
• Contests: Apple dumpling contests, apple peeling and pie-eating contests, a cornhole tournament, garden tractor pull, pedal pull contests for kids and adults, and a Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant.
• Carnival Rides: Family-friendly rides and games available downtown during festival hours.
• Parade: Scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at 10:30 a.m., featuring local marching bands, floats, and the signature military fly-over.
• Senior Bingo, Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk, Pickleball Tournament: Additional events designed for community involvement and active participants.
• Exhibitors & Vendors: Over 150 exhibitors offering crafts, food, and shopping experiences throughout the festival.

Rough Schedule Highlights

September 18 (Thursday)

• 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Antique Tractor & Engine Show with demos and parades.
• 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Festival open hours begin with grand pie unveiling.
• Evening entertainment includes live jazz, martial arts, puppet shows, and Miss Apple Blossom Pageant.

September 19 (Friday)

• 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Festival open with continued tractor show, contests, bingo, and nighttime spark show.
• Donut Dash 5K Packet Pickup in the evening.

September 20 (Saturday)

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Festival open with parade at 10:30 a.m., carnival rides, Wings & Wheels Show, and ongoing contests and entertainment.

September 21 (Sunday)

• 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Final day including community church service, apple dumpling contest awards, and winner announcements.

Event History and Founding

The Nappanee Apple Festival started over four decades ago with a focus on celebrating the apple harvest and grew steadily into one of Indiana’s largest and most beloved fall festivals. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and community spirit, the festival has become a hallmark event for Nappanee and Elkhart County. It honors local agriculture, crafts, and heritage, with recurring signature elements like the giant apple pie earning statewide recognition.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

Downtown Nappanee offers a quaint small-town atmosphere enhanced by the festival’s lively presence. The use of multiple venues like Depot Plaza and the airport create varied settings that balance festivity with community warmth. Visitors enjoy a welcoming vibe, easy walkability among activities, and an engaging mix of shopping, food, historical demonstrations, and entertainment staged across cozy, accessible locations.

The event portrays a traditional Americana fall harvest festival blended with modern entertainment and diverse activities that appeal broadly, including children, adults, and seniors.

Contact and Accessibility

• Phone: (574) 773-7812
• Website: nappaneeapplefestival.org
• Facebook: facebook.com/napplefest
• Fully handicapped accessible venues and activities.

This 49th edition of the festival in 2025 promises a full lineup of time-honored events, exciting new attractions, and a welcoming environment for all ages to celebrate the spirit of fall and community pride.