The Hendersonville Apple Festival has once again returned to downtown Hendersonville, filling the streets with the sights, sounds, and flavors that define one of North Carolina’s most cherished traditions. Running from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1, the event continues to shine as a cornerstone of community spirit, apple farming heritage, and Labor Day weekend celebration.
This year’s festival carries even greater significance, as Henderson County and its residents come together not only to celebrate a bountiful apple harvest but also to showcase resilience after challenges faced in the past year. With crowds already filling Main Street, vendors reporting brisk business, and families enjoying the perfect late-summer weather, the 2025 edition of the Hendersonville Apple Festival is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.
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A Four-Day Celebration of Apples and Community
Each year, the Hendersonville Apple Festival transforms Main Street into a vibrant hub of activity, and this year is no exception. Organizers are expecting well over 250,000 visitors across the four-day span, marking one of the largest gatherings in the region.
From the very first morning, festival-goers were treated to the rich aroma of pancakes at the traditional community breakfast, a kick-off that set the tone for a weekend of fun and fellowship. The streets quickly filled with families eager to sample fresh-picked apples, apple pies, cider slushies, and countless creative spins on the county’s most famous crop.
The festival is, at its heart, a tribute to the growers. Local apple farmers are proudly displaying their best varieties, from Gala and Honeycrisp to Fuji and Golden Delicious. Alongside them, food vendors are offering everything from caramel apples to apple ice cream, ensuring no visitor leaves without a taste of Henderson County’s agricultural pride.
Street Fair Brings Main Street to Life
The Street Fair is once again the centerpiece of the Hendersonville Apple Festival, stretching across Main Street with hundreds of vendors.
- Fair Hours:
- Friday, August 29: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday, August 30–31: 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 1: 10 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade
Visitors strolling through the fair are greeted with booths selling arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, local artwork, and seasonal décor. Families have flocked to the Family Fun Zones, where inflatables, carnival rides, and interactive games bring excitement for younger visitors.
Meanwhile, food enthusiasts can’t resist the long lines at apple-themed vendors. Apple donuts, fried pies, and cider slushies have become festival staples, with many selling out by evening. Local restaurants along Main Street have also reported booming business, benefiting from the steady stream of festival-goers throughout the day.
Music and Entertainment for All Ages
No Hendersonville Apple Festival would be complete without live entertainment, and this year’s lineup has kept audiences dancing, singing, and clapping along.
The music stage has hosted an array of genres, from bluegrass and country to classic rock and jazz. Dance troupes, acrobats, and family-friendly performers have added variety to the daily schedule, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Headline acts such as the Buddy K Big Band, Party Parrot Band, and The Mighty Kicks have drawn packed crowds, with audiences spilling into the streets to enjoy the performances under the summer sky. Evening concerts have been particularly popular, creating a festive, block-party atmosphere that keeps downtown alive well into the night.
A Symbol of Resilience
Beyond food and fun, the 2025 Hendersonville Apple Festival holds a deeper meaning. After recent natural challenges, local farmers and businesses view this year’s festival as a powerful symbol of renewal and community strength.
The turnout during the opening days has been a testament to that resilience. Attendance on Friday alone reached an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 visitors, and vendors reported strong sales of both produce and prepared foods. Apple growers noted that despite earlier struggles in the season, the crop has been abundant and high in quality, allowing them to showcase the best of Henderson County agriculture.
Community groups have also rallied behind the festival. From youth organizations running fundraising booths to local nonprofits sharing resources, the event has once again highlighted the way Hendersonville comes together to support one another.
The King Apple Parade: A Grand Finale
The most anticipated tradition of the Hendersonville Apple Festival arrives on Labor Day Monday with the King Apple Parade.
Beginning at 2:30 p.m., the parade winds its way through downtown, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, dance teams, and community organizations. For many families, the parade is the highlight of the festival, offering a joyful spectacle that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Hendersonville.
Street closures and parking restrictions have been carefully managed to keep the parade route safe and accessible, with Main Street closed from Thursday evening through the end of the event. Shuttle services and designated bike parking areas have made it easier for visitors to navigate the bustling downtown scene.
What Visitors Are Saying
Early impressions from attendees suggest that this year’s Hendersonville Apple Festival may be one of the best yet. Families have praised the expanded children’s activities, while food lovers can’t stop talking about the variety of apple-based treats available on nearly every corner.
Local businesses have expressed gratitude for the surge of visitors, noting the festival’s critical role in boosting the downtown economy. Many vendors have already seen record sales, reflecting both the high turnout and the enthusiasm of festival-goers eager to support the local community.
Looking Ahead
As the festival moves toward its closing day, excitement continues to build. The remaining schedule promises more live entertainment, family fun, and of course, plenty of apples. For both newcomers and long-time attendees, the Hendersonville Apple Festival remains an essential tradition—a celebration of harvest, community, and the joy of gathering together.
For Hendersonville and the surrounding region, this year’s event is more than just a festival. It is a reminder of resilience, pride, and the unifying power of shared traditions.
Whether you come for the caramel apples, the music, or simply the sense of belonging, the Hendersonville Apple Festival is a Labor Day experience like no other.