It’s all about apples here in the Twin Cities in September and into October. Local orchards and other attractions are open for business and many have special apple festivals and events going on to tickle the taste buds. As always, you can consult our huge list of TWIN CITIES APPLE ORCHARDS to help find a location in your area (or pick a new spot!) Most of these locations offer pick-your-own apples along with all manner of fall farm fun!
Our guide to FALL FESTIVALS IN THE TWIN CITIES also might be helpful for finding apple activities and autumn fun with kids.
Twin Cities 2023 Apple Festivals & Events
Third Weekend of September
Sept. 15th-17th, 2023
Excelsior Apple Day | Downtown Excelsior
Tots will love the Kids Corner and pie-eating contests. Parents may like the artisan vendors, music and street dance. Find a daily schedule here.
Fourth Weekend of September
September 23, 2023
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleFest
Celebrate the apple industry with family-friendly activities, apple tasting, orchard tours, lawn games and live music. 10am-4pm. Pre-Registration Required. $10/members; $25/general public. $5/kids.
Visit the AppleHouse any day beginning August 24, 2023 through mid-November. There are at least a dozen more reasons to come out during the fall season, but if it is simply fresh apples you seek, then skip the gate fee and visit the Apple House one mile west of the Arboretum entrance. There you can purchase special varieties cultivated by the U of M. Open 10am-6pm, Daily. Online Gate fee Tickets Required to explore the Arboretum: $15/pp ages 15 & up.
Last Weekend of September
September 30, 2023
Gibbs Farm Apple Festival
All things apple! Treats, games, crafts, a tour through the orchard, and all food included. Gibbs Farm is a wonderful place for families to take a step back in time. Walk through the historic farmhouse and one-room school, explore how native Minnesotans lived on the prairie, and pay a visit to the farm animals. Sept 30, 2023, 10am-2pm $5-$8/pp.
Ongoing October Weekends in 2023
Weekends September 30-Ocobert 16, 2023
Afton Apple Festival | Hastings
Admission to Afton Apple Orchard’s weekend festivals include hayrides, run of the playground and tire hill, petting farm, magician, music and other live entertainment. Weekends only, September 30-October 1, October 7-8 & October 14-16, 2023; 10am-6pm. $5-$7/pp.
Weekends October 1-8, 2023
Apple Cidering at Wood Lake Nature Center
Taste a variety of apples and blend different kinds into a mix of cider, then enjoy a fall nature hike. Located in Richfield – learn more about WOOD LAKE NATURE CENTER. Online registration encouraged. Sunday, October 1, 2023; 12:30-2pm and 3-4:30pm; Saturday, October 7, 2023; 3-4:30pm; and Sunday, October 8, 2023; 12-1:30pm. $5/pp.Â
Saturdays October 14 & 21, 2023
Apple Cidering at Richardson Nature Center
Make and taste old-fashioned apple cider. Discover the history of cidering in North America and take an autumn nature walk. Learn more about RICHARDSON NATURE CENTER in Bloomington. Pre-registration is recommended. Oct 14 & 21, 2023, 2-3:30pm. $6/pp.
2023 TBA
Apple Fest at Carpenter St Croix Nature Center
Come on out for pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, cider-making, pumpkin painting and other activities. Learn more about CARPENTER NATURE CENTER in Hastings. 2023 date TBA, 10am-5pm, FREE.