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 2022 Apple Festivals & Events
Late August-Mid November, 2022
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Apple House
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. Gate fee to explore the Arboretum: $15/pp ages 15 & up.
Third Weekend of September, 16th-17th, 2022
Excelsior Apple Day | Downtown Excelsior
Tots will love the Happy Apple Kids Corner, parents may like the artisan vendors, music and street dance. Sept 18-19, 9am-10pm, FREE.
Fourth Weekend of September, 25th, 2022
Apple Jam at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Family fun includes an apple-related scavenger hunt, apple bingo, lawn games, concessions and live music. Plus all the fun of exploring the beautiful arboretum during the fall. Sept 24, 2022, 5-8pm. Tickets are $25/adults, $5/under 16.
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 24, 2022, 10am-4pm $5-$8/pp.
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 preferred. Sept 25 & Oct 2, 2022. $5/pp.
Ongoing October Weekends, 2022
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, Oct 16, 2022 10am-6pm. $5-$7/pp.
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 2, 16 & 22, 2-3:30pm. $5/pp.
October Weekdays, 2022
Family Apple Fun at The Landing
Explore the story behind fall’s favorite fruit, the apple, and sample some heirloom varieties. Press apples into cider and feed the pressings to pigs at the 1857 farm. Learn more about THE LANDING in Shakopee. Reservations required. 2022 TBA, $30/family.
Apple Carving & Cidering at Silverwood Park
Carve up an apple into a masterpiece, watch cider press demos and enjoy a warm drink around the fire. Reservations required. 2022 TBA, 6-8pm, $8/pp.
Second Weekend of October, 9th-10th, 2022
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. Oct 8-9, 2022, 10am-5pm, FREE.