Bite into fall at Long Grove Apple Fest

Posted September 19, 2017 11:00 pm

Submitted by Jodi Grimaldi

Vendors line Robert Parker Coffin Road during opening day of Apple Fest in downtown Long Grove. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

One of Chicagoland's biggest tributes to apple season — Long Grove Apple Fest — kicks off Friday, Sept. 22, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 24.

Now in its 26th season, Apple Fest is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the village's historic downtown.

“Apple Fest is the last big festival of the year and unofficial kickoff to autumn and the holiday season,” said Ryan Messner, president of Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. “This is much more than just a standard street festival. Apple Fest is really a celebration of the entire town.”

During the three-day event, Apple Festers are invited to peruse the timeless village of Long Grove, with its cobblestone walkways, historic buildings and independently-owned boutiques and specialty shops.

A carnival will take place all three days of the festival along Archer Road, between Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads.

The heart of Apple Fest is where local vendors will dole out locally-made delicacies in an open-air marketplace. Apple Fest guests can choose from countless apple-inspired treats from local merchants and vendors all weekend long, including apple popcorn, apple fudge and the ever-popular apple cider doughnuts.

As always with a Long Grove festival, live music will play all weekend long on three stages spread out throughout the grounds. Weekend headliners programmed by festival producer Ravenswood Special Events include '80s tour de force Sixteen Candles, Beatles tribute supergroup American English, and Chicago's quintessential party band Modern Day Romeos. The full lineup can be found at longgrove.org/festivals/apple-fest/.

Kid Zone at Apple Fest is a refuge of activity, headlined by the legendary apple pie-eating contests and classic interactive gaming like tug-o-war.

Admission is $5 per person and free for children ages 12 and younger. The festival is at 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Parking is free; a remote lot with free shuttle bus will be available Saturday and Sunday.

Apple cider doughnuts are always a big draw at Apple Fest in downtown Long Grove. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

Apple vendors will have plenty of fruit available at Long Grove Apple Fest. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com

Melissa Bernadette of Long Grove selects apples at the Frank Farms stand during Apple Fest in Long Grove. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com

Modern Day Romeos, billed as "Chicago's quintessential party band," will headline Friday at Long Grove Apple Fest. Courtesy of Modern Day Romeos

If you go

What: 26th annual Long Grove Apple Fest

When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24

Where: downtown Historic Long Grove, Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove

Admission: $5 per person per day; free for kids 12 and younger. On Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be free admission for all.

Parking: Free at all public lots; remote lot with shuttle bus Saturday and Sunday

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