Long Groves Apple fest drew crowds of over 20,000 people from Sept 26 to Sept 28, bringing in the 2025 fall season with a bang.
Long Grove is notorious for hosting lots of different events and festivals year round. What makes Apple Fest special though is the fact that it is Long Grove’s longest running event.
On Friday the festival ran from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Not only does Apple Fest sell delicious apples, but they also sell anything apple related a person could want. Caramel apples, apple cider donuts, apple cider, apple pie, apple flavored baked goods, and apple wine are some of the most popular food and beverage items offered.
Various other restaurants and vendor booths were offering different food options as well, including anything from Barbecue to authentic Hispanic cuisine. Whether someone needed a quick snack or a full sit down meal, there was something for everyone.
12 brick-and-mortar businesses serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, along with desserts and drinks. There were even speciality menu items that people could try that were served exclusively at the festival. The street vendors at Apple Fest also serve a wide variety of foods like burgers, pizza, ice cream, alcoholic beverages, lemonade, and so much more.
What’s a good festival without some music? Apple Fest offered music every day and night of the event. Some highlights from Friday are Rok Brigade: Def Leppard Tribute
and Daniel Cronson Band. Saturday night was filled with the sounds from 7th Heaven and Whatever, Nevermind – Nirvana Tribute, while Sunday afternoon drew in crowds when American English took the stage.
The fun did not stop though. Apple Fest also featured its very own carnival, perfect for families with kids. On Friday and Saturday the carnival ran until 9 p.m., while it was over at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, kids attending the festival could enjoy music from a Kids DJ offered on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as partake in some free kids crafts.
Apple Fest also makes for the perfect place to have a quick shopping trip. Well, maybe not so quick considering the fact that there are over 20 brick-and-mortar stores to visit as well as vendor booths. These shops include a wide variety of options including hand crafted art, boutiques, candles, lotions, pies, and so much more. Additionally, the vendor booths located in the Mill Pond area were a great addition to the festival atmosphere where they sold food, treats, clothing, and home décor.
Apple Fest made a great place for anyone looking to have a fun time, especially if they were an Apple lover.
