After closely monitoring Saturday’s forecast and considering the increasing weather advisories, a difficult decision has been made to cancel Stafford AppleFest 2026 this Saturday, September 26.
Several options were explored, including moving the event indoors, but ultimately the combination of the forecast, travel conditions, and event logistics made cancellation the safest and most reasonable decision.
We know how much work our vendors, volunteers, performers, and community partners have put into this event, and we know how much Stafford looks forward to AppleFest each year. We are truly sorry that the event won’t be able to take place as planned.
Thank you to everyone who was planning to participate and to the community for your understanding. We hope to see you all at an October event in Downtown Stafford!
Stafford AppleFest
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Stafford AppleFest returns on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating autumn’s iconic fruit, the vibrant arts of the community, and the flavors and fun of the season. Activities will take place throughout downtown, including Haymarket Common, Hyde Park, Main Street, the Historical Society, and Grace Episcopal Church.
The festival will feature homemade seasonal baked goods, family-friendly activities, artisan vendors, handcrafted works, civic group displays, fall-inspired food and beverages, apple pressing demonstrations, live music, and more. Patrons are encouraged to explore Downtown Stafford Springs, where local shops will join in the festivities.
Entertainment highlights include The Natural Disasters, a local trio delivering Americana, Bluegrass, and roots music. Visitors can also watch chainsaw artist KatCarves create dynamic sculptures in a live performance.
Exciting competitions include apple pie eating and donut-on-a-string contests for kids and adults on the Spring Street Bridge, and apple peeling contests at Haymarket Common. Festival favorites also return, including Grace Episcopal Church’s freshly baked apple pies and apple crumb, soups, warm lunches, and beverages.
Vendors, food trucks, community organizations, and businesses may apply to participate through September 20. The Events & Celebrations Committee is also seeking volunteers to help make the event a success.
AppleFest Attractions & Activities
Cider Pressing Demonstrations
Learn how people have historically used the harvests from their orchards. Historical Society volunteers will demonstrate making cider with an apple press between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Don’t forget to stop by the Museum Open House!
Cider & Beer Sampling in Haymarket Common
Sample what’s on tap with the Stafford Cidery & Off the Rails Brewing: 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM. Positive ID required.
Vendor Village in Hyde Park
Explore a bustling marketplace in Hyde Park featuring a diverse range of vendors, offering unique goods and products.
KatCarves: Eclectic Chainsaw Art
Catch chainsaw artist KatCarves in action as she transforms raw wood into incredible works of art. Live carving and interactive show from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM in Hyde Park. Generously made possible by Stafford Veterinary Clinic.
AppleFest Sweets, Treats, and Beverages
Contests
Applefest will be hosting free family fun contests throughout the day, and the winners get prizes. Sign up at the information booth located in Haymarket Common.
-
1:00 PM Kid’s Apple Pie Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
-
1:30 PM Adult Apple Pie Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
-
2:00 PM Donut on a String Contest Heat 1 (Spring Street Bridge)
-
2:30 PM Donut on a String Contest Heat 2 (Spring Street Bridge)
-
All Day Apple Peel Contest (Haymarket Common)
Live Music in Haymarket Common (49 Main Street):
-
Odd Man Out (11:30am - 12:00pm): This student cover band rocks the stage with classic favorites!
-
The Natural Disasters (1:00pm - 3:00pm): local trio delivering Americana, Bluegrass, and roots music.
Meet Main Street
Explore one-of-a-kind shops and experiences that make downtown special! AppleFest activities.
Previous AppleFest Vendors & Exhibitors (2025 Lineup)
Arts & Farts & Crafts - ceramics, wood-engraved items, and concrete sculptures
Busy Bee's Wreaths & Crafts - wreaths, shoe charms, centerpieces & piñatas
Brownfields with Weston & Sampson - learn about redevelopment in Stafford, share your ideas for our future!
Cider Mill Coven - local author: Cider-fueled magic, cozy books, fall-inspired merch, jewelry, and accessories.
Country Homestead - engraved woodworking tumblers & other gifts
Designs By Ravetto - handmade Jewelry, guitar picks, gnomes, burp Cloths, tag blankets
Events Committee - apple-themed contests and goods, event info, ID booth for beer/cider sampling
Ghoulish Whimsies - pop culture, anime, and comic art prints, book marks, tote bags, stickers, and candles!
Grace Episcopal Church - fresh apple pies, pie slices, and soup.
Gracie's Kitchen/PairD'4 Krafting - Handcrafted wooden goods, sewn gifts, pet accessories, market bags.
Highest Owl Arts - Practical ceramics and wire wrapped jewelry
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Viennese apple strudel, cheese, or sauerkraut spätzle
Jream Crafts - wreaths, jewelry, and crafts
K & A Crafts - handmade seasonal crafts
Laurel & Forest - handmade wool felt pennants and banners that bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia
Malisa's Cozy Critters - Crochet stuffies and wearablesMatthew Kline, Author
Matthew Kline - local author
Mandalas by Kristi - Mandala artwork on wood rounds, canvas, candle holders, and more.
Madame Cryer’s Scriptorium
Mandalas by Kristi - Mandala artwork on wood rounds, canvas, candle holders, and more.
Malisa's Cozy Critters - Crochet stuffies and wearablesMatthew Kline, Author
Moonjules scents - Home made wickless scented candles
Oak + Ivy - 100% soy candle with in a variety of scents and styles
Off the Rails Brewing Co. - pouring seasonal samples in Haymarket Common
Paw Safe Animal Rescue - adoption event, come meet your new best friend!
Pourfectly Unique - handmade, one of a kind, beautiful, fluid art jewelry.
R&N Tie Dye LLC - functional fluid art, glitter art, tie dye and resin art
Stafford 4-H - interactive games, apple give-away and club information
Stafford Cidery - pouring seasonal samples in Haymarket Common
Stafford DTC - cotton candy, fall fun and voter information
Stafford Grange #1 - interactive games, apple give-away and organization information
Stafford Lions Club - Stafford Lions Club calendars, membership information, and free gifts for kids.
Stafford RTC - pretzels, cider, baked goods, and voter information
Stafford Stitches - crocheted winter & kids' apparel, stuffed animals.
Sue B's Stained Glass - stained Glass pieces and demonstration.
Taste of Carthage - Tunisian and Mediterranean sweets, including baklawa, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Tennant 3-D Printed Products - 3D-printed creations and custom-made products
The Local Lemon - apple lemonade, dirty sodas, caramel cream cider, and sliced apple nachos
The Sweet Life - beautifully artisanal crafted apple pie cookies and more.
The Ugly Muffin - cottage bakery offering homemade treats, apple crumble muffins, and apple spice sourdough.
The Witt Farm - fresh farm goods, seasonal produce, flowers, and local favorites.
Attend AppleFest
Calling All Vendors, Food Trucks, Community Organizations, and Businesses!
Join us at this year’s AppleFest, a beloved Stafford tradition celebrating all things apples! Whether you’re a craft vendor, food vendor, community organization, or local business, we invite you to be part of this vibrant event. Showcase your best apple-themed products, delicious treats, or services to attendees eager to experience the best of what Stafford has to offer.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with our community, promote your business, and be a part of the festivities. Click the link below to secure your spot at AppleFest 2026. We look forward to seeing your creative apple-themed offerings!
Online registration has closed. If you’re interested in participating in AppleFest, please email events@staffordct.gov for consideration and to check availability.
🍎 Volunteer for Applefest and Help Us Create an Unforgettable Event! 🍎
Applefest is just around the corner, and we are in need of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us make this event a smashing success. Join us in celebrating the vibrant flavors of apples and fostering a sense of togetherness in Staford!
Parking:
When visiting Stafford Springs, CT, you'll find several parking options along Main Street for your convenience. Here are some suggested parking areas:
-
Woodlawn Trail Head (21 Hyde Park Road)
-
Public Municipal Lot (2 Spring Street)
-
Hobbs Medical (8 Spring Street)
-
Commuter Lot (16 River Road/Route 32)
-
Town Hall (1 Main Street)
-
American Woolen (18 & 21 Furnace Avenue)
-
On side streets, unless otherwise marked.
For safety, follow direction of Stafford PD & C.E.R.T.