top of page
Untitled design.png

Stafford AppleFest
Saturday, September 27, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Stafford AppleFest returns on Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 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 Surely Steven Acoustic, performing soulful solo covers, and 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 22. The Events & Celebrations Committee is also seeking volunteers to help make the event a success.

Applefest Map.png

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 on Spring

Explore a bustling marketplace featuring a diverse range of vendors, offering unique goods and products. Taking place along the ASB driveway next to Middle River, off Spring Street.

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 - 4:00 PM in Hyde Park. Generously made possible by Stafford Veterinary Clinic. 

​​​

AppleFest Sweets, Treats, and Beverages

  • Apple Pie

  • Apple Streudel

  • Apple Lemonade

  • Apple Cider

  • Apple Hard Cider

  • Apple Beer

  • Apple Cookies

  • Apple Nachos

  • Apple Trifle

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   Kids’ Donut on a String Contest (Spring Street Bridge)

  • 2:30 PM   Adult Donut on a String Contest (Spring Street Bridge)

  • All Day    Apple Peel Contest (Haymarket Common)

Live Music in Haymarket Common (49 Main Street):

  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Surely Steven Acoustiperforming soulful solo covers from the '90s and beyond.

  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM:  The Natural Disasters 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.

  • Let's Get Wired: additional local artist located in the store.

  • LuAnn's: a variety of Apple-themed baked goods and beverages.  

  • Mike's on Main Street: a special apple pizza you won't want to miss. 

  • Ice Cream Depot: get your delicious apple pie ice cream. ​​

Apple Harvest

Previous AppleFest Vendors & Exhibitors

2025 lineup! (Updated 9.25.2025)

Aisling Farm - fresh cut flowers, herbs, potatoes, garlic, onions, and other seasonal specialties

Arts & Farts & Crafts - ceramics, wood-engraved items, and concrete sculptures 

Arts by INKY - art prints, stickers, bookmarks, tote bags, coin purses, pins, cards, necklaces, and washi tape

Bumbleton Handmade - artisanal handmade soaps 

Busy Bee's Wreaths & Crafts - wreaths, shoe charms, centerpieces & piñatas 

CAB Creations - Shadow boxes, lighted glass blocks, gift items

Country Homestead - engraved woodworking tumblers & other gifts

Designs By Ravetto - handmade Jewelry, guitar picks, gnomes, burp Cloths, tag blankets

Democratic Town Committee - Fall Fun

Events & Celebrations Committee - apple-themed contests, event info, ID booth for beer/cider sampling

FB R&N Creations - DIY craft kits, tumblers, pour painted functional items and rhinestone items

Grace Episcopal Church - fresh apple pies, pie slices, and soup. 

Gracie's Country Kitchen/PairD'4 Krafting - crafts and baked goods, spice & soup mixes.

Heartscape Originals - original framed watercolor paintings

Highest Owl Arts - ceramics and wire-wrapped jewelry

Hollyhock Farm - providing a safe, fun, educational environment for hands-on learning with farm animals of all shapes and sizes! Learn

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Viennese apple strudel, cheese, or sauerkraut spätzle

Jream Crafts - wreaths, jewelry, and crafts

K & A Crafts - handmade seasonal crafts

Malisa's Cozy Critters - crochet crafts and amigurumi.

Mandalas by Kristi - Mandala artwork on wood rounds, canvas, candle holders, and more.

Mauro Devereaux Design - art prints

Mon Soleil Market Garden & CSA - seasonal produce

Oak + Ivy -  candles, but also car diffusers and fire starters. 

R&N Tie Dye - functional fluid art, glitter art, tie dy,e and resin art

Rotary Club of Stafford - recruitment, Bosco Fowler Race information & Cotton Candy fundraiser. 

Sophie Danielle Art - handmade ornaments, bookmarks, magnets, garden stones, etc. 

Stafford Stitches - crocheted winter & kids' apparel, stuffed animals.

Stafford Lions Club - Stafford Lions Club Calendars

Stafford Republican Town Committee - pretzels, cider, and baked goods

Susan Bundeff - stained glass pieces 

Sweet Life - beautifully artisanal crafted apple pie cookies and more.

The Trifle Truck Co. - English trifle in a variety of flavors

The Local Lemon - apple lemonade, dirty sodas, caramel cream cider, and sliced apple nachos

The Town Witch - freeze-dried candy,  potted plants, sunflower bouquets, and crystal suncatchers 

The Northside Apothecary - herbal remedies, balm, and tea blends, infused honey, goat milk lotion

The Witt Farm - mums & flowers 

Western View Farm - pickles, jams, veggies, reslish, salsas.

Apples in a Crate
apple-usa.png

Looking to Attend...

Calling All Vendors, Food Trucks, Community Organizations, and Businesses!

Join us at this year’s AppleFest, a beloved Stafford tradition celebrating all things apple! 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 thousands of 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 2025. We look forward to seeing your creative apple-themed offerings! Registration closes September 20, 2025.

Car & Tractor Show: 

 
Calling all classic cars, vintage rides, trucks & tractors! New this year, all wheels are welcome at AppleFest!  Join the car show alongside downtown Stafford's festivities. 

AppleFest  Carshow (1).png

🍎 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)

  • Commuter Lot (16 River Road/Route 32)

  • Public Municipal Lot (2 Spring Street)

  • 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.

2.png
3.png
4.png
bottom of page