Stafford AppleFest
Saturday, September 26, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Stafford AppleFest returns on Saturday, September 26, 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 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 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
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Apple Pie
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Apple Streudel
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Apple Lemonade
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Apple Cider
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Apple Hard Cider
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Apple Beer
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Apple Cookies
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Apple Nachos
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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.
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1:00 PM Kid’s Apple Pie Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
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1:30 PM Adult Apple Pie Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
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2:00 PM Kids’ Donut on a String Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
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2:30 PM Adult Donut on a String Contest (Spring Street Bridge)
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All Day Apple Peel Contest (Haymarket Common)
Live Music in Haymarket Common (49 Main Street):
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11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Surely Steven Acoustic performing soulful solo covers from the '90s and beyond.
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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.
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Let's Get Wired: additional local artist located in the store.
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LuAnn's: a variety of Apple-themed baked goods and beverages.
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Mike's on Main Street: a special apple pizza you won't want to miss.
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Ice Cream Depot: get your delicious apple pie ice cream.
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.
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 2026. We look forward to seeing your creative apple-themed offerings! Registration closes September 20, 2026.
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🍎 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:
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Woodlawn Trail Head (21 Hyde Park Road)
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Commuter Lot (16 River Road/Route 32)
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Public Municipal Lot (2 Spring Street)
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Town Hall (1 Main Street)
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American Woolen (18 & 21 Furnace Avenue)
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On side streets, unless otherwise marked.
For safety, follow direction of Stafford PD & C.E.R.T.
