Fruits of the Harvest
Fruits of the Harvest: Sample fall’s bounty at area apple and cider festivals
Apple varieties and hard ciders tempt patrons at CiderFest in Asheville; (Top Right) Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville
North Carolina Apple Festival
September 1-4 | Hendersonville
Now in its 71st year, this festival stretches over a weekend and culminates in the King Apple Parade on Labor Day. Fifteen apple growers from Henderson County offer apples and bushels for sale, plus fried apple pies, cakes, apple butter, and cider, and a street fair features handmade gift items. Other events include a gem and mineral show, plus live music from the Buddy King Band, the Atlanta Pleasure Band, and more. >> Main St. and Historic Courthouse; Friday & Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 697-4557; www.ncapplefestival.org
CiderFest NC
October 7 | Asheville
The Salvage Station hosts the fifth annual CiderFest NC, which gives attendees tastes of nationally renowned ciders, meads, and apple wines, plus small bites from some of Asheville’s best restaurants and food trucks. The family-friendly event, a fund-raiser for the WNC Green Building Council, features live music from Fly By Night Rounders and Ben Phan with Drayton Aldridge, local arts and crafts vendors, and a kids zone. Admission includes unlimited sampling. Bring cash for additional day-of treats. >> Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr.; Saturday, 1-5 p.m.; $33; (828) 254-1995; www.ciderfestnc.com
Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
October 7 | North Wilkesboro
The Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club organizes this arts and crafts fair and apple celebration, which is a fund-raiser for the club and other community groups. Watch Appalachian musicians and dancers perform on four downtown stages while sampling apples, fried pies, cider, and more. Shop for heritage crafts from local artisans, many of whom will demonstrate their processes. The festival also hosts a photo contest with cash prizes. >> Downtown; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (336) 921-3499; www.applefestival.net
Apple Harvest Festival
October 21 | Waynesville
This fall harvest celebration in downtown Waynesville includes a sweet multitude of delicious apple products, including apple butter, beignets, tart pie, and fried pies, plus live music and a juried arts and crafts show. Additional food and drink, from handmade toffees to locally sourced soda and more, will be for sale. >> Main St.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; (828) 456-3021; www.haywoodchamber.com