Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nappanee Apple Festival?

This year's Apple Festival begins at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2024 in downtown Nappanee.

The 5K Road Race will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

What are the hours?

Festival weekend:
Thursday, September 19 – 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, September 20 – 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 21 – 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 22 – 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please see our online brochure for specific event times.

Where is the festival located?

The heart of the festival is located in downtown Nappanee with events held at various other locations around Nappanee. Carnival rides line S. Main Street (St. Rd. 19 south of U.S. 6), over 20 different food vendors are located in the Depot Plaza located one block south of U.S. 6 and St. Rd. 19, exhibitors line North and South Clark Street (one block west of St. Rd. 19), as well as South Clark Street and the area west of the Depot Plaza. Our Wings and Wheels show on Saturday is held at the Nappanee Municipal Airport located three miles east of Nappanee on U.S. 6.

Where is the 7' Apple Pie located?

Indiana's largest 7' baked Apple Pie is located in downtown Nappanee at the Don Carlos Bar & Grill Restaurant (formerly El Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant) on West Market Street (on U.S. 6 just one-half block west of St. Rd. 19). Slices of apple pie can be purchased at the restaurant or at the Napple Store.

When is the parade?

An airplane flyover kicks off the parade at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 21. The parade begins on U.S. 6 East (by Burger King) and heads west on U.S. 6 through downtown and ends at City Hall on Locke Street.

How many people attend the festival?

The festival attracts an average of 80,000 people annually.

Does it cost to get in?

No, admission is FREE! There are a few events that charge (e.g., Power from the Past, individuals who want to enter a car in the car show, individuals who wish to participate in our Cornhole Tournament, Great Apple Grill Off or 5K run).

Can I put my child in the Apple Dumpling Contest if I work in Nappanee but don't live in the district?

All must live in the Wa-Nee Community School district to enter the contest.

Where is the Wings & Wheels Show and when does it start?

It is held at the Nappanee Airport, three miles east of downtown Nappanee on U.S. 6. The show is Saturday, September 21 from noon until 3:45 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, September 22 from noon until 3:45 p.m.). No charge for parking and gate entry! This is a car and airplane show and airplane rides are free to first time flyers ages 8 to 18 (must have parental consent and weather permitting).

What events and entertainment do you have this year?

You can view a list of events and entertainment in our 2024 brochure (coming soon). There is also a list of entertainment and what stages they will be performing on, on our Entertainment page. If you would like to be considered for an entertainment slot for an upcoming festival, please contact our entertainment chair person at entertainment@nappaneeapplefestival.org.

How can I volunteer to help before, during or after the festival?

Volunteering at the Nappanee Apple Festival is a lot of fun and necessary in order for the Festival to work and run smoothly. We always want and need more help! So, if you would like to find out what volunteer opportunities are available for the Nappanee Apple Festival, please email us at volunteer@nappaneeapplefestival.org.

How can I become a food vendor?

If interested in being a food vendor for the festival, please complete and submit a Food Vendor Wait List Application located on the Applications & Forms page. We appreciate your interest in the Nappanee Apple Festival!

How do I become an event sponsor?

Please contact our Sponsor chairperson at sponsorship@nappaneeapplefestival.org.

How can I become an exhibitor?

If interested in being an exhibitor for the festival, please complete and submit an Exhibitor Application located on the applications page.

We appreciate your interest in the Nappanee Apple Festival!