Celebrate the 50th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival
Make room on your September calendar and save room for apple pie. The 50th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival returns September 17 to 20, 2026, bringing four days of food, shopping, entertainment and family activities to Nappanee, Indiana. For travelers exploring US Route 6, the celebration offers a chance to experience a hometown tradition right along the highway.
The festival began in 1975 and has taken place every year except 2020, when it was canceled because of COVID-19. That history makes 2026 the 50th annual celebration, a milestone supported by generations of volunteers, sponsors and community members.
One of its most recognizable attractions is the enormous seven-foot baked apple pie. According to festival organizers, this signature creation weighs approximately 600 pounds. It is a delicious reminder that Nappanee takes its apple celebration seriously.
Visitors can find the pie at Don Carlos Bar & Grill on West Market Street, along US Route 6 just west of State Road 19. Slices are available at the restaurant or the Napple Store.
Beyond the giant pie, the festival advertises apple dumplings, fritters, turnovers, cider, apple butter and other seasonal favorites. More than 150 exhibitors and over 20 food vendors add plenty of opportunities to browse, snack and discover something to take home.
The main festival hours are:
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, September 17 | 5 to 9 p.m. |
| Friday, September 18 | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Saturday, September 19 | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Sunday, September 20 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Individual activities may begin earlier or follow separate schedules.
Saturday offers an especially full day. The Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m., followed by the parade and an airplane flyover scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Later activities include the Wings & Wheels car and airplane show at Nappanee Municipal Airport, pie-eating and apple-peeling contests, and a 9 p.m. drone show at Depot Plaza.
Entertainment continues throughout the weekend. The published lineup includes live music, Granpa Cratchet’s children’s shows and puppets, and performances by the Performance Dogs of Ohio. Friday also features an outdoor movie at Coppes Commons, while Sunday’s schedule includes music and the Heartland Country Cloggers. Check the entertainment schedule to build your visit around the performances you most want to see.
General festival admission is free, although selected events and participation opportunities carry fees. Budget separately for food, purchases and paid activities. The main festival area is downtown, with additional events at other locations around Nappanee.
For US Route 6 travelers, allow extra time when arriving on Saturday morning. The parade travels west along US Route 6 through downtown, so plan your arrival and parking around the festivities. Comfortable walking shoes and a flexible schedule will help you enjoy the day without rushing.
Whether you come for the apple pie, the parade or an afternoon of music and shopping, this milestone celebration offers a welcoming reason to stop in Nappanee.
Plan your visit: Explore the Official Nappanee Apple Festival website, Events – Nappanee Apple Festival and 2026 Entertainment – Nappanee Apple Festival. Confirm activity times before traveling, since schedules can change.
Subscribe to US Route 6 Happenings for more community celebrations, travel ideas and places to explore along US Route 6.
Visit the US Route 6 Tourist Association
Subscribe today and let Route 6 come to you, one story at a time.
FOLLOW US
