The North Carolina Apple Festival

Name: The North Carolina Apple Festival
Address: Hendersonville, NC, 28792, US
Telephone: 828-697-4557

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Hendersonville, NC
The North Carolina Apple Festival

Labor Day Weekend: September 4-7, 2026
Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, N.C.

05/06/2026

🍎 Please join us in congratulating Haley Caroline Marshall named the 2026 NC Apple Festival Ambassador! 👏

A rising senior at East Henderson High School, Haley will represent the Festival throughout the year, including appearances during the 80th NC Apple Festival, the NC Mountain State Fair, and other community events.

We’re also excited to recognize Brenlee Addison Rhodes as this year’s first runner-up. Both young women were awarded the Evelyn Lutz Hill Memorial Scholarship honoring longtime service to the NC Apple Festival.

We can’t wait to see Haley represent Henderson County and our apple-growing community this year! 🍏

👉 Read more: ncapplefestival.org/2026appleambassador/

04/21/2026

Last night we gathered with our board and key volunteers, along with partners from the City of Hendersonville , for our annual “thank you” dinner. Originally scheduled during the ice storm, we were especially grateful for the warm weather and the beautiful setting at Echo Hill Flower Farm.

Guests enjoyed dinner and dessert from two of our 2025 Festival food vendors, Hibachi Chef Blue - Private Hibachi and minibatchbakery.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who couldn’t make it, we appreciate you just as much. This evening was a wonderful kickoff to this year’s festival planning and a chance to recognize Josh English for his leadership as Festival President over the past two years. 👏🍎

04/07/2026

🍎 We’re excited to welcome back AdventHealth Hendersonville as the Presenting Sponsor of the NC Apple Festival!

Their team has been a longtime supporter of this community tradition, helping make it possible for hundreds of thousands of visitors to experience the apple growers, artisans, food vendors, and entertainment that fill downtown Hendersonville each Labor Day weekend.

Thank you, AdventHealth Hendersonville, for your continued partnership and commitment to our community. 👏

Interested in supporting the NC Apple Festival as a sponsor? Opportunities are still available for 2026. Learn more on our website: ncapplefestival.org/get-involved/ .

03/25/2026

🍎 Grand Marshal Announcement

We are proud to announce that Fair Nabers Waggoner will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 King Apple Parade as we celebrate the 80th NC Apple Festival.

A Henderson County native, Fair has been part of the Apple Festival for many years. From marching in the parade as a teenager to supporting the Festival and our apple growers throughout the years, her connection to this tradition runs deep. (Scroll through to see photos of Fair in her apple attire as a child, the parade as a teenager and of her grandmother, Saluda’s Apple Queen.)

"Being named the Grand Marshal of the King Apple Parade is the quintessential hometown honor for me. I’ve grown up around apples and apple farmers, and the purity of the industry is something I don’t want taken for granted. It is an honor to highlight these farmers and to be a special part of the parade.”
- Fair Nabers Waggoner

Join us in congratulating Fair as she helps lead the parade on Labor Day, September 7, 2026 in downtown Hendersonville. 👏🍏

👉 Read more about Fair and her connection to the Apple Festival here: ncapplefestival.org/fairnaberswaggoner

03/24/2026

🍎 Friendly reminder!

The NC Apple Festival Ambassador Scholarship application is due March 30 (must be postmarked the 30th).

Being the Apple Festival Ambassador has a lot of perks… and yes, occasionally that includes tasting some of the delicious treats from our festival vendors. 🍩

Learn more and apply: ncapplefestival.org/about/

03/07/2026

⚠️ Vendor Scam Alert
If you have applied to be a vendor for the NC Apple Festival, please note that our vendor team will contact selected vendors by phone.

If you receive an email saying you’ve been accepted and asking for payment, it is not from the NC Apple Festival and is likely a scam. Please do not send payment or personal information. If you have questions about a message you received, feel free to contact our office directly.

02/14/2026

Our first love? 🥰
Caramel apples, sticky fingers, and sweet festival memories. Happy Valentine’s Day from the NC Apple Festival. 🍎❤️

02/09/2026

🍎 Calling All Henderson County Nonprofits!

Each year, the NC Apple Festival sets aside available booth spaces for local nonprofits to connect with our community during festival weekend. The 2026 Nonprofit Interest Form is now open!

These spaces are designed for information sharing and community engagement, giving you a chance to highlight the important work you do right here in Henderson County.

📌 What to know:
• Nonprofit booths are selected through a random drawing at the Board of Directors’ April meeting
• Application window is open through March 31, 2026
• Booth fee: $100
• Nonprofits provide their own 10x10 tent, tables, and chairs
• Most booths operate Friday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Some may be asked to stay through Monday after the Parade
• New for 2026: booths are informational only. No selling or branded merchandise giveaways are allowed

We love creating space for organizations that serve our community, and we can’t wait to learn more about the incredible work you’re doing. 🍏

👉 Apply here:/ncapplefestival.org/vendors-participants/

01/23/2026

Our 2026 Sponsorship Booklet is now available! 🍎

The generosity of our sponsors and donors enable us to continue celebrating Henderson County apples and our rich heritage. Sponsorships directly support the festival’s operational expenses, such as advertising, insurance, portable restrooms, entertainment, and the professional stage setup, including sound, lights, performers, and electricity.

Please connect with Summer Stipe, our Fundraising, Administrative & Marketing Coordinator to find the partnership that works best for your business.

Please visit our website for sponsorship levels and associated perks - https://ncapplefestival.org/get-involved/

01/16/2026

Here's the 2025 Apple Farmer of the Year, Rex McCall from Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, sharing some interesting things that go on during the winter season on an apple farm. 🍏❄️

It won't be long before we're buying honeycrips and other treats from their stand on Main Street!😋

Address

Hendersonville, NC
28792

Telephone

828-697-4557

Website

http://www.ncapplefestival.org/

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