A Guide to Fall Apple Festivals in Chicago

Apple Festivals in Chicago are a great way to celebrate the Fall season, and explore the city at the same time. The really neat thing about Chicago festivals is that attendance is almost always free, and there is plenty to do without having to spend a dime. Apple tastings, games for the family, live entertainment and contests of every kind are just some of the fun events planned for this year's apple festivals.

Here is a guide to local apple festivals in Chicago that I love attending with my own family. The first is in a suburb of Chicago, Long Grove, and the second is in the city of Chicago itself within easy walking distance from public transportation.

Annual Long Grove Apple Festival
October 2-4, 2009
Fountain Square, Long Grove

Long Grove is a suburb of Chicago, just thirty five miles northwest of Chicago, that is the perfect setting for small town festivals. The Apple Festival of Long Grove is one of the town's favorite and well attended by residents and out of towners because of the festival's theme and the village's shops and sights. This local apple festival is very much a family friendly event, so there is plenty of stuff to keep everyone entertained.

The annual Long Grove apple festival takes place in Fountain Square in the historic district of the town, from October the second to the fourth, from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Among the festivities planned are many different ways to enjoy apples, including the famous brown bag apple pies, apple cider, apple donuts, apple butter, apple tastings and more. There is also plenty of live entertainment, food vendors, and activities for children and families. For more information visit, www.longgroveonline.com

Lincoln Square Apple Fest, Roscoe Village
September 19, 2009
4731 N. Lincoln Ave

One of my favorite things about the city of Chicago are the neighborhoods that are rich in culture and diversity. Roscoe Village is one of those neighborhoods, and every year there is an Apple Fest held in the pedestrian friendly strip that is known as, Lincoln Square. The Apple Fest is a great way to get families out enjoying the mild fall weather, it is held early enough in the season to allow for it, and bring some business to the many shops and restaurants that line the strip.

The Fest is free for visitors and held out in the open air square, Gidding's Plaza, from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m., when the square begins to fill up with the early dinner crowd. Live music, fresh pressed cider, and games for the family keep everyone entertained. Throughout the day there will also be live cooking demonstrations and food tastings, bushels of apples for sale of every local variety and several local farmers and vendors bring in their own produce and gifts for you to peruse. Even if you are not an apple lover, this is a great time to explore the neighborhood as every nook and cranny is dressed up for the festivities and most of the shops hold special sales and promotions just for the day.