🍎 Applefest 2025: Four Days of Parades, Music, and Community Tradition

La Crescent, MN — September 19–21, 2025 — The 77th Annual La Crescent Applefest is almost here, bringing four days of parades, live music, contests, and community tradition. From pre-fest favorites like the Apple Annie Cabaret to Sunday Funday on the festgrounds, this year’s celebration is packed with events for all ages.

Applefest officially kicks off Thursday evening with live music and community spirit. Grab a lawn chair and head behind City Hall for La Crescent Live with Gregg Hall & the Wrecking Ball, setting the mood with local tunes before the big parade.

The highlight of the night is the Light Up La Crescent Parade, sponsored by Hilltopper Refuse. The lineup begins at 6:30 p.m. at Crucifixion parking lot, with floats, lights, and community pride parading through downtown. Once the parade concludes, the fun doesn’t stop — local establishments along the route invite you to stick around for a “Parking Lot Party” with food and drinks.

Friday ushers in a full evening of entertainment. The King Apple Tent becomes the heart of the festival, opening with performances by Craig Peterson and Blue Collar 40. One of Applefest’s traditions, the Tapping of the Red Apple Keg sponsored by Pearl Street Brewery, also takes place Friday, bringing a festive toast to the weekend ahead.

The Carnival opens at 5:00 p.m. with K&M Rides & Amusements, lighting up the midway with rides, games, and the smells of fair food. Wristbands are available onsite for $25, giving kids (and kids at heart) unlimited rides throughout the night.

As a special note, Thursday is also Military Appreciation Night. Veterans and active military members who show ID can enjoy the evening free of charge.

Saturday is the busiest day of Applefest, packed with activities from sunrise to midnight.

The morning kicks off at Old Hickory Park with the 5K registration and packet pickup from 7:00–8:00 a.m., followed by the Big Apple Kickball Bash Tournament at Veterans Park and the start of the 5K Race at 8:30 a.m. While the runners are on the course, the Great River Makers Market opens at the La Crescent Area Event Center, running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with handmade goods and artisan vendors.

At 10:00 a.m., the King Apple Tent opens for the day, along with La Crescent History Center & Apple Museum Tours. Competitive spirits can head to the tent for the Cornhole Tournament, with bags flying at 11:00 a.m.

The late morning brings two kid-favorite traditions: the Little King & Little Miss Pageant at Crucifixion School and the Kiddie Parade, themed “Candy Apple,” beginning at 10:30 a.m.

By noon, the midway comes alive as the Carnival opens, with wristbands available until 4:00 p.m. for unlimited rides. Also at noon, families can enjoy Vintage Base Ball at Old Hickory Park, and the Kiddie Parade steps off through downtown. Early afternoon features Big Wheel Races at the Crucifixion Parking Lot, followed by Bingo in the King Apple Tent.

The afternoon and evening are filled with family fun — pony rides on the festgrounds, live children’s entertainment including songs by Emma Blank, face painting with Tappy, balloon twisting by Kevin, and magic shows by Isaiah.

As the sun sets, the evening program takes over: the President’s Reception at SwingBridge Pub, the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships Awards at the King Apple Tent, and the grand Miss La Crescent Coronation at the High School Fine Arts Center.

The day wraps up with music and dancing at the King Apple Tent, where the Applefest Photo Booth opens and the BT Band takes the stage from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.

Applefest wraps up with a full day of family fun — and the best part is no button is required for Sunday events.

The King Apple Tent opens at noon, setting the stage for a lively afternoon and evening. The Carnival continues all day with K&M Rides & Amusements, and unlimited ride wristbands are available onsite from noon to 4:00 p.m. for $25. Families can also enjoy Big Time Pony Rides from 1:00–7:00 p.m. on the festgrounds ($5 per rider).

The highlight of the day is the King Apple Parade, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Main Street and ending on Lancer Boulevard — a classic Applefest tradition that draws the whole community. Entertainment continues at the tent with performances by the Apple Annies at 4:00 p.m., followed by the ISD300 Foundation raffle drawing at 5:00 p.m.

Closing out Applefest 2025, Moniker takes the stage at the King Apple Tent from 5:30–9:30 p.m., ensuring the festival ends on a high note of music, dancing, and community spirit.