As October rolls on, the smell of warm apple cider doughnuts starts filling the air more and more, and one historic town just 90 minutes from NYC is bringing the quintessential fall harvest tradition to life.
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Warwick, New York feels made for autumn, with rolling farmland, apple orchards, colorful foliage, and a walkable downtown filled with local shops and restaurants. And if you’re looking for an excuse to make the trip this fall, there’s one annual celebration you’ll want to put on your radar: Warwick Applefest.
What began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration has since grown into Orange County’s largest festival, drawing more than 30,000 visitors to Warwick for one jam-packed day of apples, food, live entertainment, local makers, and fall fun.
Warwick Applefest returns with 200+ vendors, live music, and plenty of fall treats
The festival packs an entire day of fall fun into Warwick’s historic village, with more than 200 craft vendors and dozens of food vendors lining the streets. Visitors can browse handmade goods, shop from local businesses, sample food from vendors, and explore everything the village has to offer.
There’s also a farmers’ market, live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the day, and a children’s carnival, so there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.
And naturally, apples are at the heart of the celebration. Expect apple-inspired treats and plenty of classic fall flavors, including fresh cider and apple pie, with the festival’s annual apple pie contests adding an extra dose of friendly competition.
You can even enter Warwick’s famous apple pie contests
If simply eating apple pie isn’t enough, Applefest gives visitors the chance to get a little competitive.
The festival hosts both an Apple Pie Baking Contest and an Apple Pie Eating Contest, continuing one of the event’s most beloved traditions. And if you’re not quite ready to enter yourself, you can always grab a slice and cheer on the contestants instead.
Warwick Applefest hours and admission
Warwick Applefest takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the historic village of Warwick, New York. Admission is completely free, though parking costs $10 and is cash only. Free shuttle buses run from designated parking areas to the heart of the festival.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $10, cash only