Pennsylvania National Apple Harvest Festival 2026: Attractions

Autumn brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and one of the state’s favorite traditions. The National Apple Harvest Festival returns to Adams County this year, and fall lovers already have their calendars marked. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go, including dates, location, tickets, and the top things to do once you arrive.

Event Dates and Hours

The festival runs across two full weekends this year. Mark these dates on your calendar:

First weekend: October 3 and 4, 2026
Second weekend: October 10 and 11, 2026

Saturdays run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event happens rain or shine, so plan accordingly and dress for the weather. Many visitors arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a calmer stroll through the vendor rows before the afternoon rush.

Where the Festival Takes Place

The event is held at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglerville, Pennsylvania. This small town sits in the heart of apple country, surrounded by rolling orchards and mountain views. The address is 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA 17307.

Biglerville is only a short drive from Gettysburg, which makes the trip easy to combine with other sightseeing. Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Harrisburg are all within roughly two hours of the fairgrounds, so many out-of-town guests turn the visit into a weekend getaway.

Quick Facts Table

Detail	Information
Dates	October 3–4 and October 10–11, 2026
Location	South Mountain Fairgrounds, 615 Narrows Road, Biglerville, PA
Saturday Hours	8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday Hours	8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission	Includes parking, shuttle or wagon rides, and access to entertainment and exhibits
Children	Ages 12 and under enter free with a paying adult
Weather Policy	Rain or shine

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for this year’s event are sold online through the official festival website. Buying ahead of time is a smart move, since prices can be lower before the gates open and lines move faster once you arrive.

Children who are 12 years old or younger get in free when they come with an adult. This makes the festival a budget-friendly outing for families with young kids. Admission covers more than just entry. It also includes parking, shuttle or wagon transportation around the grounds, and access to nearly every attraction, exhibit, and orchard tour offered that day.

Because operating costs have risen in recent years, organizers have adjusted ticket pricing for this season. Therefore, checking the official site before your visit is the best way to confirm exact costs and avoid surprises at the gate.

A Festival With Deep Roots

This event has celebrated Pennsylvania’s apple harvest for more than fifty years. What started as a small community gathering has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated fall traditions. Each year, roughly 100,000 visitors travel to Biglerville to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.

The festival is more than entertainment, however. A large share of the proceeds supports the local community. Funds go toward Oakside Community Park and the Upper Adams Jaycees, a group that runs charitable projects such as an Easter egg hunt, holiday food boxes, and support for families in need. Attending the festival, in other words, also means giving back.

Top Attractions and Things to Do

With more than 300 arts and crafts vendors and six entertainment stages, there is plenty to keep visitors busy across both weekends. Below are some of the most popular attractions.

Arts, Crafts, and Shopping

Hundreds of juried craft vendors set up booths throughout the fairgrounds. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, and seasonal decor. Many items make great gifts or unique additions to a fall-themed home.

Food and Apple Treats

No fall festival is complete without seasonal food, and this one delivers. Guests can sip fresh apple cider, snack on kettle corn, and try classic barbecue. Apple-inspired treats fill the food stands, including pies, dumplings, and candied apples. Visitors with a sweet tooth should plan to arrive hungry.

Live Entertainment

Six stages keep the music and performances going throughout the day. Genres range from bluegrass to country, so there is something for nearly every taste. Magic shows and demonstrations add extra variety for guests who want a break from walking.

Family-Friendly Fun

Families with children have plenty to enjoy as well. Popular activities include:

Pony rides for younger visitors
A petting zoo with farm animals
Rock climbing for older kids and teens
The Kids’ Kraft Korner, a hands-on craft area
Visits from strolling characters, including Johnny Appleseed

These activities keep kids engaged while parents browse the vendor rows or relax with a snack.

Orchard Tours and Farm History

Adams County has a long history tied to apple farming, and the festival celebrates that heritage. Orchard tours give visitors a close look at how apples grow and how the harvest works. Antique farm equipment and vintage cider presses are also on display, offering a glimpse into how growers once worked the land. Chainsaw carving demonstrations add an unexpected but popular twist, drawing crowds who want to watch artists turn logs into detailed sculptures.

Getting Around the Fairgrounds

The fairgrounds cover a large area, so getting around comfortably matters. Admission includes shuttle or wagon transportation, which helps visitors move between different sections without a long walk. This is especially useful for families with strollers or guests who have difficulty walking long distances.

Parking is included in the ticket price as well. Arriving early on Saturday mornings usually means an easier time finding a spot close to the entrance.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

A little planning goes a long way at an event this size. Consider the following tips before you go.

Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, to avoid the busiest crowds
Wear comfortable shoes, since the fairgrounds require plenty of walking
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, because the event runs rain or shine
Bring cash for smaller vendors, although many booths accept cards
Buy tickets online in advance to save time and often save money too

Additionally, visitors who want to explore nearby Gettysburg should plan extra time. Combining a festival day with a short trip to historic sites nearby makes for a fuller weekend.

Why Visitors Keep Coming Back

Few fall festivals in Pennsylvania offer this mix of tradition, food, and family entertainment. The event blends farm heritage with modern fun, giving visitors of every age something to enjoy. Whether you come for the crafts, the food, or the orchard tours, the atmosphere captures the spirit of autumn in a way that keeps people returning year after year.

Conclusion

This year’s celebration spans two exciting weekends, October 3 to 4 and October 10 to 11, at the South Mountain Fairgrounds in Biglerville. Visitors can expect hundreds of craft vendors, live music across six stages, and food stands filled with seasonal treats. Families will find plenty to enjoy too, from pony rides to hands-on craft stations. Because admission includes parking, transportation, and access to most attractions, the event offers strong value for a full day of fall fun. With over fifty years of history and strong ties to the local community, this festival remains one of the best ways to experience autumn in Pennsylvania apple country. Plan ahead, buy tickets early, and get ready for a memorable weekend surrounded by orchards, crafts, and harvest traditions.