Why Applefest Is My Favorite Day of the Year in Warwick

Every year on the first Sunday in October, our village turns into one big celebration of everything apple. This year marked the 36th Applefest, and it was another reminder of why so many people fall in love with Warwick.

Applefest started in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration. Today it draws more than 30,000 visitors from all over the region for one day. The streets fill with more than 200 craft vendors, food stands on every corner, and live music drifting from several stages.

Here’s what makes the day so special:

• Shopping: Handmade crafts, local goods, and holiday gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
• Eating: Apple pie, cider donuts, caramel apples, fresh cider, and plenty of non-apple treats too. Don’t miss the slices from the Apple Pie Baking Contest.
• Strolling: The whole village is walkable, so you can wander from festival booths to our local shops and restaurants.
• Family fun: The Children’s Carnival and Farmers’ Market keep everyone busy.

My favorite part is that Applefest gives back. Proceeds support the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce and about 50 local non-profits. For many of them, it’s their biggest fundraiser of the year. When you buy a slice of pie or pay for parking, you’re supporting the groups that make our community what it is.

That’s what I love about living here. Warwick is a small town where neighbors show up for each other and a crisp October Sunday becomes a tradition families look forward to all year.

If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for the first Sunday in October 2027. And if you’ve ever thought about what it would be like to call Warwick home, I’d love to show you around. Applefest is just one of the reasons people stay.

Warmly,
Susan Lynch
Trusted Real Estate Advisor
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team