Join us for the 8th annual Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta! Celebrate all things apples and enjoy apple-themed fun. Visit downtown Sparta, located in the heart of apple country, and explore all our small town has to offer! There is a big line-up of events on both days of the festival and this is the ultimate guide to help you enjoy your experience at the festival!
1. Meet & Greet with the International Living Statues and Watch Them Perform
The International Living Statues Festival will be taking place on Saturday, September 16th. From 2-6 pm, you can watch five artists from all around the world put on their display as living statues in downtown Sparta. Living statues are artists who create an elaborate display, often dressed in an intricate costume, body paint, or makeup to create a static, statuesque appearance. On Friday, you can meet the artists and enjoy cider and donuts with them from 7-8 pm!
2. Live Music
You will have many opportunities throughout the festival to enjoy live music! On Friday, Country Current Band will be playing from 6-9 pm. The Jason Eller Band will play on Saturday from 10 am-1 pm, followed by the Coty Bouchard Band from 2-6 pm. End the night with live music from 6 Pak Band from 6-9 pm!
3. Market on the Ridge
Explore a juried artist, maker, and small boutique market set up downtown. These vendors have something for everybody, so you’re sure to find something great! The vendors will be set up from 4-8 pm on Friday and from 10 am-5 pm on Saturday.
4. Fireworks Show
Cap off your Friday night with a Fireworks Show! Come on down to Balyeat Field at 9:15 pm for an amazing display.
5. Harvest Hayride
Hop on the Harvest Hayride and cruise to local establishments with your friends! The ride lasts about an hour and includes an adult “tasting” at each stop. Cost is $20 to join and you must be at least 21 years of age. Rides will take place at 4 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7 pm on Friday. You can join in on Saturday at 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm.
6. Kids Activities
There are numerous activities for kids that will be available during both days of the event! Gelly Ball, Inflatable Fun, and Apple Box Tractor rides are great activities to bring your family to! A petting zoo and pony rides will also be part of the festival. There will even be a Magic Show at 1 pm on Saturday! Looking for a more relaxed activity for your kids? A craft tent will be set up on Saturday, too!
7. MI Apple Queen
From 12 – 3 pm on Saturday you can meet royalty! Every year since 1952 the Michigan Apple Industry crowns a Michigan Apple Queen. She travels throughout the state, and she will be making a stop in Sparta during the festival!
8. Harvest Chance Raffle
Enter the raffle for a chance to win several awesome prizes! Tickets will be available from 4 pm-pm on Friday and from 10 am-7:30 pm on Saturday. The winning tickets will be selected at 8 pm Saturday night!
9. Great Lakes Lumberjack Show
Chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, crosscut sawing, log rolling, and loads of clean, family-friendly humor will take place throughout the day on Saturday! Showtimes are at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
10. Apple Pie Eating Contest
Eat an apple pie slice as fast as you can! The kid’s contest will take place at 3:30 pm on Saturday, followed by the adult contest at 6:30 pm. There is also an apple peeling contest at 3 pm!
11. Eat MI Apples!
Be sure to enjoy a fresh, Michigan-grown apple while you visit Sparta! Visit one of the many farm markets on your way into Sparta (and on your way home!) to load up on local apples. Did you have your fill of apples during the pie-eating contest? Visit one of our amazing food trucks that will be set up during the festival or enjoy dinner at one of our many fabulous restaurants!
There are so many wonderful activities planned for the Michigan Apple Fest. We hope you’ll enjoy the weekend with us!