Can't make your way out to the suburbs for the best apple picking near Chicago this season? Don't stress—you can still get your apple fix within city limits at Lincoln Square's annual Apple Fest, which is returning to Lincoln Avenue with an expanded footprint this October after going virtual last year.
The two-day, fall-centric festival, now in its 34th year, stretches from Lawrence to Wilson Avenues, where a series of food vendors, farmers market-style stalls, activity stations and music stages will line the street. As always, apples are the star of the show: Whether you want to feast on apple brats, apple bread pudding, candied apple bacon, apple cheddar scones, apple-cinnamon tamales, apple-stuffed grilled cheese or apple cider doughnuts, you're sure to find a meal to satisfy your apple cravings, with selections from vendors like Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese, Borelli's, Tamales Express and more.
You can wash all the delicious food down with cider from local outfits like The Northman, Right Bee and Eris, plus local and national breweries offering apple-infused beer (including A Bushel of Apples, a caramel apple-flavored blonde ale from Phase Three Brewing Company and Affy Tapple). Want to try your hand at making your own apple-stuffed treats at home? You'll also be able to buy fresh apples and cider from farms across the Midwest, including Mick Klug Farm, Phil Foster Farm and Los Rodriguez Farm, plus other fresh veggies and farm-made goods.
“Apple Fest is always Chicagoans’ sign that fall is here and to stock up on their favorite fall goodies to ring in the season,” said Rudy Flores, executive director of Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release.
In addition to the apple-themed wares, attendees can peruse goods from local retailers such as Edgewater Candles, Ruff Haus Pets, ENJOY Lincoln Square and a host of other stores. When you're not browsing, catch performances from cover bands like The Noize, The Friends Band and The StingRays, or watch a promenade of costumed dogs during Saturday's Pooch Costume Contest. Family-friendly activity booths will also be on hand to keep the little ones entertained.
Ready to welcome fall with an apple or two? Apple Fest will take place on October 2–3 from 9am to 6pm in Lincoln Square.