EAST LONGMEADOW — It is apple season in Massachusetts and East Longmeadow orchard The Apple Place is getting into the swing of things with its eighth annual Apple Fest on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“It’s the busiest day of the year,” said owner Anthony Maloni.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live musicians, artisans, baked goods, a playground and free craft table for children. It is also the official kickoff for The Apple Place’s corn maze and fall season. The business offers flashlight night in the corn maze. Apple Fest is “100% family-friendly,” Maloni said.
Between 1,000 and 2,000 people stroll through Apple Fest each year, Maloni said. This year, there will be more than 30 artisan vendors, 50% more than last year. Maloni said, “We have the room for it, so we just have opened it up.” A full list of vendors can be found at theappleplace.net/apple-fest-2025-artisans.
“There’s a little bit of everything,” including “really good eats,” Maloni said. “If you’re a foodie, it’s a good spot.” Fresh apple cider will be available, along with Bryson’s Maple Syrup and homemade soups from Food-Love-Wine. While The Apple Place is not a pick-your-own orchard, Maloni, who also owns Rice’s Fruit Farm and an orchard in Wilbraham, said the apple barn will be open and people can select from most of the 50 apple varieties grown at The Apple Place.
“We’re a little off the beaten path,” Maloni said of The Apple Place, so Apple Fest offers an opportunity to discover the orchard.
Apple Fest runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and more information can be found at theappleplace.net.
