The Murphysboro Apple Festival A community tradition for over 70 years!

Growing strong
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is Southern Illinois' oldest and largest alcohol-free festival, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year.

Fun for everyone
Always held the second weekend after Labor Day, this five-day event packs downtown Murphysboro with family-friendly activities, including free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, and a menu of apple-themed treats.

Core Traditions
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is celebrating its 72nd year in 2023! We're proud to have welcomed millions of people to Murphysboro over the years to share traditions both old and new.

Schedule of Events

August 21-September 13, 2023

10:00AM - 5:00PM: Apple Blossom Contest

The little sibling to the Prince & Princess Contest, it's open to children ages newborn (0) to four (4) years old.

Winners will be announced at the Opening Ceremony.

September 2, 2023

3:00PM - 8:00PM: Appletime Show & Shine

The Appletime Show & Shine is teaming up with Murphysboro Cruise Nights! The Show & Shine Crew will be on hand to award our favorite vehicles in addition to the monthly Cruise Night awards.

September 11-12, 2023

11:30AM - 12:00PM: Storytime with Captain Applesauce

Local children are invited to this special storytime at Sallie Logan Library with the one and only, Captain Applesauce. The Captain and his friends will be reading an Apple Festival-themed story. This event is open to the public.

September 11-16, 2023

5:00PM - 11:00PM: Window Display Contest

Homes and Businesses have the opportunity to show their Apple Festival spirit in the Window Display Contest.

September 13, 2023

7:00AM - 8:30AM: Appletime Prayer Breakfast

Serving as the Apple Festival's unofficial opening event, the Appletime Prayer Event brings together area church leaders in fellowship with the community to bless the festivities with words of prayer and song.

September 13-16, 2023

5:00PM - 10:00PM: Appletime Stage Entertainment
5:30pm - 6:30pm: Apple Pie & Apple Butter Contest Champion Auction
6:30pm - 9pm: Lewis Creek

September 13-16, 2023

5:30PM - 10:30PM: Festival Funland

The Apple Festival Funland offers children and adults alike the opportunity to enjoy a traditional hometown carnival, including all the rides, food, and games you have come to know and love.

September 13, 2023

6:00PM - 9:00PM: Faith & Family Night

Faith & Family Night at the Apple Festival is a lively evening of Christian Music featuring local and national talent!

September 13-14, 2023

6:00PM - 9:00PM: Jackson County Farm Bureau Presents: "From Tree to Table"

Meet the Jackson County Apple Growers, ask questions, and experience firsthand how they do their job.

September 13-16, 2023

6:00PM - 9:00PM: Gen. John A. Logan Museum Exhibits

Stop in at the Murphysboro Event Center to check out two specially curated exhibits from the Gen. John A. Logan Museum, on what makes Murphysboro, "Murphysboro."

September 13-16, 2023

6:00PM - 9:00PM: Civic & Non-Profit Booths

A variety of local Civic and Non-Profit organizations will have booths set up in Smysor Plaza.

September 14, 2023

7:00AM - 6:00PM: Apple Pie & Apple Butter Contest

Non-winning apple pies and apple butter entries will be available for purchase and winning Apple Pies and Apple Butter entries will be auctioned off.

6:30PM - 9:00PM: A Taste of Murphysboro

A Taste of Murphysboro dinner event, featuring a menu of fine food and drinks from locally-owned restaurants.
Proceeds from the event fund a scholarship awarded to a Murphysboro High School Senior.

September 15, 2023

8:30AM - 1:00PM: Appletime Golf Classic

4-Person Golf Scramble with multiple chances to win prizes. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

10:00AM - 12:00PM: Senior Day

An event for area Senior Citizens to mingle, play bingo, and meet with various businesses and services that cater to their needs.

September 15-16, 2023

10:00AM - 9:00PM: Arts and Crafts Fair

Handmade items such as seasonal decorations, jewelry, and personal and household accessories are among the many items that will catch your eye.

Also on North 13th Street, the Arts & Crafts Music Jam, featuring local acoustic artists to entertain while you shop.

September 15, 2023

3:30PM - 5:30PM: Children's Pet & Hobby Parade

Affectionately known as the "Kiddie Parade", children may participate in variety of ways.

September 16, 2023

7:00AM - 10:00AM: Appletime 5K Walk/Run & Captain and Me Fun Run

Register online now! Registration Booth opens at 7:00 AM 5K Race steps off at 8:00 AM Fun Run Time and Course TBA

September 16, 2023

11:00AM - 1:00PM: Grand Parade

The Apple Festival Grand Parade is one of the longest in Illinois with fire engines, marching bands, floats, visiting royalty, horses, and many other unique entries. Over 100 units make this parade truly GRAND and enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year.

1:00PM - 4:00PM: Appletime Cornhole Tournament

2-Person Team Cornhole Tournament with Cash Prizes & Trophies awarded to top finishers.

3:00PM - 5:00PM: Kids' Free Fair

Free games and activities available just for kids to enjoy.

3:30PM - 8:00PM: Drums at Appletime

No one can resist the lure of a marching band and Drums at Appletime continues as one of Murphysboro Apple Festival's most popular events, drawing sell-out crowds year after year.

5:00PM - 9:00PM: Appletime Fiddle & Banjo Contest

An Appletime staple for many years, the Fiddle & Banjo Contest showcases the best of the best in Bluegrass, Traditional, and Americana music.

September 17, 2023

2:00PM - 5:00PM: Miss Apple Festival Scholarship Pageant

Open to young ladies 17 to 20, the Miss Apple Festival Scholarship Pageant awards hundreds of dollars each year to our winner. Miss Apple Festival reigns over the entire Festival.

2:00PM - 6:00PM: Prince & Princess Contest

Open to children ages 5 to 8 years old. Winners will be announced before the Queen Pageant.

Date: September 13-17, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Murphysboro, IL 62966.

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