23rd Annual Apple Fest in Downtown Long Grove

Historic Downtown Long Grove’s 23rd annual Apple Fest returns Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, September 27from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The highly anticipated fall festival features bushels of sweet apple treats, free live music throughout town with later nights for the adults, family and kids activities including apple pie eating contests, shopping for unique gifts and so much more!

It isn’t Long Grove if there isn’t music! After sold-out late night crowds at Long Grove’s Chocolate Fest and Strawberry Fest earlier this year, Apple Fest will also feature later nights for the adults, and live music throughout the day. Big headliners taking the Main Stage include:

• Trippin’ Billies (Friday, September 25): Bringing fans the music of The Dave Matthews Band for close to twenty years, Trippin’ Billies has become the gold standard for tribute bands. Based out of Chicago, the Billies have toured extensively throughout the U.S. performing at many of the same theaters Dave himself once graced.

• Lucky Boys Confusion (Saturday, September 26): Long regarded as a haven for electric blues, power pop, and even metal, Chicago served as surprisingly fertile soil for the speedy growth of Lucky Boys Confusion. The five-piece ska-punk outfit formed in 1997 when vocalist Kaustubh Pandav and co-vocalist Adam Krier began writing songs together. The pair drew from punk, rap, and reggae to create an infectious ska-punk sound that combines Pandav’s Latin melodies with Krier’s Beastie Boys-influenced rap.

• Suburban Cowboys (Sunday, September 27): This group is one of the most sought after country cover acts in the Midwest, headlining 100+ annual shows including prestigious venues such as Joe’s On Weed Street in Chicago, Toby Keith’s, Love This Bar, Country Thunder and more. They have also performed on the same bills and stages with artists like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann, Miranda Lambert and more.

An impressive lineup of live music can also be found at the Mill Pond Stage, Fountain Square as well as at locations throughout town such as Broken Earth Winery, Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Cafe and The Village Tavern. Bands and DJs to take the various stages during the day include John Till, Brent Brown, Dave Bess, Makena Hairline Duo, Jack Eiler and many more!

For a full schedule of the weekend’s live entertainment, activities and more, please visit Long Grove’s website.

Bring the whole family to enjoy community activities on Towner Green such as tug of war, limbo competition, apple pie eating contests, 3-legged races, potato sack races, and community performances! The Kid Zone includes a strolling magician, balloon artists, face painters, a “bubbler”, and arts and crafts. Plus, stop by the Kid Zone from noon -2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to create your own chalkboard picture frame, sponsored by Home Depot!

Tickets for the festival are $5 general admission at the gates. Tickets for Saturday from 6 - 10 p.m. are $8 at the gate. Admission is free to kids under the age of 12. Purchase tickets in advance at www.VisitLongGrove.com.

Free parking is available in all public lots. All proceeds from the Apple Fest benefit the Long Grove Business and Community Partners to support yearly programming and events.

For more information, please call the Visitor’s Information Center at 847.634.0888.