Everything You Need To Know About Nebraska City’s AppleJack Festival 2026

If there’s one time of year all eyes are on Nebraska City, it’s in the fall. Crowds visit the orchards and there are hayrack rides and all sorts of festival, autumn-y events. And there’s AppleJack Festival, named by USA Today as one of the Top 10 Harvest Festivals in America. So, here’s why you’ll want to go, and what to expect.

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UPDATES: It’s still pretty early for AppleJack Festival details, so I’ll be updating this the closer we get to September.

When is the AppleJack Festival?

The AppleJack Festival used to be one weekend in September but it’s grown so large, it’s held over two weekends in Nebraska City. This year, the dates are Sept. 18-20 & 26-27. The first weekend features all the traditional AppleJack Festival events and the second weekend is “All About Apples.”

The timing coincides with peak apple-picking season (though if you’re a Honeycrisp fan, you’ll want to visit earlier in September).

Where is the festival?

The festival is in Nebraska City at various locations. And while some of us might think Nebraska City is small and easy to navigate, it’s not a walk-to-everything kind of festival, though there are a few things near each other.

I recommend making a plan before going. When I went with my family in 2021, I spent so much time on my phone trying to figure out where everything was. The next time we go, I’ll have an itinerary better mapped out.

What are the highlights of the 2026 festival?

The AppleJack Festival highlights really depend on your interests. Maybe you like the parade or carnival, or just want to shop, or you just want to try all-things-apple? I divided the planned events into categories. Please note that times are subject to change without notice.

Weekend 1 Highlights (Sept. 18-20)

The first weekend of the AppleJack Festival is considered the traditional festival weekend. Events will include:

• Parade on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. on Central Avenue
• Carnival at Sixth Street and Central Avenue
• AppleJack Flea Market (between Third and Fifth Street on Central Avenue) and Sweet Pickins AppleJack Craft, Vendor & Maker Market (Lourdes Central Catholic School, 412 Second Ave.)

Weekend 2 Highlights (Sept. 25-27)

The second weekend of the AppleJack Festival is themed “All About Apples.” In addition to visiting nearby orchards, events include:

• Cider Stroll along Central Avenue (for ages 21+)
• AppleJack Adventure for young kids
• (Sunken Parking Lot, 750 Central Ave.)

More events will be announced the closer we get to the gestival.

Farms & Orchards

There are several orchards and farms to visit during AppleJack Festival. Most will be open typical business hours on Friday through Sunday. Check individual locations for specific hours.

• AppleJack at Arbor Day Farm – Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave. U-pick and pre-picked apples, Treetop Village in the Tree Adventure, the Apple House, Arbor Lodge Mansion, wine and hard cider, and food.
• AppleJack at Kimmel Orchard – Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, 5995 G Road. Homemade apple donuts, fresh cider, wine tastings, pre-picked & U-pick apples, a vendor fair, hayrack rides, and adventures on the Pollinator Playground. 
• AppleJack at Union Orchard – Union Orchard, 2405 Highway 75. U-pick and pre-picked apples, plus activities.
• Ramold’s Pumpkin Ridge Farm at 815 N. 60th Road. There will be food trucks, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, and more. They will also host the craft fair on Sept. 19 and 20.

Shopping

• Applejack Flea Market (held on the first weekend, all three days)
• Sweet Pickins AppleJack Craft, Vendor & Maker Market (hold on the first Saturday & Sunday)
• AppleJack Harvest Market (held on Sept. 26)

As of this publication (Aug. 10), the list is pretty short. I imagine more shopping options will be announced soon.

History & Classic Stuff

• TBA

Carnival, rodeo & creative stuff

• Applejack Carnival is typically held on Sixth Street and Central Avenue. This year, only the carnival is only listed for occurring on the first weekend.
• Annual AppleJack Parade – Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. along Central Avenue

Food & Drinks: Where can we eat during AppleJack Festival?

You’ll find food for purchase at:

• Arbor Day Farm, including food trucks and Porter’s BBQ
• Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, snacks like apple cider donuts
• The Keeping Room Cafe, 715 Central Ave., including apple sangria.
• The Cider Stroll is held on the second weekend for people ages 21+. Purchase a Cider Stroll Passport and visit each location, which will have a variation of apple cider… including a variety of hard ciders, regular ciders, cider slushies, cider donuts. There is a prize for visiting all locations.
• New this year is the Apple Bites Passport!

Nebraska City hotel recommendations

Good accommodations are limited in Nebraska City, especially during AppleJack Festival, and the key is to book your room early. I highly recommend Lied Lodge & Conference Center. You’ll be able to walk over to Arbor Day Farm from the hotel. We stayed at the lodge earlier in September one year and the kids loved it (it helps that there’s a pool). The lodge also has a great restaurant inside it – Timbers.

Use this map to help find other available accommodations: