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Top Things To Know About Nebraska City’s AppleJack Festival 2023

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.

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. In 2022, the dates are Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 23 & 24. The first weekend features all the traditional AppleJack Festival events and the second weekend is “All Things Apple.”

Apples and fall decor at Arbor Day Farm

The timing coincides with peak apple 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.

Girl on a large chair in front of a ferris wheel at the Nebraska City AppleJack Festival

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 2023 festival?

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

Weekend 1 Highlights

The first weekend of the AppleJack Festival in 2023 is considered the traditional festival weekend. Events will include:

  • AppleJack Fun Run – This is a 5k fun run/walk and a kids run that will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16. The 5k route starts at 7:30 a.m. at Steinhard Park, 121 S. Steinhart Park Road, Nebraska City, Neb. Registration is $45 for the fun run. The kids fun run is free.
  • Extreme Bull Riding Tour will be held Sept. 15 and 16. Gates open at 5 p.m. each night. Advanced tickets are $15. Live music will conclude each night. The event takes place at Hidden Falls Cabins & RV Park, 6124 Steinhart Park Road, Nebraska City, Neb.
  • Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m.
  • Water Barrel Fights start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, in front of the Fire Station at Central Avenue and 14th Street. Teams need to pre-register. It’s fun to watch, even if you don’t have a team participating.
  • Downtown Flea Market
  • Food Trucks for Food Courts
  • Craft & Vendor Fair at the Eagles Club at 600 First Corso.
  • Nebraska City Jaycees Creation & Craft Fair at Nebraska City Middle School at 909 First Corso.
  • Makin’ Memories Vendor Fair at Pumpkin Ridge, 815 N. 60th Road, Nebraska City, Neb.
  • River City Classic Car Club Car Show will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Nebraska City.
Decorated pumpkins at Arbor Day Farm

Weekend 2 Highlights

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

  • Sweet Pickins Vendor Fair at Lourdes Central Catholic School, 412 Second Ave., Nebraska City, Neb.
  • Apple Jamboree will be Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Building parking lot located at Eighth Street and First Corso. The kid-friendly event includes a petting zoo from Scatter Joy Acres, rides, games, face painting, a rock snake, and more.
  • The Downtown Cider Stroll is Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 5 p.m. for people ages 21+. Purchase a Cider Stroll Passport for $25 (limited quantity available) and visit each location, which will have a variation of apple cider… including a variety of hard ciders, regular ciders, cider slushies, cider donuts. You can pre-purchase passports or buy them the day of the event starting at 2 p.m. under the blue NCTC canopy near Eighth Street and Central Avenue. There is a prize for visiting all locations. There will also be live music.
  • The Taste of Nebraska City AppleJack Progressive Dinner is Saturday, Sept. 23, starting at 6 p.m. The limited-capacity dinner group will travel around downtown Nebraska City for appetizers, a meal, and dessert. The cost is $99, and you can pre-purchase tickets.
  • The Taste of AppleJack Recipe Contest is Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic Barns at Arbor Day Farm.

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.

A wine display at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
  • AppleJack at Arbor Day Farm – Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave. U-pick and pre-picked apples, Treetop Village in the Tree Adventure, the newly-remodeled 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 OrchardUnion Orchard, 2405 Highway 75. U-pick and pre-picked apples, plus activities.
  • Ramold’s Pumpkin Ridge Farm will be open Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 815 N. 60th Road. There will be crafters, vendors, food trucks, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, and more.
  • AppleJack Festival at the Farm – Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Steamwagon Enterprises, 5585 H Road. Craft and merchandise vendors, small petting zoo, straw maze, and Kona Ice.
  • Makin’ Memories at Pumpkin Ridge – Sept. 17-18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 815 N. 60th Road. Crafters, vendors, food trucks, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, and more

Shopping

Families walking in downtown Nebraska City
  • AppleJack Flea Market – Sept. 15 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 16 & 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along Central Avenue from Third to Fifth streets
  • AppleJack Used Book Event – Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 16 & 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morton-James Public Library, 923 First Corso 
  • Apples to Apples Fundraiser – Sept. 15 & 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at H&R Block, 817 Central Ave., will have a garage sale, bake sale, etc.
  • Faith Baptist Craft & Vendor Fair is Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1121 First Corso.
  • Nebraska City Jaycees Creation & Craft Fair is Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nebraska City Middle School, 909 First Corso.
  • Craft Show – Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eagles Club, 600 First Corso.
  • Love, The Locals Makers Market: AppleJack Edition – Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic Barns at Arbor Day Farm, 2611 Arbor Ave. Admission: $5 ages 18+; kids are free. Receive a coupon for $1 off at the Apple House Market with your ticket purchase. 
  • Sweet Pickins AppleJack Craft, Vendor, & Maker Market – Sept. 23 & 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lourdes Central Catholic School, 412 Second Ave. 70+ crafters, artists, and vendors indoors and outdoors.

History & Classic Stuff

A keelboat replica in front of the Lewis & Clark Center in Nebraska City
  • “The Glory of Hair,” featuring hair-related items from the Victorian Era on display, will be at the Wildwood Historic Center, 420 Steinhart Park Road, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. House tours are $5 for adults and $2 for kids 12 and under.
  • Heritage Needlework Guild Quilt & Needlework Show – Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethel Church, 2400 Central Ave. Day pass is $5 and a weekend pass is $8.
  • 19th Annual Lewis & Clark Reunion – Sept. 16 & 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Center, 100 Valmont Drive. Junior Ranger activities and badge awards all day; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., see Living History Corps, learn about river navigation, and view hides and pelts. FREE outdoor demonstrations, but there is an admission fee to go indoors.
  • 1st Nebraska Brass Band Concert – Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. at Civil War Veterans Museum, 910 First Corso. This 15-piece recreated Civil War band wearing authentic Union uniforms and playing authentic music from the Civil War era. FREE
  • Community Kregel Talk – Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, 1416 Central Ave. There will be FREE tours of the museum on Sept. 24 from 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Book signing and presentation with Stephanie Grace Whitson, author of the newly-released “Love at First Sight,” will be at Arbor Lodge Mansion, 2600 Arbor Ave. Book signing will run Sept. 16 & 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission rates apply.
  • River City Classics Car Club AppleJack Car Show – Sept. 17 starting with 8 a.m. registration, noon judging, and 3 p.m. awards along Central Avenue between 11th Street and Sixth Street.
  • Living History Weekend: 100th Celebration of the Morton Family gifting Arbor Lodge to the State of Nebraska – Sept. 23 & 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arbor Lodge Mansion, 2600 Arbor Ave. Special displays and activities. Outdoor demonstrations are FREE and admission into the mansion is $9 adults, and $7 youth (age 3-12).

Carnival, rodeo & creative stuff

Playing a carnival game at the River City Carnival in Nebraska City
  • River City Carnival is on Sixth Street and Central Avenue. Wristbands are $25. Hours are Sept. 15 from 5 to 11 p.m.; Sept. 16 from noon to 11 p.m., Sept. 17 from noon to 5 p.m.
  • Nebraska City Extreme Bull Riding Tour – Sept. 15 & 16 starting at 7 p.m. at Hidden Falls Cabins & RV Park Arena, 6124 Steinhart Park Road. Gates open at 5 p.m. $20 at gate ($15 in advance).
  • Hair and Tinsel Braiding (cute hair styles for kids) – Sept. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at CRUSH Boutique, 902 Central Ave. It’s a fundraiser for the Nebraska City Elementary PTO. Cost is $5 for tinsel and $15-$20 for braiding.
  • Annual AppleJack Fun Run/Walk – Sept. 16 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Steinhart Park, 121 S. Steinhart Park Road. There’s also a one-mile kids run.
  • Book Signing & Character Meet & Greet for “Iggy’s Zoo Adventure” is Sept. 15 from 4 to 5 p.m. at The Keeping Room Cafe, 715 Central Ave. FREE
  • Sidewalk Chalk Contest is Sept. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Self Expressions Gallery, 819 Central Ave. Winner will be announced Saturday after the parade. FREE
  • Harry Potter Party is Sept. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Morton-James Public Library, 923 First Corso. All ages welcome for snacks and activities, plus Hogwarts grab bags. FREE
  • 55th Annual AppleJack Parade – Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. along Central Avenue from 16th Street to Sixth Street, and Sixth Street south to First Corso. Following the parade, head to Central Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets to watch the water barrel fights starting at around 3:30 p.m. FREE
  • Camp Catron Adventures – Sept. 16 & 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Camp Catron, 609 N. 60th Road. Climbing wall, dual racing zipline, quick flight, and obstacle course. Prices vary.
  • Cosmic Bowling – Arbor Lanes Bowling Alley, 2023 Industrial Road, has bowling all day Sept. 16 & 23 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sept. 17 & 24 from noon to 5 p.m. $10 per person for two hours unlimited bowling, shoe rental, and medium soda.
  • Apple Jacked Fitness Competition is Sept. 17 starting at 9 a.m. at Steinhart Park, 121 S. Steinhart Park Road. 
  • Best Cornhole Tournament of the AppleJack Festival is Sept. 17 starting at 1 p.m. at Dinty Moore’s Bar, 108 S. Eighth St. Cost is $40 per team.
  • Apple Smash Sand Volleyball Tournament is Sept. 23 starting at 10 a.m. at Arbor Lanes, 2023 Industrial Road. For co-ed teams of six, cost to register is $180.
  • Apple Jamboree is Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Memorial Building Parking Lot, Eighth Street and First Corso. Includes a petting zoo from Scatter Joy Acres, face-painting, a chance for you to help create A.J. The Rock Snake, and more.

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
  • Union Orchard will offer boxed lunches available at Central Apple Market, 701 Central Ave., as well as grilled items at the orchard.
  • The Keeping Room Cafe, 715 Central Ave., including apple sangria. Breakfast and Bloody Marys is Sept. 15-17 & Sept. 23 & 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. Live music is scheduled for Sept. 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Sept. 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
  • The Pancake Man pancake feed is Sept. 16 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Fire Station, 1409 Central Ave. Cost is $45 and includes pancakes, sausage, and apple cider. Proceeds benefit community events.
  • Nebraska City Nutrition, 618 Central Ave., will have apple cider doughnuts, refreshing teas & shakes, vegan and vegetarian options, kids caffeine-free Koolers, and other nutritious treats.
  • Chad’s Kitchen, Fifth Street and Central Avenue, will have caramel apples, cinnamon rolls and more on Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Latin Food Sale is Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Way, 809 Central Ave.
  • Bethel Women’s Fellowship Food Stand is Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 810 Central Ave. Selling hot dogs, nachos, snacks, pop, and water.
  • Fire House Grille, a fundraiser for the Fire House Museum, will sell brisket sandwiches and hot dogs Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nebraska City Fire Station, 1409 Central Ave. 
  • Tamales & More will be for sale on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Arbor Bank Parking Lot, 10th Street and First Corso.
  • AppleJack Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake Breakfast is Sept. 17 from 7 a.m. to noon at Nebraska City Municipal Airport, 972 S. 64th Road, four miles south of Nebraska City on Highway 75. Cost is $8 for adults ages 12+, $4 for kids ages 4-11, and FREE for fly-in pilots.
  • Brunch, Babes, & Cars is Sept. 17 starting at 9 a.m. at CRUSH Boutique, 902 Central Ave., and Little Things Boutique, 811 Central Ave.
  • First Foodies Smokin’ Delicious will be open Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eighth Street and Central Avenue. They were the 2022 Taste of AppleJack Recipe Contest People’s Choice Award Winner.
  • Mary Ulbrick’s cookbook fried chicken dinner is available for pre-order and can be picked up on Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, 411 Fifth Rue. Meal includes one piece each of white and dark chicken meat, mashed potatoes & gravy, creamed corn, frog eye salad, green beans, dinner roll, and a slice of pie. MUST PRE-ORDER by calling 402-209-0360 or visiting website
  • The Downtown Cider Stroll is Saturday, Sept. 23, from 2 to 5 p.m. for people ages 21+. Purchase a Cider Stroll Passport for $25 (limited quantity available) and visit each location, which will have a variation of apple cider… including a variety of hard ciders, regular ciders, cider slushies, cider donuts. You can pre-purchase passports or buy them the day of the event starting at 2 p.m. under the blue NCTC canopy near Eighth Street and Central Avenue. There is a prize for visiting all locations. There will also be live music.
  • The Taste of Nebraska City AppleJack Progressive Dinner is Saturday, Sept. 23, starting at 6 p.m. The limited-capacity dinner group will travel around downtown Nebraska City for appetizers, a meal, and dessert. The cost is $99, and you can pre-purchase tickets.
  • The Taste of AppleJack Recipe Contest is Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic Barns at Arbor Day Farm.
The AppleJack Festival menu at The Keeping Room and a glass of apple sangria

Nebraska City hotel recommendations

Good accommodations are limited in Nebraska City, especially during AppleJack Festival, and the key is to book your room early.

The exterior of Arbor Day Farm Lied Lodge in Nebraska City

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.

As a back-up, consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites (especially if you want free breakfast).

Other unique options:

Guide to the popular fall festival, the AppleJack Festival in Nebraska City. Tips include: What to do, where to eat, and where to stay!

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April

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

Thank you for this! Made it easy to find all the info in one spot.

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