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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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 2024, the dates are Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 28 & 29. The first weekend features all the traditional AppleJack Festival events and the second weekend is “All Things Apple.”
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 2024 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 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 Sept. 21 starting at Steinhard Park, 121 S. Steinhart Park Road, Nebraska City, Neb.
- Extreme Bull Riding Tour will be held Sept. 20 & 21.
- Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m.
- Water Barrel Fights (this one’s fun to watch, even if you aren’t a participant)
- 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
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 (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.
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 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 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 crafters, vendors, food trucks, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, and more.
Shopping
- AppleJack Flea Market – Sept. 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 21 & 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along Central Avenue from Third to Fifth streets
- Nebraska City Jaycees Creation & Craft Fair at Nebraska City Middle School, 909 First Corso. More TBA
- Craft Show – Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eagles Club, 600 First Corso.
- Sweet Pickins AppleJack Craft, Vendor, & Maker Market – Sept. 21 & 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lourdes Central Catholic School, 412 Second Ave. 70+ crafters, artists, and vendors indoors and outdoors.
History & Classic Stuff
- Heritage Needlework Guild Quilt & Needlework Show – Sept. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m., Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bethel Church, 2400 Central Ave. Day pass is $5 and a weekend pass is $8.
Carnival, rodeo & creative stuff
- River City Carnival is on Sixth Street and Central Avenue. Wristbands are $25. Hours are Sept. 20 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. 20 & 21 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).
- Annual AppleJack Fun Run/Walk – Sept. 21 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Steinhart Park, 121 S. Steinhart Park Road. There’s also a one-mile kids run.
- Annual AppleJack Parade – Sept. 21 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 p.m. FREE
- Apple Jamboree is Sept. 28 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
- The Keeping Room Cafe, 715 Central Ave., including apple sangria.
- The Pancake Man pancake feed is Sept. 21 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at Fire Station, 1409 Central Ave.
- The Downtown Cider Stroll is Saturday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. 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.
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.
As a back-up, consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites (especially if you want free breakfast).
Other unique options:
- Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast (in town)
- Country Farmhouse (about 9 miles outside of Nebraska City)
April
Saturday 23rd of September 2023
Thank you for this! Made it easy to find all the info in one spot.