There’s An Apple Festival In Illinois And It’s Just As Wacky And Wonderful As It Sounds

Growing up in DeKalb County, I know the special place that local festivals have in the community and the region at large. In DeKalb, we have Corn Fest, and in Sycamore we have Pumpkin Fest — two big-time traditions that hold meaning in my heart. So when I hear of a hometown festival, my interest is immediately piqued. There's nothing quite like strolling down wide open streets filled with the smell of fresh-baked (or fried) foods, live music, homemade crafts, rides, and seeing people enjoying themselves. Fortunately, this apple-themed unique fall festival in Illinois has all those features and more.

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is an over 70-year tradition in the small Southern Illinois town of Murphysboro, about a 10-minute drive from Carbondale.

It began as a 1-day festival to promote local businesses, but today is one of the largest and oldest festivals in the region — attracting more than 45,000 visitors annually (over 6 times the town's population!) for a 4-day event steeped in tradition.

It always occurs on the second weekend after Labor Day in September, with 2023 dates being September 13-17.

The unique festival is a huge part of the town's culture, which is more than familiar with engaging in the weird and wonderful. In fact, Murphysboro is also the origin of the Southern Illinois legend "The Big Muddy Monster," a Bigfoot-like creature.

Check him out in the mural above!

However, the festival has its own special mascot: Captain Applesauce! The character was created in 1980 and serves as the face of the fest. Each year he kicks the festival off by reading to kids at the local library.

A big feature of the festival is also its contests, like the deliciously-fun apple pie and apple butter contest.

There is also the Appletime Golf Classic, Appletime Show & Shine, Appletime Cornhole Tournament, Appletime Fiddle & Banjo Contest, Apple Blossom Contest, Window Display Contest, Appletime 5K walk/Run, a Prince & Princess Contest, and the Miss Apple Festival Scholarship Pageant.

Winning any apple-themed contest is probably as American as it gets!

Personally, I would like to be a taste-tester.

Of course, there are plenty of local vendors on hand to sell fresh-baked goods and pastries, as well as festival souvenirs.

The Festival Funland portion of the event contains classic carnival rides, games, and foods for a an old-fashioned hometown festival.

Also, peep this cute little bakery created just for the festival!

The festival showcases not one but two parades: the Grand Parade and the Children's Pet & Hobby Parade.

Shop local wares and handmade gifts at the arts and crafts fair, which also includes live acoustic music to serenade you while browsing.

Take all my money.

So, would you add this unique fall festival in Illinois to your bucket list? Have you ever attended before? What's your favorite local festival in the Prairie State? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Murphysboro Apple Festival website and the Murphysboro Apple Festival Facebook page. And while you're in town, make sure to take a moment to taste some of the best barbecue in the country at this local restaurant.