Fall in Southern California may have everyone thinking about pumpkins, but it is also the perfect time to enjoy all things apple - from picking your own fruit to fresh apple cider (and apple cider donuts!) to delicious apple butter. Apple butter making is a tradition found in several parts of the country and one that started in the U.S. hundreds of years ago. The annual Apple Butter Festival in Oak Glen, CA, which is known for its apple farms and cideries, is an opportunity for everyone to come join the fun and honor this long-standing tradition. And I think it may be the fall season’s most charming harvest celebration.

As far back as the 16th century, colonial farmers would come together, bringing their last apples of the year, to celebrate an abundant harvest and the changing of seasons. The last of the annual produce was boiled down to make preserves that would last them through the winter. This tradition was more than a practical way to keep from losing any apples and being able to enjoy them until the next harvest. It was also an enjoyable way to preserve a spirit of community for these early families who, in addition to making apple butter, celebrated with music, dancing, and a feast.

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho now hosts the annual Apple Butter Festival each year on Thanksgiving weekend. The historic ranch is an ideal place for this harvest celebration, and there is plenty of fun to be had. For starters, families will enjoy apple butter making the traditional way - outdoors in the ranch’s 100-year-old copper pot. Do you know what it means to “start the snitz” or “add the money” when making apple butter? Join a hands-on demonstration and find out!

Other fun activities will include pioneer crafts, fall foliage carriage rides, games, pumpkin painting, cider tasting, an Oak Glen Treasure hunt, and a Saturday night hoedown. Admission to the festival is free, but note that small fees and/or tickets are required for some activities, such as the hoedown.

This charming harvest festival is a unique and fun way for families to celebrate the end of the fall season. Will you be heading to Oak Glen in November to join in the tradition? Find out more about the Apple Butter Festival on the Los Rios Rancho website. What is your favorite fall festival? Share with us in the comments. And if you’d like to spend the weekend in Oak Glen for the festival, check out this lovely farm stay Airbnb!