Apple Harvest Festival, Waynesville

October 15, 2022
Named as one of the "10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the National", this annual street festival in charming downtown Waynesville is a delicious way to enjoy tastes of the fall season. This premier arts and crafts event celebrates all things apple and the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Stroll the historic Main Street filled with vendors as well as a big variety of shops and restaurants. Admission is free and runs 10 AM-5 PM.

Of course, you should definitely sample and take home some local apples. Find many varieties! Plus, savor fresh apple pies, tarts, caramel apples and ciders. Try your hand at hand-cranking ice cream or pressing apple cider. Play old-fashioned games and dance to live music.

Waynesville is about 25 miles west of Asheville. Main Street is filled with galleries, gift shops, breweries and many dining options. The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts is housed in the historic Shelton House, 49 Shelton Street. 

A fall favorite festival, expect crowds of 40,000 or more. So arrive early and spend the day. Find parking at the following places:

• Parking Garage: 143 Branner Avenue (behind Courthouse)
• Municipal Parking Lot: Corner of Montgomery Street & Miller Street
• Wall Street: Runs parallel to Main Street
• Business lots that sell parking spaces as a fundraiser for a local non-profit

Just outside of town is Barber Orchards (2855 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville) if you want to buy even more apples or try their famous apple turnovers and fritters.

Go to the Haywood County Tourism website for more details about the Apple Harvest Festival and other events there.

See our Waynesville Guide for even more things to do in the area.