An aerial view of the car show at Applefest. /Municipality of Brighton photo
For the 51st edition of Brighton’s signature Applefest event, the emphasis will be on shining a light on supporting local and Canadian.
More than half-a-century ago in 1974, the iconic festival initially got its start featuring just a few local farmers and apple growers in downtown Brighton.
Over the decades, the event has grown to stretch across the community and attract thousands – now up to 20,000 or more visitors to the region – during the last full weekend of September.
With the popular street fair overflowing on Main Street, helicopter rides offering up picturesque views from the skies, the car, tractor and motorcycle show, and more, the event has become a staple and long-time favourite for many during the fall festival season in Northumberland and beyond.
The apple-harvest-inspired festival has also been named among the best in the province with Festivals and Events Ontario recognizing Applefest as a “Top 100” festival for 2025.
So what’s on the agenda this year?
Festivities kick-off Thursday, Sept. 25 and continue through to Sunday, Sept. 28, with Saturday serving as the main draw for the event.
Laura Knegt, chair of the Applefest steering committee, tells us more about this year’s street fair set for Saturday.
Meanwhile, in nearby Memorial Park, there will also be live entertainment and opening ceremonies are set for 11 a.m.
Recognizing economic struggles this year, there’s even more of a push to show support for local farmers, growers and businesses – and a few new additions this year hope to build on this.
“New this year, we have what we’re calling ‘roaming events,’ (including) ‘Taste the Harvest’ and the ‘Apple Bucket List,’” explains Knegt.
Taste the Harvest is running all four days and will see Brighton restaurants, food trucks, cafes and more creating “Applefest specials” in a locally-grown apple-inspired showcase.
Residents can keep an eye out online and closer to the date for a fulsome list of all participating eateries.
Meanwhile, the Applefest Bucket List challenge starts Sept. 22 and will continue until Oct. 1, encouraging folks to visit local orchards, snap photos in Applefest cutout murals, and more.
Participants have to complete at least five activities from the “bucket list” and snap photos completing those tasks to be entered for a chance to win a “$250 Bay of Quinte package.”
Interested participants can learn more online.
Another new addition is the apple seed funding program, which means the Friends of Presqu’ile Park are teaming up to help run the car show’s 50/50 draw. Funds raised will help with the Friends’ “Garage to Greatness” initiative that is turning an old garage attached to the Nature Centre into an all-season learning centre.
And that’s not all for the car show this year, notes Knegt.
“Last year, we had about 350 cars, so we’re hoping if the weather is good this year, we’ll have the same amount,” adds Knegt.
Another traditional favourite is the Lion’s Children Village, which is also returning to light up King Edward Park Saturday, Sept. 27.
For residents looking for the fulsome rundown for all four days, a detailed schedule is accessible online.
Knegt says the free shuttle bus service is returning to help residents avoid parking struggles.
Organizers are also reminding residents and visitors that Applefest is a smoke- and vape-free event, as well as a pet-free festival. In other words, Brighton’s no pets’ bylaw will be enforced.
“For the sake of your pet, please leave them at home – it’s too crowded – there’s too many people roaming the streets and we do have staff … who will be enforcing that for the sake of everyone,” explains Knegt.
Fun fact: Did you know Applefest is powered by volunteers who work year-round on the big event? Volunteer recruitment is ongoing, including for the big day on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Knegt tells us more.
The committee needs help in the street fair, children’s village and car show areas.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
