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NAPPANEE - Experience the thrill of The Luneau Basketball Family, the Nappanee Apple Festival headlining act, performing in the Nappanee Library parking lot from Friday, Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m. to Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2:30 p.m.
Be amazed by their mind-blowing ball-handling tricks that will leave you speechless, according to a provided news release.
Thursday's festival kickoff at 5:30 p.m. sets the stage for an evening of entertainment, featuring Blue River Jazz at The Goshen News Entertainment Tent and Bremen Family Martial Arts at The Monteith’s Best-One Stage, both performing at 5:30 p.m.
Kids and parents alike will delight in Granpa Cratchet's puppet shows at 6 and 8 p.m., a festival tradition continuing through Sunday. Meanwhile, at 7 p.m., head to The Goshen News Entertainment Tent at Depot Plaza to support the young women competing for Miss Apple Blossom scholarships and witness the crowning of the Festival Queen.
Friday festivalgoers are in for a treat with high-energy comedy shows by Mike Hemmelgarn, a talented juggler and ventriloquist, performing throughout the weekend. The day's music lineup features Sunshine Production Factory, John Gaut, Adrienne Frailey and Exit 41, culminating in a finale with a two-hour performance by StraitJacket and Dirty Details.
Friday through Sunday, Silly Safaris, Indiana's leading provider of live animal conservation education, brings its show to the festival, offering a blend of education and entertainment that captivates audiences of all ages, the release states. With over 3,000 shows annually across the U.S., Silly Safaris showcases a range of reptiles, mammals, birds and bugs.
Saturday's musical lineup is packed with performers, featuring Exit 41, Shiny Shiny Black, Seymour-The Music of John Mellencamp, 50 Five, Touch of Texas and Gene Mullet, all joining forces with The Bulldogs to deliver a day of entertainment.
Rounding out the festival's entertainment schedule on Sunday are performances by the Gray Horse Band, John Gaut, Memphis Underground, Gray Horse Band, the Heartland County Cloggers and the NorthWood High School Dawning Generation.
Throughout the weekend, downtown sidewalks will be lined with crates of fresh apples, accompanied by an array of apple treats, including pie, dumplings, fritters, turnovers, bread, cider and butter. But that's not all - the festival will also feature contests, tournaments and attractions, such as the Farm Tractor & Antique Farm Equipment show at Nappanee Power from the Past Showgrounds from Thursday to Saturday, a Saturday morning parade, and an afternoon Wings, Wheels and Car Show at the Municipal airport.
For a comprehensive guide to the festival, including a full list of entertainment, events and a map, visit nappaneeapplefestival.org or check out the 2025 Nappanee Apple Festival Brochure. Stay up-to-date on the latest festival news and behind-the-scenes peeks by connecting on social media at @napplefest on Facebook and Instagram.
