The Art & Apples Festival Brings Artistic Brillance September 10-12!

Ah…the fall season is upon us. The beginning of September in Rochester has dawned a welcomed dip in temperatures and an eye toward all things traditionally Autumn. Nothing banners Rochester fall tradition more than the iconic “Art & Apples Festival”.

The Arts & Apples Festival consistently ranks as one of America’s best art shows. Though long well established locally, the country has taken note. In fact, SunshineArtist.com ranks The Art & Apples Festival as one of the US’s Top 10 for the last decade!

The pulse of the festival is the unique selection of over 200 artists. These artists bring passionate skillsets birthed through diverse mediums. You’ll find creativity on display within clay, cloth, drawings, glass, jewelry, leather, metals, paint, photography, sculpture and wood.

Glass Medium for Apples

courtesy Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA)

Representing states from New York to California, Minnesota to Texas, Florida to Arizona, these artisans have converged on Rochester’s Municipal Park since 1955, transforming the weekend after Labor Day into Michigan’s Place-to-Be! In 2019, the Art & Apples Festival drew 80,000 fans, last year the pandemic put things on hold. Elizabeth (Beth) Chilton, Executive Director of Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA), says, “We’re trying to strike a good balance as we both want to ensure our patrons are feeling safe and yet feeling the pleasure of getting back to normal life. Attending the annual Art & Apples Festival is such a great tradition in our region, I believe people are really looking forward to continuing that tradition!”

A myriad of options await those taking a break from the inspiring tents.

Enjoy a full slate of performances on the “Main Stage”. The sounds of Jazz, Motown, Country, and Marching Bands fill the air, while the venue creates movement with a variety of dance companies.

Across the Main Stage, at the center of it all, is the Food Court! Among the foods wafting towards patrons are wood fired pizzas, bistro burgers, elephant ears, gyros, and of course…Apple Fritters, Apple Pies, and Apple Strudel!

Apple Fritter Time

courtesy PCCA

Make your way to the northwestern most point of the festival where you’ll find the Meijer Kids Art Zone and Creation Station. Get your face painted or watch live instructor-led art demonstrations.

“The Creation Station is a terrific way for festival goers to experience how art is made. Watching the glassblowing process or seeing how pottery is made on a wheel gives patrons a new appreciation for the level of effort and artistry that goes into the making of each work of art for sale at the festival.”, says Beth Chilton.

Painting Joy

courtesy PCCA

As leader of the Art & Apples Festival, Beth Chilton wants everyone to know, “The festival, our region’s annual ‘welcome to fall’, is back with all your favorite artists, food vendors, performers, art demonstrations and art-making opportunities!”

You know you want to go…right? Here’s the When and Where.

When is this year’s 2021 Art & Apples Festival?

Friday, Sep 10: 2pm-7:30pm
Saturday, Sep 11: 9am-7:30pm
Sunday, Sep 12: 9am-4pm

Where is this year’s 2021 Art & Apples Festival?

Rochester Municipal Park. Downtown Rochester, Michigan