Apple Fest Frequently Asked Questions

In 2023, the event will take place on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1 from 9am to 6pm each day.

Apple Fest takes place along Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Square Neighborhood.  This year the footprint will be expanded along Lincoln between Sunnyside and Lawrence Avenues.

Our suggested donation is $5 to enter the festival.  Donations benefit the nonprofit organization of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.  Proceeds support the community place-making projects and small business programing provided locally by the Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, several local community non-profits receive grants for assisting with the event.

Of course!  Apple fest is a family-friendly event.  We have a safe and fun Kids Zone area with scheduled programming from 10am to 4pm on each day of the event.  The Kids Zone is located at the corner of Lincoln and Leland Avenues.

Apple Fest can be extremely crowded at times, so we don't recommend bringing man's best friend during peak times of the day.  At the start of event on Saturday morning Apple Fest does host a Pooch Costume Contest, as the crowds at this time of day are traditionally smaller.  Dogs that do not do well in public settings are recommended not to attend the event.  If your dog does cause harm to someone else, you will be held responsible.

No, Apple Fest is a rain or shine event.  In cases of severely inclement weather and/or high winds that could impact safety, updates will be posted to the Chamber of Commerce social media accounts.

No, no one is required to donate at the gate to enter the festival footprint in order to patronize a business and/or attend an appointment.  However, we do hope you'll come back for some great music and food to support this wonderful festival's efforts to fund free community programing, place-making initiatives, and more!

There are numerous ways to get to Apple Fest!  Please visit the dedicated Getting to Apple Fest page to learn more.

While 2-hour metered parking is available on the main streets surrounding the festival, and at a couple of public-parking lots, parking is very limited.  We highly recommend taking public transportation or ride-share services when possible.  For more details, visit the Getting to Apple Fest webpage.

Of course!  There are many bike lanes that lead right to Apple Fest.  We encourage all riders to lock up their bikes, outside of the festival gates.  We bring in additional bike racks located in the CTA Brown Line Western Station plaza, right outside of the Western & Leland event entrance.