2026 Grand Rapids Applebutter Festival Guide

Keep checking back! Information will be added to this page as festival updates become available.

Last updated: September 19, 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — The 2026 Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest takes place Sunday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The community tradition features applebutter making, crafts, food, live music and historical demonstrations.

Here’s your guide to festival preparations, parking and activities around the village.

Applebutter Fest Preparation Schedule

The 2026 volunteer announcement lists the following dates and times.

Apple Peeling: September 23 and October 7

Apple-peeling sessions will take place Wednesday, September 23, and Wednesday, October 7, at the Old Fire Station in Grand Rapids.

Both sessions begin at 4 p.m. and continue until finished. Volunteers should bring a paring knife and a bowl. Supper will be provided.

The Big Stir: Saturday, September 26

The Big Stir takes place at Kryder Farm, 4862 County Road P, McClure, Ohio 43534.

• Stirring: 6 a.m. to noon
• Canning: 1 to 4 p.m.

Participants are invited to bring a dish to share.

Festival-Day Applebutter Making: Sunday, October 11

• Stirring begins: 6 a.m.
• Canning: Noon to 4 p.m.
• Public festival hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to Volunteer

For applebutter-making volunteer information, the 2026 announcement lists:

• Laura Borer: 269-808-4372
• Rick Tolles: 419-908-7353

The festival also seeks volunteers for applebutter sales, its bratwurst booth, bus-stop greetings, setup and cleanup. Contact the committee through the official volunteer page.

Parking and Street Closures

According to the festival’s published parking information:

• Parking is $20 per vehicle, cash only.
• Shuttles transport visitors from festival lots into the village. Lots C, D and R offer accessible transportation.
• Village vehicle restrictions run 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 11. Nonresidents are directed to festival parking lots.
• Front Street between Beaver Street and West Street closes at 4 p.m. Saturday, October 10, until 5 p.m. Sunday, October 11.
• The Route 295 river bridge remains open to pedestrians. Vehicle access is at the discretion of the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

The parking page includes the festival parking map.

What to Expect at Applebutter Fest

The official festival website lists these attractions:

• Front Street juried crafts: Handmade items including jewelry, pottery, textiles, home décor and seasonal decorations. Explore Front Street crafts.
• Pirate Park crafts and collectibles: Located at East Second Street and Wapakoneta Road, with booth-rental proceeds supporting Grand Rapids Youth Baseball and Softball. Pirate Park information.
• Labino Park crafts and vendors: Located at Bridge Street and Third Street, beside the swimming pool, and sponsored by Grand Rapids Cub Scout Pack 325. Labino Park information.
• Living history on the towpath: Historical reenactors, traditional skills and craft demonstrations, including cannon and musket demonstrations. Towpath activities.
• Farm area: Antique farm equipment, animals and agricultural demonstrations. Farm area information.
• Classic car display: Restored and antique vehicles. Classic car information.
• Live music and children’s activities: Entertainment areas are described on the festival’s live music page and children’s area page.
• Nonprofit food booths: Participating organizations use festival food sales as a fundraising opportunity. Food booth information.

Where to Find the Apple Butter

Apple butter is made in Village Park beside Town Hall, where volunteers stir copper kettles over wood fires. Visitors are welcome to take a turn stirring, and the festival lists applebutter sales in Village Park.

Organizers make a batch before the festival and another on festival day. The batch made during the festival requires refrigeration. Read more about the applebutter-making tradition.

A few tips before you go

• Bring cash before arriving. You’ll need it for parking, and it’s wise to have some for food and shopping, too. Plus ATMs will charge you an arm and a leg!
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Give yourself time to walk between the different festival areas.
• Save the parking map to your phone. Pick a meeting spot with your group so you have a plan if reception is unreliable.
• Think about noise before bringing a pet. Leashed dogs are permitted, and owners must clean up after them. With crowds and cannon demonstrations, noise-sensitive dogs may be more comfortable at home. Festival pet policy and towpath activities.
• Keep shuttle space in mind. Strollers and wagons are permitted, but size and available space matter, and the driver makes the final decision. Official shuttle FAQ.

Information for Village Residents

The village’s posted deadline for requesting guest parking passes was September 1. Residents could request up to two passes.

These passes allow guests to reach a resident’s property where access is permitted. They do not authorize driving on closed streets or parking in restricted areas. For questions, contact the village office at 419-832-5305. Read the village’s parking-pass notice.

Residents entering during restrictions must show a driver’s license with a village address or an official village-issued pass showing that address. See the approved resident entry routes.

Emergency and Assistance Information

For emergencies, call 911. The festival’s published assistance information lists:

• Nonemergency assistance: 419-354-9001
• Police command: Presbyterian Church
• First aid: New Fire House and Log Cabin
• Lost children or adults: Seek help at the New Fire Hall, Old Fire Station or from a uniformed police officer.

Keep this page bookmarked for updates. Additional information is available on the official Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest website.

Be sure to stop by the 98.7 Towpath Radio Photo Op Tent across from Town Hall and crank up 98.7 FM on your way into town!