Brighton’s beloved fall tradition, Applefest, returns for its 51st year from September 25 to 28! Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun, local flavours, and community spirit throughout Downtown Brighton, Brighton Public School, King Edward Park, and community spaces in the municipality.
Since its humble beginnings in 1974 when farmers first gathered, Applefest has grown into one of Ontario’s premier events, attracting thousands of visitors from across the province each year. In 2025, Applefest was recognized as a Top 100 Festival of 2025 by Festivals and Events Ontario.
On Saturday, September 27, the festival will showcase over 170 local businesses and organizations along Main Street, offering one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, face-painting activities, and a variety of delicious food trucks. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor Car Show at the Brighton Public School grounds featuring unique vehicles, a live DJ, and local vendors. At King Edward Park, the Lions Children’s Village will have activities for kids and the young at heart.
Admission is free, however, select activities hosted by local service clubs and businesses may require an additional fee to participate.
A free shuttle bus service will operate on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with stops at the following nine locations:
Dunnett’s Orchard – 143 Dundas Street
Brighton Health Centre/YMCA – 170 Main Street
Car Show at Brighton Public School – Located at the break in the fence line on Dundas Street
Children’s Village – King Edward Park, 75 Elizabeth Street
East Northumberland Secondary School Parking Lot – Located on Terry Fox Drive
Evangel Pentecostal Church – 30 Butler Street
Fellowship Christian Reformed Church – 204 Main Street
Sanford Street Parking Lot – Located on the corner of Sanford and Prince Edward Street
Prince Edward Square – 46 Prince Edward Street
An accessible shuttle bus is available free of charge upon request, with service to all parking lots. To make arrangements in advance, please call (613) 899 – 8287.
Free additional and accessible parking is available in eight nearby lots, all within walking distance of the festival:
Brighton Health Centre/YMCA – 170 Main Street
Brighton Municipal Office – 35 Alice Street
Dunnett’s Orchard – 143 Dundas Street
Evangel Pentecostal Church – 30 Butler Street
Fellowship Christian Reformed Church – 204 Main Street
Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church – 40 Centre Street
King Edward Park Arena – 75 Elizabeth Street
Sanford Street Municipal Parking Lot – Located in the northwest corner of the Sobeys parking lot
Friendly Festival Reminders:
To ensure Applefest is a safe and enjoyable for attendees, and in accordance with Municipal by-laws, Applefest is a pet-free and smoke/vape free event. Service animals are welcome: please ensure you have appropriate documentation.
Road and On Street Parking Closures:
Road and On Street Parking Closures:
Main Street will be closed from Ontario Street to Prince Edward Street on Saturday, September 27, from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Please follow the detour routes to navigate around the festival. Residents are kindly reminded to remove their vehicles from Main Street by 5:00 a.m. to allow for vendor set-up.
For full event details, including a list of participating vendors, and festival updates, visit https://www.brighton.ca/en/discover-brighton/applefest.aspx, or follow @BrightonApplefest on Facebook and Instagram.
(PAUL MARTIN)
