Local Traditions: The Apple Festival
Four Flags Area Apple Festival
Celebrate over 50 years of autumn tradition in Niles, Michigan! The Four Flags Area Apple Festival brings four days of family fun to Berrien County, featuring over 100 arts and craft exhibitors, Skerbeck carnival rides, live entertainment, traditional harvest contests, and plenty of fresh local apples, cider, and baked treats.
1740 Lake Street, Niles, MI 49120
Festival Hours & Main Highlights
Thursday, Oct 1st
Festival grounds open, carnival rides begin, and fresh apple baked goods available all afternoon.
Friday, Oct 2nd
Free apple giveaway at the Stilwell Memorial Tent, beer and seltzer tent opens, live music on the main stage, and fireworks at 10:00 PM.
Saturday, Oct 3rd
All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, 51st Annual Arts & Crafts Fair open all day, and the famous Grande Parade stepping off at 1:30 PM.
Sunday, Oct 4th
Arts & crafts fair, carnival games, pancake breakfast, and classic family contests including apple pie eating, apple peeling, and scarecrow judging.
Pro-Tips for the Best Experience
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Plan Around Parade Traffic
The Grande Parade steps off downtown at 1:30 PM on Saturday along a 1.6-mile route toward Niles High School. Expect heavy traffic on main corridors like 17th Street before and after the parade.
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Buy Carnival Wristbands Early
Daily unlimited ride wristbands from Skerbeck Entertainment are available right at the gates. Getting yours early in the afternoon helps avoid the evening ticket booth lines.
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Catch the Free Apple Giveaways
Stop by the Stilwell Memorial Tent on Friday afternoon or the Niles Historical Train Station on Saturday morning to pick up free fresh apples from local orchards.
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Visit Sunday for Smaller Crowds
If you prefer a relaxed pace for browsing craft vendors or bringing younger kids for carnival rides, Sunday offers lighter crowds than peak Saturday hours.
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