The Murphysboro Apple Festival A community tradition for over 70 years!
Growing strong
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is Southern Illinois' oldest and largest alcohol-free festival, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year

Fun for everyone
Generally held the 2nd weekend in September, this four-day event packs downtown Murphysboro with family-friendly activities, including free entertainment, carnival rides, pageants, concessions, a car show, and a menu of apple-themed treats.

Core Traditions
The Murphysboro Apple Festival is celebrating its 74th year in 2025! We're proud to have welcomed millions of people to Murphysboro over the years to share traditions both old and new.

Schedule Of Events:

7:00AM - 6:00PM - Apple Pie & Apple Butter Contest
Drop-Off, Judging, & Sales - Davis-McCann Center
Champion Auction - Appletime Stage

6:30PM - 9:00PM - A Taste of Murphysboro
Location: Chestnut Street, south side of Jackson County Courthouse

5:00PM - Appletime Stage Entertainment
5:30pm - 6pm / Apple Pie & Apple Butter Champion Auction
Event Partners: Silkworm, Inc.
Auctioneers: Canning Auctions

6pm - 9pm
Event Partners: Crain Funeral Home

Location: The Appletime Stage
located in the main concessions area, South 13th & South Streets

5:00PM - Window Display Contest
Murphysboro businesses have the opportunity to show their Apple Festival spirit with our Window Display Contest. Participants decorate displays to reflect the year's theme.

Be sure to take time during the Apple Festival to visit participating businesses to admire their hard work!

Location: Displays - Murphysboro Business Storefronts
Awards - Appletime Stage

5:30PM - Festival Funland
The 74th Annual Murphysboro Apple Festival, we have once again partnered with Luehrs' Ideal Rides to bring back your favorite rides, games, and concessions to the Festival Funland!

The Apple Festival Funland offers children and adults alike the opportunity to enjoy a traditional hometown carnival, including all the rides, food, and games you have come to know and love. Open every day during the festivities, the Festival Funland provides enough lights and smells to transform Downtown Murphysboro into the perfect carnival atmosphere. Located in the middle of it all, the Festival Funland truly is the center of the Murphysboro Apple Festival.

Location: Downtown Murphysboro

6:00PM - Civic & Non-Profit Booths
Location: Smysor Plaza, Walnut Street between 12th & 13th Streets