Get Ready for Hilton Apple Fest
Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4
The Village of Hilton is kicking off the autumn season with its 44th Hilton Apple Fest celebrating the area’s bountiful apple harvest on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Presented by Monroe County and Wegmans, festivities include live entertainment from local favorites The Real News, Hot Wire, Joey Stempien Big Band, Groove Project Duo, Beatlemagic, Dark Horse, The Sideburns, Natalie Poole, Shari Ratka, and Lifted.
Fun for all ages—children’s entertainment at the Kids Korner features Building Families First, along with a variety of activities to keep the little ones engaged. Be sure to visit the Adventures in Climbing Wall and stop by Corey’s Apple Pond, where kids can fish for an apple along with a fun prize.
On Saturday, the Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show—one of our area’s largest—closes out another fine season for many automotive enthusiasts. This year’s competition celebrates Low Riders, with presentation of awards at 4 p.m.
A variety of foods and apple treats abound at the Apple Fest. Stop by and meet your local growers at the Hilton Apple Fest Farm Market—stock up with a plentiful supply of local goodies from Zarpentine R&K Bakery, Partyka Farms, Dragon Fly Jams and Jellies, Brookside Maple Farm, and many more.
More than 130 craft artisans from across the region (and beyond) provide the signature appeal of the Hilton Apple Fest, selling unique and handmade arts and crafts that are perfect for family, home, and holiday gift-giving.
Inside the Hilton Village Community Center, see the “Hometown Heart” Photo Contest, visit the Village Historian, or swing through the gymnasium to browse the Card, Toy, and Collectibles Expo featuring sports cards, memorabilia, novelties, toys, die-cast models, action figures, comics, and more.
Free parking and shuttle service, including accessible parking and shuttle service, are available for all attendees at Hilton High School, located at 400 East Avenue in Hilton. Further details about this year’s festival are available at hiltonapplefest.org.
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Where Are the Apples?
There are many opportunities to purchase apples, cider, apple products, and general apple merchandise at the Hilton Apple Fest.
You might first stop by the Merch Tent for official 2026 Hilton Apple Fest commemorative apparel and swag, then head to Corey’s Apple Pond with the little ones, where they can fish an apple from the pond and win a prize. Every kid is a winner!
From there, venture over to the Food Groups area for a hot apple sausage sandwich (booth #FG5), fried apple logs (#FG13), apple cider slushies (#FG14), a whole apple pie (or just a slice at booth #FG16), or a hot apple sundae (#FG19).
On your way back to the shuttles, be sure to stop by the two Apple Growers located along Henry Street in front of the festival and Community Center building. Their much-loved offerings include apples, cider, apple crisp (cold), apple turnovers, candy apples, apple fritters, apple pie bites, and cider fry cakes. These two booths are conveniently located right next to the shuttle so you can scoop up your favorite treats to bring home for later.
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Test Your Best Apple Pie Recipe
The 2026 Hilton Apple Fest Pie Baking Contest is set for Saturday, October 3. Judges are already lined up and ready to accept your pies. There’s a Kids Division for those age 11 and younger; the Teen Division is for those age 12 to 18; and an Adult Division for those over 18. Visit hiltonapplefest.org for details, including prize and application information. Applications are also available at Tops, Hilton Family Restaurant, M & T Bank, Summit FCU, Mainly Books, and the Parma Public Library, all in Hilton. Pies must be delivered to the Ingham Room inside the Hilton Community Center between 8 and 9 a.m. on October 3. Pies will be judged on appearance, taste, and texture. If you have any questions, please call 585-392-7773 and leave a message for the “Apple Pie Contest.”
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2026 Scholarship Recipients
In addition to the Apple Fest itself, you may see a Hilton Apple Fest booth at many Hilton-Parma events throughout the year as the festival committee raises money each year to support scholarships that are awarded to graduating Hilton High School seniors.
Swing by the Craft Raffle booth at the festival to try your hand at winning one of the dozens of craft items being raffled off to support the Hilton Food Shelf – or enter the $500 Gift Card sweepstakes to help raise scholarship funds for next year’s graduates.
Many 2026 scholarship applicants shared experiences volunteering around Hilton, including the chosen recipients, Alana Neri and Jackson Esposito (pictured), who both shared an impressive history of volunteerism, including multiple years serving at the Apple Fest. In their essays, they impressed the committee with their passion for giving back, their excitement to engage others in their work, and their outstanding compassion. Both are now continuing their education with an eye toward careers in health care.
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The Hilton Apple Fest 2026 Commemorative Logo
A logo design submitted by Daniela Lincoln was chosen as the winner of the 2026 Hilton Apple Fest Logo Contest, which seeks a unique new logo to commemorate the fall festival and harvest each year. Daniela, a process engineer at Bausch & Lomb and an RIT alum, is a native of Brockport, but she has roots in Hilton. Though she did not grow up there herself, her family tree is firmly planted in the community, making Hilton a place that has held special meaning for her.
Daniela has always had a passion and talent for art and design, and it remains an outlet for her and her main way of self-expression. You may already be familiar with some of her work if you happened to stop by the festival Merch Tent two years ago. Entering the Hilton Apple Festival logo contest again this year let her put her skills to the test in a fun way that also tied back to the community.
Her inspiration for this year’s wheelbarrow logo design came from the spirit of the festival and the fall season. “Similar to the pickup truck design I did in 2024,” Daniela shares, “I liked the idea of transporting and sharing apples, and I wanted to find a way to convey that again. The wheelbarrow is a nod to all the hard work the farmers do to bring the apples to us – from growing and maintaining the trees through all seasons to finally harvesting and transporting them far and wide for everyone to enjoy. And although most apples are never big enough to fill a whole wheelbarrow, I like to think that the giant one represents a plentiful harvest – which I hope we have this year!”
Daniela enjoys attending the Hilton Apple Festival each year with her family. It has become a tradition for her, and she is grateful for the opportunity to promote the festival again this year through her logo design. “Creating art has always strictly been a hobby for me. I’ve kept it that way to keep the stress out of it. But this also means that most of the time what I create isn’t seen by anyone other than myself. Knowing that I was able to create something that stood out and that will be seen by a much greater audience not just once but twice is really special to me.”
You can see her winning design as this year’s commemorative logo and support the Hilton Apple Fest by checking out the variety of Apple Fest merch, from t-shirts to sweatshirts, pins, hats, and more at this year’s festival on October 3 and 4.
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Fun, Food, and Festivities for
All Ages at Hilton Apple Fest
The Village of Hilton is ready to welcome the autumn harvest as the Hilton Apple Fest returns for its 44th year! With a weekend packed full of fun activities, tasty foods, unique craft vendors, buoyant live musical performances, and a plethora of apple delights, this year’s festival promises to be a celebration to remember.
A Celebration of Community and Tradition
Since its inception in 1981, the Hilton Apple Fest has been a cornerstone of the community, drawing nearly 5,000 visitors each year. The festival is a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly its bountiful apple harvest. From fresh apples and cider to apple-themed treats, the festival offers something for everyone.
Hilton Apple Fest Board member Matt Ulakovic emphasized the event’s importance to the community: “The best part is the meaningful impact we all create by coming together at the Apple Fest. It’s a beautiful thing to see the joy everyone shares on this special weekend.”
Entertainment for All Ages
This year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup of entertainment across four stages. Local and regional musicians will perform throughout the weekend, with acts like the Joey Stempien Big Band, Natalie Poole, The Real News, Hot Wire, and Lifted delighting festivalgoers.
For the younger crowd, the Kids’ Korner is the place to be. Activities include Corey’s Apple Pond, where kids can fish for an apple and win a prize, and climbing the rock wall. Building Families First will be on hand both days, inviting the kiddos to sing along and bounce to the beat.
A Feast for the Senses
Food lovers will find plenty to savor at the Hilton Apple Fest. From apple fritters and meatballs to apple-inspired desserts, more than 20 nonprofit community organizations will offer a variety of delicious bites for purchase. St. George’s Episcopal Church will once again serve their world-famous apple sausages.
The Farmers’ Market is another must-visit, featuring local growers and vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and more. Be sure to stock up on goodies from favorites like Zarpentine Farms R&K, Partyka Farms, and Dragon Fly Jams & Jellies.
Card, Toy, and Collectibles Expo
Located inside the gymnasium, browse a variety of trading cards, action figures, LEGO-compatible mini-figures and sets, Funko Pops, 3D prints, comic books, local authors, and other collectibles. Plus a vast assortment of pop culture apparel, curios, keepsakes, souvenirs, and more! The Expo is a must-visit haven for collectors, hobbyists, and new fans alike to support independent businesses and pick up some grails for their collections!
Special Events and Contests
This year’s Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show, celebrating Low Riders, will take place on Saturday at the Village Elementary School.
Bakers are invited to showcase their skills in the Apple Pie Contest, with divisions for youth and adults. Judging will take place on Saturday morning, and pies will be evaluated on appearance, taste, and texture.
For photography enthusiasts, the “Hometown Heart” Photo Contest offers a chance to showcase their talent.
Plan Your Visit
Free parking is available at Hilton High School, with free shuttle service running every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the weekend—ensuring easy access to the festival grounds.
Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, the Hilton Apple Fest is the perfect way to celebrate the season and connect with the community. Visit hiltonapplefest.org for more information.
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Be Kind to Your Pet
What does a dog think about the Apple Fest?
“Oh boy, we’re going for a walk. Oh no, they are taking me to the Apple Fest with all those feet around me. Well, we’re finally here and it sure smells good. I think I’ll try to snag that little boy’s hot dog. Oh wait, there is another dog eyeing it. He growled at me. Should I give in or put up a fight? They are eating, when is it my turn? I sure could use a drink of water. I’m hot with this coat on. Great, I see a grassy area where I can take care of business. Why is that little girl looking at me and crying? Not for nothing, but the music hurts my sensitive ears. I think we’re heading home now so I can take a nap because I’m stressed out and exhausted. If they had left me home in the first place, I could have had my nap already, and we could have some playtime. Maybe next year I won’t have to go.”
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