The 70th Annual Chilhowie Apple Festival takes place September 27-29, 2024.
This three day festival has been an annual tradition for decades, starting when Chilhowie was the apple capital of Virginia. Feel like one of the locals with fun and free events, including Grand Parade, the crowning of Miss Chilhowie, a pet competition and exhibits.
Live music at the Apple Festival
Each year the festival offers free concerts and high school band competition as part of the activities.
Friday September 27th at 1:00pm, the Chilhowie High School Chorus performs at the Old High School.
Saturday September 28th at 1:00pm, it’s the annual High School Band Competition, featuring marching bands from around the region.
Saturday September 28th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, local favorites Phantom perform at the Will Walker Farmers Market Pavilion.
Sunday September 29th from 12:30 to 5:00pm, enjoy an afternoon of gospel music from a variety of local churches, at the Will Walker Farmers Market Pavilion.
New at the Apple Festival This Year
As Chilhowie celebrates 70 years of community fun, the Apple Festival continues to grow and expand. Visitors can expect the same quality arts and crafts vendors, free family events and live music, while also enjoying new additions.
The Art Place is a community art hub and fine arts gallery, offering classes and exhibits year-round. During the Apple Festival, the Art Place offers the group exhibit “Menagerie,” featuring the talent of over a dozen artists from Chilhowie, Marion, Glade Spring, and the wider region. “Menagerie” runs September 7th, 2024 – October 31st, 2024. Normal gallery hours are Thursday 4PM-7PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM.
Also, brand new in 2024, The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County presents Vintage in the Valley, an antiques and vintage fair located in the historic district of downtown Chilhowie. Vintage in the Valley takes place on September 28th from 10:00am to 6:00pm! Antique and vintage vendors will be set up along Main Street. Plus, art demonstrations hosted by The Art Place, and live music from various bluegrass bands!
*In order to respect the Chilhowie Apple Festival, there are no craft, art, or food vendors allowed at Vintage in the Valley. All registered vendors are only allowed to sell antiques and vintage items.
Apple orchard tours with Tumbling Creek Cider
In big news, apple orchard tours are back! The town of Chilhowie, VA was once one of the largest apple-producing regions in Virginia. In conjunction with the Apple Festival, local hard cider maker Tumbling Creek Cider Company is offering free tours of its apple orchards. While visitors enjoy the three-day festival in Chilhowie, they can take free field trips to the orchard in Meadowview, VA. Tour groups will consist of no more than twelve individuals and will board passenger vans from the Berry’s Truss Shop Parking lot by Highway 11 across front the festival grounds.
There’s plenty more fun to be had at the 2024 Chilhowie Apple Festival! For more information, or to get involved, visit chilhowieapplefestival.com