MONROE, Conn. — The Monroe green will burst to life this weekend with the sounds of live music as shoppers look for deals from over 100 craft vendors and families mingle, while eating hot dogs and hamburgers and satisfying their sweet tooth by snacking on caramel apples, kettle corn, apple turnovers and other baked goods. St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church’s annual Apple Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
“This year’s Apple Festival will continue the traditions that our community has come to love,” said Lauren Zorrilla, program director of the church. “We’re excited to welcome both longtime friends of the festival and those joining us for the first time. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather as a community, enjoy some delicious food, and celebrate the beginning of the fall season together.”
The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking (on Fireman’s Field) are free.
“We’re looking forward to another wonderful Apple Festival this weekend,” said The Rev. Derek Stefanosky. “Many volunteers have been busy organizing for 2026 since last September. There is an excellent variety of vendors and crafters, along with all of the fan-favorite apple-themed foods and drinks. As always, we are glad to host this family friendly festival as we usher in the fall season, and to provide a wonderful community event for the town of Monroe and region beyond.”
Zorrilla said craft vendors from all over the Northeast will sell everything from doll clothes and jewelry to woodcrafts. Aside from shopping, the biggest draw of the festival is the food.
“Our homemade apple pies and apple crisps are always among the biggest favorites, along with the wide variety of baked goods prepared for the festival,” Zorrilla said. “At our snack bar, visitors can enjoy cheeseburgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders, making it easy for families to grab a meal while enjoying the festival.”
The musical lineup includes Andy Bucci on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the City South Steel Drum Orchestra from 2 to 5 p.m. Songs and Stories with Steve Keith will Sunday’s entertainment from 10:30 a.m. until noon, then the Monroe Dance Academy will perform on Fan Hill Road at 1 p.m.
St. Peter’s festival has enjoyed rave reviews over the years.
“We often hear how much people love the homemade food and the welcoming atmosphere,” Zorrilla said. “Many visitors tell us they look forward to the Apple Festival every year, and we especially enjoy hearing from families who have made it an annual fall tradition. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our church to open its doors to the wider community and enjoy a day of fellowship, food and fun together.”
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