Things to Do in La Crescent MN
in September 2026
September in La Crescent is something special. The Apple Capital of Minnesota comes alive with its 78th annual Applefest USA celebration, bringing live outdoor music, community card tournaments, a signature grand parade, vintage base ball, and a burst of handcrafted makers’ goods to the river bluffs. Whether you are planning to take in the full festival weekend or just passing through for an afternoon, there is plenty to fill your calendar this September.
Kick off the Applefest season early with a free family-friendly outdoor concert at Abnet Field. The MadLee Band takes the stage for three hours of live music on a September afternoon with the bluffs as a backdrop.
The official opening event for Applefest USA 2026. Attend the Royale coronation and Annies Program at the La Crescent Event Center, complete with a basket raffle. A beloved community tradition that sets the tone for the full week of celebration ahead.
Shuffle up and deal at the Applefest Euchre Showdown. This afternoon card tournament at the Wieser Pavilion is open to all skill levels and is a great way to connect with the community before the main festival grounds open for the weekend.
Roll the dice at Big Apple Bunco. This lively afternoon event at the Wieser Pavilion is the perfect warm-up to the festival weekend. Bring your luck and enjoy some friendly competition with neighbors and out-of-town visitors alike.
The main event. La Crescent’s 78th annual Applefest USA opens its festival grounds Friday evening and runs through Sunday. Expect food booths, carnival rides, family activities, live entertainment, and the full apple-harvest pageantry that has made this festival a regional institution. Plan for all three days.
Start the busiest day of the festival weekend at the Autumn Great River Maker’s Market. Browse handcrafted arts, fresh-baked goods, seasonal home decor, and artisan wares from local and regional makers at the La Crescent Area Event Center. A great morning stop before the afternoon events fill up.
Lace up for the Applefest 5K Run/Walk, held across the festival weekend. This community morning event is open to runners and walkers of all paces and is one of the most popular traditions of the celebration. A great way to earn that apple cider donut guilt-free.
Classic cars, custom builds, and vintage bikes roll into Applefest for the Apple Harvest Car & Bike Show. Stroll the display area and take in some of the finest vehicles in the region, all set against the energy of the full festival grounds.
Step back in time for a historical-rules base ball match between the La Crescent Apple Jacks and the Fillmore Fungi. Played by the rules of the 19th century, this Applefest tradition draws a crowd of all ages for an afternoon of old-fashioned competition and fun.
The grand finale of Applefest USA. The King Apple Parade rolls through La Crescent at 1:00 PM with floats, marching bands, community groups, and all the pageantry that has made this parade a regional tradition for generations. Stake out your spot along the route well before the hour.
Wind down the month with a hands-on creative workshop led by Joleen Emery. Learn eco-friendly bookbinding and upcycled journal-making techniques at the La Crescent Community Building. Open to crafters of all experience levels and a wonderful, unhurried way to close out September.
Events Notice: This listing does not include every event taking place in La Crescent, MN in September 2026. Event details including dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. We have no affiliation with any event organizers or venues listed here. To submit a local event or business listing for consideration, visit tiv360.com/contact-the-inventors-velocity/.
