OCTOBER 18 & 19, 2025 | 11 AM to 5 PM BOTH DAYS
FREE | $5 Suggested Parking Donation
Join us in celebrating this rich legacy with an authentic fall experience for the whole community. Savor the flavors of fresh apple butter and cider, enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks, and groove to the rhythms of local music. Get hands-on with classic fall activities like apple butter stirring and the crosscut saw, and explore a variety of crafts and demonstrations.
As always, the festival is a fundraiser for Fenner Conservancy, the 501(c)3 non-profit that manages Fenner Nature Center in partnership with the City of Lansing. Your support helps us continue our mission of connecting people to nature right here in the heart of Lansing.
Look Forward to Hands-on Activities!
Dive into the fun with hands-on activities like using the crosscut saw to create your own tree cookie and helping stir apple butter in our kettle.
Support our mission by purchasing a jar of apple butter and explore additional activities such as trail walks, pumpkin painting, and more.
Food & Drinks
Enjoy apple cider and donuts, and check out the food trucks on site. All food sales support Fenner’s mission of connecting people to nature.
Calling Local Musicians & Performers
UPDATE—Musician applications are now closed. Any incoming applications may be considered for next year’s Apple Butter Festival.
We’re looking for talented musicians to help create a lively and welcoming atmosphere at the 51st Apple Butter Festival! Whether you’re a solo artist, duo, or full band, we’d love to feature your work during our two-day celebration.
This performance opportunity supports the festival, which brings awareness to our year-round initiatives in educational programming, stewardship activities, and conservation efforts. If you’re interested in joining our lineup, please fill out the application below.
Applications received by August 31, 2025 will receive time slot preferences. Each artist or group selected will receive an honorarium of $50 per hour. Thank you for helping us celebrate fall, tradition, and community through music!
Now Accepting Vendors & Artisans for the
51st Apple Butter Festival
October 18 & 19, 2025
From local artisans and makers to small businesses and nonprofits, we welcome a wide variety of vendors to be part of this cherished fall tradition! While we especially appreciate vendors whose work supports environmental sustainability, conservation, or nature-related themes, all are encouraged to apply.
Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance to join us for this fall-themed, family-friendly event celebrating over 50 years of tradition at Fenner Nature Center.
Rates:
- Standard Booth: $50 one day or $80 for the weekend
- Food/Beverage Booth: $100 one day or $150 for the weekend
Apply to be a Food Truck Vendor
We’re excited to invite two food trucks per day to the 51st Annual Apple Butter Festival, one of Mid-Michigan’s longest-running and most beloved fall events! With over 4,000 community members in attendance each year, this popular festival is a great opportunity to showcase your food in a high-traffic space.
What to expect:
- Exclusive space for two food trucks near the festival entrance and main stage, ensuring plenty of foot traffic
- $300 per day or $500 for the weekend – a flat fee that helps support Fenner’s mission of conservation, education, and environmental stewardship
- Electricity included to power your setup
- Featured on event marketing materials and social media posts
Are you interested in attending this year’s festival? For consideration, please fill out our Vendor Application Form and submit it to events@mynaturecenter.org
For over 50 years, the Apple Butter Festival has been a cornerstone of the local community, bringing families, individuals, and neighbors together to celebrate the season. By attending this event, you’ll also support our ongoing work in environmental education and conservation efforts.
Thank you for your interest! Questions? We’re here for you.
Contact us: events@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-4035
About Fenner Conservancy
Fenner Conservancy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to fostering a deeper connection between people and nature through conservation, education, and stewardship. Our annual festivals, including the Apple Butter Festival, support our initiatives, from educational programs to habitat restoration projects and efforts to protect local wildlife. Thank you for supporting Fenner!
Can’t make it to this year’s festival? Click HERE to learn about other ways you can support Fenner.
For the latest updates on activities and more, follow us on social media. Let’s make this 51st Apple Butter Festival one to remember!