5 Ways to Make the Best of the Nova Scotia’s Apple Blossom Festival

The Apple Blossom Festival is back for the 2026 edition. This year, the festival runs from May 27 to June 1.

Photo Credit: Apple Blossom Festival

How do you make the most of this fun five-day festival? Check out the five tips below to have an amazing time making the best of the Apple Blossom Festival.

1. Celebrate at the Large Events

Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, are the ‘must-attend’ days of the Apple Blossom Festival. Friday night is the fireworks and party at Kentville Memorial Park. Saturday is the longest day of the festival in Kentville since there are two parades – the children’s carnival in Centre Square, plus the main parade at noon, and the party after dusk in downtown Kentville.

2. and the Small Events

While Kentville’s weekend events are the best known, they are not the only things happening during the Apple Blossom Festival.   An antique and collectible sale runs May 30 at the Louis Millet Community Complex in New Minas. A live painting competition takes place May 29 at Devour! Studios in Wolfville. Red Fox Cider in Waterville hosts a weekend event May 30–31. Valley Art Workshops run sessions in Kentville, Wolfville, Greenwich and Sea Level Brewing, while a breakfast is held at the Kentville Lions Club.

Since it is the weekend, the Valley Drive-In is open.   Each night, the show starts at dusk, and two movies will be shown on the big screen.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Parking in Kentville is limited at best on most days, and during Apple Blossom, finding a spot can feel like winning the lottery. Break out your most comfortable walking shoes because you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking over the weekend.

On Saturday, most of downtown Kentville is blocked off for the festival. This makes driving and parking extremely challenging. St. Joseph’s Church on Belcher Street and the Kentville Arena are popular parking spots since they are a short walk from the fun and easy to get in and out of.

4. Walk Through the Orchards

Another reason to wear comfortable shoes is if you are planning on heading into the orchards and seeing the beautiful blossoms that are being celebrated. The Annapolis Valley is home to many apple orchards where you can see the gorgeous pink and white blossoms. Make sure to bring a camera to record precious memories, and only leave footprints when you leave the orchards. Always call to make sure they are open to the public.

5. Head Out of the Festival

Head out of Kentville for some small-town fun. Wolfville is a short 10 to 20-minute drive outside Kentville and is also on the bus routes.

Wolfville is a popular option for getting away from the main events because there are several orchards located just outside the town. There are also lots of great restaurants, cafés, and breweries around Downtown Wolfville. The Wolfville Farmer’s Market is also open on Saturday mornings, and vendors often have Apple Blossom Festival specials for visitors to enjoy.

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival

When:  May 27 – June 1, 2026

 Wednesday, May 27

Opening Ceremonies — 6:30 pm (Wolfville Legion)
Blossom Paint Night — 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Sea Level Brewing)

Thursday, May 28

Food Truck Party — 2 pm to 8 pm (Louis Millet Community Complex)
Battle of the Bands — 7 pm (Louis Millet Community Complex)
Kentville Ghost Walk — 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm (Kentville)

Friday, May 29

Blossom Bash — 5 pm to 10 pm (Memorial Park, Kentville)
Blossom Paint Night — 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Kentville Legion)
ArtLab Semi-Final Tour — 6:30 pm (Devour! Studios, Wolfville)
Fireworks — Dusk (around 10 pm, Memorial Park)

Saturday, May 30

Apple Blossom Breakfast — 8 am to 10 am (Kentville Lions Hall)
Carnival for Kids — 9 am to 3 pm
Antique & Collectible Sale — 9 am to 3 pm
Vendor Market (Black Women in Excellence) — 10 am to 4 pm
Children’s Parade — 10 am to 11 am (Downtown Kentville)
Red Fox Cider Event — 12 pm to 6 pm (Waterville)
Grand Street Parade — 1 pm to 3 pm
Glow Bingo — 6 pm to 8 pm
Teen Dance — 7 pm to 9 pm
Blossom Dance (19+) — 8 pm to 12 am

Sunday, May 31

Car Show — 10 am to 3 pm (Centreville)
Vendor Market — 10 am to 3 pm
Red Fox Cider Event — 12 pm to 6 pm
Antique Tractor Pull — 12 pm (registration 10 am)
Blossom Painting — 2 pm to 4:30 pm
Blossom Paint Night — 6 pm to 9 pm

Monday, June 1

Fundy Monday: A Tale of Two Landscapes — 7 pm to 8:30 pm (Al Whittle Theatre)

Where: Kentville and other locations in the Annapolis Valley

More Information

This website uses cookies.