Apple Blossom Festival Annapolis Valley May 2025

The Apple Blossom Festival 2025 is scheduled for late May 2025, typically running for 5-6 days during peak blossom season. Exact dates depend on apple blossom timing, which varies with spring weather, but usually occurs between May 20-30.

The festival centers in Kentville and throughout the Annapolis Valley, featuring:

• Famous Apple Blossom Parade
• Crowning of the Apple Blossom Queen
• Orchard tours and live entertainment
• Craft fairs and family activities

The festival has celebrated the valley's apple heritage since 1933, making it one of Nova Scotia's oldest and most beloved spring celebrations.

The festival features diverse events including:

Main Highlights:
• Apple Blossom Parade - Saturday spectacle with floats and bands
• Apple Blossom Queen coronation and competition
• Guided orchard tours through blooming farms
• Live music concerts and entertainment stages

Family Activities:
• Craft fairs and local artisan showcases
• Children's activities and carnival rides
• Food vendors with local specialties
• Photography contests and historical displays

Special Experiences:
• Sunrise hot air balloon rides over orchards
• Wine tastings at valley wineries
• Evening dances and community dinners

Most events are family-friendly and many are free, though special activities require advance booking.

Best apple blossom viewing locations include:

Prime Locations:
• Kentville area - festival epicenter with roadside orchards
• Grand Pré National Historic Site - orchards with dyke land views
• Blomidon Provincial Park - elevated valley overlooks
• Canning area orchards - along Highway 358
• Port Williams - heritage apple farms

Scenic Routes:
• Evangeline Trail self-guided tours
• Glooscap Trail scenic drives
• Valley back roads lined with heritage apple trees

Many commercial orchards welcome visitors during festival week, offering guided tours and farm experiences. The valley's unique microclimate creates spectacular pink and white displays against the Minas Basin backdrop.

Festival accommodation requires advance booking as the event attracts thousands:

Valley Accommodations:
• Boutique inns and B&Bs with orchard views
• Hotels in Kentville, New Minas, and Wolfville
• Vacation rentals in heritage homes and farms
• Camping at Blomidon Provincial Park

Popular Options:
• Old Orchard Inn and Tantallon Inn
• Numerous farm-stay operations
• Halifax accommodations (1 hour drive) for overflow

Booking Tips:
• Reserve 3-6 months in advance
• Festival packages often include breakfast and tours
• Coincides with Acadia University graduation - book early!

The festival is exceptionally family-friendly, designed for multi-generational appeal:

Children's Activities:
• Carnival rides and games
• Face painting and craft stations
• Educational displays about apple farming
• Junior parade participation opportunities

Family Features:
• Stroller-accessible venues
• Family washrooms and nursing areas
• Children's food options
• Discounted family packages

Educational Value:
• Learn about agricultural heritage
• Environmental stewardship programs
• Community tradition celebrations

Most events are free or low-cost, with comfortable late spring weather for outdoor family fun.