Must-Know Info If You’re Going To The Bayfield Apple Festival This Weekend

Fall in Northern Wisconsin brings with it the annual tradition of the Bayfield Apple Festival in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin.

This year marks the 62nd annual festival, which started back in 1962. The early October event has grown over the years to become an autumn destination for people from around Wisconsin, neighboring Minnesota, and beyond.

The 2024 Bayfield Apple Festival runs from October 4th through October 6th, with lots of fun and food for the entire family on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

For those who have been to this event before, you know it can be an incredible time in a super charming small town on the shores of Lake Superior. If you've never been to Bayfield Apple Festival before, there are some things you'll want to know to make sure you have the best experience possible.

Here's a look at some pro tips for visiting the Bayfield Apple Festival:

Have a parking plan and consider using a shuttle

Bayfield is a small town with a population of less than 600 people. This quaint lakeside town is beautiful, but there aren't a ton of parking spots for this big weekend, which draws thousands of people.

In addition, getting to Bayfield can really only be accomplished by coming in on Wisconsin Highway 13 from either the north or south, so it can get congested getting into town and leaving at the end of the day.

READ MORE: WISDOT suggests taking a detour to Bayfield Apple Festival to avoid huge delays

To avoid challenges with parking and driving, consider one of the several shuttles available.

The event's website highlights a handful of options that include the following:

Legendary Waters Shuttle

Parking at Legendary Waters Casino in Red Cliff, just north of Bayfield, and using the shuttle into town is one option. This shuttle runs from 9 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday. T

The drop-off and pick-up location in Bayfield is at the Madeline Island Ferry Terminal Landing, which is conveniently located near all of the action in town.

These shuttle rides are free, and the casino is also holding some events and promotions of their own during the weekend.

Hauser's Shuttle

This shuttle runs from Hauser's Superior View Farm, just northwest of Bayfield. This shuttle runs on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and also does its drop-offs and pick-ups in Bayfield at the Madeline Island Ferry Terminal.

Hauser's is also holding events at the farm with things like free hayrides, selling apple goodies, and more.

There are some other suggested parking areas and tips on the Apple Fest website, some of which do have a fee associated with them.

Be prepared for walking and the weather

Wear comfortable shoes, because you'll want to make your way around the downtown area to not only explore the vendors set up, but also all of the neat shops around the town that offer awesome local arts, crafts, and other cool stuff.

You'll also want to bring a sweater and a jacket because it's going to be chilly this weekend. Fall-like, anyway.

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Friday's forecasted daytime high is 66 with breezy conditions, cooling down into the 50s overnight.

Saturday will be even breezier, but it will warm up to near 70. There is also a chance of some rain in the afternoon hours to be aware of.

Sunday the wind kicks up even more, and it will be cooler, with highs only in the mid-50s.

Bring an appetite!

It's an apple festival, after all! Pie, cider, and a whole bunch of other apple (and other fall-themed) foods and beverages will be found everywhere around town!

You'll also probably find some things you want to bring home with you, whether food items or arts and crafts. I'd recommend bringing a tote bag or something you can keep in your pocket or purse to have ready for when you find those must-have things.