TrekUnity
When
May
Attendance
~250,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
A Winchester, Virginia tradition since 1924, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival celebrates the springtime bloom of the valley's apple orchards with a week of events — two grand parades, a carnival, band competitions, a coronation, and dances — drawing a quarter-million people to the northern Shenandoah Valley.
It's a quintessential small-city spring festival wrapped in the beauty of the blooming valley, an easy pairing with Skyline Drive and the history of the surrounding region.
Want to go? Turn Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
A weekend in late April / early May
Admission
Free street events · some events & grandstand ticketed
Parking
Downtown lots and shuttles; the Old Town walking mall is car-free and central.
Nearest airport
Washington Dulles (IAD) ~1 hr; Winchester Regional (OKV) small
Typical weather
Pleasant Virginia spring — 60s–70s °F; ideal bloom-season weather.
Official website
Location
Winchester, VA
Where to stay
George Washington Hotel
Historic downtown Winchester hotel.
Winchester chains
Reliable options near the festival.
Shenandoah Valley inns
Country inns amid the orchards.
Where to eat & drink
Village Square Restaurant
Refined dining on the Old Town mall.
Old Town Winchester eateries
The walkable pedestrian mall's cafés and pubs.
Apple everything
Local apple treats and cider in season.
Nearby attractions
Old Town Winchester Walking Mall
Historic pedestrian street of shops and dining.
Skyline Drive / Shenandoah NP
The scenic ridge-top drive ~45 min away.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Regional art, history, and gardens.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Old Town
- •Fly into IAD
- •Afternoon: Old Town Winchester
- •Dinner on the walking mall
2Festival day
- •Morning: the Grand Feature Parade
- •Afternoon: carnival + bloom
- •Evening: a festival dance
3Skyline Drive + depart
- •Morning: Skyline Drive
- •Head to IAD
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Explore the car-free Old Town walking mall.
- Add a Skyline Drive day for valley views.
- Catch the Grand Feature Parade — the festival's centerpiece.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival?
Late April into early May, timed to the valley's apple-blossom bloom, in Winchester, Virginia.
Is it free?
Many street events are free; parades' grandstand seats and some events are ticketed.
What else is nearby?
Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park are about 45 minutes away.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.