Celebrate the arrival of spring by attending the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is returning for its 99th year this Apr. 24 to May 3. The festival serves as a celebratory affair that marks spring’s arrival in the Shenandoah Valley.
This unique Virginia tradition gives the community an opportunity to learn about local history, attend a wide range of events, and meet local and national celebrities.
Here’s your guide to making the most out of this year’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.
History
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival traces its roots back to a simple one-day event that was held on Saturday, May 3, 1924. It featured a parade and the crowning of the first Queen Shenandoah, Elizabeth Steck, at Handley High School. Since that time, 86 queens have reigned over the festival.
Over the years, the pageants became increasingly elaborate, requiring 800 to 1,200 children to enter. By 1929, the Torch Light and Mummers’ Parade, a precursor to the Firefighters’ Parade, was launched. Participating firefighters carried torches to light the parade path.
As the festival grew in prominence, more and more big-name celebrities started attending, including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, and Debbie Reynolds. Even President Lyndon Baines Johnson attended in 1964 when his daughter, Luci, was reigning as Queen Shenandoah XXXVII. President Gerald Ford attended in 1975 when his daughter, Susan, was crowned Queen Shenandoah XLVIII.
Surprisingly, the festival has grown from a one-day event to a 10-day celebration. The first festival was planned in just 11 days, but planning for the festival now begins immediately after the previous one closes.
Events
The festival features upwards of 50 events—here are some of the standouts.
United Bank Bloomin’ Wine Fest
Date: Apr. 25 at 11 a.m.
Location: Downtown Winchester
Those who enjoy a good drink should consider attending the United Bank Bloomin’ Wine Fest, where attendees will be treated to wine, cider, food, and live entertainment. Souvenir wine cups and keepsake “wine passports” will be given out, providing access to tastings from more than 20 Virginia producers. General admission tickets are $35.
Breakfast Walk
Date: Apr. 30 from 8-10 a.m.
Location: 901 Amherst St., Winchester
Attend the Breakfast Walk at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, which will include a three-mile stroll along trails with views of pastures, wildlife, plants, and various other sites. Following the walk, breakfast will be served on the patio. Tickets are $25.
Coronation of Queen Shenandoah
Date: May 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Location: 425 Handley Blvd., Winchester
Queen Shenandoah will be crowned at an elaborate coronation ceremony featuring performances by children and The Handley Singers. Tickets cost $20.
Hang 10 Car & Dog Wash Firefighters’ Parade
Date: May 1 at 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Winchester
The iconic Hang 10 Car & Dog Wash Firefighters’ Parade is entering its 91st year. Attendees are encouraged to start their afternoon downtown at the midway for carnival food, games, and entertainment, then make their way to the parade route.
The parade will feature antique firetrucks, celebrities, and bands. The event is meant to honor the work of local fire and rescue teams.
Tickets are available based on seating on West Cork Street, Handley Library, Handley North, and Handley South.
Old Town Midway
Dates: May 1 and 2 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Piccadilly and Loudoun streets
The Old Town Midway is the festival’s primary spot for family-friendly fun.
It features games like water balloon races, duck ponds, fishing games, and mini basketball; a kids zone, including moon bounces, rock walls, face painting, and bungee jumping; and traditional fair food, like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and corn dogs.
The event is free.
Celebrities
The festival will feature a number of local and national celebrities.
Tim Brown
Tim Brown is set to serve as the 2026 sports marshal. Known for his football career, Brown started his NFL career with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988. He played for the team for 16 seasons, during which time he earned nine Pro Bowl selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
This marks Brown’s return to the festival, having been the sports guest in 1988 following his Heisman Trophy win in 1987.
Brown will make a number of appearances over the course of the festival, including the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade on Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. and the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast in the Tolley Dental Zone at Shenandoah University on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m.
Kevin Covert
Kevin Covert has been named the court ambassador to Queen Shenandoah XCIC. His day job is serving as the director of musical theatre at the Shenandoah Conservatory. His students have appeared on Broadway, as well as in television and film productions.
In fulfilling his role, Covert will take part in the coronation of Queen Shenandoah at John Handley High School on Friday, May 1, at 1:30 p.m.
Mike Robinson
Mike Robinson will serve as the featured speaker of the Ladies Horticultural Luncheon on Friday, May 1, at 10:30 a.m.
The Shenandoah Valley-based historian and author has focused on the history of Winchester and Frederick County during his career. It’s perhaps best known for his “Winchester Tales” book series. He’s currently working with the festival on a project that’s aimed at exploring the history of the festival, titled “100 Stories of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival—Celebrating 100 Years.”
Jesse Palmer
Television host and former NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer will serve as the grand marshal of the festival. As part of his duties, he’ll appear at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m. and later that same day during the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade at 1:30 p.m.
Izzy Horn
Izzy Horn, who represents the Russell County Fair, currently serves as the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs. Attending as a special guest of the festival, she will make a number of appearances at events on May 1 and 2.
Royce Gracie
Ultimate Fighting Championship and mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie, who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2003, will attend the festival as a sports guest. In that role, he will participate in events on Saturday, May 2, including the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast and the Glo Fiber Grand Features Parade.
Annabelle Park
Annabelle Park has been selected to reign as Queen Shenandoah XCIX this year. The 21-year-old recently graduated from Pace University with a degree in film.
She will be crowned by her mother and her father, actor Michael Park, during the Coronation ceremony at John Handley High School on Friday, May 1, at 1:30 p.m. She will also make appearances during the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ and Glo Fiber Grand Feature parades.
Jordan Burroughs
Jordan Burroughs will serve as a sports guest during the festival. The Olympic gold medalist is the most decorated freestyle wrestler in American history.
He will be a guest speaker during the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m. He will also make appearances during the parades on Saturday, May 2.
Mark Nantz
President and CEO of Valley Health, Mark Nantz, will serve as the guest speaker during the Business at the Bloom luncheon on Wednesday, Apr. 29, at Shenandoah University. The event offers an opportunity to network and connect with the local business community.
Valley Health is a nonprofit healthcare system based in Winchester.
Stefani Pady
Stefani Pady will serve as the featured speaker during the Prayer Brunch at Fellowship Bible Church on Friday, May 1, at 11 a.m. Prayer Bruch tickets are $50.
Paddy is the founder of GLS Coaching and Consulting and Women, Worship and Work.
Tips
Here are some tips on how to enjoy the festival safely, as well as how to commemorate your experience.
Clear bag policy
A clear bag policy is being introduced this year. The policy was developed in collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of attendees.
Under the policy, only clear bags that are 14-by-9 inches and one-gallon plastic clear storage bags will be allowed for most events. Diaper bags are an exception to the policy.
The Bloom Store
The festival has several themed clear bags that can be ordered in advance. Featuring pink or green colors, the bags range from crossbody bags to stadium bags. They range from $24.99 to $29.99. Selections can be found in The Bloom Store.
The Bloom Store also has commemorative items to celebrate the festival’s 99th year. Items include a $27.99 jigsaw puzzle, a $35 tumbler, a $14.99 2026 calendar, a $24.99 ornament, a $10 commemorative pin, and a $5 commemorative poster.
