Bay Area’s 50th Gravenstein Apple Fair (Aug. 12-13)

Sonoma County’s beloved annual Gravenstein Apple Fair will be celebrating its Golden Anniversary on August 12 – 13 at Ragle Ranch Regional Park in Sebastopol, CA. This year’s 50th celebration is expected to draw 15,000 adults and children throughout the weekend. The Fair is an annual fundraising event produced by the local non-profit Sonoma County Farm Trails. All event proceeds support the goal of keeping farms forever in Sonoma County. Advanced tickets will be available on April 5, 2023, and additional Fair information is available at GravensteinAppleFair.com.

Since 1973 Farm Trails and its signature event, the Gravenstein Apple Fair, have celebrated and helped preserve local farms in Sonoma County. Over its 50-year history, the Fair has focused on farm-to-table production and sustainability while being an early promoter of agritourism. Long known as the “sweetest little fair in Sonoma County,” the event was also named the “Best Festival in Sonoma County” for 2023 by the readers of Bohemian – the North Bay’s local source for quality news and arts coverage.

The Fair is a down-home celebration of farm life that honors the history of the Gravenstein apple and farming in the region. Guests can experience farm life through hands-on demonstrations, savor foods made by local chefs using local ingredients, sip locally made beverages, all while enjoying live music from the two main stages.

“We’re excited to throw the biggest party in our 50-year history,” said Executive Director and Gravenstein Apple Fair Producer, Carmen Snyder. “This year we’re honoring the foresight of our founding farmers and their vision to preserve agriculture in Sonoma County. We’re also delighted to showcase the next generation of inspiring farmers and ranchers who are meeting the moment and cultivating a more resilient food system through regenerative agricultural practices.”

Some of the 2023 highlights include:

50-year Celebration: Celebrate Farms Forever since 1973! This year’s Golden Jubilee will honor legacy farmers, today’s producers, and farm workers.

Sonoma County Favorites: Many of Sonoma County’s celebrity vintners and chefs will be part of this year’s Fair! Experience award-winning wines from Merry Edwards or gold-medal awarded lager from Seismic (Great American Beer Festival, 2021 and World Beer Cup, 2022!). Be sure to try amazing pork products from Good Food and James Beard award-winner Black Piglet. And don’t forget to taste multi-year Slow Food “Snail of Approval” award-winning apple cider from Tilted Shed.

Live Music: Appreciate a diverse selection of Bay Area bands including Poor Man’s Whiskey, Rainbow Girls, The Sam Chase and the Untraditional, Sambada, and Royal Jelly Jive.

Apple Alley: Find all the Fair’s wonderful Gravenstein products together in one “neighborhood” near the entrance.

VIP Experience: Enjoy the best the Fair has to offer with the elevated VIP Experience – relax in luxury lounge tents with complimentary food and libations; mix and mingle with producers in the Artisan Tasting Alley; and take advantage of premium views of the North Coast Apple Stage – all for one great price! This experience sold out in 2022.

Food & Libations: Delight in locally produced gourmet foods, cider, wine, and microbrews prepared by award winning chefs and famed Sonoma County producers.

Children’s Activities: Meet farm animals, participate in contests and ag activities, create art projects, chase giant bubbles, and marvel at the wandering entertainers.

Continued Commitment to Greening Initiatives: Focus on all the fun with a lot less waste. This year’s event will build on the Fair’s 2022 “Green Resolution” award from Zero Waste Sonoma for leadership in waste management (only 3 cubic yards of landfill generated by 14,000 people!).

Shade: Beat the August heat with the addition of shade structures where guests can cool off while touring the Fair.

ADVANCE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

Adults (ages 13 and over), Seniors & Veterans: $23
Children (ages 6-12): $10
Kids 5 and under: FREE (no ticket required)

Family Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children): $55
Group Pass (6 Adults): $120

DAY-OF GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

CASH ONLY at the entrance gate.
Adult (ages 13–64): $30
Seniors (65+) & Veterans: $25
Children (ages 6-12): $15
Kids 5 and under: FREE (no ticket required)

VIP TICKETS

VIP Tickets are only available online in advance, and you must select one day, either Saturday or Sunday. Get your tickets early – they sold out last year! Parties of ten or more receive a discount.

Adult (ages 21 and over): $150
Minors (ages 6-20): $75
Kids 5 and under: FREE (no ticket required)

Group VIP (10 or more Adults): $125 each (Saturday sold out, inquire for possible available group rates)

As a VIP,  you’ll enjoy everything that the general admission pass provides plus these additional amenities:

• Skip lines with separate VIP entrance!
• All-day (in and out) access to the VIP Lounge and luxurious tents (pictured below)
• Exclusive access to the Artisan Tasting Alley, where you can sample bites and sips served by the producers
• Dedicated, shaded seating with premium views of the North Coast music stage
• Drinks on us! Complimentary cider, beer, and wine at the VIP Bar
• VIP-only restrooms