Join the Shaker Historical Society on Saturday, September 28 from 12-4pm for AppleFest, a family-friendly fall festival. Best of all, its free! AppleFest is a historical event for SHS, held annually from 1989-1998 on museum grounds that were once home to the Shakers' apple orchards.
All ages are welcome to attend! Donations are welcome to support this community event.
All Day:
Chair caning demonstration from Karen Beck
Leather working demonstration from Wright and Rede
Activities with Lake Erie Ink and Shaker Heights Public Library Local History Department
Craft and activity tables
Outreach from the North Union Farmers Market, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Ohio Children's Alliance, and Herps Alive Foundation
Opening of Trees and Fluffy Things, a new Lissauer Gallery exhibit by Ewuresi Archer (second floor)
Samosas from Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
Apple-themed desserts and fall beverages for sale
Shaker Sheep Scavenger Hunt inside the museum
12:30-2:00pm: Live animals with Nora the Explorer
1-1:30 pm: Local History Walking Tour with SHS Staff (~1/2 mile)
2:00-3:00pm: Shaker Heights Community Band performance (front lawn)
2:30-3:00 pm: Local History Walking Tour with SHS Staff (~1/2 mile)
3-4pm: Live reptiles and amphibians with Herps Alive Foundation
Please note, some outdoor scheduled activities are subject to change due to inclement weather.
Shaker Historical Society is located at:
16740 South Park Blvd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
We encourage visitors to walk, bike, or use the RTA (using the Shaker Blvd/Lee Rd stop) to attend AppleFest.
If you are driving, parking is available on the north side of South Park Blvd (across the street from the museum). The parking lot behind the museum will be closed to cars and only used for vendors and activities the duration of the event. If you require accommodations, please contact education@shakerhistory.org before Thursday, September 26 so we can ensure a smooth visit!
We are seeking community volunteers for AppleFest to assist with event set-up, activities during the event, and event clean-up. Complete this volunteer form if you are interested, and SHS staff will be in touch to coordinate your participation. Thank you!
Please note, all volunteers will have to sign a Volunteer Waiver and Release Form and an Emergency Contact Form. Volunteers must be age 14+. Volunteers who are minors will need a parent/guardian to complete their Waiver and Release Form.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact director@shakerhistory.org for more information.
Thank you to our AppleFest Sponsors:
Thank you to our AppleFest Partners:
APPLEFEST FAQ
How much is admission?
Admission to AppleFest and the museum is free for all ages! This is made possible with our generous sponsors and donors. Donations are welcome to support this community event: shakerhistory.square.site/product/applefest/384
Where can I park?
Free street parking is available along South Park Boulevard facing west (toward Lee Road). We also encourage guests to walk, bike, or take the RTA to the museum using the Shaker Blvd/Lee Rd stop. Pedestrians and bicyclists may use the Shaker Blvd or South Park Blvd entrances. Please note that the museum’s parking lot will be closed to cars and used only for vendors and activities during the duration of the event.
Will there be food and drink?
Samosas will be available for purchase from Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant, and fall-themed beverages and baked goods will be available for purchase from Shaker Historical Society.
Can I go inside the museum?
Yes! The museum will be open to the public during AppleFest. Step inside to learn about the Shakers, Van Sweringens, and Warrensville Township. AppleFest also marks the opening of Trees and Fluffy Things by local artist Ewuresi Archer on the second floor.
There is a public restroom and a small gift shop on the first floor of the museum. We also have an accessible restroom in our garage.
Is this event dog-friendly?
Yes! Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and with their owner at all times. Dogs are not allowed inside the museum unless they are trained service animals.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND: There will be live animal shows, crowds, and children throughout the day. Only bring your dog if this is a comfortable environment for them. SHS staff reserves the right to request any misbehaving owners and/or dogs leave the premises.
Is this event accessible?
The majority of vendors will be located in our driveway/parking lot and will be accessible to those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Some activities will be in our front or back yard, requiring movement over grass. The first floor of the museum is accessible via ramp but there is no lift or elevator to the second floor. An accessible restroom is available inside the garage.
If you have any questions about accessibility and/or accommodations, please contact education@shakerhistory.org by Thursday, September 26 so we can ensure a smooth visit!
Community events and programs like AppleFest are made possible through support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, members, and friends and neighbors like you. To support AppleFest and other museum programs, please consider donating or becoming a member.