GET INVOLVED
The NC Apple Festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing community! Whether you want to become a sponsor or volunteer, there are plenty of ways to be part of this beloved tradition. Your involvement helps keep the festival thriving while celebrating our region’s rich apple-growing heritage.
Become a Sponsor
The North Carolina Apple Festival is one of the largest and most beloved family events in the state, drawing over 250,000 attendees annually. Our audience spans across Henderson County, Western North Carolina, the Upstate of South Carolina, and beyond, including visitors from across the Southeastern United States. The festival has a strong following, with an impressive 4.58 out of 5 rating from attendees. Additionally, we do not allow commercial vendors in the Street Fair, except for our valued sponsors—an exclusive opportunity to showcase your business to thousands of festival-goers.
Why Sponsor?
Your sponsorship directly supports the festival’s operational expenses, such as advertising, insurance, portable restrooms, entertainment, and the professional stage setup, including sound, lights, performers, and electricity. The generosity of our sponsors and donors enables us to continue celebrating Henderson County Apples and our rich heritage.
Each year, the festival contributes more than $12 million to the local economy and supports businesses across Hendersonville. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll be showing your commitment to the community while gaining exposure to a diverse audience of families, tourists, and local residents.
Attendees Annually
Dollars contributed to the local economy
Sponsor Levels
Presenting Sponsor - $15,000
This top-tier sponsorship has been secured for 2026
Entertainment Sponsor - $10,000
limited to two non-competing businesses
- Listed as the Entertainment Stage sponsor in all event materials and media placements (website, ads, social media, radio, etc).
- Opportunity to address the crowd or host a contest on the stage during
- Promotional ‘shade’ tent located near stage
- Prominent logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners at the Historic Courthouse
- Logo featured on Festival Map that will be posted along the street and on the website
- Featured spot on the Entertainment & Sponsorship pages of the NC Apple Festival website
Customizable Sponsorship - Starting at $5,000
Interested in a custom opportunity or unique partnership? Our custom sponsorships begin at $5,000. Ideas include, but are not limited to: drink, transportation, water, etc. Weʼd love to build something that works for your brand.
King Apple Parade Sponsor - $5,000
Exclusive
- Listed as the Parade sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- “Presented by” Banner at the front of the King Apple Parade
- Premium spot in the King Apple Parade on Monday, September 7, 2026
- Prominent logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners at the Historic Courthouse
- Featured spot on the Parade & Sponsors pages of the website
T-Shirt Sponsor - $5,000
(Exclusive)
- Listed as a top-level sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- Prominent logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners at the Historic Courthouse
- Logo featured on over 1,000 t-shirts (merchandise and festival volunteers)
- Featured spot on the Merchandise & Sponsors pages of the website
Food Court Sponsor - $5,000
Exclusive
- Listed as the Food Court sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- One 10×10 vendor booth space (near food court)
- Flags/Banners with your logo on the corners of the Food Court streets (Kanuga & Barnwell)
- Prominent logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners at the Historic Courthouse
- Featured spot on the Street Fair & Sponsors page of the website
Double Street Fair Booth - $6,000
Limited to 10 sponsors
- 10’x 20′ booth (double space) on Main Street (Sept 4-6, 2026)*
- Listed as a sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- Logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners
- Logo featured on the Sponsors page of the website
- Name featured on the Street Map page of the website and printed festival maps
- Please note: Sponsors may not sell items from their booth
*Depending upon booth placement, some locations stay through Monday
Single Street Fair Booth - $2,500 (Currently full)
Currently full (one additional space may be added in the future)
- One 10’x10′ booths on the Exhibition Block (6th Avenue) of Main Street (Sept 4-6, 2026)
- Listed as a sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- Logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners
- Logo featured on the Sponsors page of the website
- Name featured on the Street Map page of the website and printed street maps
- Please note: Sponsors may not sell items from their booth
Note: this is a change from our 2025 single booth space
Honeycrisp Apple Supporter - $2,000
Unlimited
- Listed as a sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- Logo placement on Entertainment Stage banners
- Logo featured on the Sponsors page of the website
Gala Apple Supporter - $1,000
Unlimited
- Listed as a sponsor in all event materials and media placements
- Name (not logo) on Entertainment Stage banners
- Name featured on the Sponsors page of the website
Festival Visitors:
The NC Apple Festival attracts more than 250,000 attendees annually, including:
- 30% from Henderson County
- 20% from the rest of Western North Carolina
- 20% from the Upstate of South Carolina
- 10% from the Charlotte metro area
- 20% from across the Southeastern United States
*based on data from a 2013 economic impact study
Measurable Impact from the 2025 Festival:
- Public Relations: 10 scheduled press stories and 11+ organic media placements
- Website: 125,000+ visits (Aug 1 – Sept 8, 2025)
- Social Media: 1.7 million views and 24,900 engagements (July 1 – Sept 8, 2025)
These numbers translate to meaningful regional reach, sustained brand exposure, and strong audience engagement for our partners.
How We Promote the Festival:
- Social Media: Organic and paid advertising across Facebook and Instagram
- Traditional Media: Print advertising and radio promotion
Public Relations: Ongoing outreach to television, print, and digital media before and during the festival
Volunteer
Join the North Carolina Apple Festival team and be part of an exciting and rewarding experience! Volunteering is a great way for individuals, families, school groups, churches, community organizations, and businesses to contribute to this beloved festival and support an amazing cause.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with the merchandise and beverage booths throughout the weekend. Volunteers should be available for a 2-hour shift and wear comfortable clothing. Each volunteer will receive an official NC Apple Festival T-shirt to wear while on duty. You can select the days and shifts that work best for you, based on availability.
Become a part of something special and help make the NC Apple Festival an unforgettable experience for everyone!
Thank you to everyone who signed up to volunteer for the 2025 festival.
