If you love history and the sweet scent of apple blossoms, then you won’t want to miss the 90th annual Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in Kentville this weekend.
The yearly tradition kicks off May 29 and runs through June 3 in the Nova Scotia town.
This unique five-day festival has a lot to offer tourists and area residents alike, with events throughout the valley. Here’s a look at the top things to do at this year’s Apple Blossom Festival.
The Highlights
The festival’s most popular events are set for Friday, May 31, Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2.Friday night’s fireworks will begin at dusk at Memorial Park in Kentville, which is also the site of the Blossom Bash held 7–10 p.m.
Saturday will boast two parades, a children’s carnival in the downtown square, and the main parade at 1 p.m. which will end at Memorial Park. Also on the docket are the Carnival for Kids in Centre Square from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Glow Bingo at the firehall from 6–8 p.m., and a licensed ’90s dance from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Louis Miller Centre in New Minas, an eight-minute drive from Kentville.
On Sunday, car buffs and tractor lovers can head over to Centreville for the annual Annual Apple Blossom Car Show and the Northville Farm Heritage Tractor Pull. Both events begin at 10 a.m. Those wanting to chow down can head over to Woodville for the town’s annual chicken barbecue. Both towns are a short jaunt from Kentville.
Small Events
If you enjoy a good scare, the May 30 Ghost Tour starts at the Kentville Town Clock at 7:45 p.m. A food truck party is also on the agenda that evening at the Louis Miller Centre in New Minas. More than 20 food vendors will be on hand to delight your taste buds.The
Valley Drive-In will be open over the weekend for anyone in the mood for an outdoor movie. The show starts at dusk each night and there will be two films played on the big screen located in Cambridge. The first feature begins at 9:15 p.m. and the second starts at roughly 11:15 p.m.
View the Orchards
Taking a Bloom Tour will give you the chance to visit the orchards in the region and see the beautiful blossoms that inspired the festival. The region boasts a wide array of apple orchards where you can see—and smell—the blossoms up close. Pose in front of the blossom-laden trees for the ultimate family photo and document your visit to the Annapolis Valley. Be sure to call ahead to make sure the orchards are open to the public.
