Just in time for autumn, Rodale Institute will offer families the opportunity to pick their own apples in their organic orchard at the 9th annual Organic Apple Festival, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., September 16. Along with apple picking, visitors can shop from a variety of sustainable-minded vendors, enjoy organic food and beverages, listen to live music and partake in wagon tours and other family-friendly activities. 

The event hosts An Apple a Day 5k Cross-Country/Walk, allowing participants to take a cross-country morning run through Rodale’s 333-acre agricultural research and production farm before the festival. After picking organic apples from the orchard, people can explore several engaging activity stations, which include the Wagon Tour, allowing people to see the farm while riding on a covered wagon pulled by tractor; the Rotten Apple Rocket, where both kids and adults can have fun catapulting rotten apples at wooden targets; and the Kid Zone, featuring children’s crafts and games to keep the little ones busy all day long. For entertainment, the Organic Apple Festival welcomes the Josh Taylor Band, who will play from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the Acoustic Project, taking the stage from 1 to 4 p.m. 

“This year, we are excited to launch an app for smartphones that allows guests to navigate easily to our Garden Store, various vendor locations and our new speaker series,” says Diana Martin, director of communications for Rodale Institute. 

Aside from the apple picking experience, in which participants learn about organic growing methods and how to properly pick apples, a variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees can sample homemade organic apple cider and tasty apple treats from many local vendors. 

Rodale Institute is a 333-acre farm, in Kutztown, that does independent agricultural research to help give farmers the tools and knowledge to increase soil health, crop quality and yields. Under their belief of “solutions rooted in nature”, Rodale Institute sustains organic apple orchards, promotes bee conservancy, water purification, gardens, livestock health and more, with a goal of helping citizens feel confident the food they feed their families is healthy for people and the planet. 

Cost: free admission; parking is $10 per vehicle. Location: 611 Siegfriedale Rd., Kutztown. For more information, call 610-683-1400 or visit RodaleInstitute.org/applefestival.