Gravenstein Apple Fair Returns to Sebastopol.
In the beginning, there was Eve. Then, several epochs and one California town later, there was Steve. Both had an apple. One gave us knowledge, the other made us dependent on overpriced rectangles. In between, there’s Sebastopol—a place where apples are not just tech logos but a real, juicy, heritage fruit.
For 52 years, Sebastopudlians have gathered to worship at the altar of the Gravenstein, the apple that put the “cult” in “agriculture.” Welcome to the Gravenstein Apple Fair: part locavore lovefest, part old-school country jam. Held annually at Ragle Ranch Regional Park, the fair is an all-hands-on-deck, zero-waste extravaganza produced by Sonoma County Farm Trails.
“When you talk about the Gravenstein Apple Fair, it’s important to remember why it was started–and how the refrain of ‘Know your farmers’ has been the cornerstone of our fair for 52 years and counting,” explains Carmen Snyder, Executive Director of Sonoma County Farm Trails. The nonprofit launched the fair as an annual fundraiser at its inception as well as a means to strengthen ties between growers and the public in a festive, family-friendly setting.
Indeed, true to its apple tree roots, the event continues to spotlight local agriculture. Since its founding in 1973, Sonoma County Farm Trails has been a pioneer in the local food movement, aiming to connect the community directly with farmers—and the Gravenstein Apple Fair has always been at the heart of that mission.
“Local ag has always taken center stage, not surprising given we created an entire fair dedicated to our county’s heirloom apple!” says Snyder.
Paige Green Photography
In 2024 alone, the Gravenstein Apple Fair showcased 85 local farmers and producers affiliated with Farm Trails. Their presence was woven throughout the event: Apple Alley for the die-hard pomologists; Life on the Farm for aspiring agrarians; the Farm Yard petting zoo; and the Artisan Tasting Grove for those who prefer their farming with a side of cheese samples. It’s a veritable choose-your-own-ag-venture that’s really more than a fair—it’s a living map of the region’s agricultural renaissance. And this year promises the same and more.
Cider House Rules
To fully appreciate the Newtonian gravity of the “Grav,” as it’s known colloquially, one must first understand that Gravensteins aren’t just any apple. As heirloom apples, originally from Denmark, Gravensteins found their spiritual home in Sebastopol, California. Their peak season is mid-August to mid-September, and, notably, they don’t store well, bruise easily, and are prone to catching orchard diseases. They are to apples what pinot noir is to grapes—difficult, fussy, and ultimately worth it.
Love for Gravensteins transcends Sebastopol: Slow Food USA added them to the Ark of Taste, which is basically the Noah’s Ark for endangered foods. That reverence for the Gravenstein extends beyond preservation—it’s the seed of a whole celebration. Picture a day packed with classic country fun: Lively contests like pie baking, apple juggling, and caramel apple eating; old-school games including piglet races, sack races, and watermelon tosses; plus farm animal encounters and demos like sheep shearing, goat milking, and cheese making. Add to that a dash of analog charm—think hay mazes, stilt walkers, giant bubbles, and hands-on kids’ crafts—and you’ve got a full-on celebration of rural play.
“We do it in such a way that shows a better future is possible!” says Snyder. ““We value connection and community over technology and consumerism. We offer a lot of free, low- to no-tech enrichment and entertainment opportunities for all ages and backgrounds, with an emphasis on reducing the barriers between agriculture and culture.”
The fair features Apple Alley, where you can meet actual apple farmers (they’re like influencers, but with dirt under their nails and actual skills) and taste a veritable renaissance of Grav-based goods: pies, cakes, fritters, juice, sauce, and caramels. There’s also a Craft Cider Tent, where 18 cider producers serve up their finest fermentations made from apples grown within 100 miles.
The food is farm-to-fair and the waste is virtually nonexistent thanks to Zero Waste stations throughout the ranch.
The music runs the gamut from indie to Manouche jazz (with a detour through bluegrass and hip hop). This year’s lineup includes musical faves like MaMuse, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Rainbow Girls, Sean Hayes, Handmade Moments, High Step Society, Bandjango, Kayatta, LBC, Mariachi Cantares de Mi Tierra, Onye & The Messengers, The Familiar Strangers, and The Love Choir.
Besides apple-themed attractions, ag-interested attendees can experience “Life on the Farm,” which offers a hands-on glimpse into rural life. At the Farm Yard, visitors of all ages can meet farm animals and chat with their caretakers, gaining insight into the role of small-scale animal husbandry. Meanwhile, the Arena features a rotating lineup of agricultural demos, presentations, and panels, ranging from sheep shearing and goat milking to cidermaking, seed saving, and sustainable food practices. Best of all, “Life on the Farm” is free and open to everyone.
Kids under five get in free, and there’s a whole world waiting for them. From lavender sachet-making to chasing giant bubbles to ag-themed games like apple juggling and piglet races, it’s basically Burning Man for tiny farmhands. And for those youngsters who prefer their joy with a wistful dose of contemplative nostalgia, the Charles M. Schulz Museum (home of Charlie Brown and the peanuts) has a presence too.
For the discerning fairgoer, there’s an expanded VIP Lounge, featuring access to the Artisan Tasting Grove, premium seating by the stage, fancy restrooms (a first for the fair), and an all-access pass to drink at any libation tent.
people dancing under a tent
“The fair has a modern, forward-looking ethos as we adapt and improve with the times,” says Snyder. “For instance, we are an award-winning leader in Zero Waste event production, and our programming features regenerative agriculture pioneers and experts in the field of sustainability who understand that agriculture is part of the climate solution.”
Major sponsors this year include such familiar local brands as Dutton Ranch, Kunde Endowment Fund, Northern California Public Media, River Electric, Shelter Co., North Coast Organic, American AgCredit, Oliver’s Markets, and Sonoma County Tourism.
“It’s perennially life-giving and sustaining to converge with the community in a welcoming, inclusive, and uplifting environment to celebrate harvest and the simple joys of being human—music, food, libations, handcrafts, activities, and games,” says Snyder. “That never gets old!”
Gravenstein Apple Fair
GravensteinAppleFair.com
10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday, August 9 and 10
Ragle Ranch Regional Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol.