As fall approaches, anticipation builds for one of West Michigan’s favorite events: the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple BBQ Festival. Scheduled for September 6-7, 2024, this annual celebration draws visitors from across the state and beyond. Set against the backdrop of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, this festival offers a mix of tasty barbecue, fresh apples, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Friday, September 6th, 2024: A Flavorful Kickoff
The festival kicks off on Friday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm. with 20 different vendors showcasing smoky barbecue ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, homemade apple pies, kettle corn, and more.
From 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm the festival’s Family Fun Zone provides a variety of activities including classic yard games, a blow-up castle, a rock-climbing slide, and face painting. Kids can also enjoy gelly ball, a petting zoo, ride a pony, and a children’s entertainer creating balloon animals and caricatures.
Adults, whether you’re in the mood for a cold craft beer or a crisp glass of wine, you can unwind at the Beer & Wine Tent and enjoy the festival both days.
Friday afternoon the Festival Stage comes alive with country music performers, Tweed & Dixie from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tweed & Dixie describe their music as meeting somewhere between Waylon and Whitesnake. Their sound has been crafted from growing up in the working class, grease-driven Motor City Madhouse and running the backroads of Great Lakes country.
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Saturday, September 7th, 2024: A Full Day of Festivities
Saturday is a full day of activities, beginning with the Apple A Day 5K Run/Walk. Registration starts at 8:00 am at Mac Woods Dune Ride. Kickstart your day with a run/walk while taking in the scenic beauty of the area.
The Arts & Crafts Show, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, is a must-visit for those who appreciate handmade goods. The show features a wide range of crafts, including jewelry, woodworking, and artwork.
The Family Fun Zone continues on Saturday with fun-filled activities for kids of all ages. Throughout the day, enjoy forge demonstrations, grilling seminars and the Muskegon Axe Throwing booth.
All 20 food vendors are back in action from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, serving up delicious food throughout the day with plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Car and off-road vehicle enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Chicken Shack Classic Vehicle & ORV Show, taking place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Dunetown Mall. This juried event showcases a range of classic cars and off-road vehicles. Participants can register their vehicles at applebbqfestival.com.
For those with a passion for baking, the Apple Pie Contest is a highlight of the day. Pie check-in begins at 11:00 am, and the awards ceremony starts at 12:30 pm.
Bring a lawn chair and join us at the festival main stage for live classic rock from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm featuring The Rock Shop Band from Saugatuck, Michigan!
Celebrate with family and friends all weekend at the 20th Annual Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple BBQ Festival. Learn More About the Apple BBQ Festival