Lordstown Apple Cider Festival 2026 Schedule and Events

The Lordstown Apple Cider Festival will host its annual three-day event from Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Lordstown school grounds [2]. The festival, organized by a non-profit to support community initiatives, offers free admission and parking for all attendees at the 1776 Salt Springs Road location [2].

Festival Programming and Logistics

The event schedule spans a variety of community-focused activities, beginning with the opening of the midway at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18 [2]. The Lordstown Lions Club will provide fresh apple cider throughout the weekend, with specific service windows scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning [2]. Entertainment includes live music performances by "Broken Reins" on Friday and "Paige Marie" on Saturday, followed by a fireworks display provided by Zambelli Fireworks at 10 p.m. on Saturday [2].

For participants interested in competitive or athletic events, the festival includes a cornhole tournament on Saturday at 1 p.m. and a 5K run on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., with registration for the race opening at 8 a.m. that morning [2]. A craft, art, and flower show will be hosted inside the elementary school on both Saturday and Sunday [2]. The festival concludes on Sunday with a parade featuring Grand Marshals Bob and Sue Minor, which begins at 3 p.m. following a 1 p.m. lineup [2].

Community and Vendor Participation

The festival grounds will host a wide range of food vendors, including local staples such as the Lordstown Fire Department and the Lordstown Lions Club, alongside commercial concessions like Vlahos Greek Gyros and Rollin Up Ice Cream [2]. Families can access a "Free Kid Zone" on Saturday and Sunday, which features activities ranging from an RC construction zone and a mobile petting zoo to bubble stations and balloon artists [2]. The event relies on the McGinnis Amusement Company to provide the midway rides, which will operate daily throughout the festival's duration [2].

What to watch

• Weather impact: While the festival proceeds as scheduled, historical patterns in the region have seen events canceled due to inclement weather, which remains a factor for outdoor programming [1].
• Parade logistics: The Sunday parade at 3 p.m. serves as the final major public event; monitor local traffic updates for potential road closures near the Salt Springs Road and state Route 45 intersection [1].
• Vendor availability: While a full list of food and craft vendors is provided, specific operating hours for individual stalls may vary based on volunteer staffing levels [2].

The festival continues to serve as a significant local gathering, balancing traditional community programming with organized athletic and entertainment events. Whether the 2026 turnout will exceed attendance levels from previous years remains the primary metric for the non-profit organizers.