Apple picking comes to downtown Manhattan at Applefest

Apple season is well underway, with the Hudson Valley’s orchards heaving with fruit ready to be picked for all of Instagram to envy.

But if you have neither the funds, time or driver’s license to go apple-picking, there’s Applefest. Back for its second year, the festival brings 6,000 of the best apples from the region to Pier A Harbor House in Battery Park City on Saturday, Oct. 15.

From noon to 9 p.m., choose your apples from six popular varietals – or maybe get enough of all of them for a baking contest to decide which one is really best for apple pie? Because all this recipe planning will probably make you hungry, a farmers market of Empire State producers will be serving apple-themed dishes like cider-brined turkey legs and caramel apples, to be paired with ciders, Applejack cocktails and Hudson Valley wines.

Add in some games and a bluegrass band, and you’ve got a perfect fall afternoon in the country without leaving the city. Admission to Applefest is free, just pay for whatever looks delicious.