What it is and context: the festival that adds flavor to the apple in Manizales
Did you know that in Manizales there's much more than the Feria de Manizales in January? If you think there's only room for one big celebration, you're missing out on a treasure full of flavor and tradition: the Apple Festival. This event, which honors those who grow apples on the slopes of our mountain range, is a true tribute to local culture, where every bite and melody tells a story. Here you won't find a massive event; it's an intimate celebration where the community comes together to enjoy what's ours.
Apples, although less known than coffee, are the soul of this festival. In nearby municipalities like Villamaría, and in the cool rural areas around Manizales, apple trees bear fruit that becomes delicious desserts, wines, and juices. This festival was born to pay tribute to those farmers, those unsung heroes who carefully tend their trees in a unique climate. Over the years, it has become a meeting place for those seeking a different plan from the typical coffee tours.
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In September 2026, Manizales will dress up in autumn colors (yes, even though autumn isn't so evident here) to welcome visitors from everywhere. The festival isn't just one day; it's a two-week party! With food fairs, baking contests, craft exhibitions, and live music, it's the perfect occasion to stroll through the city with a coffee in one hand and a delicious slice of apple cake in the other.
Event details: dates, schedule, and what you can't miss
The 2026 edition of the Apple Festival will take place during the second half of September, with standout events on the weekend of September 19 and 20. Some activities will begin as early as Thursday the 17th, so mark your calendar! Unlike the Feria de Manizales, which has fixed dates, this festival is more flexible and its schedule adapts each year based on producers and the Mayor's Office. This year, the organizers, in collaboration with the Promotora de Eventos y Turismo de Manizales, have prepared an agenda that combines tradition and freshness.
Main events and official schedule
The 2026 schedule is designed so both locals and visitors can enjoy it their own way. Here are the confirmed events you can't miss:
- Thursday, September 17 – Official opening at Plaza de Bolívar: The city kicks off the party with a symbolic act where the first harvests are blessed and the starting gun is fired for the festival. Colombian Andean music and free apple juice tastings to start off on the right foot.
- Friday 18 and Saturday 19 – Food Fair at the Centro de Convenciones: This is the heart of the festival. More than 30 exhibitors, from bakeries to local entrepreneurs, offer everything from the classic apple cake to innovations like pork glazed with apple reduction. Don't forget to try the "Best Apple Cake of Caldas" at the baking contest!
- Saturday 19 – Floats and Comparsas Parade: From 4:00 p.m., Carrera 23 fills with color with decorated floats and comparsas from schools and folk groups. It's the most photogenic event, so don't forget your camera!
- Sunday 20 – Music Festival Campesina at the Media Torta: The Media Torta will become the epicenter of carrilera, guasca, and parranda paisa music. Here, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and you can enjoy chicha and guarapo while dancing.
- Monday 21 – Producer's Day: Aimed at farmers, with talks on cultivation and a delicious community sancocho at Parque Ernesto Gutiérrez, where, of course, there will be apple dessert.
A new addition for 2026 is the wine and apples night on Friday the 18th at El Cable. Here, local wineries and artisanal apple wine producers will offer unique pairings. Keep in mind that space is limited, so book in advance if you don't want to miss out!
Before you forget: this festival is not the January Feria de Manizales. It's more intimate and friendly, perfect for those who prefer to enjoy without the crowds. If you're planning a getaway to the coffee region, combining your trip with the Apple Festival is a great idea: you'll avoid the January chaos and enjoy better accommodation prices.
Prices and how to get tickets
The good news is that most Apple Festival activities are free. The float parade, performances at the Media Torta, and the opening at Plaza de Bolívar have no cost. At the Food Fair, you'll only pay for what you consume, so a lunch or dessert tasting can cost between $15,000 and $35,000 COP per person, depending on your cravings.
For the Wine and Apples Night, there will be an entry ticket that includes a commemorative glass and three tastings. The approximate price for September 2026 is $60,000 COP per person. Organizers suggest buying it directly at the Centro de Convenciones box office or through the official social media channels of the Promotora de Eventos y Turismo, where they'll announce sales points a week before the event.
If you're coming from another city, the daily budget for one person at the festival (excluding accommodation) can range between $80,000 and $120,000 COP, depending on your choices in food, local transport, and souvenirs like apple wines or jams. It's a festival that's easy on your wallet, especially compared to Feria de Manizales prices!
Don't forget to follow the social media of the Feria de Manizales and the Promotora de Eventos y Turismo to stay updated on the schedule. By August 2026, registrations for candidates for Feria Queen 2026-2027 will already be announced, so Apple Festival info should be rolling out by the first week of September at the latest.
How to get there and where to stay
Manizales doesn't have its own international airport; the closest is Aeropuerto La Nubia (MZL), which receives domestic flights from Bogotá and Medellín. For those coming from more distant cities, it's common to fly into Matecaña International Airport in Pereira (about 40 minutes by car) or El Edén Airport in Armenia (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). From Pereira, the road to Manizales is in good condition, and the taxi ride costs between $80,000 and $120,000 COP.
Once in Manizales, getting around during the festival is easy. The main events are concentrated in the center (Plaza de Bolívar, Centro de Convenciones) and on Avenida Santander. The Manizales Cable Car is a scenic option to descend from the center to the Universidad station or to El Cable, offering spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
Tips for attendees
Visit Parque de los Fundadores
Insider Tip: This park isn't just a place to relax; during the Apple Festival, it often hosts cultural and musical activities. Arrive early to grab a good spot and don't forget your camera, as the views are stunning, especially at sunset.
Try Ajiaco Caldense
Insider Tip: There's nothing like enjoying a good Ajiaco Caldense during the festival. Look for local restaurants that prepare it with fresh ingredients. Ask about family-style versions, which often have a more authentic, homemade flavor, perfect for sharing with friends.
Attend craft workshops
Insider Tip: During the festival, workshops are organized where you can learn about the region's artisanal traditions. It's a unique opportunity to connect with local culture and take home a souvenir you made yourself. Check the schedule at the main square for more details.
Explore the street food offerings
Insider Tip: The streets of Manizales fill with street food during the festival. Don't miss the arepas de choclo and buñuelos, which are classics. Ask locals which stalls are their favorites, as they hold the best culinary secrets.
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