Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival

Every October, the sleepy Missouri town of Versailles transforms into a living postcard from America’s agricultural past. The Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival unfolds around the stunning Second Empire courthouse—a National Historic Register gem whose ornate Victorian details create an Instagram-worthy backdrop few small-town festivals can match.

What sets this celebration apart isn’t just its picturesque setting, but its authentic competitive spirit. The festival’s fiddling contest draws musicians from across the Midwest, with three age categories competing for serious prize money. Here’s the insider secret: pre-registered contestants get the coveted final performance slots, when the crowd is largest and the competition most intense.

The apple pie contest operates more like a charity auction than a typical baking competition. Every winning pie gets sold to benefit Versailles High School scholarships, creating a bidding frenzy that has seen single pies fetch hundreds of dollars. Contestants must use disposable pans—their masterpieces won’t be returned once the auction begins.

Car enthusiasts flock to the Knights of Columbus show, where 40 distinct classes ensure even the quirkiest vehicles find their tribe. The “Hair Brown Memorial Trophy” honors a local legend, while dash plaques for the first 150 entries become coveted keepsakes.

Founded in 1835 and named after the French palace city, Versailles retains its Old World charm while celebrating America’s heartland traditions in this unforgettable autumn gathering.