LINCOLN SQUARE — Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood hosted its annual Apple Fest this weekend, and the event attracted far larger crowds than in recent years. Influencers on TikTok and Instagram highlighted the festival, prompting a surge of visitors who filled the streets, Brown Line platforms, and vendor lines.
Social media fuels attendance
Videos posted on TikTok and Instagram showcased the festival’s apple‑cider donuts, caramel apples, wood‑fired apple pizza, hay bales, pumpkins, and abundant apple displays. The online buzz helped spread the word, and many Chicagoans arrived early to secure a spot.
Long lines and crowd concerns
Festival goers reported long waits and dense crowds, especially on Saturday. “It’s funny. Everyone here today seems like they’ve seen the same TikTok videos advertising Apple Fest as I did,” said Daniel Nicholson‑Gardner, a festival attendee. He added that the crowds felt worse than the previous day, creating choke points in certain areas.
A festival worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told Block Club that Saturday’s attendance “vastly exceeded” previous years. A Reddit thread titled “Is Apple Fest always insanely packed?” featured a commenter describing the crowds as feeling like a safety hazard.
Mixed reactions from participants
While some attendees expressed disappointment with the size of the crowd, others embraced the lively atmosphere. “I like seeing all these people out and about,” said Lizane George, who waited in a long line for donuts. “As long as people are enjoying themselves outside and everything’s safe, this is a great thing.”
Others noted the impact on festival amenities. Lulu Hamilton, who arrived on Sunday, waited 30 minutes for a donut stand that had run out of its signature treat. “I guess it was fair since it was the third day of the festival and people really love donuts,” she said.
Festival history and growth
Apple Fest began in 1988 as a modest sidewalk gathering and has grown into a three‑day event that now spans Lincoln Avenue between Sunnyside and Lawrence avenues. The festival added a second day in 2016 and now features dozens of vendors, live music, and family activities, according to CBS News.
Community perspective
Despite the crowds, many locals enjoyed the festivities. “I was afraid that we would get stuck on the train on our way here, but it was fine,” said Liam Groah, who attended with friends. “It’s a little more crowded this year than last year, but we still enjoyed our time. Just go eat some donuts and hang out.”
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
