Apple Butter Takes Center Stage at This Lansing Festival

Besides maybe a potato, it's hard to think of another food that's quite as versatile as the apple.

You can do so much with apples: apple cider, apple pies, caramel apples, applesauce—the list goes on and on.

READ MORE: 7 Michigan Festivals Not to Miss This October

However, at the Fenner Nature Center in Lansing October 18-19, it's all about apple butter.

2025 marks the 51st annual Apple Butter Festival at Fenner Nature Center, with a wide variety of activities planned for the whole family.

What Exactly Is Apple Butter?

If you've never tried apple butter, you might not know that technically it's not really "butter". There's no dairy involved at all. It's more of a thick, rich spread made by mixing cooked apples with cider, sugar and spices, and stirred until it's at a consistency similar to that of butter.

Taste, Learn, and Take Home Fresh Apple Butter

In addition to sampling apple butter and learning exactly how it's made, those who attend the festival will have the opportunity to take some fresh apple butter home as well.

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The Apple Butter Festival will also feature artisan demonstrations, local vendors, food trucks, musicians, and a variety of hands-on activities. Cider and donuts will be available for purchase as well.

Festival Times and Location

Fenner Nature Center is located in Lansing near the intersection of E. Mount Hope Avenue and Aurelius Road. The Apple Butter Festival will be held both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.