Family-Friendly Apple Blossom Carnival Brings Fun, Thrills, and Excitement

Get ready for an unforgettable family experience as the Powers & Thomas Midway & Entertainment Carnival rolls into Winchester, VA for the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.  This highly anticipated event promises a spectacular blend of thrilling rides, delicious food, vibrant entertainment, and family friendly fun for all ages. Mark your calendars – the carnival will be held at Apple Blossom Mall from April 25 to May 4, 2025, located at 1850 Apple Blossom Drive, Winchester, VA. 
 
From adrenaline-pumping rides to traditional carnival games and everything in between, the Apple Blossom Carnival offers something for everyone. Highlights of the carnival include:

• Exciting Rides: From classic Ferris wheels to the heart-racing Alien Abduction spaceship, there’s a ride for every thrill-seeker!
• Delicious Food: Indulge in classic carnival fare including cotton candy, funnel cakes, popcorn, and savory treats.
• Games and Prizes: Try your luck at traditional carnival games and win exciting prizes!

 
"We are so excited to bring the Powers & Thomas Midway Entertainment Carnival back to Winchester," said Festival President, Jeremy Luttrell. "This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone to enjoy. The Festival, in partnership with Powers & Thomas Midway & Entertainment, and Apple Blossom Mall have reshaped the carnival experience to make it more family friendly and welcoming to guests.  We can’t wait to share the fun with our community!"
 
Carnival goers of all ages should expect several new changes this year including: 

• Carnival entry fee $5.00 (cash only.)  Children 5 and under are FREE. 
• All guests aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Each adult may supervise up to four minors at a time. Parents should be advised that minors may no longer be dropped off at the carnival without proper adult supervision.
• No reentry if guests leave the carnival. 
• Entry and ticket sales end one hour before posted closing time each day.
• No backpacks or large bags.  Small bags 14 inches by 9 inches or smaller are permitted. Diaper bags that have necessary items for small children are permitted. All bags are subject to bag check by security.
• No masks. Virginia Code 18.2-422 states it is a felony for a person 16 or older to wear a mask in public. 
• One entry and exit point to the carnival. 
• Increased security presence in and around the carnival. 

 
You may be wondering, why all the changes this year? The new carnival location requires additional private security officers, police overtime, barriers, and new procedures.  The entry fee covers additional security officers for bag checks and increased patrols in and around the carnival. The fee also covers the expense of renting jersey barriers and chain link fence to create a safer perimeter for guests. 
 
Festival Executive Director, Brad Veach explains, “Our goal as a festival is to provide the safest environment possible.  We want to do everything in our power to avoid incidents like we see in other parts of the US.  We see tragic events like the truck that plowed through the crowd in New Orleans this past New Year’s Day, and we are working with our local law enforcement and emergency management officials to minimize these types of risks.  Unfortunately, all of this adds cost to the overall festival experience.”
 
In recent years, there has been an influx of teen-related incidents reported by law enforcement.  The new 17 and under policy helps ensure that minors are properly supervised by a responsible adult.  Additionally, there has been an increase in face coverings including bandanas and balaclavas.  The festival has worked closely with local law enforcement to enact these new policies and to comply with Virginia Code 18.2-422. 
 
Ticket Information:
Carnival entry fee: $5.00
Children 5 and under enter free
One Day Unlimited Ride Wristband: $40.00 
Single ride tickets are available for purchase
Tickets can be purchased online or at the carnival gate. For the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @officialsabf.
 
2025 Carnival Hours: 
Friday, April 25 - 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm 
Saturday, April 26 - Noon – 11:00 pm
Sunday, April 27 - Noon-10:00 pm
Monday, April 28 - CLOSED
Tuesday, April 29 – 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Wednesday, April 30 – 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thursday, May 1 – 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday, May 2 - 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, May 3 - Noon – 11:00 pm
Sunday, May 4 - Noon-7:00 pm
 
Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, the Apple Blossom Powers & Thomas Midway & Entertainment Carnival is a must-attend event that’s sure to create lasting memories. Gather your family and friends, and don’t miss out on the fun!