Are you scratching your head over what to do this summer? Look no further, because there are numerous cider festivals happening from Central Coast California to Toronto. What better way to enjoy the sunshine and fair weather than to sip some of the finest cider on the continent? If you don’t live close to the sites of these festivals, consider planning a few summer cider getaways, so you can partake in all the excitement the festivals have to offer.
Cider Dayze Festival
August 24-25 | Armada, Michigan
More than 50 of Michigan’s cideries, breweries and wineries will be at this event in August. Celebrating five years of activity, Cider Dayze is packed full of events. Ranging from games like giant Jenga to holding fermenting courses, this festival has something for everyone. Regular admission gives you nine drink tickets as well as a commemorative tasting glass. Upgrade to the Saturday VIP and you will get to try experimental ciders and beers.
Orcas Island Cider & Mead Fest
July 27 | Eastsound, Washington
You will have to travel by boat to get to this festival on Washington’s Orcas Island in the striking San Juans. Benefiting the Orcas Island Children’s House, a nonprofit daycare on the island, this festival will feature live music and even a competition between cidermakers. Clocking in at 19 producers, tickets for this festival are only $15. With makers from around the Northwest, winners of the coveted contest will receive handcrafted growlers made by Australian artist Phillip Shane.
Central Coast Cider Festival
August 10 | Atascadero, California
Roughly located in the middle between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this fest is perfect for anyone looking to escape the two cities during the summer, or fly in to enjoy the most of this coast. With a portion of the proceeds going towards Woods Humane Society’s North County low-cost spay and neuter clinic, there are 14 producers contributing to this festival. General admission provides you with access to all the food and beverages as well as a commemorative glass and swag bag. Additionally, jazz and blues group The Tipsy Gypsies will help rock the night away.
Snohomish Hard Cider Festival
August 11 | Snohomish, Washington
The Snohomish Hard Cider Festival aims to provide alternatives to beer and wine by way of cider. About an hour outside of Seattle, the party fits the vibe of rural Snohomish to a tee with being held in the Thomas Family Farm, a popular events venue in the area. The festival will host 12 cidermakers in addition to the band The Jelly Wine Incident. General admission is $30, and the proceeds help support the Snohomish Kiwanis, an international service club that focuses on supporting the children of the word along with other organizations.
Gravenstein Apple Fair
August 17-18 | Sebastopol, California
Gravenstein Apple Fair, in the heart of California’s apple country, takes full advantage of the region’s natural beauty and bounty. This event takes place under the sprawling oak trees of Ragle Ranch Park and will entertain 17 different cidermakers under its craft cider tent. But there is more than just drinking at this fair, with numerous vendors and arts and crafts taking place as well. Additionally, multiple farmers will be present to sell produce such as honey and apples. Ideal for the whole family, this event is kid friendly with vendors for children also at the fair.
Toronto Cider Festival
August 23-24 | Toronto
Held annually since 2015, this festival is Canada’s largest cider festival. With 33 cider producers, this event is a family-run affair, but is far from a quaint festival. Hosting a variety of events from a country night with line dancing on the 23rd and a day of drinking by the waterfront on the 24th, there is something for everyone.. To add to the fun, there are various contests happening such as collecting various passport stamps from vendors for a chance to win a prize. Finishing the two day festival is a night party where DJ D-Smooth will provide music.
