By Brooklynn Johnson
Cider has proved itself to be one of the most rapidly growing trends in the history of alcohol. It was as if overnight apples went from being a generic lackluster fruit, to practically begging to be fermented into the heady headliner it has become today. Old Granny Smith and the Pink Lady apples have had quite the makeover, and quite frankly, have never been sexier.
As ciders grow in popularity, so have the festivals that celebrate them. All over the nation, days, festivals and even entire weeks are being dedicated to the scrumptious beverage. Take a look at just a few of the events coming up in the next couple months, and make sure not to miss your date with a golden delicious.
Summer Cider Day 2015 || Port Townsend, Washington
The second annual Summer Cider Day put on by the Northwest Cider Association will take place at the Northwest Maritime Center on August 8 from noon to 5 pm. Roughly 16 cider makers from around the region will be featured, offering tastings from a multitude of different cider varietals. Listen to live music, sip some cider and enjoy one of Washington’s biggest cider festivals. Tickets can be purchased here for $25, or at the door on the day of the event for $30. Price includes a souvenir tasting glass, ten tasting tickets as well as admission. This event is child friendly, so bring the family down for this summer apple celebration.
Sausage and Cider Festival || Covington, Washington
You might be asking yourself, sausage… and cider? The culinary connoisseurs of the Sausage and Cider Festival will assure you that this is a match made in heaven. Live music and lawn games will entertain guests between the cider tastings and sausage munching at the Covington Community Garden. The August 22 festival is exclusively 21+, and you can purchase tickets in advance here for $35, covering admission, a tasting glass and tasting tokens. Don’t like cider? Wine and a variety of beer will be available. Your turn to be the designated driver? No worries, you can pick up a special discounted DD ticket at the door that gets you unlimited access to coffee, soda and water for just $15. As if we need more incentive to attend, the festival benefits several local charities, including Children’s Cancer Project, Covington Youth Athletics and more.
Ciderstock || Middlebury, Vermont
With a name like Ciderstock, you know this festival has to have an impressive musical line up. This year it definitely does not disappoint. Cage the Elephant and New Politics are among the list of entertainers on August 22 at the Woodchuck Cidery, from 2-10 pm. When you’re not rocking out on the lawn to the live jams, grab some mouth-watering fair food from one of the many parked food trucks. A variety of craft ciders will be available for purchase at the event, including Woodchuck’s own hard cider selects. Purchase tickets in advance here for $25, all kids under 12 years old get free admission.
Cider Summit Seattle || Seattle
This prestigious cider event is part of a four part summit series corresponding to each of the following cities: Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. More than 100 artisan cider makers from all over the world will be featured at this two day event on September 11 and 12, not to mention Washington Cider Week is September 10-20. This is surely an event that should not be missed!
Cider Swig || Gig Harbor, Washington
An event geared towards family fun, this festival at the Sehmel Homestead Park on September 26 features local food and art, live music and even an apple launch competition. Children can check out the Kids Apple Zone while mom and dad pop on over to the vendors to check out some bold ciders, including ginger, pumpkin and habanero chili infused selects. Tickets can be purchased in advance here for $28, or $35 at the door the day of the event and include a tasting glass and five drink tokens, as well as access to the Cider Talk/Demonstration tent, and participation in the apple launch. Designated driver tickets cost $10 and include two soda tickets and souvenir glass.
