Seattle’s premier cider festival returns September 11 & 12 to South Lake Union
(SEATTLE – July 16, 2026) – Cider lovers can once again enjoy the annual Cider Summit Seattle, the region’s largest hard cider tasting festival, with a wide selection of food and beverages. Cider Summit Seattle 2026 will take place Friday, September 11 from 3 – 8 p.m. (VIP session begins at 2 p.m.) and Saturday, September 12 from noon – 5 p.m. Once again, the summit will return to its roots on the Lawn at Discovery Center, located in the heart of South Lake Union at 101 Westlake Ave. N. In addition to this year’s festival, attendees can also purchase access to a hosted, four-course pairing session that will take place from 11 a.m. – noon on Saturday, September 12. The tasting will feature sips by Slightly Furry Cider paired with cupcakes from noted Seattle bakeries.
“We’re very excited to celebrate this benchmark,” said Alan Shapiro, Cider Summit co-founder and producer. “Each year we’re excited to introduce a range of new vendors and new products to even our most loyal festival attendees.”
Presented by Amazon and Slightly Furry’s Southend Public House, more than 40 producers convene at Cider Summit to share over 125 ciders, meads, cider cocktails, and fruit spirits, sourced both from Pacific Northwest and beyond. Additionally, many cidermakers will be in attendance to deliver firsthand guidance on tasting and pairings.
“Each year our members and cider fans throughout the region look forward to Cider Summit Seattle,” said Emily Ritchie, Executive Director of NW Cider Association. “Since 2010, it has been the area’s signature cider event. We’re excited to see its momentum continue in the PNW.”
Tickets are on sale now
General admission and VIP tickets are now available online for purchase until 11:59am on September 11, 2026.
● VIP tickets – $45+ if purchased by July 31 and $50+ after. The VIP tickets include early entry into the festival on Sept.11, as well as 16 tasting tickets and a festival tasting glass.
● General admission tickets – $35+ if purchased by July 31, $40+ through Sept. 11 and $55 at the gate (includes all taxes/fees). General admission tickets include 12 tasting tickets and a festival tasting glass.
● Cider & Cupcake paired tasting – available for $30+ as an add-on to any ticket purchase. Includes access to a hosted, four-course tasting event on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Space is limited to 60 participants and will feature a surprise bonus tasting.
● Designated driver tickets – available for $10/$11 at the gate only and include a complimentary bottle of water. Minors are not allowed at the festival.
Taxes and fees are not included except as noted. Advance-sale tickets will be available exclusively online. Additional tasting tickets are available onsite at $2 per ticket.
Food and More Fun
● Eats are available for purchase from Miss Café and Kathmandu MoMoCha along with additional onsite snacks from KaffeeKlatsch, Little Jamie’s Mini Donuts, Don & Joe’s Meats and Salt Blade Handcrafted Meats.
● Oregon Fruit Co. Fruit Cider Challenge, with voting via QR code to determine winner. ● Heritage Cider Pavilion featuring farm-based regional artisanal cider producers. ● Stop by the Dog Lounge hosted by and benefitting Seattle Humane Society for shade, water, and treats. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome at the festival!
● Event store featuring bottles and cans to-go, festival merch, and extra tasting tickets. ● Cider Summit Rewards featuring post-event bonus offers and discounts from event sponsors and local vendors.
About Cider Summit
Founded over a dozen years ago, Cider Summit produces cider tasting festivals in Seattle and Chicago. Cider Summit Seattle is sponsored by Amazon, Southend Public House, BevMo!, Oregon Fruit Co. and Odom Corp. Media partners include The Stranger, Sip Magazine, and Pommes & Pints Podcast. Our event beneficiaries include the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Seattle Humane Society, and NW Cider Association. Learn more at CiderSummit.com and follow @CiderSummit on social media and join the conversation with #CiderSummitSEA.
