Summer may be over, but the fun is only getting started in the cider community. Events are springing up like plump apples at harvest as autumn begins and the opportunity to taste your favorite ciders in unique settings are numerous. Travel to New England to learn how cider was valued in the 19 Century or attend New York State’s largest collection of hard cider. Pack your flannel and make a pit stop at one of these festivals before heading to the corn maze and pumpkin patch this fall.
Fall Hard Core Grand Cider and Mead Tasting
│September 28-29
Hosted by Boutique Wine, Spirits and Cider and Awestruck Cider, Fishkill, New York, is set to host the largest selection of craft ciders in the state this weekend. With 50 products in cans and 13 ciders on tap, discover everything that makes the Fall Hard Core Grand Cider and Mead Tasting so fabulous. Admission is free and both days will have different vendors so make sure to attend both days to guarantee that you get the most out of your weekend.
Olympic Peninsula Apple and Cider Festival
│October 11-13
Book a ferry ticket or pack your car to reach this cider festival on Washington’s scenic Olympic Peninsula. With events happening from Port Ludlow to Port Townsend and Chimacum, the Olympic Peninsula Apple and Cider Festival has an event for everyone. Start the weekend with the Harvest Dinner and Festival Kickoff with cider provided by Eaglemount Wine and Cider. On Saturday, check out the Cider Saloon in Port Townsend which will feature over 40 regional ciders, then finish the weekend on Sunday with the Alpenfire Cider Breakfast.
Ciderfest NC
│October 12
Featuring 21 ciders, Ciderfest NC packs a deeper message in its festival. With much of this festival focusing on sustainability, Ciderfest is a carbon-neutral event and will feature events such as interactive demonstrations and workshops on topics pertaining to sustainability and green building. Kids are welcome as well, with an entire “kid zone” set aside for them to play. With regional cidermakers showcasing their work, Ciderfest aims to instate greener practicers into event goers while providing a fun experience.
Pour the Core Hard Cider Festival
│October 19
The seventh annual Pour the Core Hard Cider Festival looks to shake up Philadelphia by providing over 75 ciders for festival-goers to try. A 21 and over event, Pour the Core will take place at the Navy Yard and is a rain or shine event so pack a hooded jacket just in case. Other events happening during the festival include a doughnut eating contest as well the chance to sip local and international ciders.
A Celebration of Cider and Music Festival
│October 20
Anyone who loves music and cider should check this festival out. A Celebration of Cider and Music Festival is taking place at the Old Sturbridge Village, New England’s largest outdoor living museum. Reminiscent of the 19 Century, pack your bonnet and top hat and prepare to learn about the importance that cider had in early New England. Furthermore, children will have the chance to engage in interactive activities while the adults can sample cider from six different makers onsite. Tickets are $20.
