The weather may be changing but the amount of cider festivals happening across the country is not. In fact, with autumn almost in bloom, there is no better time to attend a cider festival. From the Oregon Coast to Central New York, there are numerous chances to taste some top-notch cider. Bring the family and friends and pack your rain boots because most of these events are happening rain or shine.
St. Cloud Craft Beer & Ciderfest
│September 21
What better way to celebrate the first day of fall then at a cider festival. Happening in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the St. Cloud Beer & Ciderfest will feature around 59 beer and cider producers. While general admission to this 21+ affair are $30, you can upgrade to VIP status to get an extra hour of beer and cider tasting. Based on how many vendors there are going to be, you are going to need as much time as possible.
Cider Week Finger Lakes
│September 27- October 6
Happening since 2010, the Cider Week in Finger Lakes, New York, features a wide array of events going down throughout the whole week. Start the week off with Rootstock Ciderworks Music Friday and continue the week by touring Black Diamond Cidery or by touring South Hill Cider on Oct. 5. Finish the week with the annual Cider Sunday at Cornell University. All the events can be found on Cider Week’s website.
Pour the Core Hard Cider Festival
│September 28
Travel to Long Island to attend this festival. The Pour the Core Hard Cider Festival is happening rain or shine and will feature over 75 cidermakers to meet and greet. Other than drinking cider, there will be a doughnut-eating contest as well as numerous vendors. Tickets cost $60 the day of, but VIP guests will get a bonus hour of drinking as well as the opportunity to sip on VIP ciders.
Whidbey Island Cider Festival
│September 28
Only in its third year of existence, the Whidbey Island Cider Festival will feature activities for all ages in Coupeville, Washington, on the beautiful Whidbey Island. Outside of the cider tasting, this child-friendly festival will feature face painting for kiddos and a cider store where you can buy your favorite ciders for the adults. Buy more than six bottles and you get a free tote bag as well!
Greater Peninsula Cider Festival
│September 28
Elsewhere in Washington state on the same date, over 100 ciders will be poured for the Greater Peninsula Cider Festival in Gig Harbor. Two dozen regional cidermakers will be in attendance to showcase their finest product. Live music will also be featured in addition numerous food vendors. The proceeds will benefit Lu Winsor Environmental grant program which provides money to Gig Harbor schools to create projects focusing on water. Tickets cost $35.
Newport Cider Festival
│October 4-5
Book an Airbnb down in Newport, Oregon, before attending this festival! The Newport Cider Festival will feature events such as a cider-pressing demonstration by Correll Cider Presses and events just for kids. When you are not taking in the sweeping views of the ocean, partake in tasting the 22 different ciders that are going to be at the festival. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
