Pumpkins may be everywhere this time of the year but let us not forget about the good ol’ apple — the base for cider we hold so dear. With harvest beginning for some makers and in full production for others, cideries across the country are celebrating the season — here are seven October cider fests to check out.
Cider Week Finger Lakes | Through October 7 | Finger Lakes, NY
This cider week kicked off Friday and caters to everyone — the makers, the businesses and, of course, the consumers. Meet the people behind the cider on Sunday, enjoy a three course dinner on Monday, take a tour of a cidery and orchard on Saturday plus so much more during this week-long celebration of cider in the Finger Lakes.
Montana Cider Week | Through October 7 | Montana
Explore what the Big Sky Country has to offer in terms of drink with this annual craft cider fest that commenced Saturday. With over 30 events spread across the state — like a Meet the Makers night with Western Cider and Lockhorn Cider House at Montana Ale Works — the possibilities are endless.
Vander Fest | October 6 | Spring Lake, MI
Local cideries and breweries will gather at Vander Mill’s Spring Lake location for a celebration of cider and beer, with six breweries and nearly a dozen cideries. General admission to this fest will get you eight drink tokens and a complimentary event glass.
Milwaukee Cider and Nano Beer Fest | October 6 | Milwaukee, WI
Beer and cider events are already fun, but you know what’s even better? Unlimited samples. In addition to a selection of 40 ciders and nano brews there will be a DJ and a screening of Wisconsin football so you don’t have to choose between beer and the game.
Apple and Cider Festival | October 12-14 | Olympic Peninsula
Celebrate apple and cider season with events like a harvest dinner with Hamma Hamma oysters, the Port Townsend Farmers Market, and an after-party at farm-based Propolis Brewing. Whether you’re there for the apples, the food or the cider it’s a near-gurantee you’ll have a good time.
Cider Fest NC | October 13 | Asheville, NC
Bring the whole family to this event that doubles as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Green Built Alliance. Now in its sixth year, the festival — which was the first hard cider tasting festival in North Carolina now with 24 participating cideries — is expected to sell out.
Hard Core Cider Tour | October 13 | San Luis Obispo, CA
Gather your friends to get the best deal for this event touting over a dozen cideries pouring unlimited samples and bites from local food trucks. Tickets for those who buy in groups of four or eight are $30, flying solo will cost you $10 more if you buy in advance. Proceeds from the event will go towards Bike SLO County who will provide free bike valet for those who cycle.
