As the popularity of cider continues to soar, cider festivals and events have become a beloved tradition for enthusiasts and curious drinkers alike. From small, intimate gatherings to grand-scale celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. North America is home to a thriving cider community, and here are some of the must-attend cider festivals and events in the region.

  1. CiderCon – CiderCon is the premier event for the cider industry in North America, offering educational seminars, networking opportunities, and a trade show for industry professionals. Learn more and register at https://ciderassociation.org/cidercon/.
  2. Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition – This competition brings together cidermakers from around the world to showcase their best products and compete for top honors. Learn more at https://www.greatlakescider.com/.
  3. Franklin County CiderDays – This weekend-long event takes place in Western Massachusetts and offers cider tastings, orchard tours, workshops, and more. Learn more at https://www.ciderdays.org/.
  4. Chicago Cider Week – This week-long celebration of cider takes place in Chicago and features tastings, tap takeovers, and other events at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Learn more at https://www.chicagociderweek.com/.
  5. Portland Cider Week – This week-long event in Portland, Oregon, offers cider tastings, tap takeovers, and other events at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Learn more at https://www.portlandcider.com/ciderweek.
  6. Cider Summit Seattle – This annual event brings together cidermakers from around the world for two days of tastings and education in Seattle, Washington. Learn more at https://www.cidersummitnw.com/seattleeventinfo.
  7. Vermont Cider Week – This week-long celebration of cider takes place in various locations throughout Vermont and features tastings, dinners, and other events. Learn more at https://www.vermontciderweek.com/.
  8. Cider Festivals at Local Orchards – Many local orchards across North America host their own cider festivals, offering visitors the chance to taste locally-made ciders and enjoy live music and other activities. Find a local orchard near you and inquire about upcoming cider festivals.
  9. International Cider Festival – This festival takes place in Michigan and features over 100 ciders from around the world, as well as food and live music. Learn more at https://www.michigancider.com/international-cider-festival.
  10. Calgary International Beerfest – While not exclusively a cider event, this festival in Calgary, Canada, offers a dedicated cider section with tastings from local and international producers. Learn more at https://albertabeerfestivals.com/calgary-international-beerfest/.

Attending a cider festival or event is a great way to experience the local cider culture, taste new and interesting ciders, and meet fellow cider enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned cider drinker or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone at these festivals and events. So, mark your calendars and get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate the world of cider.

In conclusion, cider festivals and events are a great way to learn about the craft, taste new and interesting ciders, and connect with like-minded individuals. With the variety of events available throughout North America, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience the local cider culture. So grab your tasting glass, and get ready to explore the world of cider