We’re happy to drink PA-made craft cider all year long — there are so many styles to choose from, that there’s basically a perfect cider for every occasion and mood. That said, fall is undeniably cider season, with the crisp temperatures and crunchy leaves underfoot practically demanding there’s a cider (and maybe a cider donut) in your hand. Apples are fully in season, with harvests happening at farms across the state, and u-pick orchards in full, glorious swing.
This October, craft cider events will be in full-swing, too, with a number of fun, family-friendly Cider Celebrations planned across the state. These autumnal gatherings are organized by the Pennsylvania Cider Guild, with sponsorship from PA Preferred, and each one will celebrate Pennsylvania’s growing, thriving cider industry! We invite you to join the changing of the seasons with a local, seasonal beverage in hand. Plus, getting to know your local cider makers helps the cider taste even better, seriously.
Here are three epic Cider Celebrations to help get you in a fall state of mind, while safely spending time with your friends and neighbors:
- From October 1 through the 31, Jack’s Hard Cider is hosting a super-fun Fall Cider Celebration! For the first four weekends throughout October, its Gettysburg-based taproom will host a tap takeover, featuring three different PA cideries each weekend. Then, on October 23 and 24, Brother Monk Ciderworks will come showcase and sell its cider in the Jack’s production facility. That’s not all! Special flights and pairings will be on offer from Mela Kitchen (the restaurant at Jack’s Cider House), as well as tabletop s’mores to enjoy with cider on the patio (truly, what is more fall-tastic than that?). There will also be live music on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, October 2 and Saturday, October 16, from 7 to 10 p.m.
- Have you heard about Wyndridge Farm‘s Outdoor Beer & Cider Garden in Lancaster? Every weekend throughout October, this awesome transformed lumber mill in Lancaster’s Warehouse District, offers drinks and dining with food trucks, live music, lawn games and activities for the whole family. On Saturday, October 9, Wyndridge will invite a number of fellow PA cideries for a tap takeover. What better way to sample lots of local ciders in a comfy outdoor space? The event is free and pay-as-you-go.
- In Pittsburgh, Threadbare Cider is throwing a Harvest Cider Tasting on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This outdoor event (in the parking lot at the Threadbare Cider House in Troy Hill) welcomes cideries from across PA to share their wares, and attendees will be able taste tons of diverse and inventive varieties. The cideries include Arsenal Cider House, Brother Monk Ciderworks and TattieBogle Ciderworks. Threadbare will also be re-releasing its festive cranberry cider. Tickets are $40 and include all tastings from each of the craft cider producers, as well as musical entertainment by Bruce Molyneaux.
Whether you’re already a diehard PA cider fan, or just love an outdoor fall festival, these events provide an excellent way to explore PA Cider! For more info, visit the PA Cider Guild’s website and Facebook page.
- Feature photo: Cider Culture
- Other photos: Courtesy of the PA Cider Guild
