This year will be the fifth Cider Fest presented by the Central Coast Cider Association, and will take place at the Atascadero Pavilion on the Lake and Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
VIP entry will start at 4 to 5 p.m., featuring short talks from Certified Pommelier Brandon Buza and Orchardist Jake Mann, and special pours from the cider producers.
“We are so excited to bring this back after having to cancel the one in 2020,” said Maggie Przybylski, co-owner of Two Broads Ciderworks and President of the Central Coast Cider Association (CCCA). “It’s a journey to put on an event like this, especially with the added challenges of running our own businesses and inflation. But our small scrappy 501(c)(6) is really stepping up to put all the pieces together, with the help of the City of Atascadero and Visit Atascadero.”
“It seemed only right to bring it back to the Lake Pavilion after the success of the last four festivals we’ve had there,” said Lucas Meisinger of Bristol’s Cider House and Treasurer of the CCCA.
“2019 was especially fun,” said Cody Broadstone of The Poisoned Apple and CCCA Secretary. “And this year we have Erin and The Earthquakes back, AND Painted Red Music starts up when they are done with their set at Concerts in the Park down at the Bandstand.”
“We are lucky so many cideries are able to attend right before harvest,” Maggie said. “And I think we are going to get a few more confirmed this month.” Attending so far: Gopher Glen Cider Co., Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards, Sycamore Ranch Cider Works, Tin City Cider Co., Two Broads Ciderworks, Bristols Cider, Blindwood Cider, Durham Cider + Wine Co., Shindig Cider, SLO Cider Co., Mount Diablo Cider, Apiary Beverage Co., Hemly Cider, Raging Cider & Mead, and Lassen Traditional Cider.
“I’m already hungry for those food trucks,” Maggie laughs. “We are going to have tacos, Earth and Oven Pizzas, and Hungry Mother food truck!”
“With so many cideries in the area and this really great new cider bar,” Cody winks, “we have events all week leading up to Cider Fest to get folks excited about it. A whole cider week!” He lifts his eyebrows a few times and leans over to nudge Lucas with his elbow.
“That Cider Passport is going to be pretty great, too,” said Lucas. “It’s a pocket size booklet you can show at a local cidery for a special offering, like a special flight or discount. Each cidery has its own unique stamp/sticker and if you collect all of them, you will receive prizes and a 50% discount for next year’s festival ticket.”
Early bird tickets go on sale June 12, with tickets at $44 for general, and $59 for VIP. After June 30th, prices rise to $49, and $69, respectively. Tickets for designated drivers are $10.