Cider enthusiasts will be ‘hard-pressed’ to find a better cause for celebration than Hood River’s Hard-Pressed Cider Fest, which returns for its seventh year on Saturday, April 30. Following two years of pandemic-related postponements, Cider Fest’s return will bring seasoned and novice cider sippers together for a chance to sample cider from Columbia River Gorge hard cider makers as well as a variety of other noteworthy Northwest cideries. With more than twenty cideries participating and more than 40 ciders on tap, the family-friendly event, set among the picturesque blossoms of surrounding fruit orchards of the Hood River Valley, is truly a celebration of spring.
Beyond cider sampling, the daylong event features a lineup of local music and a play area for the kids, guaranteeing a great time for the whole family. A variety of ticket options are available including a $10 entry-only ticket or a Tasting Package ticket which includes entry, an official cider fest tasting glass, and 10 tasting tokens for $30. Attendees under the age of 21 receive free admittance to the event.
New this year, Cider Fest will take place at the Hood River County Fairgrounds (3020 Wyeast Rd.), where attendees will find ample parking and room to roam at the festival’s expanded footprint. Blossom enthusiasts need not be alarmed, the festival’s backdrop is still set among the valley’s blooming fruit orchards and farms.
“Springtime in the Hood River valley is simply breathtaking, and Hood River Cider Fest gives everyone the chance to discover new favorite ciders and cideries in a fun, festive, and fruitful atmosphere,” says Katie Kadlub, executive director of Visit Hood River and the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce, which produces the event in partnership with Truewest Presents. “With the buzz of spring fever in the air and thousands of fruit orchards in full bloom, Cider Fest is the perfect excuse for a weekend trip to explore the Hood River area.”
For more information about the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest visit https://visithoodriver.com/event/hood-river-cider-fest/, to purchase tickets directly visit https://www.hoodriverciderfest.com/.
For more information on Hood River, or to book a stay at one of Hood River’s lodging options visit https://visithoodriver.com/stay.
Raymond
Terry Bunch