Cider Festivals 2026

Sausage and Cider Fest
Similar to the travelling Ribfest in Canada and the US, this "fest" moves around the UK from February 28 to September 12 in England, Scotland and Wales.

East Coast Cider Festival, Halifax NS
May 16, 2026

Location: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3J5 (map)

The festival will feature 19 cider makers from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland.

Michigan Cider Fest, Grand Rapids, Michigan
May 16, 2026

Taste over 50 Michigan ciders! Event takes place at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids. Also, there are many cideries in the area that can be visited for tastings. Stay at the Courtyard by Marriot Grand Rapids Downtown which is only a 3 minute walk from Rosa Parks Circle.

Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition, Grand Rapids, Michigan
May 17, 2026

On the final day of the competition the event is open to the public. A chance to try ciders from the US, Canada and around the world.

Royal Bath & West Show
May 28-30, 2026

Location: The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN (map)

The Royal Bath and West Show is a renowned agricultural event that also plays host to the British Cider Championship. A selection of ciders will be available each day to show-goers.

Accommodations in Shepton Mallet: Maplestone; The Shubbery Hotel; The Horseshoe Inn; The Thatched Cottage Inn; and Middleton House.
Accommodations near Shepton Mallet: The Cross at Croscombe Hotel; The Pecking Mill Inn; and The Lion at West Pennard. I stayed at the Manor Hotel in Yeovil, 20 miles from the showgrounds; take the A37.

Armagh Food and Cider Weekend

September 3-6, 2026
Location: Armage, Northern Ireland

Lots of events related to cider and food take place in and around Armagh. Cider tasting, orchard tours, cooking classes, and casual to fine dining in various local restaurants. Tickets are required for some events and should be purchased as early as possible because many sell out early.

Mac's Cloudy Apple

Tried in Auckland, New Zealand and made by Lion in Auckland. A cloudy yellow colour with a light slightly musty apple bouquet. Taste is slightly musty apple though not horrible. 4.2% ABV. My rating 6.5/10.

The Marlborough Cider Co

Tried in Auckland. Has a very pale yellow colour like a white wine and a very light apple bouquet. Taste initially tart that finishes with a very light tart apple flavour. 5.9% ABV. My rating 7/10.

Zeffer Crisp Apple

Tried at the Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe in Wellington, New Zealand. Zeffer Cidery is located in Hawke’s Bay. Pale yellow-green colour with a light fresh green apple bouquet. Semi-sweet with an up front green apple taste that finishes with a light tartness. Light and refreshing. 5.0% ABV. My rating 9/10.

Frank’s Summer Pear

Tried in Hobart. Very pale amber colour with a light and sharp pear bouquet. Semi-sweet with a light pear taste that finishes a little drier, exceptional for a perry. 5.0% ABV. My rating 6.5/10.

Top Rated Ciders

After trying my 250th cider I thought it would be a good time to do a list of the ciders I've rated 9 or higher. So far 9.5 is the highest.

Stonewell Dry (9.5)
Wignac (9.5)
Bridge Farm Sparkling Pear Cider (9.5)
Stonewell Medium Dry
Loch Mór Harrison Danforth Road series
Fils de Pomme
Dunkertons Organic Perry
Christian Drouin Cidre Bouché Brut de Normandie
Loch Mór Sour Cherry
A Tortured Path
Goldkehlchen Sauerkirsche
Ruwet
Vieni Sparkling Cider
Rock Creek Dry
Spy Golden Eye
Savanna Dry
Val de Rance Cidre Bouché
West Avenue Little Mac
Zeffer Crisp Apple

Pagan (250)

My 250th cider is a pear and apple cider from Tasmania that I tried in Hobart, made by Pagan Produce Pty of Cradoc, Tasmania. They note that this is barrel aged. Pale yellow colour with a sharp pear and apple bouquet. Semi-sweet taste with pear slightly over apple with a smooth finish. Good for its type. 4.5% ABV. My rating 6.5/10.