Indulge in the taste, smells, and history of the Olympic Peninsula during the 3rd annual Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival. The three-day festival runs October 11-13, 2019, with a combination of free and ticketed events scattered throughout the north-eastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in East-Jefferson County.
“A common misperception is that Washington state apples are grown east of the cascades,” said event producer Daniel Milholland of Thunderbull Productions. “But orchards have thrived in Jefferson County since the 1800s. The incredible hard cider boom as of late, and popular cideries in the area like Alpenfire, Eaglemount, Finnriver have brought our apple production to the limelight in the last few years.”
Highlights of the tree-to-glass event include:
Friday, October 11th
- Harvest Dinner featuring delicious local food, wine, and ciders.
Saturday, October 12th
- Port Townsend Farmers Market (one of the largest small town markets in the county).
- Cider Saloon, a pop-up bottle shop at the Palindrome featuring over 40 regional ciders, apple pressing, and live music.
- Fall Fire Party at the Propolis Brewery showcasing local food trucks and a fire show.
Sunday, October 13th
- Barbarian Breakfast at Alpenfire Cidery featuring a cider infused Montecristo sandwich (two layers of Spark glazed ham, Calypso infused mixed berry jam, Mt. Townsend jack and mustard violette on three slices of brioche dipped in spiced egg wash).
- Apple-themed seminars and orchard tours.
- Finnriver World Apple Day Fair with cider tastings, orchard tours, live music, orchard parade, woodfired pizza, food and treats, kids fun, face painting, hula hooping, and apple cider donuts.
- Cidery Fermentation Games
All day-time events are all-ages, however, all hard cider tastings are 21+.
Tickets are available for single events (starting at $45) as well as for full weekend access. More information about the Festival and tickets here.
If you’re making it a weekend, consider staying at the Old Alcohol Plant, the Resort at Port Ludlow, Manresa Castle, or the Tides Inn. Search for rates on these and other Olympic Peninsula hotels and inn with our hotel booking partner, Agoda.
Photo credit: Jen Lee Light