8th annual Cider Summit PDX returns to Portland June 29 and June 30
Portland, Oregon – The 8th annual Cider Summit PDX, the region’s largest artisanal hard cider tasting festival, returns to Portland this summer to celebrate one of the fastest growing segments of the craft beverage market. Cider Summit PDX will take place June 29 and June 30 at The Fields Park, 1099 NW Overton St. in Portland’s Pearl District.
The event will present tasting samples of nearly 200 hard ciders, including regional favorites and international classics, from the industry’s leading cidermakers, many of which will be on hand to inform and guide guests through the tastings poured into the commemorative festival glassware.
“Cider Summit annually exposes thousands of cider lovers and the cider curious to some of the best beverages on the market,” explained event co-founder, Alan Shapiro. “Portland is one of our signature events, due to an incredible selection of Northwest cidermakers, and its setting in a stunning venue with the iconic Fremont Bridge as a backdrop.”
The event will feature a variety of food vendors, a dog lounge, live music, and an on-site store featuring festival merchandise and select bottles to go from participating cidermakers.
Event tickets are on sale now at http://www.cidersummit.com, with discounted tickets available through May 31. General admission tickets include a souvenir tasting glass and 12 tasting tickets and cost $25 if purchased before June 1; $30 if purchased between June 1 and June 28; and $35 at the gate. VIP tickets include a souvenir tasting glass, 16 tasting tickets, and one hour early admission on opening day and cost $35 if purchased before June 1, and $40 if purchased between June 1 and June 28; quantities are limited and may run out.
Cider samples cost one ticket for a taste, with additional tasting tickets available onsite. All tickets allow reentry on Friday and Saturday with an attached wristband and the current year’s tasting glass.
Designated driver tickets are available for $5 and include a bottle of water; DD tickets are only available at the gate. Minors are not allowed at the festival.
Event hours are Friday from 3pm to 8pm (VIP session allows early entry at 2pm) and Saturday from Noon to 5pm. The last pour is 15 minutes prior to the close of each session.
Several of the cidermakers will participate in the fourth annual Oregon Fruit Products Fruit Cider Challenge, creating pilot batch fruit ciders using Oregon Fruit Products puree, with the optional use of Enartis oak chips; attendees vote on their favorite ciders via text, and the winners are announced at the conclusion of the event on Saturday.
Cider Summit Portland is presented by Cider Bite Cider House and Green Zebra Grocery. Supporting sponsors include Oregon Fruit Products, Enartis, Hood River Juice, Heathman Hotel, Portland Streetcar and Maletis Beverage. Media partners include 94/7 Alternative Portland, Portland Mercury, and CIDERCRAFT Magazine. The event is a benefit for Cascade Blues Association, Northwest Cider Association, DoveLewis Emergency Pet Hospital, and The Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research.
For more information, visit CiderSummit.com and follow @CiderSummit on social media, hashtag #CiderSummitPDX.