This Saturday, October 19, 13 cideries from six states will come together in the Valley at the second annual Southwest Cider Festival.
Hosted by Mesa-based Cider Corps, the Valley’s first fully dedicated cidery, the festival will showcase the growing popularity of craft cider in the region. Festivalgoers can enjoy samples of local and regional ciders while feasting on food truck fare and listening to live music.
Attendees can imbibe ciders from Arizona’s four cideries – Stoic Cider, Desert Cider House, Crush Craft Cider Co. and Cider Corps – and discover ciders from California, Texas, Washington, Colorado and New York.
Cider Corps co-owner Josh Duren says he hopes the event will highlight craft cider’s distinction from mass-produced drinks and traditional European ciders.
“We’re experimenting with flavor profiles and techniques that make this a really unique beverage without artificial flavoring or added sugars,” he says. “The festival is a chance to sample the variety out there and really support the craft cider community.”
Pre-sale tickets are sold out, but a limited amount of general admission tickets will be available for $45 at the gate. General admission includes a commemorative glass and 15 drink tickets.
Southwest Cider Festival
31 S. Robson St., Mesa
Saturday, October 19, 4 to 8 p.m.
southwestciderfest.com
