The 13th Annual Cider Summit Returns to Seattle September 6 and 7

Seattle’s premier cider festival makes its way back to its roots at SLU’s Discovery Center Lawn

(SEATTLE – July 16, 2024) – Cider lovers can once again enjoy the annual Cider Summit Seattle, the region’s largest hard cider tasting festival, with a wide selection of food and beverages. Cider Summit Seattle 2024 will take place Friday, September 6 from 3 – 8 p.m. (VIP session begins at 2 p.m.) and Saturday, September 7 from noon – 5 p.m. This year, the summit will return to its roots on the Lawn at Discovery Center, located in the heart of South Lake Union at 101 Westlake Ave. N. In addition to this year’s festival, attendees can also purchase access to a hosted, four-course pairing session that will take place from 11 a.m. – noon on Saturday, September 7. The tasting will feature sips by Tieton Cider Works and bites from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and Salt Blade Hand Crafted Meats.

“It feels like a homecoming,” said Alan Shapiro, Cider Summit co-founder and producer. “We started Cider Summit Seattle at Discovery Center more than a decade ago. We’re excited to return to where it all began for our 13th annual festival.”

Presented by Amazon and Seattle Cider Taproom, more than 40 producers convene at Cider Summit to share over 150 ciders, meads, cider cocktails, and fruit spirits, sourced both from the Pacific Northwest and internationally – nearly half of which are new to the event in 2024. Additionally, many cidermakers will be in attendance to deliver first hand guidance on tasting and pairings.

“Each year our members and cider fans throughout the region look forward to Cider Summit Seattle,” said Emily Ritchie, Executive Director of NW Cider Association. “Since 2010, it has been the area’s signature cider event. We’re excited to see its momentum continue in the PNW.”

Tickets are on sale now

General admission and VIP tickets are now available online for purchase until September 5, 2024.

• VIP tickets – $45+ if purchased by July 31 and $50+ after. The VIP tickets include early entry into the festival on Sept. 6, as well as 16 tasting tickets and a festival tasting glass.

• General admission tickets – $35+ if purchased by July 31, $40+ through Sept. 5 and $55 at the gate (includes all taxes/fees). General admission tickets include 12 tasting tickets and a festival tasting glass.

• Cider, cheese, & charcuterie tasting – available for $35+ as an add-on to any ticket purchase. Includes access to a hosted, four-course tasting even on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Space is limited to 60 participants and will feature a surprise bonus tasting.

• Designated driver tickets – available for $10 at the gate only and include a complimentary bottle of water. Minors are not allowed at the festival.

Taxes and fees are not included except as noted. Advance-sale tickets will be available exclusively online. Additional tasting tickets are available onsite at $2 per ticket.

Food and More Fun

• Eats are available for purchase from Kaffeeklatsch and Frelard Tamales, along with additional onsite snacks.

• Oregon Fruit Products Fruit Cider Challenge, with voting via QR code to determine winner.

• Cider Cocktail Lounge presented by Thorntail Hard Agave, featuring a wide variety of fruit spirits, pommeau, and more!

• Heritage Cider Pavilion featuring farm-based regional artisanal cider producers.

• Stop by the Dog Lounge hosted by Just Food for Dogs and benefitting Seattle Humane Society for shade, water, and treats. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome at the festival!

• Event store featuring bottles and cans to-go, festival merch, and extra tasting tickets.

About Cider Summit

Founded over a dozen years ago, Cider Summit produces cider tasting festivals in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Chicago. Cider Summit Seattle is sponsored by Amazon, Seattle Cider Taproom, Thorntail Hard Agave, Oregon Fruit Products, Umpqua Bank, Just Food for Dogs, and NW Beverages. Media partners include The Stranger, Sip Magazine, iHeart Media, and KEXP. Our event beneficiaries include the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, Seattle Humane Society, and NW Cider Association. Learn more at CiderSummit.com and follow @CiderSummit on social media and join the conversation with #CiderSummitSEA.