Vashon Island's Cider Fest 2025: A Fall Delight for All Ages!

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Vashon Island, anticipation brews for one of the island's most beloved annual events: the Vashon Island Cider Fest! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4th, 2025, because this is a day you won't want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned cider aficionado or just looking for a fun family outing, Cider Fest offers something for everyone.

This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tradition of cider making, a craft deeply rooted in American history and particularly thriving in the Pacific Northwest. Vashon Island, with its fertile land and abundance of apple and pear trees, is home to several talented cider producers, making it the perfect location for such a festive occasion.

For the Grown-Ups: A Taste of Vashon's Best

For those 21 and over, the Cider Fest features a dedicated adult cider section where you can sample a diverse array of handcrafted ciders from award-winning regional producers, including some of Vashon Island's own esteemed cideries such as Nashi Orchards and Dragon's Head Cider. Tasting tickets are typically available on-site, allowing you to explore the unique flavors and styles that these talented cider makers have to offer. From crisp and dry to fruity and complex, you're sure to find a new favorite. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the cider-making process and appreciate the artistry that goes into each bottle.

Family Fun: Pressing Apples and Making Memories

Cider Fest is not just for the adults! A significant portion of the event is dedicated to family-friendly activities, making it a wonderful day out for all ages. One of the highlights for the younger crowd is the chance to try their hand at running apple presses. Imagine the excitement as kids get to turn the crank and watch fresh apples transform into delicious juice! This hands-on experience offers a fun and educational glimpse into how cider is made.

Beyond the apple pressing, the family sector often includes kids' games, crafts, and even story time sessions with the Vashon Library, ensuring that there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day. You might also find opportunities for apple identification, where experts from the Vashon Island Fruit Club can help you learn about different apple varieties. In the past, apple tree starts have also been available, allowing families to take a piece of Vashon's apple heritage home with them. And of course, no family festival is complete without delicious treats like fresh apple crisp and juice for sale.

More Than Just Cider

While cider is the star of the show, Vashon Island's Cider Fest often features other attractions to enhance the festive atmosphere. You can usually find food vendors offering a variety of tasty bites to complement your cider samples or family snacks. Live music often fills the air, creating a lively and enjoyable backdrop for the day's activities.

In recent years, Cider Fest has also partnered with the Vashon Fruit Club to host an amateur cider-maker competition, showcasing the talents of local island residents who craft their own ciders. This adds another layer of community engagement and friendly competition to the event.

Getting to Cider Fest

Vashon Island is accessible by ferry from various points around the Puget Sound, including Fauntleroy (West Seattle), Southworth, and Point Defiance (Tacoma). Be sure to check the Washington State Ferries schedule in advance to plan your trip.

A Taste of Community

Vashon Island's Cider Fest is more than just a celebration of cider; it's a testament to the island's strong sense of community and its agricultural heritage. It's a chance to connect with local producers, learn about the craft of cider making, and enjoy a beautiful fall day with family and friends. So come on down to Vashon on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, and experience the delightful flavors and festive fun of Cider Fest! You're sure to have an apple-solutely wonderful time!