Philly Cider Week’s must-attend events!

Five years ago, Amy Hartranft and Tim Kweeder launched Philly’s first week dedicated to cider, with a calendar of events showcasing the various local goods. PA itself is a huge contributor to the cider industry, ranking 4th in the nation for production. Thus making complete sense that Philly hold a week’s worth of programming to celebrate.

“PCW’s goals are to continue to expose the Philadelphia region to the ever-growing world of cider. To raise industry and consumer awareness of the diversity of this historical beverage. We strive to cultivate an appreciation of the sense of place tied to agriculturally-driven beverages, specifically ciders, that share an honest connection to the land on which the fruit is grown, and the importance that such products hold for the future of the planet,” Amy says.

Since 2018, Philly Cider Week has connected cider enthusiasts across industries in Philly through educational programming. The week of events allows local establishments to experience the viability of featuring ciders more prominently year round and encourages new relationships between small businesses. PCW’s mission is to educate and raise awareness of cider as an agricultural beverage.

Here are a few Cider Week events to add to your “must” list. You can find a complete list and more info at phillyciderweek.com.

1. PCW Kick-off party at Woodford Mansion
   Saturday and Sunday October 21st/22nd 1p-5p
   PURCHASE LINK
   $40 General Admission / $45 Day Of Event / $60 Weekend pass (both days)
   Home Brewed Events and Philly Cider Week have teamed up for CiderFest, the kick-off to Philly Cider Week. Enjoy a picnic lunch and charcuterie board from Charming Charcuterie (available for purchase at the event) while sipping some of Philly’s finest ciders, wine, and cider-cocktails. Bring a blanket and sprawl out on the lawn and listen to live music with a backdrop of the best leaf peeping Pennsylvania has to offer. Learn how local beekeepers are using the onsite beehive to restore the local bee population. Proceeds will benefit the famous mansion’s preservation and renovations to protect the vast stories of this historic landmark. Event is rain or shine!
2. Cider School: Apple Exhibition & Cider Tasting w/Ploughman Cider’s Ben Wenk
   Monday, October 23, 2023 1p-4p
   REGISTER HERE / FREE but you must register first.
   Middle Child Clubhouse
   Cider has tons of misconceptions, one mainly being that it’s sweet. Come get your apple education on and learn from the BEST. Ben Wenk of Ploughman Ciders  will tackle the topic of the apple itself and why a cider maker might choose one specific variety over another, what we mean by cider apples vs dessert apples, and the nuances provided by the former.
3. Cider & Cheese Pairing Class w/Amy Hartranft & Julia Birnbaum
   PURCHASE LINK
   Philly Cheese School
   Prepare your taste buds for a journey like no other as we explore the delightful world of craft ciders and artisanal cheeses, guided by an esteemed cider expert and our inhouse cheese nerd! During this unique tasting class, you will have the opportunity to savor 4 exquisite craft ciders thoughtfully paired with 4 hand-selected artisanal cheeses. Whether you’re a seasoned cider enthusiast or a curious novice, this event promises to be a mouthwatering adventure through a diverse range of flavors and textures.
4. Shacksbury Cider “Sweater Weather” Launch
   Wednesday, October 25, 2023 5p-7p
   American Sardine Bar
   Attention Appleheads this seasonal favorite is launching in South Philly. Sweater Weather is aged in peated bourbon barrels, sports warming spices and vanilla, and tips the scales at a super-cozy 8.0% ABV. Ideally suited to fall walks, après ski, or quiet contemplation by the fire.
5. Hale & True Cider Cocktail Night w/Philly Distilling + Redcrest Gluten Free Fried Chicken
   Wednesday, October 25, 2023 6p-9p
   Hale & True
   Come by the Hale & True taproom for a collaborative cider cocktail night with Philadelphia Distilling. Hale & True’s taproom manager, Claire Trindle, will be teaming up with head distiller Jack Falkenbach of Philadelphia Distilling to bring a special night featuring cocktails that incorporate Hale & True cider and Philadelphia Distilling products. This is a first come, first serve event that you don’t want to miss. Hale & True’s neighbors, Redcrest Kitchen, will be offering a gluten free fried chicken special with free delivery to the taproom.
6. Flights & Bites: Hale & True Cider Trivia Night w/Porco’s Porchetteria
   Thursday, October 26, 2023 5p-10p
   Hale & True
   Bring your friends to the Hale & True taproom for an exciting evening of cider trivia led by taproom manager Claire Trindle, plus cider flight and food pairings courtesy of Chef Chad from Porco’s Porchetteria & Small Oven Pastry Shop. 
7. Philly Cider Week x Kampar VIP Party
   Sunday, October 29, 2023 2p-4p
   PURCHASE LINK
   Kampar
   Be among the very first to preview the new Kampar space, lovingly remodeled, where they’ll unveil their exciting future project. The return of Kampar isn’t just any restaurant; it’s a platform dedicated to shining a spotlight on under-represented food so that we may have more diversity of cuisines and flavors in Philly. Your VIP ticket purchase will play a vital role in supporting their mission. Ticket Holders will be treated to a Neapolitan pizza party, freshly prepared on-site by Philly’s favorite brick oven experts, Pitruco. This may be the last time you will see pizza coming out of the oven left behind by Nomad, after which Ange, one of the only female open fire chefs in the city will repurpose it for an array of cuisines she and her chefs will serve once Kampar opens. You’ll also enjoy a complimentary selection of rare and hard-to-find small production ciders curated by Philly Cider Week.
8. Philly Cider Week Finale Fall Street Fest
   On 7th between South and Fitzwater Streets
   *Festival is free for all, however there is ticketing to enjoy the 2oz samples*
   Sunday October 29 12p-6p PURCHASE LINK
   $18 General Admission/ $20 Day of Event
   Take your love of the apple to the streets! Enjoy live bluegrass music all afternoon from our favorites, Chuck Darwin & The Knuckledraggers and The Cheddar Boys, while you drink, eat, and shop local artists, artisans, and vintage sellers. Guests will also enjoy offerings from local businesses on the block, Kampar Kitchen, The Good King Tavern, Flakley-gluten free bakery, and Hip Hemp Cafe.