Travel Itinerary
Autumn in Maryland carries the crisp fragrance of apples and the warm glow of gathering. The Maryland Apple Harvest Cider Festival captures this perfectly. Visitors can sip, taste, and stroll through a celebration of craft cider and community. Local makers, musicians, and families all converge for a single afternoon filled with flavor. The air promises excitement as food, drinks, and stories blend into a seasonal tradition. This festival is a lively way to mark the turning of the year.
1. The Festival Returns September 6th
This year, the Maryland Apple Harvest Cider Festival makes its much-anticipated return. September 6th marks a day filled with flavors and celebration. Guests can look forward to a single afternoon packed with experiences. The date ensures the event captures the height of early fall.
Seasonal breezes carry the scent of apples through the venue. Families and friends alike can plan their calendars around this festive highlight. The one-day timing keeps the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. A fall memory is ready to be made.
2. Location At Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
The event unfolds at Two Story Chimney Ciderworks in Gaithersburg. This working cidery provides the ideal setting for a harvest gathering. Rolling farmland and orchard views frame the celebration. Attendees find themselves immersed in the world of apples from the moment they arrive.
The venue’s rural charm pairs beautifully with the crafted drinks. Situated on Damascus Road, it offers space to relax while sipping. The cidery’s character adds authenticity to the experience. A day here feels both rustic and festive.
3. Hosted By Cider Experts
The Cider Association of Maryland leads the festival with expertise. They join forces with the team at Two Story Chimney. Together, they bring deep knowledge of apples, fermentation, and flavor. Guests benefit from a curated experience that highlights Maryland’s craft beverage community.
Visitors can trust that every detail is handled by professionals. These hosts understand both the tradition and innovation of cider. Their guidance ensures quality and variety across tastings. The result is a festival rooted in passion and craft.
4. A Showcase Of Local Ciders
Dozens of local makers gather to pour their creations. Maryland’s cider scene thrives with small-batch artistry. From traditional orchard blends to modern twists, the variety is striking. Attendees can explore new flavors while reconnecting with familiar favorites.
Each sip reflects the character of the region’s orchards. The festival becomes a map of Maryland’s craft beverage landscape. Guests walk from tent to tent, discovering stories in every pour. It’s a liquid tour of the state’s harvest spirit.
5. More Than Just Cider
While cider shines, the festival broadens the menu. Mead, wine, beer, and spirits also take their place. This mix allows every guest to find a drink that suits their taste. The range reflects Maryland’s wider craft beverage culture.
It’s an opportunity to compare traditions and techniques. Attendees move easily from apple-forward flavors to honeyed or hoppy notes. Each glass reveals a new perspective on local craft. The result is diversity within a single event.
6. Special Guest Producers
Producers beyond cider join the lineup. Their presence enriches the festival’s variety. Guests can sample a wider array of Maryland-made beverages. The event becomes a gathering of talent across the state.
Every pour carries a story of dedication. These guest producers share their craft with pride. Visitors enjoy conversations that connect drink to maker. The lineup ensures no two tastings are alike.
7. Food Vendors Galore
Savory and sweet bites pair with cider at every turn. Local food vendors set up stalls throughout the grounds. Their menus bring out the best in the beverages. Guests wander with plates in hand, matching flavors to sips.
Each dish adds texture to the festival’s atmosphere. Visitors may pause for a snack before returning to tastings. Food becomes both fuel and memory of the day. The pairing of meals and cider completes the celebration.
8. Live Music Sets the Mood
Musicians fill the air with sound as guests explore. Live sets create a soundtrack for the festival’s flow. Songs drift between conversations and clinking glasses. The music heightens the sense of togetherness.
Rhythms shift as the afternoon unfolds. Guests sway, tap, or simply enjoy from their seats. The combination of music and drink deepens the atmosphere. It’s a celebration carried on both tongue and ear.
9. Artisan Shopping Opportunities
Stalls showcase handmade goods alongside the drinks and food. Local artisans present crafts that celebrate Maryland’s creativity. Shoppers can browse jewelry, art, and seasonal decor. Each purchase supports small businesses rooted in the community.
These items become keepsakes of the day. Visitors leave with more than memories and photos. Handmade crafts add a tactile dimension to the festival. The shopping element ties culture and craft into the cider celebration.
10. Family And Pet Friendly
The festival invites families to join the fun. Children and pets are welcome, adding to the sense of community. Parents can relax while kids explore and enjoy. Dogs on leashes bring wagging tails to the orchard setting.
The open, welcoming environment makes attendance easy. A cider celebration can also be a family outing. Laughter, conversation, and shared experiences shape the event. Everyone finds space to belong.