Central Coast Cider Festival draws crowds despite spring showers

By Camille DeVaul · Fri May 01 2026

Expanded lineup and new April date bring fresh energy to downtown Atascadero

ATASCADERO — The 8th annual Central Coast Cider Festival returned to the Sunken Gardens on Saturday, April 25, bringing together more than 20 cider producers, local businesses and hundreds of attendees for an afternoon celebrating one of California’s fastest-growing craft beverages.

Now in its second year at the downtown venue, the festival continues to evolve — with organizers shifting the event to April in 2026 to accommodate more cider makers and expand the overall experience. Throughout the day, guests sampled a wide range of ciders while enjoying live music, food and all that downtown Atascadero has to offer.

Despite a stretch of rainy weather, turnout remained strong and spirits stayed high throughout the day.

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN

"This year felt like one of the strongest community-supported festivals we have had so far," said Jeremy Fleming, co-founder of SLO Cider and president of the Central Coast Cider Association. "Although the weather took an unexpected turn and we had a bit of rain, guests didn't seem bothered at all. In fact, the energy stayed incredibly positive throughout the event. We received feedback from several people who said they had a great time despite the weather, and some even told us it was one of their favorite events of the year so far."

Cider makers traveled from across California to participate, with producers coming from as far north as Sebastopol and Chico, and as far south as Los Angeles and San Diego County. The diversity of vendors gave attendees the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of styles, from traditional dry ciders to fruit-infused, hopped, and honey-based meads.

Fleming described the festival as more than just a tasting event, emphasizing its role in educating the public and elevating cider’s profile on the Central Coast.

"The Central Coast Cider Festival is one of the most important opportunities we have to bring visibility to the cider industry in our region," he said. "Cider is still a growing category, and many people are just beginning to discover how diverse and creative it can be. This festival gives guests a chance to meet the makers."

Fleming adds that the festival offers the public a chance to taste a wide range of cider styles, and learn that cider can be dry, complex, fruit-forward, traditional, modern, experimental, and everything in between. He said it also helps position the Central Coast as an important cider region in California, alongside the area's already well-known wine, beer, and culinary industries.

Cider, a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apple juice, is often compared to wine due to its fermentation process, but differs from beer, which is brewed from grains. While commercial brands have introduced many consumers to cider, events like this aim to showcase the depth and craftsmanship of small-batch producers.

A growing trend highlighted at this year’s festival was the balance between traditional and modern cider-making styles. According to Fleming, more than half of the ciders poured leaned toward traditional methods, highlighting orchard-driven flavors and fermentation techniques. At the same time, modern ciders — often fruit-forward and more approachable — continue to serve as an entry point for new drinkers.

In addition to cider, the festival expanded its beverage offerings to include local craft breweries, while also featuring more than 20 food and merchant vendors. Guests could also enjoy live performances from musicians and interactive activities like oversized beer pong.

A major addition this year was the sold-out Connoisseur Event held the evening before at Lone Madrone. The exclusive experience included an educational seminar led by a leading cider expert and an orchardist, along with a curated tasting, pig roast and rare-bottle share.

Beyond the tasting experience, the festival continues to have a meaningful economic and cultural impact on downtown Atascadero. Visitors not only attended the event, but also checked out local restaurants, shops and hotels throughout the weekend.

"The festival brings a large group of people directly into downtown Atascadero, which creates a real benefit for local businesses," Fleming shared. "Guests are coming in for the festival, but they are also visiting restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hotels, retail shops, and other local destinations before and after the event."

City officials echoed that sentiment.

Director of Community Services & Promotions Terrie Banish shared with Atascadero News, "The City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Tourism Business Improvement District enjoy hosting this event each year and being a major part of it. The Central Coast Cider Festival was one of the first events we brought to the City nine years ago to showcase our Downtown and put Atascadero on the map."

For more information visit CentralCoastCiderFestival.com