Central Coast Cider Festival returns to Atascadero Aug. 23

ATASCADERO — The 7th annual Central Coast Cider Festival will bring more than 20 cider producers from across California to the Sunken Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. Guests can sample a wide variety of craft ciders — from traditional dry and sweet to fruit-infused, hopped, and even meads — while enjoying live music by the Murder Hornets and DJ sets from Traffic Records.

This year’s lineup includes makers from as far north as Sebastopol and Chico to southern producers in Los Angeles and San Marcos. Hosted by the Central Coast Cider Association, the festival also features food and merchant vendors, mega-sized beer pong, and a lively downtown atmosphere after the event.

Tickets range from $20 for designated drivers to $55 for general admission, $75 for VIP early entry, and $100 for the new Connoisseur experience, which includes a special educational tasting event the night before at Lone Madrone. Only a handful of Connoisseur tickets remain.