Kicking off this weekend and continuing into next week, Philly Cider Week will be in full swing with a schedule of celebrations surrounding the sweet and flavorful variations of the drink.
The annual activation — which was conceived 5 years ago — was created by Amy Hartranft and Tim Kweeder to put a spotlight on the state of PA being the 4th in the nation for the production of cider.
“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,” says Cider Week founder Amy Hartranft in a statement. “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.”
The fun kicks off this Saturday and Sunday with a party at Woodford Mansion. While there, guests can enjoy a picnic lunch and charcuterie board from Charming Charcuterie to pair with an array of ciders and cider-cocktails. The event will also feature live music and ways to learn about how local beekeepers use onsite beehive to restore the local bee population. Tickets ($40-$60) are available now.
Another stand-out event comes from Hale & True taproom, who has teamed up with Philadelphia Distilling. Taking place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., the activation will feature Hale & True’s taproom manager, Claire Trindle, partnering 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. Plus, there will be a gluten-free fried chicken special with free delivery to the taproom from Redcrest Kitchen.
Hale & True’s partnership with Porco’s Porchetteria on the other hand will be hosting an event on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 10 p.m., titled Flights & Bites. As a release states, this event will feature an 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.
Another standout of the week comes from a VIP party with Kampar, where ticket holders will be treated to a Neapolitan pizza party, freshly prepared on-site by Philly’s favorite brick oven experts, Pitruco. Proceeds from this particular event, which takes place on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., will also act as a support to help fund Kampar’s mission—which is to shine a spotlight on under-represented food so that the city becomes more diverse with its cuisines and flavors. While there, participants will also enjoy a complimentary selection of rare and hard-to-find small-production ciders curated by Philly Cider Week.
2023’s Philly Cider Week will then end with its Finale Fall Street Fest, which will take place on 7th Street, between South and Fitzwater streets, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from noon to 6 p.m.
While there, guests can enjoy live bluegrass music all afternoon from Chuck Darwin & The Knuckledraggers and The Cheddar Boys, plus, drink, eat, and shop local artists, artisans, and vintage sellers. Local businesses on the block participating in the street festival include Kampar Kitchen, The Good King Tavern, Flakley-gluten free bakery, and Hip Hemp Cafe.
For a full list of scheduled events and for more information on Philly Cider Week, visit phillyciderweek.com
