We can’t wait to taste the traditions of cider and cheese with you again November 8th through the 10th, 2024! Revisit this page and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest announcements about the 2024 Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival.

DOWNEAST CIDER + CHEESE FESTIVAL

Celebrating a revival of two traditional foods, hard cider and cheese, the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival honors the rich tradition of Maine’s historic apple industry, the first and only event of its kind in the state.

We are excited to offer a combination of free and ticketed events, culminating with a tasty Cider & Cheese Bazaar with local food vendors, food trucks, and more. 

Schedule of Events

Full schedule of events will be released by the end of September. Check back for more information, or join our mailing list! Click an image below to learn more about each event at this year’s Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival.

Now seeking volunteers for the bazaar!

PURVEYORS

We look forward to sharing the Maine-based purveyors of ciders and cheeses joining us for the 2024 festival. More information will be announced soon!

FAQs

Will there be a tasting event this year? 

We will NOT have a formal tasting event during the 2024 Cider & Cheese Festival. However, each cider and cheese vendor will bring enough samples of their product for you to taste while you shop at the bazaar.

What is the cider + Cheese Bazaar?

The 2024 Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival will culminate in a bazaar where purveyors will set up their booths and samples for cider and cheese lovers to taste, learn, shop, and enjoy together. Tickets sales from the bazaar support this annual festival and Heart of Ellsworth’s mission to bring cultural cornerstones like Cider + Cheese to the community. VIP early access and general admission tickets will go on sale in October. Subscribe to be the first to get your ticket!

Is the festival in-person or virtual?

We’re excited to offer fully in-person festival events this year.

Is the Festival Market open to non-tasting ticket holders?

Thank you to everyone who provided tasting event feedback in 2023! We’re excited to announce that we’re reinventing this year’s shop-from-the-purveyors event based directly on vendor and attendee input. Learn more about this year’s Bazaar and be the first to get tickets!

Thank you to the vendors and volunteers who are making this new format possible!

Will there be tasting bags this year?

We’ve set our focus on bringing the cider and cheese community together in person downtown this year. As a result of our focus and rising costs, we’ve discontinued tasting bags. However, VIP Bazaar ticket holders will receive a commemorative tote bag to hold their festival goodies!

Where should I stay while I’m in Ellsworth?

Ellsworth has many wonderful places to stay for the weekend. Accommodations are more available and affordable this time of year, especially at larger hotels just outside the city center such as Colonial Inn, Comfort Inn, Eagles Lodge Motel, and Ramada Inn. We recommend booking early.

Where’s a good place to eat during my visit?

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but Downtown Ellsworth has so much more to offer! Whether you’re craving pub eats, pizza, curry, or lobster, here’s where to eat in Downtown Ellsworth.

Have another question or comment?

For more information, email us at info[at]heartofellsworth.org. We’re always happy to take questions or feedback!

2024 Festival Sponsors

Thank you to this year’s sponsors!

Are you interested in sponsoring this year’s Downest Cider + Cheese Festival? We welcome your support! Please email us at info@heartofellsworth.org to become part of this Ellsworth community tradition.

Check out photos and videos from previous festivals to get a feel for what the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival is all about!