McMenamins 2022 Wassail Cider Fest Returns on March 12
Last held in January 2020, when COVID was in its early stages and not much of a concern here in the U.S., McMenamins hosted its annual Wassail Cider Fest to a large festive crowd. Now with a slight set back from its original return date of January 15, 2022, the festival will now return to McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse on Saturday, March 12, 2022.
The Wassail Cider Fest is a day-long celebration of music, merriment and 20+ ciders from Oregon and Washington cideries to sample. The festival is open to those only 21 years of age or older and takes place from 2:00-8:00pm. For advance ticket holder the gates open one hour earlier at 1:00pm.
Wassailing (a medieval pagan ceremony performed to appease the tree spirits and bring on Spring) inspired the event, and patrons of young and old come to the event in their best medieval flair (though a Wassail costume isn’t required to sample the delicious ciders). The purpose of wassailing is to awake the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest. At McMenamins’ event, you can enjoy tastings, a special menu of items for purchase, live music from Falcon Heart and Jack Maybe Project, and a parade to toast the apple trees at 5:00pm.
Oregon Participating Cideries:
- Edgefield Cider
- 12 Bridge Ciderworks
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse
- Bauman’s Cider Company
- Bend Cider Company
- Happy Valley Ciderworks
- Tumalo Cider Co
- Salt Creek Cider house
- Schilling Cider Co
- Idol Cider House
- New West Cider House
- Tumalo Cider Co
- Avid Cider Co
Washington Participating Cideries:
- Liberty Ciderworks
- Republic of Cider
- Finnriver Farm & Cidery
- Misfit Island Cider Company
Pricing has increased considerably since the last time that the festival was held two years ago when it was a mere $27 to enter. Entry into the 2022 Wassail Cider Fest will set you back $48 in advance or $50 day-of that includes a tasting glass and 10 drink tokens. Purchase your tickets in advance!
McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse
4045 NW Cornelius Pass Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97214
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.