Held in the garden of the historic Lloyd House
220 N. Washington St.
November 23, 2024, 1-5 p.m.

Hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria in partnership with the Virginia Association of Cider Makers, this event includes cider tastings, a souvenir cider cup, live music, tavern games, local crafts and organization booths, and a little history too! While enjoying a selection of Virginia ciders, learn more about the growing Virginia cider industry and its connection to Alexandria history. The Alexandria Cider Festival includes offerings from Albemarle Cider Works, Blue Bee Cider, Lost Boy Cider, and more. Roaming Coyote and Scuttlebutt Bakeshops food trucks will be available for food purchases.

Cider was a popular beverage in 18th and early 19th century Alexandria and offered at area taverns, including Gadsby’s Tavern. Thomas Jefferson cultivated eighteen varieties of apples in his orchard at Monticello (planted between 1769 and 1814). Today, there are over 30 different apple varieties grown specifically for cider production throughout Virginia. Cider is fermented like wine, not brewed like beer. One of the most common misconceptions amongst consumers is that hard cider is made in just ‘one’ style rather than the many different styles that are produced. Virginia Cider Week was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2012 to recognize this growing segment of Virginia’s economy.

Tickets are $50 per person (through October 31) and $55 (November 1-22), and $25 designated driver tickets and may be purchased through The Alexandria Shop. Check in at The Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $65, if space is available.

Proceeds from the Cider Festival will benefit the Historic Alexandria Museums.