After a long two-year hiatus, the end-of-summer festival for cider lovers is back and better than ever! Whether you’re new to the cider community, or have attended past event and can’t wait for the fun to be back, you’re in for a treat.
This year, Toronto Cider Festival is taking their two-day event to Toronto Inukshuk Park by the waterfront, which has never actually been used for public events before! On Friday August 26th and Saturday August 27th, expect the best of both worlds at Toronto Cider Festival with a Party Zone and a Chill Zone!
Because of the layout of the venue, there’s going to be one area adorned with trees, fire pits, acoustic sounds, and of course, cider; and then there’s going to be a main stage, dance floor, open party area for those looking to kick up the energy of their Cider Fest.
Sounds like your kind of party?
What to expect at Toronto Cider Fest 2022
This perfect end of summer party showcases more than 100 varieties of ciders (and cider cocktails) from across Canada. So, you know there’ll be cider.. but what else is there, you ask?
- Delicious food pairings to compliment the cider
- Beyond cider beverages from Founders Original and Vodkow, you don’t have to be a cider drinker to attend!
- Performances from local award-winning artists like Juno Award winner Stacey Kay and Toronto’s local Wing Night the Band!
- Red Bull 3Style Winner DJ D-Smooth, back by popular demand!
- A Graffiti Wall painted live at all sessions
- An interactive gamezone sponsored by Somersby
- A Cider Cocktail Bar and a Flair Bartending Show, presented by Strongbow
- The Cider Passport Contest, the photo booth, and a chance to win a weekend getaway in Georgian Bay and a stay at Fairmont Banff Springs in the Canadian Rockies!
- The Fire Pit Lounge sponsored by Stellar Experiences
- and so much more!
The schedule
At Toronto Cider Fest, there’s a number of sessions that you can choose from, depending on what day, and what time of day, you want to go. Looking for a day party to chill out and sip some drinks by the water? Go on Saturday afternoon! Love a good 90s party? You’ll want to check out the opening night.
Friday from 6-11pm
The opening night of Toronto Cider Fest kicks off with a 90s Party featuring Wing Night the Band, performing the best of 90s Hip Hop and R&B. You can also check out a live Graffiti Art Show that will be taking place during the festival!
Upgrade to a VIP ticket for the Friday session and you and your date will receive early access (5pm) to the Friday Night Party that has VIP Food and Cider Pairing presented by Lonetree Cider and 6 Spice Rack, a commemorative sample mug, and 10 tokens for cider samples around the festival.
Saturday from 11am-4pm
During the day, attend the Waterfront Day Drinking, sample some amazing ciders in the sun and find a new favourite bevvy. There’ll also be a live performance from Stacey Kay, Juno Award winning singer and Golden Buzzer Winner at Canada’s Got Talent that you can’t miss! This session is also the perfect time to leave your mark on the live graffiti art wall!
Saturday from 6-11pm
Celebrate the weekend and the summer with the Dance Party on Saturday night. Toronto Cider Fest is welcoming back the festival’s favourite DJ, DJ D-Smooth to get the party started (and keep it going all night long). Be amazed by talent at the Toronto Flair Bartending Championships that will take place on the main stage of the festival – cheer for your favourite bartenders to crown a winner!
Upgrading to a Saturday VIP Experience gets you early access (5pm) to the party where you can meet and greet the cider makers in a more intimate setting along with an exclusive VIP session with food by 6 Spice Rack and cider pairings presented by Lonetree Cider. VIPs also get a 10 drink tokens and a VIP Welcome Bag!
New this year
There’s something especially new happening this year at Toronto Cider Fest. They’ve partnered with Toronto Key to the City to bring you the ULTIMATE VVIP Experience that includes exclusive backstage Key Lounge access!
So what does this VVIP Backstage Key Lounge Experience look like?
- One VIP Experience ticket to the Toronto Cider Festival (along with the Food & Cider Pairing, commemorative sample glass, 10 tokens and the Welcome Bag)
- One 2022/2023 Toronto Key to the City ($160+ value) with exclusive VIP benefits in Toronto and Montreal for one year after the Toronto Cider Festival
- One Backstage Lounge access with a Host Bar
The Key Lounge will feature exclusive backstage access with complimentary Host Bar with a private bartender serving Northern Temple Vodka (made from Ontario Apples) and Hidden Temple Gin courtesy of Nickel 9 Distillery and Toronto Key to the City.
You can also expect private VVIP washrooms, lounging areas, complimentary VVIP spa services like manicures and massages, appetizers to compliment your beverages, and a VVIP photo opp!
Make it a Staycation
With the convenience of the Toronto Cider Fest location, you can make your festival date night a relaxing and luxurious staycation at Hotel X Toronto. Toronto Inukshuk Park is *literally* across the street from the hotel so you don’t have to worry about commuting or the traffic. In some rooms, you’ll even be able to see the festivities from the window!
There are three different staycation packages, made specially for Toronto Cider Fest weekend at Hotel X! All overnight packages for two people come with VIP admission to the Cider Fest session of your choosing and a VIP Welcome Bag per person.
What: Toronto Cider Festival
Where: Toronto Inukshuk Park, 789 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: August 26th 6-11pm & August 27th 11am-11pm
Tickets: Purchase here to receive $10 off