The 11th Annual Hood River Cider Fest Returns Saturday, May 2, With New Location, Free Entry, and Expanded Family Fun

Apr 1

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Visit Hood River:

Katie Kadlub

Hood River, Ore., April 1, 2026 — As spring returns to the Hood River Valley and orchards and wildflowers come into bloom, the Hood River Cider Fest returns for its 11th year with a new setting and expanded offerings for 2026.

Scheduled for Sat., May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., this year’s event moves to a scenic location at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM), where attendees can enjoy sweeping views of both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams while sampling some of the region’s best craft ciders.

Featuring more than 60 ciders from over 30 cideries across the Columbia River Gorge and Pacific Northwest, the event continues its tradition of celebrating the region’s deep-rooted agricultural spirit in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

New for 2026, admission to the festival is completely free, giving attendees access to more than 50 arts and crafts vendors, a variety of food trucks, and an expanded kids' area.

For those looking to imbibe, a $35 Cider Tasting Package includes a tasting glass and unlimited samples — enjoyed responsibly. The event has eliminated the token system of prior years, making the tasting experience simpler and more flexible.

Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the day. A complimentary kids' area will feature the FLIP Children’s Museum mobile truck offering free hands-on activities, along with fee-based bouncy houses and face painting to add to the fun.

In addition to cider and festivities, attendees can take advantage of discounted admission to WAAAM for just $15 (regularly $25) during the event, making it easy to explore the largest collection of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country and one of the region’s most unique attractions. Free parking will be available at WAAAM.

“Cider Fest is one of our favorite ways to celebrate spring in Hood River and to highlight the orchard bounty that defines this region,” said Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River. “This new location brings an incredible backdrop to an already special event, and the expanded, free festival experience makes it more accessible than ever.”

As in previous years, sustainability remains a focus. Tasting glassware is not included with the tasting package and may be purchased as an add-on. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable vessels. The popular on-site bottle shop will also return, allowing guests to mix and match selections from participating cideries to take home.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest, visit hoodriverciderfest.com. For more information on Hood River or to book a stay at one of Hood River’s lodging options, visitvisithoodriver.com/stay.

For official event photos, click this link and credit Visit Hood River.

About Hood River:

Located at the crossroads of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the magnificent Cascade Range and just an hour from Portland, Hood River offers outdoor recreation, dramatic vistas, historic landmarks, bountiful fruit, and fantastic food, wine, beer, and cider. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to historic B&Bs, Hood River is a four-season destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, weddings, corporate events, and more. A perennial favorite among travel tastemakers, the destination was most recently named a 2025 Sunset Travel Awards “Top Tastings” winner, following honors as a Best Adventure & Explorations Town (2023) and Nature Lovers Destination (2022) by Sunset. It was also recognized as a Top 10 Wine Destination by Wine Enthusiast (2017) and Best Adventure Town in the West by Sunset (2015). Visit Hood River supports economic development, community development, and destination marketing for Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mosier, Odell, Parkdale, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood. For more information, call 541-386-2000 or visit visithoodriver.com.