Looking for this year’s festival info? Visit the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival homepage.

DOWNEAST CIDER + CHEESE FESTIVAL 2023

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.

Join us for a combination of free and ticketed events over the course of a delicious weekend in Downtown Ellsworth, Maine from November 9–12, 2023!

Ticketed Tasting + Market

Schedule of Events

Click an image below to learn more about each event at this year’s Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival.

Download Schedule

Ciders + Cheesemakers

We’re delighted to announce the Maine cideries and cheesemakers joining us this year are . . .

Cideries

Cheesemakers

FAQs

Is the festival in-person or virtual?

We’re excited to say that we’ve returned to fully in-person festival events this year.

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

Because of limited indoor space and the event being a 21+only event, the festival market is only open to ticket holders.

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.

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.