Sample ciders and seasonal beers amid rich fall color at the Cider and Ale Festival.
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This October, treat yourself to hard cider and seasonal beers curated from more than 30 local breweries and cideries, taking in the crisp autumn air as you sip and stroll through The Morton Arboretum’s stunning tree-filled landscapes.
The Cider and Ale Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Tasting tables offering more than 60 different varieties of cider and ale will be stationed along Meadow Lake Trail, the Conifer Walk, and the Frost Hill walking path.
Due to capacity restrictions, there will be no general admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4. Arboretum members who are not attending the Cider and Ale Festival can enter the grounds from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and are welcome to stay until closing at sunset.
Ticket purchasers must be 21 or older and present a valid ID at check-in.
Cider and Ale Festival tickets include 20 3-ounce samples, a 3-ounce tasting glass, and admission into the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4.
With the purchase of VIP tickets, attendees receive everything included in regular event tickets, early entrance to the festival at 11:00 a.m., a welcome pour, and a commemorative pint-size beer glass.
Designated Driver tickets include admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4, access to nonalcoholic samples along the tasting route, and one nonalcoholic beverage (tea, soda, coffee, or water).
Your ticket purchase helps support the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.
Ticket purchasers must be 21 or older and present a valid ID at check-in.
Event tickets include 20 3-ounce samples, a 3-ounce tasting glass, and admission into the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4.
VIP Tickets
VIP ticketholders receive everything included in regular event tickets, a welcome pour, a commemorative pint-size beer glass, and exclusive access from 11:00 a.m. to noon to enjoy cider and ale samples before the festival opens to all ticketholders.
Designated Driver Tickets
Designated Driver tickets are available for anyone wishing to accompany a Cider and Ale Festival ticket holder. These tickets include admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4, access to nonalcoholic samples along the tasting route, and one nonalcoholic beverage (tea, soda, coffee, or water).
Designated Driver tickets must be purchased online and in advance, and will not be sold at the gatehouse.
Child Tickets
Child tickets are available for children who accompany Cider and Ale Festival ticket holders to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4. Child tickets must be purchased online and in advance, and will not be sold at the gatehouse.
Commemorative Pint Glass
VIP ticketholders receive a pint-size beer glass that commemorates this year’s event with an American beech leaf.
Vendors and Map
A list of participating breweries and a map showing vendor locations will be available closer to the event date.
Food Options
Food and beverages will be available to purchase at the event from food truck vendors. Details will be available closer to the event date.
Fall Color Concessions
As part of the Arboretum’s Fall Color Festival, concession stands offering seasonal snacks and beverages from the Ginkgo Café will be available in Arbor Court on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
A concessions menu will be available closer to the event date.
Ginkgo Restaurant and Café
The Ginkgo Restaurant will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the event. The menu of internationally inspired meals includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as craft beer and wines, baked goods, and coffee.
Bakery items, salads, and sandwiches will be available to purchase at the Ginkgo Café in the Visitor Center until 6:00 p.m. Espresso beverages, hot tea, and drip coffee are also available at the café.
Accessibility
Tasting booths will be spread out along ADA-accessible paths following the Conifer Walk, Meadow Lake Trail, and the Frost Hill walking path.
The mile-long paved path begins near the Visitor Center and parking lot P-1 and is accessible for wheelchairs and walkers; it includes a few gently graded hills. The tasting tables will be stationed on the grass within 10 feet of the path.
No additional samples will be available for purchase.
Yes, Arboretum admission is included with your Cider and Ale Festival ticket. Guests are allowed to remain on-site for the duration of the day. The Arboretum will close at sunset.
Yes, your Cider and Ale Festival ticket includes all-day admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4. Festival attendees can access Arboretum grounds starting at 9:00 a.m. Festival attendees who are Arboretum members may access the grounds at 7:00 a.m.
Festival attendees who arrive early will not be given their festival tasting credentials or tasting glasses until the time slot on their tickets.
In addition to the breweries and cideries attending the event, several food vendors will also be on-site.
Yes, craft cider breweries will be offering gluten-free options. Nonalcoholic brews will also be available. See Vendors and Map for details.
Yes. Designated Driver tickets include admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4 and one nonalcoholic beverage (tea, soda, coffee, or water). Nonalcoholic beverages will be available to sample along the tasting route.
Designated Driver tickets must be purchased online and in advance, and will not be sold at the gatehouse.
Designated Driver tickets are available for anyone wishing to accompany a Cider and Ale Festival ticket holder. These tickets include admission to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4 and one nonalcoholic beverage (tea, soda, coffee, or water). Nonalcoholic beverages will be available to sample along the tasting route.
Designated Driver tickets must be purchased online and in advance, and will not be sold at the gatehouse.
Child tickets are available for children who accompany Cider and Ale Festival ticket holders to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4. Child tickets must be purchased online and in advance, and will not be sold at the gatehouse.
Due to capacity restrictions, access to the Arboretum on Saturday, October 4 will be restricted to Cider and Ale Festival ticket holders after 10:00 a.m. Members who arrive at the Arboretum between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. are welcome to stay for the remainder of the day.