Sonoma County's only festival dedicated entirely to artisanal cider is coming back to the water. Cider Circus returns for its second year on Oct. 24, running noon to 5 p.m. at Steamer Landing Park along the Petaluma River, with more than 20 West Coast producers pouring low-intervention ciders, co-ferments and liqueurs.
The festival, organized by the founders of Big West Wine Fest, is billed as Sonoma County's only festival dedicated to artisanal cider, according to The Press Democrat. It's presented in partnership with Friends of the Petaluma River, and the event's official page describes it as a celebration of “all things apple,” spotlighting low-intervention ciders, co-ferments and liqueurs from Sonoma County producers alongside imported counterparts.
Tickets for this year's event run $75 and include unlimited cider tastings along with crafts and apple-themed activities, per the Press Democrat's reporting. Supervised children of any age get in for free, and the event's FAQ page confirms the same no-cost admission policy for kids, while also noting that well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds.
Who's Pouring This Year
The producer lineup listed on the official event page includes Ambix Spirits, Goat Rock Cider, Horse & Plow, Old World Winery and Onirique Cider, among more than 20 West Coast producers expected to pour. Food will also be available for purchase from local vendors, and festival-goers can expect duck fat caramel apples and hippie popcorn among the offerings, according to the Press Democrat.
The festival has grown out of Big West Wine Fest, with Sonoma Magazine describing Cider Circus as “a spinoff of the fast-growing natural wine gathering.” Last year's debut was framed as a show of support for Sonoma County's apple farmers and cider community, and it drew nearly 30 local cider producers along with a handful of meaderies and breweries, according to a 2025 Press Democrat roundup of local food and drink events. That inaugural lineup included pours from Eye Cyder, Tilted Shed Ciderworks, Ambix Spirits, Mad Marvlus, Ethic Cider, Horse & Plow and North American Press.
From One-Day Debut to Second Annual Gathering
Cider Circus held its first edition on a single day in April 2025, according to Friends of the Petaluma River, which notes the festival takes place at Steamer Landing Park on the river and has featured natural cider, beer and co-ferments from more than two dozen Northern California producers. That first year's festival promised apple bobbing, face painting, kayak paddling, music and food from numerous vendors, per the Press Democrat's 2025 coverage — though this year's full slate of activities and performers has not been confirmed.
Ticket pricing for last year's event varied by outlet: Sonoma Magazine listed tickets at $45, while the Press Democrat's 2025 listing cited prices starting at $55. This year's $75 ticket, as reported in the Press Democrat's latest coverage, includes unlimited tastings plus crafts and apple-themed activities for adults, with kids admitted free and dogs welcome on a leash.
The festival's FAQ page states the event happens rain or shine, though organizers say a severe weather event could force a cancellation or rescheduling. Tickets were on sale as of the event's official listing on bigwest.biz.
