News Summary
Grand Rapids will celebrate its local cider culture with Cider Week GR from May 9 to May 17, 2025. The Michigan Cider Association, along with Experience Grand Rapids, will host various events, including the Michigan Cider Fest at Rosa Parks Circle featuring over 50 ciders, live entertainment, food pairings, and community gatherings. Cider lovers can look forward to tastings, music, and unique cider offerings throughout the week, emphasizing the artistry of cider production and supporting local agriculture.
Grand Rapids is set to host the much-anticipated Cider Week GR from May 9 to May 17, 2025, celebrating the vibrant local cider culture through an array of events over nine days. The Michigan Cider Association, in collaboration with Experience Grand Rapids, organizes the festivities aimed at cider enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The highlight of Cider Week will be the Michigan Cider Fest, taking place at Rosa Parks Circle, located at 135 Monroe Center St. NW. This festival will feature over 50 ciders from across Michigan, alongside live entertainment, culinary pairings, and artisan food options.
Key Events and Activities
Cider Week GR will kick off on Friday, May 9, with a series of exciting events. Notable activities include a free tasting hosted by Folklor Wine & Cider at Ritual Wines from 5 to 7 p.m. and another tasting event at Art of the Table with Left Foot Charley from 4 to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, May 10, Bloomfest will be held at Farmhaus Farms, beginning at 10 a.m. Entry to this vibrant gathering is priced at $5, featuring live music, hard cider options, and non-alcoholic slushies. Meanwhile, Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery will offer Spring Wagon Rides from noon to 3:30 p.m., including free doughnuts, live music, and the release of a new hard cider, Apple Cherry, with ticket prices ranging from $3 to $9.
Throughout the week, Thornapple Brewing Co. will showcase various ciders, such as ginger peach and cinnamon maple perry, available until May 17. Starting on May 13, Vander Mill will host a mix of events including live music, trivia nights, and food specials. A Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition will be held on May 14, where over 1,400 cider and perry entries will be judged for excellence.
Other notable events on May 14 include the Up North Cider Tap Takeover from 4 to 8 p.m. at House Rules Lounge and a special Cider Tap Feature event at 7 Monks Taproom from 4 to 10 p.m., offering themed food alongside cider selections. A “Meet the Maker” event featuring Uncle John’s Hard Cider is scheduled at SpeakEZ Lounge on May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Finale Festivities: Michigan Cider Fest
The grand finale, Michigan Cider Fest, will take place on May 17 at Rosa Parks Circle. Visitors can enjoy a range of local foods, live music, and a diverse selection of ciders produced by various Michigan cideries.
About Cider Week GR
The purpose of Cider Week GR is to promote and celebrate the flourishing cider industry in Michigan, highlighting the artistry involved in cider production and the importance of local agriculture. The event also aligns with ongoing efforts to support local businesses and foster community connections.
Cider lovers have the opportunity to take advantage of the “Flights of Flavor” pass throughout the year, which provides exclusive rewards, enhancing the cider-tasting experience. A complete calendar of events can be found on the Cider Week GR website, ensuring that participants can plan their attendance to fully enjoy the offerings of this vibrant celebration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLive: Cider Week Returns to Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Magazine: Save the Date for Cider Week 2025
- Fox17: Preview of Cider Week GR
- MLive: Major Road Upgrade in Ottawa County
- Fox17: Cider Week GR Events
- Wikipedia: Cider
- Google Search: Cider Week Grand Rapids
- Google Scholar: Cider Industry Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cider
- Google News: Cider Week 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
