Cider Summit Chicago returns to Lakeview Terrace at Navy Pier for their 12th annual festival! The region’s largest cider tasting will feature approximately 125+ selections from more than 40 leading cider, mead and fruit spirit producers. Team Gregula is hex-cited to be sampling lots of luscious libations once again in order to give our revealing recommendations to all our riveted readers.
Cider Summit is happening on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2:00PM-6:00PM (VIP entry is at 1:00PM) and is sponsored by The Northman Cider Company, Louis Glunz Beer, Piccadilly Market, Molly’s Cupcakes, Brown-Forman, and Chicago Cider Week. Media partners include Sip Magazine and Cider Summit Chicago benefits Evolved Network.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2026:
Pre-Opening Cider-Cupcake Tasting:
This year we will feature 4 curated pairings from Molly’s Cupcakes, Northman Cider, Eris Cider plus a couple surprises! This will take place prior to festival opening from 12:00pm-1:00pm and is limited to 72 participants. You must also purchase either a VIP or General Admission festival ticket in order to be allowed access to the Pre-Opening Tasting.
Other features include onsite food sampling and food sales, Instagram Live segments and the Cider Summit event store, featuring a variety of festival merchandise and selected bottles/cans to-go! Each ticket purchaser will also receive a $20 coupon from Postmates good for orders between January 31 – February 8.
General admission tickets are $40 (plus tax + fees) per ticket and include 12 tasting tokens, souvenir tasting glass and admission starting at 2:00pm.
VIP Tickets (limited quantity) are $49.99 (plus taxes + fees) per ticket and include 16 tasting tokens, souvenir tasting glass and admission starting at 1:00pm.
Designated Driver (non-drinking) tickets are available at the door only. These are $10 cash or $11 debit/credit.
Pre-Opening Tasting (only available with an event ticket purchase) is $30 (plus taxes + fees) per ticket, admission at 12 p.m. for pre-opening guided cider-cupcake tasting.
Please note: Ticket sales will end at 11:59PM CST on January 30, 2026. Strictly 21 and over only – no babies/toddlers are allowed! The event ends at 6:00PM. Last call at 5:45PM.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
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