The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival returns to Ellsworth, Maine, on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, 2026. This flavorful fall festival celebrates Maine’s outstanding cider makers, cheesemakers, farmers, and food producers while exploring the agricultural traditions behind their work.
Presented through a new partnership between Heart of Ellsworth and Woodlawn, the 2026 festival will feature activities at Woodlawn and locations throughout downtown Ellsworth. Visitors can meet Maine producers, discover locally crafted cider and cheese, learn about the stories behind these traditional foods, and experience the restaurants, shops, and welcoming community of Ellsworth.
Cider has deep roots in Ellsworth’s history. Once an important part of the local economy, Ellsworth-produced cider was shipped well beyond the region. The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival brings this heritage into the present by connecting Maine’s agricultural history with today’s cider makers, cheesemakers and local-food community.
Two formal tasting events are planned for the 2026 festival, along with additional activities beginning in the days leading up to the main festival weekend. Participating makers, individual event times, admission prices, ticket information and the complete festival schedule will be announced by the organizers.
Make a weekend of your visit and explore historic downtown Ellsworth, where you will find locally owned restaurants, cafés, shops, cultural attractions and views of the Union River. Festival activities will also take place at Woodlawn, the historic Black House estate located at 19 Black House Drive in Ellsworth.
The Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival is presented by Heart of Ellsworth and Woodlawn, with support from participating businesses, community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and Maine food and beverage producers.
Festival dates: Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14, 2026 Location: Downtown Ellsworth and Woodlawn, 19 Black House Drive, Ellsworth, Maine Admission: Ticket information to be announced Organizer: Heart of Ellsworth and Woodlawn
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