October 9-11, 16-18: Portland Nursery Apple Tasting Event

Update: Click here for 2011 Portland Nursery Apple Tasting Event details

Over the next two weekend (Friday-Sunday, October 9-11, and 16-18) the Portland Nursery hosts the 22nd Annual Apple Tasting Event at the Stark location (5050 SE Stark).

Apple tasting, old fashioned cider pressing, apple desserts, and cooking demonstrations; normally I wouldn’t get too excited these sorts of activities, but last year Heather and I attended the festival and enjoyed it immensely. It helps that Heather freakin’ loves apples!

The apple tasting this year features over 65 varieties of apples and pears (view the full list here pdf). Arrive early before the line gets too long.

The same varieties of apples and pears in the tasting are available to take home at $0.89/pound ($0.99/pound for Asian pears).

As you might expect (and as I complained about last year), there are a million kids at these wholesome activities, so I’m excited about a new addition to the fest: the 1st Annual Artisan Cider Festival! On Saturday and Sunday both weekends, Wandering Aengus Ciderworks will be bringing several styles of hard cider to taste ($5 tasting fee), and take home, and will be offering tips on making cider at home. Here’s to hoping the hard cider garden is rugrat-free!

And there’s live music too: Saturday, October 10th Sneakin’ Out plays in the morning (10am to noon), and Bluestone County plays from 1pm to 4pm. Sunday, October 11th Little Sue and Lyn Conover play in the morning (10am to noon), and the Pete Krebs Gypsy Trio from 1pm to 4pm.

Saturday, October 17th the morning act is Hurricane Hole, followed by Caña Son in the afternoon. And Sunday, October 18th The Mighty Filberts are followed by the Klezmocracy Quintet.