Spring arrives early in North Carolina’s Sandhills, and there’s no better place to welcome the season than Bloomtime Ciderfest at James Creek Cider House. Set among blooming apple and peach orchards, this one-day festival on March 14, 2026, invites travelers to slow down, sip local cider, and enjoy the beauty of a North Carolina spring in full color.
Hosted in Cameron, Bloomtime Ciderfest brings together more than 15 cideries from across the state for an afternoon of tastings, orchard views, live music, and cider-friendly bites. From longtime favorites to smaller, harder-to-find producers, the event offers a rare chance to sample the breadth of the state’s growing cider scene—all while chatting directly with the cidermakers behind the pours. You can expect to see Barn Door Ciderworks, Botanist and Barrel, Bull City Ciderworks, Honeygirl Meadery, James Creek Cider House, Noble Cider, Red Clay Ciderworks, Starrlight Meadery, Urban Orchard Cider Company and more.
Beyond the tastings, the setting is part of the magic. As peach trees blush pink and apple blossoms dot the landscape, guests can relax in the cider garden, explore the orchards, and enjoy live performances from regional musicians. Food trucks serving oysters, barbecue, and other local flavors round out the experience, making it an easy excuse for a spring day trip—or a full weekend getaway.
Bloomtime Ciderfest also supports the work of the North Carolina Cider Association, helping promote education and growth within the state’s cider industry. With nearby towns like Southern Pines and Pinehurst offering dining, golf, and lodging, the festival fits perfectly into a Sandhills escape.
General admission tickets are $40 and include a commemorative tasting glass and cider samples throughout the festival. A limited number of $60 VIP tickets offer early entry, access to a VIP lounge with reserved ciders, and complimentary charcuterie in the tasting room. Advance tickets can be purchased online through the James Creek Cider House website, and early booking is recommended as VIP passes are expected to sell out.
If you’re looking for a fresh way to experience the season, Bloomtime Ciderfest pairs North Carolina’s natural beauty with one of its most exciting craft beverages—proof that springtime travel is best enjoyed one sip at a time.
