'Wonderful Way To Welcome The Arrival Of Fall:' Cider And Ale Festival Returns To Morton Arboretum

LISLE, IL — The Morton Arboretum will host its 2026 Cider and Ale Festival on Oct. 3 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event, a favorite with arboretum guests for more than 10 years, will feature tasting stations cider and beer from more than 25 breweries to sample.

Attendees can visit the stations along the arboretum's Frost Hill Path, Conifer Walk and Meadow Lake Trail. More than 60 types of ales and ciders will be featured.

Kate Fitzgerald, Special Events Planner at Morton Arboretum told Patch this year's festival will offer a wider variety of meads and ciders for attendees with gluten-free diets or who do not prefer beer.

"The Cider and Ale Festival is a wonderful way to welcome the arrival of fall at The Morton Arboretum," Fitzgerald said. "Guests can sample seasonal beers, ciders and meads from local producers while strolling through the Arboretum's tree-filled landscape and taking in the changing season."

Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers and include a souvenir three-ounce tasting glass and 20 three-ounce samples. VIP tickets are $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers and additionally include early 11 a.m. entry, a souvenir pint glass and a welcome nine-ounce pour of Apple Pie or Cran Razz Session Mead from Foxes Den Meadery.

Designated driver tickets are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. These tickets include nonalcoholic samples and one nonalcoholic soft drink, tea or water.

Of the festival, Fitzgerald added, "It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the crisp autumn air and experience the colors, flavors and atmosphere that make fall such a special time at the Arboretum."

Click to buy tickets for the Morton Arboretum Cider and Ale Festival.