The Ticket: Sunday Cider Puts Some Sizzle in Your Saturday

This laid-back tasting event might be the most fun you’ll have all summer.

There are few things that fill my soul like a sultry summer day party. Give me sunshine, open air and the high probability of a dance party breaking out and I am instantly transported to my happy place. Add some crisp local cider and I’m in next-level heaven.Last summer, I discovered just such a magical combination when my curiosity—and an unfortunate beer allergy—led me to Sunday Cider‘s inaugural Summer Sizzler event at its shared production facility just off Commercial Drive. I’d gone with the simple aim of checking out the new seasonal offerings from Vancouver’s first craft cidery and was pleasantly surprised to discover one of the most happening pop-up party spots in town.Turns out the Sunday Cider crew (comprised of Bestie duo Dane Brown and Clinton McDougall, and Patrick Connelly) are not only adept at beverage-making, they’re also the best backyard barbecue hosts you’re ever gonna meet. They’d transformed their industrial pocket of East Van into an oasis of good vibes packed with happy hipster families—kids and dogs are welcome—munching on barbecue, swaying to some funky disco and sippin’ Sunday’s classic Sesh and slightly fruity Wild ciders in the sun (well, not the kids and dogs).That afternoon turned out to be one of the sleeper hits of my summer, the kind you put on your mental highlight reel to get you through the winter. So you can imagine my excitement to learn that the crew brought their Summer Sizzlers back for a second year—and my disappointment that I’m out of town for the next installment on August 12. But you lucky people sticking around should head on down to 1575 Vernon Drive where Sunday Cider will be releasing its newest concoction, a collaboration with Sons of Vancouver Distillery that promises to be “a barrel-aged beauty made with Okanagan apples and apricots from SOV’s signature Amaretto,” alongside four other blends. They’ll also be serving up snacks from Handtaste Ferments, ice cream sandwiches from Brown Paper Packages and tunes from local label Pacific Rhythm—a reliable source for boogie-worthy beats. Make sure you fill a growler for me.

Sunday Cider Summer Sizzler Volume 3

Saturday August 12, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.1575 Vernon DriveFree Admission