Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill Announces 2026 Mid-Winter Lineup Starting with Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest Jan. 17-18

Photo courtesy of Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill | Bavarian Winterfest

This Event Has Ended.

WINTER FUN CONTINUES AT BLAKE’S ORCHARD & CIDER MILL!

Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest, 10^th Annual Chili Cook-Off, Homemade Paczki, Mom/Son & Dad/Daughter Dances, Themed Brunches, and More

Armada, Mich. – Jan. 8, 2026 – The holidays may be over, but Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill continues to give Metro Detroit a reason to celebrate every season. Kicking off with the second annual Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest, now offering a full weekend to enjoy some German-inspired fun, and the 10^th annual Chili Cook-Off, these family-friendly events are the perfect excuse to bundle up and embrace the season.

Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest Now 2 Days

– Jan. 17, from 12 – 7 p.m. & Jan. 18, from 12 – 6 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Bavarian culture, or just want to try something new, this family-friendly celebration brings the heart of Germany to Michigan. The weekend promises a lively celebration featuring DIY Sauerkraut workshops, German cuisine such as bratwurst and schnitzel, live bands featuring polka music and traditional Bavarian tunes, German brews and stein-hoisting competitions.

Tickets are $5 per person online or $10 per person at the gate (children two and under are free with a paying adult). General admission plus DIY Sauerkraut workshop is $15 per person online and $20 per person at the gate. More details at https://blakefarms.com/bavarian-winterfest/.

Blake’s 10^th Annual Chili Cook-Off–

Feb. 21, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Chili is the name of the game at Blake’s annual Chili Cook-Off. The family-friendly event will offer plenty of chili to sample, along with live music, games, craft hard cider, and beer. Award ceremony begins at 4 p.m. where contestants will be recognized in categories including four-legged, two-legged, exotic, and no-legged. Interested competitors may register through Jan. 31. A $20 entry fee includes admission for one chili chef and one helper, along with a commemorative t-shirt and pint of hard cider or craft beer. Admission for chili tasters is $23 in advance and $28 at the door. Tickets include unlimited chili samples, a logo pint glass, a pint of hard cider or craft beer, games, and live music. Kids two and under are free.

Paczki Program –

Jan. 16 – Feb. 17 at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Backyard, and Blake’s Lyon Township

Get your fill of this famous homemade Polish treat, with pre-ordering available. New this year – two specialty flavors, along with pick-up options at Blake’s Lyon Township.

Classic (Custard, Apple, Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry)

o $3.95/Single

o $19.99/Half Dozen

o $35.99/Dozen

Specialty (Cookies & Cream, Caramel Apple, Triple Jam, Chocolate Bavarian Cream, Smores, Espresso-Tiramisu)

o $4.25/Single

o $24.99/Half Dozen

New for 2026:

o Smores: Marshmallow cream–filled pączki dipped in chocolate glaze and finished with graham cracker crumble.

Espresso – Tiramisu: Rich Holland creme mixed with Espresso, topped with velvety white icing dusted with cocoa.

Pre-orders are available Jan 16 – Feb. 13 at www.blakefarms.com. Pick-up will be available Friday, Saturday & Sunday from Jan 16 through Feb. 17 at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Backyard, and Blake’s Lyon Township.

Igloo Dining –

Now – March 1, 2026, at Blake’s Tasting Room in Armada and Blake’s Backyard in Almont

Stay cozy and warm inside an igloo, while enjoying an assortment of delicious food and drinks. Reservations are required, including a $15.00 non-refundable deposit, and must be made at www.blakefarms.com.

Blake’s Tasting Room Brunch –

Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Blake’s Tasting Room

Brunch is back at The Tasting Room ideal for a girls’ day out or a laid-back family morning. Features include a made-to-order omelette station, sugar waffle bar, pulled pork sliders, Blake’s mac & cheese and more. Pair it with a cider-mosa or a flight and call it weekend self-care. Cost is $26.95 for adults, $10.95 for kids 10 and under, ages two under are free. Call (586) 784-9463 or visit https://blakefarms.com/blakes-tasting-room/#brunch for reservations. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Additional Events:

Blake’s Backyard Book Club – First Wednesday of every month from 6 – 8 p.m. at Blake’s Backyard: An evening of literary fun at Blake’s Backyard! This FREE event is the perfect place to connect with fellow readers and have a little fun.
Tales & Cocktails: A Guided Mixology Class – Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Blake’s Backyard: This guided class teaches you to craft a unique seasonal cocktail from shaken to served, while learning the history behind the spirit and how it’s made. Tickets are $11.27 and include a keepsake cocktail shaker.
Jr. Baker Workshops – Select Weekends beginning Jan. 24 – April 26 at 1 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill: Created for children ages five – 12 (accompanied by a parent or guardian), the cider mill team will teach kids how to decorate their own delicious treat and guide them through a craft activity. Tickets are $5 and can be redeemed as credit toward any purchase following the workshop.
Renew & Reset: New Year Yoga – Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. — 12 p.m. at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Start the year with intention mindfulness, and movement. This 60-minute class is for all skill levels. Tickets are $25 and include a post-class drink and donut.
Mother-Son Dance – Jan. 31 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Enjoy dinner, dancing, photo opportunities, and more. Tickets are $40 for a parent and child, $10 for each additional child.
Daddy-Daughter Dance – Feb. 7 at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Enjoy dinner, dancing, photo opportunities, and more. Tickets are $40 for a parent and child, $10 for each additional child.
Galentine’s Charcuterie Board-Making – Feb. 12 at Blake’s Backyard: Calling all charcuterie enthusiasts and gals ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their besties! Join Blake’s for a fun and creative evening of flavor, friendship, and fabulous boards. In this guided class, you’ll craft your own Galentine’s-themed charcuterie board filled with delicious treats and sweet touches. Drink included with ticket. Tickets are $60.

Locations and Hours of Operation

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Rd., Armada): Mon. – Sun. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tasting Room at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Mon. – Wed. from 12 – 9 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Blake’s Backyard Almont (5580 Van Dyke Ave., Almont): Market open Mon. – Wed. from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Taproom open Mon. – Wed. from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Visit www.blakefarms.com for more information, to purchase tickets, and make reservations.

About Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

Blake’s family-owned and operated orchard and cider mill in Armada, Mich. has been serving generations since 1946. With a commitment to excellence, a memorable experience is in store with delicious cider and donuts, corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, hard cider bar, and more. As one of the first U-Pick orchards in the state, we pride ourselves on offering the freshest fruit and vegetables, right at your fingertips including apples, strawberries, cherries, and peaches. Visit www.blakefarms.com.