While “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” does not apply to fermented apple juice, a day of tasting local ciders might lift one’s spirits just in time for the darker and shorter days ahead.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, the fifth Whidbey Island Cider Festival welcomes thirsty folks to the Greenbank Farm at 765 Wonn Road in Greenbank, where they can sample ciders, beers, wines, meads, spirits and kombucha from Whidbey and other regions.

Until last year, the festival took place at the Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship — an environmental nonprofit based on Central Whidbey and the party host since the festival’s inception.

According to Julie Clark, the nonprofit’s office manager, last year’s event was so successful that it attracted about 1,000 people, requiring it to be relocated to a larger venue. Now, she hopes many more people will join.

Guests over the age of 21 who want to drink can buy a $40 ticket in advance at pacificriminstitute.org, while tickets cost $45 at the entrance. Each ticket includes 10 tasting tokens and a tasting glass.

Those who simply want to enjoy the festive atmosphere and listen to live music are welcome for free and so are children, Clark said, adding that there won’t be any non-alcoholic apple cider.

The entertainment includes live music acts brought by Kick-Brass, A Fiddle in the Forest, the Shifty Sailors, David Locke the accordionist and Wild Man Cooley, according to the event’s webpage.

The children activities will take place under a large tent, where families can color, play cornhole and large Jenga and find a photoshoot area, Clark said.

Since drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is unwise and risky, guests can choose from different local food vendors.

For more information, visit pacificriminstitute.org.