For 34 years, UBC Botanical Garden’s Apple Festival has been the ultimate family weekend destination. On October 18–19, the Garden transforms into an apple-lover’s paradise with 50+ B.C.-grown apple varieties, live sweet and savoury cooking demos, the new Apple Cider Garden, and a Children’s Area packed with crafts, games, and even a giant leaf pile. Crunch, sip, and play your way through this beloved autumn tradition—fun for all ages and a celebration of the season you won’t want to miss.
What began as a small gathering of apple enthusiasts has grown into a signature autumn celebration. Each year, families and friends return to savour the season, share stories, and enjoy the beauty of the Garden together.
Every October, UBC Botanical Garden transforms into an apple-lover’s paradise. Visitors can explore more than 50 B.C.-grown apple varieties and apple trees, with over 15,000 kilograms of apples available for purchase. In addition to these seasonal staples, the festival will feature returning favourites alongside new offerings, highlighting the best of the harvest and community experiences.
Challenge your palate at the Apple Tasting Tent, where more than 50 B.C. varieties await. Sample the spectrum of flavours and tell us which one tops your list.
See B.C. apples reimagined in the kitchen as chefs David Speight and Darren Clay of UBC Food Services showcase their versatility through live sweet and savoury cooking demonstrations.
Let the kids run wild with creativity in the Children’s Area, complete with crafts, games, and the ever-popular autumn leaf pile—a seasonal favourite for families.
Debuting this year: the Apple Cider Garden. This vibrant new addition invites festivalgoers to sip and savour a curated selection of organic apple ciders and beverages—a celebration of B.C.’s orchard bounty.
Come join us on October 18 & 19 and get your tickets here. The Apple Festival is proudly organized by the Friends of the Garden, with proceeds supporting the Garden’s vital education and conservation initiatives.
To get a taste of what’s in store, watch the video below for an overview of what’s coming this year at UBC Botanical Garden.
For full event details—including vendor listings and activity schedules—visit applefestival.ca.
Written by:
Jen Chang
Marketing and Communications Manager
UBC Botanical Garden