Each October, the Garden transforms into an apple-lover’s paradise, filled with the scent of freshly baked pies, the sound of live music, and the laughter of families exploring together. But behind the scenes of this beloved event is a group of dedicated volunteers whose passion and teamwork make every Apple Festival possible: the Friends of the Garden (FOGs).
Tasting Apples, Sharing Stories
For many visitors, the Tasting Tent is the highlight of Apple Festival and for longtime volunteer, Grace Fan, it’s where the magic happens.
“I’m truly excited by more than 50 varieties of apples grown right here in our region, but what I love most about the Tasting Tent is the people,” Grace shares. “With around 120 tasters and 50 volunteers at any given moment, the tent is always buzzing with energy and anticipation.”
Over the course of the weekend, hundreds of tasters explore, compare, and delight in B.C.’s incredible apple diversity. Grace describes the experience as more than a tasting; it’s “about connection, between the fruit, its people, and the land that produced it.”
Apples You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
The Apple Market is another favourite stop, offering over 50 locally grown varieties, many unavailable in stores. Volunteer Maryann Brampton says it’s the perfect blend of education and discovery:
“The Apple Market is the perfect place to learn about the origin of the apples for sale and buy varieties you might not find in the stores,” she says. “It’s also a great place to volunteer and meet fellow apple enthusiasts before sending them further into the garden to enjoy all the festival has to offer.”
Volunteering in Full Bloom
For Kathy Mullen, Apple Festival is all about giving back and celebrating community.
“Volunteering at Apple Festival gives me an opportunity to give back a few hours of time to the community in an amazing atmosphere that celebrates the best of the Autumn season,” she says. “Fresh and unique B.C. apples, beautiful fall colours, good music with crowds of happy people enjoying these things together all in the midst of a beautiful botanic garden.”
Kathy is also inspired by the younger generation of volunteers who show up year after year. “To see hundreds of young people respond to the call ‘Volunteers Needed!’ — that’s so inspiring,” she says. “Apple Festival is an annual celebration that shouldn’t be missed!”
A Toast to Community: The New Cider Garden
This year, festival-goers can look forward to the debut of the Apple Cider Garden, a project that blossomed from the creativity of FOG member Nancy McLean.
“I was President of FOGs during COVID and worried how UBC Botanical Garden would survive the closure,” she recalls. “Out of the blue, I remembered an amazing trip to the Island and the discovery of Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse. They sent cases of cider to help us raise funds, no questions, just support.”
Now, years later, Nancy is thrilled to see that seed of an idea grow into a full tasting experience in the Pavilion!
A Celebration 34 Years in the Making
This year’s Apple Festival is brimming with returning favourites and exciting new experiences. Lisa Vogt, Chairperson of Apple Festival 2025, describes it best:
“This is the 34th year of our annual UBC Apple Festival, which celebrates apple diversity and our local orchardists. All of our apples are grown in B.C. and picked within the last few weeks.”
Visitors can look forward to more than 50 apple varieties and trees for sale, live music, cooking demonstrations, and the ever-popular Children’s Area, complete with storytelling, a puppet theatre, and one of the largest leaf piles in the Lower Mainland.
“The Apple Festival has grown into a community family event for all ages,” Lisa adds. “Even in wet weather, it’s a magical place to be — Vancouver at its best!”
A Celebration of People as Much as Apples
More than a festival, Apple Festival is a story of generosity, curiosity, and connection. From the first apple picked to the last guest welcomed, this celebration is truly about community. We thank all the Friends of the Garden (FOGs), staff and volunteers that make this possible every year!
Written by:
Fernanda Munoz
Marketing & Communications Assistant
UBC Botanical Garden