UBC Apple Festival Tickets Volunteer at Apple Festival!
Get ready to immerse yourself in a day full of fun, flavour, and fantastic experiences at UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival! Running from 11am-4pm the Saturday and Sunday following Thanksgiving, the garden event is perfect for families, foodies, and anyone who enjoys a good time surrounded by music, food, and community. Set against a backdrop of golden sunshine and the fresh sweet scents of BC’s favourite fruit, the festival promises something for everyone.
What’s Happening at the Festival?
UBC Botanical Garden Apple Festival is packed with exciting activities for people of all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Tasting Tent
Step into our Tasting Tent, an apple lover’s paradise, where you can sample a wide range of locally grown apples – some of which are not commercially available! Enjoy sampling from a variety of freshly picked apples. Our Friends of the Garden volunteers will be on hand to talk about the apples, what makes them special, unique and tasty, giving you the chance to connect with the people behind the food.
Food Demos
Want to take your culinary skills to the next level? Our cooking demonstration zone will host UBC renowned chefs David Speight & Darren Clay, showing you how to make delicious savoury dishes using apples as the core ingredient. Watch as they create mouth-watering dishes right in front of your eyes, sharing tips and techniques along the way. Whether it’s honing your palate, trying an adventurous new dish, or perfecting a family favourite, you’ll leave inspired to recreate these recipes at home.
Fresh Apple Sales
If you love what you taste, you can’t miss taking a part of the festival home with you! Visit the Fresh Apple Sales area to purchase bags of the season’s finest produce – freshly picked especially for Apple Festival. From vibrant Salish apples and succulent rich baking apples to this year’s newest apple variety Summerland Sunset, a delicious, late ripening red apple. Don’t forget about our selection of juicy pears! You can stock up on all your favourites, and discover a whole new type of apple you’ve never tried before. This is a great chance to support local apple producers and UBC Botanical Garden while enjoying the freshest, most delicious fruit.
Live Musical Performances
What’s a festival without some great live music? We’ve got an incredible lineup of local bands and musicians set to take two different stages throughout the day. Whether you’re into folk, country, or upbeat indie tunes, you’ll find yourself swaying to the rhythm. Grab a spot on the lawn, relax with friends, and let the sounds of live performances enhance your festival experience.
The Children’s Area
Look out there’s huge leaf pile! Bring out your inner child spirit and witness the infamous leaf pile – everybody’s favourite. While you’re adventuring through the children’s area, take a time out and create a special note to our apple growers. There will be crafts and games for all ages. Looking to learn more about biodiversity and the environment stop by and visit our outreach partners – Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC), Stanley Park Ecology Society, West Point Grey Girl Guides and UBC Farm.
Why It’s a Great Customer Experience
UBC Botanical Garden’s Apple Festival is more than just an event—it’s a complete experience designed to engage all of your senses. The scent of apples are heavy in the air, from the fresh aromas wafting from the apple pies & cider stalls, to the informative apple displays, to the mouthwatering cooking demos, and the impactful vibrant colors of autumn within the garden, every detail is meant to delight. What makes this event truly special is the connection you’ll feel to the community. You’ll get to meet the people behind your food, learn from experts, and discover new tastes in a warm, welcoming environment.
Plus, there’s something for everyone: activities for kids, educational demos for adults, and live entertainment for all. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll leave with great memories—and maybe even a basket of fruit or two!
Don’t Miss Out!
Mark your calendars UBC Botanical Garden’s Apple Festival is October 19th and 20th, 2024 – buy tickets at the early bird price until September 30th, and snag a couple of the tasting tent tickets (they’re selling out quickly)! Join us for a day filled with food, fun, and community. Come for the flavours, let the garden’s collection of plants enthral you, enjoy the sweet sounds of music, and the crisp crunch of juicy apples, and leave with a smile! We can’t wait to see you there!