UBC Apple Festival
Food and Drink, Local

Celebrate the humble apple at the UBC Apple Festival this October

ⓘThis article was published on September 28, 2022 and could contain information that has since changed or become out-of-date.
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There’s more to apples than just Granny Smith and Red Delicious, which the annual UBC Apple Festival prides itself on showcasing. This two-day celebration of the crunchy tree fruit returns for its 31st year between 11:00 pm and 4:00 pm on both Saturday October 15th and Sunday, October 16th, 2022, at the UBC Botanical Gardens.

This year is the family-friendly festival’s first in-person event since 2019 and apple lovers can once again browse all the varieties and saplings available for purchase next to apple-inspired treats, food, handicrafts and live entertainment. As a bonus, admission to the Apple Festival includes the entire UBC Botanical Garden grounds!

It’s too early to share a list of the cultivars being offered, but previous years selections have included Arlet, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Karmijn de Sonnaville, Melrose, Nicola, Salish (a personal favourite), Topaz and Winesap. All varieties are BC-grown and come in limited quantities — the rarest sell fast! Some pears and quince will make an appearance, just to add some juicy variety.

Salish apples
Bags of Salish apples for sale at the Apple Festival.

Green thumbs can also purchase saplings to plant at home and share the delicious flavours with their family and friends. There’s also helpful staff on hand to offer tips on how best to support your tree.

Sample some of the available cultivars at the Friends of the Garden Apple Tasting Tent. Taste around 40 varieties of conventional and heritage grown apples from around the province. A separate admission is required for Friends of the Garden Apple Tasting Tent which goes for $9.00 CAD and is bookable only online.

Admission must be purchased online in advance — no onsite tickets are being sold this year. Tickets are priced at $9.00 CAD for all attendees aged eight and up. There is no parking at the gardens, but free shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes between the Botanical Gardens and the West Parkade and the Fraser River Parkade on campus. As always, dress for the weather and remember to bring your reusable bags (or a friend or two to help carry all your yummy treats home).

 

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