Old Apple Tree Festival celebrates 200 years of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest apple tree
September 25, 2026
The annual Old Apple Tree Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 3, at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 S.E. Columbia Way, in the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features live music, hands-on activities, cider pressing, food and crafts for sale, and more.
The 2026 celebration marks 200 years since the Old Apple Tree was planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver. The Old Apple Tree is believed to be the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest and is considered the matriarch of Washington’s apple industry. The tree’s trunk failed in June 2020, and a new tree sprouted from the original root system and thrives today. A limited number of cuttings will be available at the event.
Attendees are invited to watch pressings and sample cider made using fresh apples from local orchards. Urban Abundance will offer fresh apples, cider, and apple treats for purchase.
The JT Wise Band, The Ottomatics, and River Twain will perform live music throughout the day. Partner organizations will be on site to share information about tree conservation, protecting natural spaces, and the connection between food systems and community well-being.
Established in 1984, the Old Apple Tree Festival celebrates Vancouver’s first Heritage Tree and highlights the enduring importance of trees in connecting generations. The event underscores the City’s commitment to preserving our canopy and promoting environmental stewardship.
Trees play a vital role in enhancing community livability by beautifying neighborhoods and parks, cleaning the air and water, and offering a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefits. Through the City’s Heritage Tree Program, residents are invited to nominate significant trees in Vancouver for recognition and protection.
Media contact: Laura Shepard, communications director, laura.shepard@cityofvancouver.us
Festival details contact: Jessica George, urban forestry outreach coordinator, 360-487-8308, jessica.george@cityofvancouver.us