Plenty to do ahead of Apple Cup game Saturday

For the first time since 2022, Washington State University and the University of Washington will face off on the gridiron in Pullman.

Unlike any previous Apple Cup in Pullman, the game at Gesa Field is taking place in September. That means fans are unlikely to face the harsh weather typical of November games between the two rivals.

To capitalize on the momentous occasion, WSU, the city of Pullman, and stakeholders are coming together to offer fans a host of activities and experiences prior to the Apple Cup contest.

Today, Dara Evans, a WSU professor of Horticulture who leads apple and pear breeding efforts at the Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, will give a talk on university-led apple innovations. The event, Cosmic to Cutting-Edge, is part of the Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114 and will begin at 7 p.m.

More information about the Peel Good Apple Festival is available on the Whelan-Ewartsville Grange #114

On Friday, Mooberry Track and Gesa Field will host the first ever Apple Cup Harvest Market. The free event will be a celebration of all-things Cougar-made, with free Cosmic Crisp apples, treats and mocktails, among other offerings. The event will run from 4-6 p.m. and will also feature the 80-foot Cosmic Crisp hot air balloon.

The Brelsford WSU Visitors Center is extending its hours Friday and will be offering samples of Cougar Cheese and Cougar-connected wine from 4-7 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday afternoon will also see events off campus with the City of Pullman's First Down Friday. More information about the afternoon's events is available online. The Cougar Collective will also host a Friday Happy Hour Social from 3-6 p.m. inside the Alger Family Club Level within Gesa Field.