08/04/2025
The Northeast Washington Mushroom Festival is more than just an event—it's an immersive adventure into the enchanting world of fungi! This family-friendly celebration invites enthusiasts of every age to dive into a vibrant array of activities, education, and entertainment, all centered around mushrooms and their fascinating roles in our natural environment.
- A Fun-Filled Day for the Whole Family -
From the moment you step onto the festival grounds, you'll discover a lively atmosphere buzzing with energy and anticipation. The festival is designed to appeal to families, friends, and curious minds, offering a blend of recreational and educational experiences. Kids and adults alike will have plenty to do, from participating in the exciting mushroom foray hunt to enjoying interactive contests that spark creativity and friendly competition.
- Engaging Educational Experiences -
One of the festival’s highlights is the commitment to education through a series of presentations and workshops led by expert mycologists and enthusiasts. The schedule is packed with knowledge-sharing sessions designed to illuminate the many benefits and mysteries of mushrooms:
10:30am – TBA: Kick off the day with a surprise expert presentation to spark your curiosity.
11:30am – "The Benefits of Therapeutic and Medicinal Mushrooms" by Missy Myco: Uncover the healing potential of fungi in modern health and wellness.
12:30pm – "Metarhizium: Selecting Fungal Strains to Improve Honey Bee Health" by Molly Quade: Learn about how specific fungal strains can play a critical role in bolstering honey bee populations.
1:30pm – Fermentation Workshop with Tom Aeschliman: Discover the art and science behind fermentation, where mushrooms can be a key ingredient.
2:30pm – "How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms in Buckets Workshop" with Elliot Phillips: Gain practical, hands-on tips for cultivating your own edible mushrooms, perfect for both beginners and seasoned growers.
4:30pm – "Mushroom Alchemy and Synchronicity" by Marc R. Keith (Roger Rabbit - RR): Experience a unique blend of art, science, and mysticism that explores the deeper, almost magical, connection between mushrooms and our lives.
- Abundant Vendor Opportunities -
The festival is a vibrant marketplace for mushroom enthusiasts. Numerous vendors will be on-site, showcasing an expansive variety of mushroom-themed items, culinary delights, and artisanal crafts. Whether you're a seasoned forager or someone just beginning to explore the fascinating world of fungi, you'll find plenty of unique products and sustainable goods that celebrate this incredible natural resource.
The 2025 Northeast Washington Mushroom Festival not only celebrates the natural and educational aspects of mushrooms, but also embraces creativity and competition with its art, costume, and mushroom foray contests, all offering opportunities to win cash prizes and other exciting awards.
- An Invitation to Join the Foray Hunt -
A standout feature of the day is the mushroom foray hunt. This interactive experience is not only fun but also incredibly educational, offering a hands-on approach to learning mushroom identification and foraging techniques. It's a fantastic way to build community connections and share knowledge in a real-world setting. However, to make the hunt even more impactful, the organizers are calling on more community members to participate. If you have a passion for nature, a desire to learn more, or simply wish to connect with like-minded individuals, consider joining in the hunt. Your involvement will help enrich the experience for everyone and foster a deeper appreciation for the ecological role mushrooms play in our environment.
- Practical Tips for Attendees -
To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable day, remember to bring your own chairs or blankets to relax on, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and an umbrella in case of unexpected weather changes. Also, don't forget to pack your mushrooms if you're participating in the foray hunt—every little contribution helps bring more excitement to the learning experience. Vendors are encouraged to support the event by considering a donation to the raffle, which will help fund future mushroom festivals.
- Summary -
The 3rd Annual Northeast Washington Mushroom Festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the fascinating world of fungi. With its blend of fun activities, educational workshops, professional speaker sessions, and a bustling vendor market, it serves as a hub of community engagement and environmental appreciation. So mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and join the foray hunt—let’s make this festival bigger and better than ever by bringing together a community that’s as passionate about mushrooms as you are!
This event is hosted by the Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild (INPG) and the Northeast Washington Permaculture Guild (NEWPG) in partnership with FungiPermastead, Fungilion, and the Children of Earth Coalition (COEC), BZ Farms, and Boundary Conditions. For questions, email Kelly at childrenofearth@outlook.com.
More information and registration is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-northeast-washington-mushroom-festival-tickets-1098409675909?aff=oddtdtcreator
More information about this and other earth-friendly events hosted by the Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild, a non-profit organization, can be found at www.InlandNorthwestPermaculture.com
