EUGENE – A festival all about fungi is making an annual appearance at the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum this weekend. The Mushroom Festival returns for its 43rd year this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We start planning the Mushroom Festival almost the moment we finish cleaning up from the Wildflower Festival in late May,” said Ilani Jakubowski, executive director of MPA. “It takes about five months of focused coordination to bring everything together. From booking musicians and food vendors to recruiting volunteers and coordinating the extensive Mushroom display, it’s a joyful whirlwind that brings the Mushroom Festival to life each fall,” she said.
Hundreds of local species will be on exhibit for people to admire and learn about. Edible and poisonous mushrooms will both be on display, along with an expert identification table. Local experts will host educational talks, and folks can go on guided nature walks led by local naturalists.
Mushrooms growing near the event site. PHOTOS BY BOB WILLIAMS
“Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious beginner, the walks are a wonderful chance to learn, ask questions, and discover the amazing diversity of mushrooms all around us,” she said.
Rain or shine, the festival typically welcomes around 4,000 attendees throughout the day. Kids can make crafts and participate in activities. There will be a scarecrow contest, hayrides, and cider pressing, too. Six live music performances are scheduled.
“It’s incredible to see how many people turn out to celebrate fungi, fall colors, and community connection all in one place,” Jakubowski said.
A curated lineup of local food vendors have something to offer for everyone. Pizza, crepes, breakfast, vegetarian, and Jamaican grub are just a few options at the arboretum this weekend.
Jakubowski said what the crew looks forward to the most each year is, “that sense of connection, seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate the natural world in such a joyful, inclusive space. There’s something magical about watching kids marvel at mushroom displays, neighbors chatting over local food, and friends dancing to live music under the oaks,” she said. “In times like these, it feels more important than ever to nurture community and connection to nature.”
