A family-friendly celebration of all things Mushroom is about to take place in Edmonton, Kentucky, from October 4 to 6 at the Barren River Magic camping ground.
Having learned from their already tremendously successful inaugural event, the festival this year promises even more excitement and education!
This year, shroomer interviewed the event’s founder, Paige Zen, and got an in-depth look at the organizing and excitement already building around the festival!
What events are you, the organizers, looking forward to the most?
It is so difficult to choose! We are over the moon to have Whitney Johnson, the Appalachian Forager, offering a talk. I mean having an Appalachia famous forager is pretty grand! We’re also excited about foraging and making wild pesto with Jubilee as well as learning more about the music plants make with Nile Jordan. There is such a diverse educational lineup that there is genuinely a little something for everyone.
What made you decide to hold the festival?
The inspiration for our festival began with our founder, Paige Zen, who embarked on a personal journey of healing after a significant life challenge led to a traumatic brain injury. Through the use of medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps, Paige experienced profound benefits in rebuilding her brain health. This transformative experience sparked her passion for sharing the incredible healing potential of mushrooms with others and celebrating their many uses right here in Kentucky. Her dedication to the community has been showcased over the last 13 years of event production focused on growth and education.
What advice would you give to other towns wanting to hold their own fungi festival?
Start by tapping into your local resources – I am positive that your community already holds great educators and knowledge. Ask those mycologists, educators, natural enthusiasts, and homesteaders out to play. Building a strong community of passionate individuals—whether they are mycologists, mushroom enthusiasts, or local farmers—is key. Collaborate with local businesses, educators, and artists to create a festival that’s both educational and celebratory. Above all, focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and enjoy the fascinating world of fungi.
What should guests absolutely include in their plans for the day?
Make sure to fully immerse yourself in the experience—take the time to really connect with others through meaningful conversations. Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to share your own knowledge. Explore the beauty of the land by hiking the trails and visiting the river. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the Mycelium Market, where you can discover unique offerings from our vendors. Every moment here is an opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and the community around you.
How did you curate the lineup of events and speakers for the festival?
I did my best to spread the word about the event via social media, reaching out to regional mycologists, farmers, and permaculture educators. I set up an application process so that those folks who were interested could easily get their information to the Kentucky Mushroom Festival organizers. Using applications allows the festivals to attract people who are genuinely excited to be present and already understand the value of the festival. It’s a mix of people who want to be part of something special and those who have a lot to share, which makes the lineup really unique and meaningful.
Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have been particularly exciting or meaningful?
There are a couple of partnerships that really stand out here. We partner with Psanctuary – a sacred mushroom church out of Louisville, Kentucky, which allows us to reach a demographic of folks who already deeply understand the medicinal and therapeutic uses of mushrooms. They have a widespread knowledge of how those with PTSD, from domestic violence survivors to veterans, can benefit from a deeper connection to mushrooms and their community. We also partner with several local food trucks to offer spectacular mushroom-focused menus for festival goers ,which provides an overall experience in how easy it is to interact with the world of fungi day to day.
What impact do you hope this festival will have on the local community and beyond?
I hope this festival inspires a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the incredible world of fungi. For the local community, I want it to be a space where people come together, share knowledge, and build lasting relationships. Beyond that, I hope it sparks curiosity and encourages more people to explore the many ways mushrooms can benefit our health, environment, and everyday lives. My dream is for this festival to be a catalyst for growth, not just for individuals but for the community as a whole, spreading awareness and excitement far and wide. I want people to know that mushrooms can and are changing the world.
How has the community responded to the idea of the festival?
The community’s response has been incredibly positive and supportive. People are genuinely excited about the opportunity to learn more about mushrooms, and there’s a strong interest in the educational aspects of the festival. Local businesses, educators, and mushroom enthusiasts have all come together to help make this event a reality. It’s been amazing to see how much interest and enthusiasm there is, not just from those directly involved, but from the wider community as well. The festival has really brought people together, fostering a sense of pride in creating something that’s both educational and deeply meaningful for everyone involved. I think that folks are always looking for more ways to connect to like-minded folks. People are thirsty for connections, education, and deeper connection to nature.
How can guests get involved in the festival beyond just attending – are there volunteer opportunities or other ways to participate?
Absolutely! We encourage guests to get involved in the festival beyond just attending. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available, from helping with event setup and logistics to assisting with workshops and guiding visitors. Volunteering is a great way to connect more deeply with the community and contribute to the festival’s success. There are applications to volunteer, which will be open until September 15. We also welcome those who have a passion for mushrooms, education, or the arts to reach out about leading a workshop or showcasing their talents. There’s always room for more hands and hearts to make this event truly special!
Everyone here at shroomer wants to thank Paige for her amazing replies to our questions, and wish everyone the best of luck with the festival!
The festival runs from October 4 at 8 am to October 6 at 6 pm CDT, and general admission for the weekend is currently $122 plus taxes. This includes car camping with no need to reserve a camping space, and kids 15 and under enter for free.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite, or for a higher price on the door.
