The Mushroom Parade: Thursday, September 4, 2025, 6:00 PM
The Mushroom Festival: Saturday, September 6, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM & Sunday, September 7, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is proudly known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, producing more mushrooms per capita than anywhere else on Earth. Each September, this charming small town transforms for The Mushroom Festival, a two-day celebration of all things fungi, food, and community.
In 2025, the festival marks its 40th anniversary, with the theme “Harvesting 40 Years Together.” The festivities will kick off with the return of the beloved Mushroom Parade on Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 PM, organized by Kennett Collaborative, the parade will feature whimsical floats, music, and plenty of mushroom-themed fun for all ages.
Throughout the weekend, State Street will be closed to traffic and lined with food vendors, artisans, live music, mushroom eating competitions, and so much more! Whether you’re regular or a first-time visitor, if you’re into quirky small-town charm, delicious eats, or just love mushrooms, this festival is the perfect way to cap off your summer. With so much to see and do, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to help you make the most of the festivities. 🍄
Pro Tip: Download the Mushroom Festival app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit mushroomfestival.org for real-time schedules, updates, and announcements.
Photo From: Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
🛏️ Lodging Recommendations:
The Bookhouse Hotel – A charming, book-themed boutique stay located in the heart of uptown Kennett Square.
Artelo – Modern, art-forward lodging just a short walk from the center of town.
Tip: Book early! Rooms will fill up quickly for festival weekend.
📅 Thursday, September 4
Don’t Miss The Mushroom Parade!
Afternoon: Check in, settle into town, and stroll down State Street. Explore boutique shops, cozy cafés, and be sure to stop in some fan favorites: Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop, and The Mushroom Cap!
6:00 PM, The Mushroom Parade: State Street will be closed for whimsical floats, costumed performers, marching bands, and plenty of mushroom-themed flair. Fun for all ages.
Evening: After the parade, grab dinner on State Street or enjoy dessert at La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream, a local favorite that has been around for 22 years and is known for it’s unique ice cream flavors—try the corn! Then catch the Eagles vs. Cowboys game (8:00 PM) at Grain or Victory for great food, and local brews.
📅 Friday, September 5
Longwood Gardens & The Full Kennett Square Experience
Friends enjoying a visit to Longwood Gardens
Morning: Start your day at one of these local favorites:
- Talula’s Table – Gourmet breakfast bites, incredible scones, and fresh baked goods
- Philter – Classic coffee shop with expertly crafted espresso and a cozy atmosphere
- Café Emis – Excellent lattes, pastries, and full breakfast options
- Mary Pat’s Provisions – Located inside The Market at Liberty Place
After breakfast, head to Longwood Gardens, less than a 10 minute drive from town. Explore stunning gardens, fountains, conservatories, and treehouses. Don’t miss the newly opened Waterlily Court!
The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms
Afternoon: Check out The Woodlands at Phillips Mushroom Farms Located in a historic 1828 farmhouse, this charming mushroom-themed gift shop offers fresh, dried, jarred, and specialty mushrooms, plus fungi-inspired apparel. Take a free self-guided tour through the Mushroom Museum and growing exhibit to learn about Kennett Square’s rich mushroom-growing history and learn about the amazing health benefits of mushrooms. Don’t miss the special educational talk on Friday, September 5th at 3:00 PM with mycologist Tina Ellor and Sarah-Kate Boylan, founder of Lily’s Lighthouse Epilepsy Research, who will share how functional mushrooms helped save her daughter’s life. The Woodlands is a must-visit to get the full Kennett Square experience.
Sirius Mushrooms at The KSQ Farmers Market
3:00–6:00 PM, KSQ Farmers Market: The Farmers Market is a great place to shop fresh produce and local artisan goods every Friday at 600 South Broad Street. On September 5th, the market will include even more mushroom-themed fun such as a live cooking demonstration by Chef Michael of Mother Nature’s Sun. Get your coffee and mushroom-flavored ice cream at the Hangry Bear ice cream truck!
Evening: Enjoy dinner in town. While some streets will be closed for festival setup, your favorite State Street restaurants are still open and parking is available at the Parking Garage with access through Linden Street. Enjoy dinner at Portabello’s, La Verona, La Tavola, Grain, or Lily’s. Grab pre-dinner drinks at Wayvine Wine Bar, or Letty’s Tavern . For options with on-site parking you could check out Victory, Braeloch Brewing, or The Creamery.
The Mushroom Festival
2025 Mushroom Festival Music Stage Lineup
Vendors, food, family fun, mushrooms galore, and so much more await you at The Mushroom Festival. Entry is just $5 per person (cash only at the gate), and your wristband grants access to both Saturday and Sunday.
Parking is also $5 (cash only) and is available at two convenient lots with shuttle service to the festival.
- Chatham Financial – 235 White Horse Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Ideal for visitors traveling from Philadelphia, the Main Line, or Maryland. - Kennett High School – 100 E. South Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Best for those coming from Wilmington, Newark, or other parts of northern Delaware.
Pro Tip: Saturday tends to be the busiest day with out-of-town visitors, while Sunday is a bit more laid-back and popular with locals. Of course, weather plays a part, but rain or shine, the Mushroom Festival is always a spore-tacular time!
📅 Saturday, September 6
Mushroom Festival Day 1 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)
Culinary Stage Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – Mushroom “Chopped Contest” Round 1
- 12:00 PM – Chef Demo: William Atkins
- 2:00 PM – Mushroom “Chopped Contest” Round 2
- 4:00 PM – Chef Demo: Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini
Afternoon: Plan to grab lunch at the festival. There are tons of food vendors to choose from, and if you really want the full experience, try one of the unique mushroom dishes. After eating, take a stroll through the growing exhibit, browse the car show, and be sure to check out the Culinary Stage for cooking demos, contests, and more foodie fun.
Evening: Find extended live music, drinks, and after-party vibes at the first Evening Concert at the Market at Liberty Place featuring The Gilroys.
📅 Sunday, September 7
Mushroom Festival Day 2 (9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Culinary Stage Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – Mushroom “Chopped Contest” Finale
- 12:00 PM – En Fuego! Spicy mushroom-eating contest
- 12:30 PM – Fried Mushroom Eating Contest
- 3:00 PM – Chef Demo: Dana Herbert
Pro Tip: Tag @kennett.collaborative in all of your KSQ adventures!
Come back soon! After Mushroom Festival weekend, plan your next getaway or staycation in Kennett Square. Kennett Brewfest is October 4, and there’s no place like Kennett Square for the holidays! Experience the magic of a Longwood Christmas and find Kennett’s hidden gems and holiday treasures at the Holiday Light Parade, Holiday Village Market, and Tinsel on the Town. And of course, the Mushroom Festival invites you to celebrate Midnight in the Square on New Years Eve for the Mushroom Drop.
