π The Stevenson Mushroom Festival 2025
A Fungi-Filled Adventure in the Heart of the Columbia River Gorge
π Downtown Stevenson, Washington
π Festival Overview
Welcome, fellow fungi enthusiasts! Zombie Mushrooms is thrilled to present this comprehensive guide to the spectacular Stevenson Mushroom Festival. This enchanting celebration marks its second year, having completely sold out in its inaugural 2024 season with over 490 attendees across all events!
Nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, this three-day mycological celebration transforms the charming town of Stevenson, Washington into a mushroom lover's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned mycophile, budding enthusiast, or simply fungi-curious, this festival offers an immersive experience that celebrates the fascinating world of mushrooms through education, culinary delights, community engagement, and outdoor adventure.
π― What Makes This Festival Special:
- Community-Driven: Supporting local Stevenson businesses and artisans
- Educational Focus: Expert-led foraging workshops and mycology presentations
- All Ages Welcome: Family-friendly activities alongside adult-focused events
- Culinary Excellence: Mushroom-themed dishes from local restaurants
- Natural Setting: Set in the stunning Pacific Northwest landscape
π Location & Venue Details
ποΈ Primary Venue
Downtown Stevenson, Washington
Multiple locations throughout the historic downtown area
π Gala Location
Columbia Gorge Museum
990 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA 98648
πΊοΈ Getting There
Location: Stevenson, Washington is strategically located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, just minutes from the iconic Bridge of the Gods and approximately 45 minutes east of Portland International Airport (PDX). The town offers easy access via Highway 14 with stunning river and mountain views throughout your journey.
π Complete Festival Schedule
πΎ Friday, September 26, 2025
Mushroom Gala (21+ Event)
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue: Columbia Gorge Museum, Stevenson, WA
Dress Code: "Fungi Flare" - Creative mushroom-themed attire encouraged!
What's Included:
- Gourmet mushroom-themed small plates by Cherry City Catering
- One complimentary drink ticket (beer, wine, or specialty adaptogenic cocktail/mocktail)
- Live music and dancing
- Whimsical evening of celebration with fellow fungi enthusiasts
- Photo opportunities with custom backdrop and props
πΊοΈ Saturday, September 27, 2025
"Mushroom Hunt" Passport Adventure (All Ages)
Time: All Day Event
Location: Throughout Downtown Stevenson, WA
Family-Friendly Activities Include:
- Passport Collection: Gather stamps from participating locations
- Educational Presentations: Learn from expert mycologists
- Hands-On Workshops: Foraging activities and mushroom identification
- Arts & Crafts: Mushroom-themed creative activities
- Culinary Experiences: Special mushroom dishes from local restaurants
- Shopping Discounts: Exclusive deals at participating retailers
- Community Engagement: Connect with local artisans and experts
π Part scavenger hunt, part festival crawlβcompletely fungi-tastic for all ages!
π² Sunday, September 28, 2025
Nature Exploration & Foraging Day
Location: Throughout Skamania County
Curated Nature Experiences:
- Forest Bathing: Reconnect with nature's tranquil embrace
- Wild Foraging Activities: Guided mushroom and plant identification
- Nature Discovery: Explore the region's natural secrets
- Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, fishing, and riverside relaxation
- Custom Itineraries: Personalized adventure recommendations
- Forest Service Workshop: Professional foraging safety education (pending confirmation)
"Imagine a peaceful day exploring Skamania County... bathe in the forest, forage for something wild, reconnect with nature's unfolding secrets."
π€ Featured Speakers & Mycology Experts
π¨ Julie Beeler
Artist, Designer & Author of "The Mushroom Color Atlas"
Julie Beeler is a renowned designer, artist, and educator from Oregon with a profound connection to the natural world. Growing up at the base of Mt. St. Helens, she developed an early fascination with mushrooms that has evolved into groundbreaking work in fungal color extraction and natural dyes.
Julie is the creator of the acclaimed "Mushroom Color Atlas," a comprehensive guide documenting over 30 mushroom species and the spectacular range of pigments and dyes that can be derived from fungi. Her work has been featured by major publications including The New York Times, OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting), and various mycological societies.
π What Julie Brings to the Festival:
- Interactive Dye Workshops: Hands-on experience extracting colors from mushrooms
- Educational Presentations: The science and art of fungal pigments
- Textile Demonstrations: Creating beautiful, naturally-dyed fabrics
- Take-Home Projects: Participants receive their own color swatches
"Julie experiments with the unpredictability of plants and fungi by growing and harvesting, observing and foraging, tethering herself to nature's seasons to create stunning works of art that bridge science and creativity."
π Michael Beug
Author of "Mushrooms of Cascadia" & Renowned Mycologist
Michael Beug brings decades of mycological expertise to the Stevenson Mushroom Festival as one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected mushroom authorities. His comprehensive knowledge of regional fungi makes him an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced foragers.
As the author of "Mushrooms of Cascadia," Michael has documented the rich fungal diversity of the Pacific Northwest, creating an essential reference guide for mushroom identification and foraging in our region. His work focuses on safe foraging practices, accurate identification techniques, and ecological understanding of fungal ecosystems.
π¬ Michael's Festival Contributions:
- Identification Workshops: Learn to safely identify local mushroom species
- Foraging Safety Education: Critical knowledge for responsible mushroom hunting
- Ecological Presentations: Understanding mushroom habitats and seasons
- Q&A Sessions: Expert answers to participant questions
"Michael's expertise ensures that festival attendees gain not just knowledge, but the confidence to explore the fungal world safely and responsibly."
πΏ Jordan Weiss
Local Mycology Expert & Foraging Specialist
Jordan Weiss represents the growing community of passionate local mycologists who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation for fungi. With extensive field experience in the Columbia River Gorge region, Jordan brings practical, hands-on expertise to festival programming.
Jordan's approach combines scientific accuracy with accessible teaching methods, making complex mycological concepts understandable for learners of all levels. Their local expertise is particularly valuable for understanding the specific mushroom species and foraging opportunities available in the Stevenson area.
π― Jordan's Specialized Sessions:
- Local Species Focus: Mushrooms specific to the Columbia River Gorge
- Seasonal Foraging Tips: When and where to find different species
- Beginner-Friendly Workshops: Perfect for newcomers to mycology
- Field Demonstrations: Practical identification techniques
π Additional Expert Presentations Expected
The 2025 festival is expanding its educational programming! More mycology experts, foraging specialists, and culinary professionals will be announced as planning continues. Festival organizers are committed to providing even more diverse learning opportunities than the successful 2024 inaugural year.
πͺ Participating Businesses & Community Partners
The Stevenson Mushroom Festival is a true community celebration, with over 35 local businesses, organizations, and artisans participating in 2024. The 2025 festival promises to expand this network even further!
π½οΈ Culinary Partners
- 77 Cork & Tap Bistro - Gourmet mushroom specialties
- Big River Grill - Pacific Northwest cuisine
- Cherry City Catering - Gala event catering
- Clark & Lewie's Traveler's Rest - Historic saloon & grill
- El Rio Texicantina - Mexican fusion dishes
- Heart to Hearth Bakery - Artisan baked goods
- Red Bluff Tap House - Craft beer & food
- Walking Man Brewing - Local craft brewery
ποΈ Shopping & Retail
- Traverse PNW Market - Festival host & mushroom supplies
- North Bank Books - Mycology literature & guides
- Bloomsbury Flower Shop - Botanical arrangements
- Columbia Ace Hardware - Foraging tools & supplies
- Moon River Home & Living - Home dΓ©cor & gifts
- Out And About - Outdoor gear & supplies
- Out On A Limb - Unique gifts & crafts
π¨ Lodging Partners
- ArtBliss Hotel - Boutique artistic accommodations
- Hotel Stevenson - Historic downtown hotel
- Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins - Scenic riverside retreats
π‘ Pro Tip: Book early! Festival weekend accommodations fill up quickly, and many partners offer special festival discounts.
π¨ Arts & Culture
- Columbia Gorge Museum - Gala venue & exhibits
- Community Art Studio of Skamania - Local artisan workshops
- Aries Art NW - Pacific Northwest artwork
- Gorge Photo Booths - Custom festival backdrops
- Gorge-Us Face Painting & Airbrushing - Family entertainment
- Skamania Dance - Cultural performances
π€ Community Organizations & Sponsors
- City of Stevenson
- Skamania County Chamber of Commerce
- Stevenson Downtown Association
- Stevenson Community Library
- Stevenson Farmer's Market
- Fraternal Order of the Eagles
- River Talk Weekly News
π Growing Partnership Network
The 2025 festival is actively expanding its network of participating businesses and community partners. New vendors, artisans, and organizations are being added regularly as planning progresses. This collaborative approach ensures the festival continues to benefit the entire Stevenson community while providing attendees with an even richer experience.
π« Tickets & Registration Information
π Important Dates
- Ticket Sales Open: May 2025
- Early Bird Discount Period: Available for limited time after sales open
- Festival
