Festival Mushrooms in Stevenson as hundreds flock for fungi

Festival Draws Mushroom Lovers and the Fungi-Curious of All Ages to the Columbia River Gorge

Dina Grinstead poses with her children Felix, Emma and Josephine (left to right) for the photo booth at The Stevenson Mushroom Festival on October 19th in Stevenson, Washington. 

From Tabatha Wiggins:

Stevenson, Wash., Nov. 7, 2024 — The Stevenson Mushroom Festival captivated attendees of all ages with a celebration of the fascinating world of mushrooms in its inaugural year.

The weekend of Oct. 18th kicked off with the Mushroom Gala at the Columbia Gorge Museum, hosting 140 guests. Tickets sold out before the October 18th event. Gala attendees enjoyed a gourmet array of mushroom-themed small plates from Cherry City Catering, beer from Walking Man Brewing, regional wines and special adaptogenic cocktails. With a dress code described as “Fungi Flare,” partygoers were decked out in everything from mushroom prints to full fungi regalia.

“The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm to our little town,” said festival attendee Amy Collins. “Whether you were new to the soil, or a fully-fledged mycophile, there was always something fun to learn and a friend to share it with. Gala costumes dazzled, the carefully crafted fare was a delight, and the artistry and attention to detail showcased our shared love of community and nature.”

Festivities continued on October 19th, with a curated family-friendly passport adventure throughout the scenic town of Stevenson, Washington. The “Mushroom Hunt,” drew 350 participants to collect stamps from various locations and invited them to attend special events, presentations and demonstrations. Local restaurants created an array of special mushroom-centric dishes and “hunters” were encouraged to forage for discounts at local retailers.

Angie Martin, Executive Director of the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce was pleased with the turnout.

“The Mushroom Festival was a tremendous success, selling out entirely in its inaugural year,” she said. “It was fun to watch families exploring downtown Stevenson, shopping, dining, and enjoying the variety of activities. We heard great feedback from the local businesses about the increased foot traffic the event generated. From residents to tourists, this festival invited attendees to experience all that Stevenson has to offer. Hopefully, this becomes an annual tradition – I know I will definitely attend again!”

The festival organized participation from 13 brick-and-mortar businesses, three community locations, several local artists and a host of volunteers. Mycophiles Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler and Michael Beug provided educational presentations and demonstrations. ArtBliss Hotel, Hotel Stevenson and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins offered a discount for weekend stays. The Columbia Gorge Museum hosted free admission for passport holders and Gorge Photo Booths created a custom backdrop and props for visitors to capture themselves enjoying the weekend.

Participating Businesses, Locations & Community Partners:

77 Cork & Tap Bistro, Aries Art NW, ArtBliss Hotel, Big River Grill, Bloomsbury Flower Shop, Cherry City Catering, City of Stevenson, Clark & Lewie’s Traveler’s Rest Saloon & Grill, Columbia Ace Hardware, Columbia Gorge Museum, Community Art Studio of Skamania, DJ FRACTAL, El Rio Texicantina, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Gorge Photo Booths, Gorge-Us Face Painting & Airbrushing, Heart to Hearth Bakery, Hotel Stevenson, Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler, Michael Beug, Moon River Home & Living, North Bank Books, Out And About, Out On A Limb, Red Bluff Tap House, River Talk Weekly News, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, Skamania Dance, Stevenson Downtown Association, Stevenson Community Library, Stevenson Farmer’s Market, Tom Sikora, Traverse PNW Market, Walking Man Brewing and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins.

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was first conceptualized as a fun shoulder season event to highlight the vast array of mushroom-themed gifts, treasures and foraging gear available at Traverse PNW Market. The idea was to create an additional reason for mushroom enthusiasts to visit Stevenson. The concept grew to include educational elements and an opportunity for the entire town to participate.

“As a Stevenson business owner for over a decade, I know the challenges small business owners face in the shoulder seasons. I wanted to create something that not only helped my businesses, but supported and uplifted the entire community,” said Tabatha Wiggins, Event Coordinator. “I am proud and excited The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought so many locals and visitors together and for the benefit it provided to our town. For me, that’s what success looks like. I want to thank everyone who participated; you brought this festival to life in 2024! I hope to see you all there in 2025!"

For those who missed out on the festivities in 2024, Wiggins is hopeful to make The Stevenson Mushroom Festival an annual event. Plans include ramping up attendance and adding to the list of family-focused events, educational presentations and vendors. Seasoned mycologists, blossoming enthusiasts and the fungi-curious of all ages can anticipate celebrating the enchanting world of mushrooms next fall in Stevenson, Washington. Dates for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.

For future details and information about The Stevenson Mushroom Festival, including dates and happenings, please visit stevensonmushroomfestival.com.

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About the Stevenson Mushroom Festival

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was designed to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms through education, events and promotions throughout Stevenson, Washington in the Columbia River Gorge including multiple stories published on CCCNews. The 2024 festival was presented by Traverse PNW Market and sponsored by River Talk Weekly News, City of Stevenson, Columbia Gorge Museum, Stevenson Downtown Association and Skamania County Chamber of Commerce.