What to do at Kennett Square's Mushroom Fest

After Labor Day weekend, Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World, celebrates its favorite fungi Friday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 13, with the annual Mushroom Festival.

The three-day celebration takes place beginning at South Willow Street through Garfield Street and features hundreds of vendors, food trucks, eating competitions, a parade, and tons more.

Here are a few things to check out each day.

Friday, Sept. 11

Kicking things off each year is the community parade at 6 p.m. Starting at Union and State Streets, this local procession honors local emergency services who help the neighborhood. During the parade, enjoy the sights and sounds as you dine at one of the block's outdoor seating areas.

For those with kids: Located on South Broad Street will be an old-fashioned carnival for their enjoyment. Children will be able to play games, hop aboard rides, and more. This is a perfect way to for the adults to take a break from all the walking.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Starting at 10:30 a.m. inside the special events tent, watch as amateur chefs go head-to-head in a Mushroom Appetizer Cook-off. Contestant plates for the evening include mushroom fry bread, a grilled mushroom croquet, wild mushroom two-cheese quesadilla, mushroom endive bits, and mushroom and dried cherry crostini.

Take a break from the spore-showing with an Antique and Classic Car Show lined up along Broad Street. Snap a picture of Victorian mobiles, vintage engines, and more snazzy whips. The viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you think your belly has what it takes to be crowned mushroom-eating king, go for it! At 3 p.m., the special events tent will host hungry contestants for a fried-mushroom-munching match. Registration and more info are here.

Saturday's street festival is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Work off all the food you devoured with Kennett Square's Mushroom Run and Fun Walk. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and starts in front of Kennett High School (100 E South St.). All ages are welcome.

If you're not in the run, there's still reason to make your way to Kennett High School. At 10 a.m., the festival's Remote Control Air Show will take flight and will feature tech-y planes soar through the sky.  

Sunday's street festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

Besides the specific events happening on Saturday and Sunday, same-day happenings include: culinary demonstrations, mushroom baby photo contest, silent auctions, a mushroom growers tent, and live music from local bands.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.