2025 Cute as a Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest
Family FunWho do you think is the Cutest Button, Cremini, or Portabella? Vote for your favorite contestant/photo with your pocket change in this baby photo contest on South Broad Street. All proceeds benefit Kennett Area Senior Center.
Children’s Entertainment
KidsThere will be a Bounce Zone and Bungee jump. Face Painting & Sand Art. Located at 300 West State Street
New this year will be the Punch and Judy Puppet Show.
Saturday at 11:30AM and 2:30PM and Sunday 11AM and 1:30PM
Lego Masters
Family FunMeet Krystle Starr & Michelle Brooks –
Two-Time LEGO Masters Champions!
Get ready to be inspired! Krystle Starr and Michelle Brooks are a powerhouse duo who’ve taken the LEGO world by storm. Together, they’ve won LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular and LEGO Masters: Australia vs The World, becoming the first all-female team to hoist the LEGO trophy twice!
This summer, they’re bringing their creative energy and passion for building to the Mushroom Festival, hosting hands-on LEGO activities for kids and families all weekend long. With backgrounds in teaching, art, and community outreach, Krystle and Michelle use LEGO bricks to connect people, encourage problem-solving, and spread joy.
Don’t miss your chance to meet these incredible builders, join in the fun at their booth, and leave with a little inspiration (and maybe a few bricks)!
The Lego Masters Krystle Starr and Evelyn Fernandez will join us this year with Optional Build Challenges, free Lego play and 40th Anniversary Mushroom Kits for sale.
Punch and Judy Puppet Show, and the Lego Masters will be located at the Santander Parking lot on the corner of State Street and Layfette Street.
Meet Fungus
Family FunFungus, the Mushroom Festival’s mascot, will make a few appearances during the festival. Keep your eyes open for a red-capped mushroom strolling down State Street.
Mushroom Growers’ Exhibit
Family FunLocated on South Broad Street
You can see mushrooms come to life from the tiny spore to the mature ready to eat fresh mushrooms! Walk your way through the mushroom growing exhibit, where you will see how white, baby bella, portabella, shitake, maitake, oyster and royal trumpets mushrooms grow in and around Kennett Square.
Mushroom Soup
GeneralMushroom Soup: A Classic!
The official Mushroom Soup of the festival will be sold on Broad Street, Dive into our locally made savory, rich and creamy mushroom soup! Loaded with fresh hearty portabella and white mushrooms. The soup offers earthy flavors. Our soup is made with fresh local grown mushrooms and heavy cream. Provided by Cappozoli Catering at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square.
Mushrooms Sales
GeneralAll cultivated varieties of fresh mushrooms can be purchased at the Mushroom Festival Sales booth on South Broad Street. There is a refrigerated truck to hold your mushroom purchases until you are ready to leave the festival located on North Broad Street.
Saturday last pick up is 6:30PM and Sunday last pick up is 4:30PM
2025 'Chopped' Mushroom Cooking Contest
Free ShowsThe 40th Mushroom Festival's Amateur Cook off is going to be our version of a “Chopped” Challenge. Our Mushroom Cooking challenge will be similar to the show you have seen on the Food Network. The Mushroom Festival's 'Chopped' challenge will be to cook a dish, utilizing all the foods in the mystery basket. The mystery basket will be provided to the competitors prior to the start of the competition and opened when the competition begins. Competitors will use the ingredients to make their tasty, creative dish which will feature MUSHROOMS.
Events will be held at the Mushroom Festival Culinary Stage @ S. Union St., on Saturday, September 6th at 10am and 2pm and ending with a finale on Sunday, September 7th at 10 AM.
Antique and Classic Car Show
Free ShowsShady and spacious South Broad Street with numerous examples of Victorian architecture, provides a great backdrop to our Antique and Classic Car Show. We have partnered with Marshal Steam Museum at Auburn Heights for the 40th Anniversary and they will be showcasing cars from their special collections for the Festival Car show!
State Street Festival
GeneralNearly 220 Vendors from all over the country will line the streets with arts, crafts, food and more. Local Restaurants in town will prepare their mushroom specialty dishes. The street Fair spans from Willow Street to Garfield Street.
Saturday 10AM to 6PM and Sunday 9AM to 4PM
Chef Demo: Chef William Atkins
Free ShowsChef William Atkins is a Camden, New Jersey native that is classically trained in the fine arts of culinary. He is passionate and driven about his cuisine which is using local seasonal sustainable ingredients, . He is a private chef and entrepreneur nutritionist and the owner of the braai experience which has many functions such as customize meal planning private chef and restaurant consultant. He believes in empowering and changing people through his food, when he says more than a chef. He means it, because he has helped so many people across the board on various levels but it's not the status. He focuses is the individual and the need. That's what makes him special person.
For over 10 years, I’ve been a private chef specializing in whole-food, organic, plant-based meals for everyone—from everyday individuals to athletes.
• Classically trained at the Art Institute of America
• Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University
https://braaiexperience.com/
Morel
MusicMorel is a diverse rock show with improvisational detours that can land anywhere from Bluegrass to Funk. They take influence from many different genres from many different eras, this allows them to keep their fans on their toes. Any new Morel fan should be advised to keep their mind open and their feet groovin!
Steve Liberace
MusicA Rock Artisan with Soul and Edge
Steve Liberace isn’t just a musician - he’s an experience. A guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter with a raw, soulful edge, he blends contemporary and alternative rock with a signature sound that is both classic and modern. Whether performing solo, as a duo, or with his full band, Steve electrifies public venues, private parties, and special events, delivering high-energy shows infused with heart and artistry.
His recent EP, SENSES, is a deep dive into love, loss, and the visceral emotions that connect us all. Featuring his masterful guitar work, expressive vocals, and a dynamic blend of bass, drums, and keys,the record is a standout release for rock fans.
A Stage Presence Like No Other:
Steve isn’t just about writing songs, he tells stories that resonate. His performances are a gutsy mix of singer-songwriter sensitivity and bold, riff-driven rock. Audiences don’t just hear his music; they feel it.
A Sound Rooted in Legacy, A Voice All His Own:
Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like The Beatles, The Cure, John Mayer, and The Grateful Dead, Steve has carved out a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly original. His latest EP, SENSES, is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all major streaming platforms.
Stay connected and experience Steve Liberace’s music on Instagram, Facebook, and
SteveLiberace.com.
2025 'Chopped' Mushroom Cooking Contest
Free ShowsThe 40th Mushroom Festival's Amateur Cook off is going to be our version of a “Chopped” Challenge. Our Mushroom Cooking challenge will be similar to the show you have seen on the Food Network. The Mushroom Festival's 'Chopped' challenge will be to cook a dish, utilizing all the foods in the mystery basket. The mystery basket will be provided to the competitors prior to the start of the competition and opened when the competition begins. Competitors will use the ingredients to make their tasty, creative dish which will feature MUSHROOMS.
Events will be held at the Mushroom Festival Culinary Stage @ S. Union St., on Saturday, September 6th at 10am and 2pm and ending with a finale on Sunday, September 7th at 10 AM.
CICCO
MusicCICCO is a 3 year old band from the Kennett Square area. They use various vehicles of rock music to archive all emotions. Their tempo is high energy and low energy, electrifying and desolate, serious and playful. Founded by David Ciccone, Daniel Ciccone, and Mike Rogers. Scott Dabundo will also be joining them on keys for the 2025 Mushroom Festival.
Follow on instagram @CICCO610 for more of their content.
Chef Demo: Chef Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini
Free ShowsChef Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini is a self-taught culinary force who first captured America's attention as the Season 2 winner of Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef on FOX—and later triumphed on Beat Bobby Flay. She went on to launch the bi-coastal Pink Martini Catering and co-founded the award-winning RED FIN Crudo + Kitchen.
Today, Jennifer is the co-founder of L’Ocean, a bold, globally inspired food trailer and catering company serving weddings, luxury events, and private chef experiences. Her culinary journey has taken her to prestigious stages, including the James Beard House, CVS Grand Gala, USO Grand Gala, Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival, National Restaurant Association Show, Mushroom Festival, Meals for the Masters, and Saborea Puerto Rico.
Her TV appearances span Cutthroat Kitchen, QVC, MTV, and she’s been a featured blogger for People.com. Jennifer is one of the few chefs showcased in the ChefWorks catalog and was a founding member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Delaware.
Jennifer also leads the “Yes, Chef” corporate team-building experience—an interactive, high-energy culinary challenge that blends learning, leadership, and a surprise mystery box of ingredients.
As a dynamic speaker and motivator, Jennifer has taken the stage at the Restaurant and Bar Expo, delivered two TEDxtalks, and inspired audiences across the globe—from Dubai to Canada.
Dream Big Cook Fearless
Jennifer Behm Lazzarini
L’Ocean
Elevate Leadership Collective
MasterChef Season 2 Winner
Beat Bobby Flay Winner
Houston and the Dirty Rats
MusicHouston & The Dirty Rats are a high-octane, taco-fueled blast of pure rock n roll fun! In 2019, these road warriors pulled off an insane feat of 100 shows in 100 days and they haven’t slowed down since. They’ve shredded stages in all 50 U.S. states, Six Canadian provinces, Mexico, and Europe, racking up over 1,000 shows worldwide in the past decade. Hailing from the small town of Phillipsburg New Jersey and are known for their unpredictable live antics and unstoppable energy.
The Gilroys
MusicThe Gilroys return to Chester County for the KSQ Mushroom Festival! Favs of the late-90s West Chester music scene, Sean Hoots, Tim Celfo, Matt Magarahan, and Ben Smith bring back all the great soul, jazz, and R & B that used to tumble out onto Gay Street.
2025 Cute as a Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest
Family FunWho do you think is the Cutest Button, Cremini, or Portabella? Vote for your favorite contestant/photo with your pocket change in this baby photo contest on South Broad Street. All proceeds benefit Kennett Area Senior Center.
Children’s Entertainment
KidsThere will be a Bounce Zone and Bungee jump. Face Painting & Sand Art. Located at 300 West State Street
New this year will be the Punch and Judy Puppet Show.
Saturday at 11:30AM and 2:30PM and Sunday 11AM and 1:30PM
Lego Masters
Family FunMeet Krystle Starr & Michelle Brooks –
Two-Time LEGO Masters Champions!
Get ready to be inspired! Krystle Starr and Michelle Brooks are a powerhouse duo who’ve taken the LEGO world by storm. Together, they’ve won LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular and LEGO Masters: Australia vs The World, becoming the first all-female team to hoist the LEGO trophy twice!
This summer, they’re bringing their creative energy and passion for building to the Mushroom Festival, hosting hands-on LEGO activities for kids and families all weekend long. With backgrounds in teaching, art, and community outreach, Krystle and Michelle use LEGO bricks to connect people, encourage problem-solving, and spread joy.
Don’t miss your chance to meet these incredible builders, join in the fun at their booth, and leave with a little inspiration (and maybe a few bricks)!
The Lego Masters Krystle Starr and Evelyn Fernandez will join us this year with Optional Build Challenges, free Lego play and 40th Anniversary Mushroom Kits for sale.
Punch and Judy Puppet Show, and the Lego Masters will be located at the Santander Parking lot on the corner of State Street and Layfette Street.
Meet Fungus
Family FunFungus, the Mushroom Festival’s mascot, will make a few appearances during the festival. Keep your eyes open for a red-capped mushroom strolling down State Street.
Mushroom Growers’ Exhibit
Family FunLocated on South Broad Street
You can see mushrooms come to life from the tiny spore to the mature ready to eat fresh mushrooms! Walk your way through the mushroom growing exhibit, where you will see how white, baby bella, portabella, shitake, maitake, oyster and royal trumpets mushrooms grow in and around Kennett Square.
Mushroom Soup
GeneralMushroom Soup: A Classic!
The official Mushroom Soup of the festival will be sold on Broad Street, Dive into our locally made savory, rich and creamy mushroom soup! Loaded with fresh hearty portabella and white mushrooms. The soup offers earthy flavors. Our soup is made with fresh local grown mushrooms and heavy cream. Provided by Cappozoli Catering at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square.
Mushrooms Sales
GeneralAll cultivated varieties of fresh mushrooms can be purchased at the Mushroom Festival Sales booth on South Broad Street. There is a refrigerated truck to hold your mushroom purchases until you are ready to leave the festival located on North Broad Street.
Saturday last pick up is 6:30PM and Sunday last pick up is 4:30PM
Painted Mushrooms Silent Auction
GeneralArtists become very creative with these 20 pound stone mushrooms-perfect for your garden or home. Everyone can vote for their 2025 Festival Favorite- the winning artist receives a cash prize! Painted mushrooms are displayed on South Broad Street.
There will be raffle tickets sold for a 108 pound painted mushroom by our local artist Jane Henry, raffle will be pulled Sunday @ 4PM.
Last Bid Taken at 3PM on Sunday!
State Street Festival
GeneralNearly 220 Vendors from all over the country will line the streets with arts, crafts, food and more. Local Restaurants in town will prepare their mushroom specialty dishes. The street Fair spans from Willow Street to Garfield Street.
Saturday 10AM to 6PM and Sunday 9AM to 4PM
2025 'Chopped' Mushroom Cooking Contest FINALE
Free ShowsThe 40th Mushroom Festival's Amateur Cook off is going to be our version of a “Chopped” Challenge. Our Mushroom Cooking challenge will be similar to the show you have seen on the Food Network. The Mushroom Festival's 'Chopped' challenge will be to cook a dish, utilizing all the foods in the mystery basket. The mystery basket will be provided to the competitors prior to the start of the competition and opened when the competition begins. Competitors will use the ingredients to make their tasty, creative dish which will feature MUSHROOMS.
Winners from Saturday, September 6th end with a finale on Sunday, September 7th at 10 AM.
2025 EN FUEGO!!! Fried Mushroom Eating Contest
Free ShowsIMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE FRIED MUSHROOM EATING CONTEST, we will hold the EN FUEGO! Mushroom Eating contest!!
Can you take the heat??
Limited to 10 contestants.
6 Levels of heat
Prize: Bragging rights!!!
This is an amateur event, which puts the HEAT and FUN in FUNGI when a group of brave contestants to see high they can go on the Scoville scale!!
Buona Food's The Original Fried Mushrooms are a Festival favorite every year! But only a few have the opportunity to eat copious amounts of the crunchy, mouth-watering snacks during this years' amateur Fried Mushroom Eating Contest.
Join us to watch the spectacle and cheer on the contestants as they challenge these records!
Walk on's may be considered the day of event when space allows.
Maribou
MusicMarabou is an octet from West Chester, Pennsylvania. The band began as a songwriting
partnership between drummer Chris Cotter and keyboardist James McLaughlin in early 2021, with the longtime friends and bandmates in local acts Diatribe and WaveRadio, teaming up to create a new project rooted in contemporary Jam stylings and classic Hip Hop. Designed as a vehicle for collaboration, Marabou features a core rhythm section of drummer Chris Cotter, keyboardist James McLaughlin, bassist Tom Lombard and guitarist Avery Coffee. Frequent collaborators include guitarists Brian Davis & Colin McGetrick, vocalist Taylor Pontari, Emcees Jay & Eddie and DJ Xzotic. All members bring something completely unique to the sound, contributing to the slurry of classic influences that combined, create something altogether new and now.
The band’s first full length album is due out in late Fall ‘25 through the Tribesound Record Label.
Maraboumailer@Gmail.com for updates and publicity inquiries
2025 Fried Mushroom Eating Contest
Free ShowsHosted by WXTU's Jeff Kurkjian and Frank Pastella!
This is a professional and amateur event, which puts the FUN in FUNGI when a group of brave contestants see how many fried mushrooms they can eat in 12 minutes!
Buona Food's The Original Fried Mushrooms are a Festival favorite every year! But only a few have the opportunity to eat copious amounts of the crunchy, mouth-watering snacks during this years' amateur Fried Mushroom Eating Contest.
Join us to watch the spectacle and cheer on the contestants as they challenge these records!
Walk on's may be considered the day of event when space allows.
Prizes:
$1000 1st
$600 2nd
$400 3rd
$300 4th
$200 5th
Penny Samar
MusicPenny Samar (from American Idol Season 23) blends lush vocals, dramatic stage presence, and fun energy into unforgettable live shows. Known for her viral Pink Penny Club audition and emotionally charged performances, Penny’s music aims to inspire everyone to be absolutely themselves. Currently performing and working on her debut EP, Penny invites you to join the Pink Penny Club and join the journey!
Chef Demo: Dana Herbert
Free ShowsChef Dana Herbert: Chef Dana "Sugar Daddy" Herbert winner of TLC's CAKE BOSS: NEXT GREAT BAKER Desserts by Dana is a multi-award-winning bakery located in Newark, DE. Known for their ability to go above and beyond with their cake creations, these bakers and artists live and breathe in the sweet world of pastry arts, where flavor and color come to life. Led by Celebrity Chef Dana Herbert, known as “The Sugar Daddy” or “The Cake Doctor”, because of his amazing work with pulled and blown sugar. They are also known as Delaware’s “King of Cakes”.