The mycelial magic is stirring once again. Far West Fungi, the Bay Area’s beloved mushroom growers and culinary adventurers, are bringing back the Santa Cruz Mountain Mushroom Festival for its second year, unfolding on May 3–4, 2025, beneath the towering redwoods of Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California.
Last year’s gathering drew thousands of fungi lovers, artists, foragers, and curious minds. This year promises an even deeper dive into the wild, wondrous world of mushrooms—with educational sessions, cultivation workshops, live music, foraging walks, and a bounty of mushroom-inspired food and drink.
A Lineup Rooted in Expertise and Wonder
Festival-goers can expect sessions from some of the biggest names in the mushroom and mycology world:
- Christopher Hobbs, herbalist and author, will explore the healing powers of medicinal mushrooms.
- Cindy Li leads a guided nature walk through the vibrant ecosystems of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
- David Arora, legendary forager and author of Mushrooms Demystified, will share personal tales from the field.
- Chef Jonny Black from Chez Noir Carmel will host a cooking demo that turns mushrooms into culinary masterpieces.
- A special “Fire and Fungi” panel featuring Maya Elson and Jeff Ravage will investigate the fascinating relationship between mycology and wildfire ecology.
Workshops on mushroom cultivation will be hosted by Bay Area Applied Mycology (BAAM), MycoLove, and Field & Forest Products, providing hands-on learning for anyone looking to grow their own.
And to soundtrack the experience, expect live performances from acts like Trianna Feruza and Michael Hammer & the Nails.
Food, Fermentation, and Community
No mushroom festival would be complete without a feast. This year’s food lineup includes:
- Fermented delights from Shared Cultures
- Sweet creations from Penny Ice Creamery
- Savory offerings from Fungi Foods, The Grove Cafe & Bakery, Bookies Pizza, and more
Festival attendees can sip craft beer from Laughing Monk Brewing, natural wines from Quinta Cruz, and locally brewed kombucha, creating the perfect pairing for a day spent among friends, fungi, and old-growth trees.
“Our roots in the mushroom world have always been about building community,” says Ian Garrone, CEO of Far West Fungi. “Mushrooms connect forests underground, and they connect people above ground. We can’t wait to gather again and celebrate all the incredible ways fungi inspire us.”
Brought to Life by the Fungal Network
The festival is made possible thanks to an incredible network of sponsors including Field & Forest Products, SandBar Energy, MycoLove Farm, Edible Monterey Bay, TRUFF, Redwood Mushroom Supply, and many more.Tickets are available now—and if last year’s sold-out crowd is any indication, you won’t want to wait. To learn more and snag your spot beneath the redwoods, visit scmmfest.com.
