Staff report
Columbia Gorge News
STEVENSON — The Stevenson Mushroom Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 17, inviting mushroom lovers, curious explorers and families to spend a fall day discovering Stevenson through a town-wide celebration of fungi, food, education and local businesses.
Now in its third year, the Stevenson Mushroom Festival is focusing its 2026 festivities into one full day, with the popular “Mushroom Hunt” Passport Adventure at the heart of the experience, said a media release.
Rather than taking place in a single location, the festival invites Passport holders to explore participating businesses and community organizations throughout Stevenson. Each Passport stop offers something different, from mushroom-inspired food and drinks to activities, demonstrations, educational experiences, shopping and other surprises. Festival-goers collect stamps along the way, choosing their own route and creating their own festival experience.
“People can expect a fun day exploring Stevenson, with something different waiting at each stop,” said Festival Coordinator Tabatha Wiggins. “You might try a mushroom-inspired dish, hear from a mushroom expert, discover a local maker, visit the museum, shop local or find an activity for the kids. The Passport ties it all together and lets you choose your own adventure throughout the day.”
Mushrooms, makers & more
In addition to Passport stops throughout town, the Forager Marketplace returns to the Hegewald Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring regional makers, artists, growers and mushroom-related goods, plus, a mushroom-inspired photo booth to capture a memory.
Mushroom education will also be part of the adventure, with presentations and learning opportunities offered throughout the day. The Columbia Gorge Museum will offer free admission to Passport holders on Oct. 17 and host presentations during the festival.
Costumes are encouraged. Whether participants arrive in their favorite mushroom hat, full woodland attire or simply dressed for a crisp Columbia River Gorge day, everyone is invited to join the fun.
A festival designed to support Stevenson
The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was created with a larger purpose: bringing people into Stevenson during the fall shoulder season and encouraging them to explore local businesses while they’re here.
The 2026 event has been condensed into a single Saturday to concentrate festival activity throughout the community, while visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of their trip and enjoy local lodging, restaurants, shops and outdoor recreation in the Columbia River Gorge.
“The festival is really a celebration of Stevenson,” Wiggins said. “Mushrooms give us a wonderfully quirky reason to come together, but the experience is about exploring our community, supporting small businesses and enjoying one of the best times of year in the Gorge.”
Get your Passport
Mushroom Hunt Passport Books are $10 when purchased in advance or $12 on the day of the festival, while supplies last.
Passports serve as your guide to participating locations, activities and special offers throughout Stevenson, said a media release.
Reserved Passports may be picked up, and a limited number purchased, at Traverse PNW Market beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17.
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Festival details, Passport information, participating locations and the event happenings are available at www.StevensonMushroom-Festival.com.
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