● Welcome to our 6th Annual Big Psych Gathering
Mycelia Fest 2026
● Mycelia Fest Overview
What’s new this year?
This gathering has always been about connecting with community, exchanging knowledge, and having a space to share what we’re passionate about with one another. Over the years it has come to feel a bit like a community reunion, and this year we’re excited to lean even further into that spirit.
Mycelia Fest 2026 brings a fresh and intentional flow to our annual gathering. Our weekend begins Saturday, August 15th, 2026 with a mushroom foray led by local foragers. We’ll head into the woods together to see what we can find, share what we know, and learn from one another along the way. The foray will conclude at Powderhorn Park, where we’ll gather for a BBQ featuring our findings, followed by music and mushroom logs to carry us through the evening.
The following day, Sunday, August 16th, 2026, builds on the familiar roots of past gatherings with thoughtful talks, workshops, and conversations grounded in storytelling, community wisdom, and many different ways of knowing. We’ll share a community meal, wander through a small marketplace of local vendors, and spend time catching up with familiar faces while welcoming new ones. As the day unfolds, we’ll close things out with a comedy show. A chance to unwind, laugh, and simply enjoy being together.
As always, we’ll be moving with care for the land and for one another, making thoughtful choices about how we gather, what we share, and how we hold space together. Mycelia Fest continues to grow through the care and participation of the community itself.
This year especially, we’re keeping things easy. Come as you are, spend time outside, learn something new, eat good food, and enjoy being part of the mycelial network that connects us all.
Pay What You Can
Balancing Education & Entertainment
Prioritizing Sustainability
Storytelling & Skill-sharing
Prioritizing Sustainability
We believe sustainability is a shared practice, cultivated through the choices we make together. This year, our community meal invites everyone to bring your own dish. A simple way to reduce single-use waste while bringing a piece of home to the table. We’ll provide washing stations to make re-use easy, communal, and even a little fun. Throughout Mycelia Fest, we’re deepening our commitment to care for the Earth and each other. Expect thoughtful material choices, minimal disposable items, clearly marked compost and recycling stations, and programming that uplifts ecological responsibility. We encourage carpooling, biking, and public transit, and we’re working with local growers, makers, and partners to source as sustainably as possible. Together, we’re building a gathering that nourishes our community and the land that holds us. Every small action adds up! Thank you for helping us keep Mycelia Fest regenerative and rooted in reciprocity.
Balancing Education & Entertainment
In past years, Mycelia Fest has been rich with education and wisdom from incredible thought leaders in the plant medicine space. As we move into this new chapter and continue learning from each gathering, we are intentionally creating a more balanced experience that weaves together both education and entertainment. Our goal is for everyone to leave feeling nourished, intellectually, creatively, and communally. This year’s flow invites both learning and fellowship throughout the weekend. Together, we’ll share a guided community foray, gather for a barbecue, enjoy live music, participate in thoughtful talks and storytelling, connect over our beloved community meal, explore the vendor market, and unwind with a comedy show. By blending knowledge-sharing with moments of play, reflection, and joy, Mycelia Fest creates space for connection, curiosity, and collective celebration.
Storytelling & Skill-sharing
This year, Mycelia Fest places storytelling at the center of our talks and panels. While past gatherings have included lecture-style presentations or a mix of teaching and personal sharing, our 2026 programming intentionally leans into lived experience, community wisdom, and shared narrative. We’re expanding on the powerful storytelling moments that naturally emerged last year, creating space for people to share personal journeys, cultural traditions, and meaningful relationships with land, plants, and community. Through story, knowledge becomes relational, accessible, and deeply human.This shift us into deeper listening, reflection, and connection. Rather than simply presenting information, we gather to exchange experiences, honor diverse perspectives, and learn from one another. Storytelling allows us to hold complexity, celebrate difference, and build a shared understanding rooted in empathy and curiosity.
Pay What You Can
In an effort to expand accessibility and simplify entry to Mycelia Fest, we’re shifting to a Pay-What-You-Can model. Our hope is that as many people as possible can join us to learn, connect, and celebrate, while also honoring the significant planning, energy, time, and resources it takes to bring this gathering to life each year. If you have the means, we ask that you contribute in a way that feels reciprocal and aligned with the value you receive. Your support directly sustains the work: it feeds our community meal, compensates presenters and organizers, supports local vendors, and helps keep this gathering thriving. If finances are a barrier, you are still wholeheartedly welcome. You’re invited to contribute in other meaningful ways, such as volunteering, offering skills, or simply showing up with presence and intention. No matter how you participate, we appreciate you. Every form of contribution strengthens the mycelial network that makes this community possible.
● Mycelia Fest 2026
Tickets
This year, Mycelia Fest is Pay-What-You-Can, in alignment with our commitment to accessibility and community care.
Our hope is that this structure allows anyone who wishes to attend to be able to join us, while also inviting those who have the means to contribute in support of the gathering.
Mycelia Fest has historically been sustained through a combination of ticket sales, sponsorship support, and significant out-of-pocket contributions from organizers. As we continue evolving the gathering, we’re working toward a more sustainable model that allows this small, community-run event to thrive for years to come.
All funds directly support the gathering itself. Contributions help cover venue costs, the community meal, outreach efforts, planning, speaker and organizer compensation, and the many behind-the-scenes pieces that bring this event to life.
If you’re able to contribute financially, we encourage you to do so in a way that feels aligned and reciprocal with the value you receive from the experience.
Even if you choose to attend at a lower cost or free ticket, please still register in advance. Registration helps us plan responsibly by estimating attendance, preparing enough food for the community meal, and ensuring we can thoughtfully support everyone who joins us.
Every form of participation helps strengthen this gathering. Thank you for being part of the mycelial network that makes Mycelia Fest possible!
An annual community reunion to commune with one another and share what we are passionate about.
Mycelia Fest 2026 brings a fresh and intentional flow to our annual gathering. Our weekend begins Saturday, August 15th, 2026 with a mushroom foray led by local foragers. We’ll head into the woods together to see what we can find, share what we know, and learn from one another along the way. The foray will conclude at the Hook & Ladder, where we’ll gather for a BBQ featuring our findings, followed by live music to carry us through the evening.
The following day, Sunday, August 16th, 2026, builds on the familiar roots of past gatherings with thoughtful talks, workshops, and conversations grounded in storytelling, community wisdom, and many different ways of knowing. We’ll share a community meal, wander through a small marketplace of local vendors, and spend time catching up with familiar faces while welcoming new ones. As the day unfolds, we’ll close things out with a comedy show. A chance to unwind, laugh, and simply enjoy being together.
As always, we’ll be moving with care for the land and for one another, making thoughtful choices about how we gather, what we share, and how we hold space together. Mycelia Fest continues to grow through the care and participation of the community itself.
This year especially, we’re keeping things easy. Come as you are, spend time outside, learn something new, eat good food, and enjoy being part of the mycelial network that connects us all.
This year, Mycelia Fest is Pay-What-You-Can, in alignment with our commitment to accessibility and community care.
Our hope is that this structure allows anyone who wishes to attend to be able to join us, while also inviting those who have the means to contribute in support of the gathering.
Mycelia Fest has historically been sustained through a combination of ticket sales, sponsorship support, and significant out-of-pocket contributions from organizers. As we continue evolving the gathering, we’re working toward a more sustainable model that allows this small, community-run event to thrive for years to come.
All funds directly support the gathering itself. Contributions help cover venue costs, the community meal, outreach efforts, planning, speaker and organizer compensation, and the many behind-the-scenes pieces that bring this event to life.
If you’re able to contribute financially, we encourage you to do so in a way that feels aligned and reciprocal with the value you receive from the experience.
Even if you choose to attend at a lower cost or free ticket, please still register in advance. Registration helps us plan responsibly by estimating attendance, preparing enough food for the community meal, and ensuring we can thoughtfully support everyone who joins us.
Every form of participation helps strengthen this gathering. Thank you for being part of the mycelial network that makes Mycelia Fest possible!
An annual community reunion to commune with one another and share what we are passionate about.
Mycelia Fest 2026 brings a fresh and intentional flow to our annual gathering. Our weekend begins Saturday, August 15th, 2026 with a mushroom foray led by local foragers. We’ll head into the woods together to see what we can find, share what we know, and learn from one another along the way. The foray will conclude at the Hook & Ladder, where we’ll gather for a BBQ featuring our findings, followed by live music to carry us through the evening.
The following day, Sunday, August 16th, 2026, builds on the familiar roots of past gatherings with thoughtful talks, workshops, and conversations grounded in storytelling, community wisdom, and many different ways of knowing. We’ll share a community meal, wander through a small marketplace of local vendors, and spend time catching up with familiar faces while welcoming new ones. As the day unfolds, we’ll close things out with a comedy show. A chance to unwind, laugh, and simply enjoy being together.
As always, we’ll be moving with care for the land and for one another, making thoughtful choices about how we gather, what we share, and how we hold space together. Mycelia Fest continues to grow through the care and participation of the community itself.
This year especially, we’re keeping things easy. Come as you are, spend time outside, learn something new, eat good food, and enjoy being part of the mycelial network that connects us all.
This year, Mycelia Fest is Pay-What-You-Can, in alignment with our commitment to accessibility and community care.
Our hope is that this structure allows anyone who wishes to attend to be able to join us, while also inviting those who have the means to contribute in support of the gathering.
Mycelia Fest has historically been sustained through a combination of ticket sales, sponsorship support, and significant out-of-pocket contributions from organizers. As we continue evolving the gathering, we’re working toward a more sustainable model that allows this small, community-run event to thrive for years to come.
All funds directly support the gathering itself. Contributions help cover venue costs, the community meal, outreach efforts, planning, speaker and organizer compensation, and the many behind-the-scenes pieces that bring this event to life.
If you’re able to contribute financially, we encourage you to do so in a way that feels aligned and reciprocal with the value you receive from the experience.
Even if you choose to attend at a lower cost or free ticket, please still register in advance. Registration helps us plan responsibly by estimating attendance, preparing enough food for the community meal, and ensuring we can thoughtfully support everyone who joins us.
Every form of participation helps strengthen this gathering. Thank you for being part of the mycelial network that makes Mycelia Fest possible!
● Day 2: Sunday, August 16th, 2026
Schedule
Foray & Feast: Fort Snelling State Park
11:00 am5:00 pmForay & Feast: Powderhorn Park
● Day 1: Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Schedule
Registration Opens
11:00 amWelcome to Mycelia Fest
11:30 amHistory of the Hook & ladder
11:40 amMatriarchal Wisdom, Spirit-Aligned Vision, Land Stewardship, and the Future of Regenerative Healing Spaces
12:00 pmPotlikker: Mushrooms, Soil, and the Practice of Feeding Community
1:00 pmCommunity Meal & Vendor Workshops
2:00 pmStrippers: America’s Indicator Species
4:00 pmGaia is All Around Us: Learning to Love the God Beneath Our Feet
5:00 pmTales From the Cult; Life After Death
6:00 pmLight 'em Up The Bong Show: Mushroom Edition
7:00 pm
Presentations & Activities
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Meal Prep Day
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Foray & Feast: Fort Snelling
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Foray & Feast: Powderhorn Park
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Matriarchal Wisdom, Spirit-Aligned Vision, Land Stewardship, and the Future of Regenerative Healing Spaces
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Potlikker: Mushrooms, Soil, and the Practice of Feeding Community
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Strippers: America’s Indicator Species
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Gaia is All Around Us: Learning to Love the God Beneath Our Feet
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Tales From the Cult; Life After Death
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Community Meal
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Vendor Workshops
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Light 'em Up The Bong Show: Mushroom Edition
● Mycelia Fest Storytellers
Meet the Storytellers
Stig Mycelia
Tales from the cult; life after death
Millicent Kasal
Matriarchal Wisdom, Spirit-Aligned Vision, Land Stewardship, and the Future of Regenerative Healing Spaces
Baki
Gaia is All Around Us: Learning to Love the God Beneath Our Feet
Chia
Strippers: America’s Indicator Species
Lachelle Cunningham
Potlikker: Mushrooms, Soil, and the Practice of Feeding Community● Mycelia Fest FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mycelia Fest 2026 is happening Saturday, August 15th, 2026 - Sunday, August 16th, 2026.
On Saturday, August 15th, 2026, we will begin our weekend at Fort Snelling State park at 11:00 am for the foray. We will then meet at the Powderhorn Park in the valley by the rec center at 5:00 pm for a potluck BBQ, music and mushroom log making.
On Sunday, August 16th, 2026, all festivities will be held at Hook & Ladder starting at 11:00 am.
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Yes. Please pre-register for each day you plan to attend. This helps us plan accordingly for meals, seating, and activities so we can make the gathering comfortable and welcoming for everyone.
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Each day of Mycelia Fest includes a variety of community-centered activities.
Day 1: A guided mushroom foray followed by a community potluck BBQ, music, and mushroom log making at Powderhorn Park.
Day 2: Morning talks, a shared community meal, vendor market, hands-on workshops, and an evening comedy show.
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Yes! The foray is beginner-friendly and open to all experience levels. Whether it’s your first time learning about mushrooms or you already enjoy foraging, guides will help participants explore, observe, and learn together in a welcoming environment.
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Rain is part of the ecosystem that helps mushrooms thrive, so depending on the conditions we may still head out and enjoy the perfect environment for our fungi friends.
For Day 1, if the rain is too heavy, the foray and potluck may be postponed to later in the evening or another day with better conditions.
For Day 2, all festivities, including talks, workshops, and the vendor market, will be moved indoors if weather requires. -
To support our sustainability efforts and reduce single-use products, we encourage everyone to bring their own dish, cup, and cutlery to the gathering. After the community meal, washing stations will be available so you can easily clean your items. It’s also a fun opportunity to show off your favorite or most unique dishes!
We will still have dishes available!
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Our community meal will include a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and carnivore options. The menu typically features a mix of soups and stews, salads, fresh-baked bread, appetizers, and dips, many made with local produce and contributions from community gardens.
If you’d like to support the community meal, you’re welcome to join one of our volunteer meal prep days or donate extra produce from your garden.
You can check out our menu here!
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We’re taking several steps to reduce waste and make sustainability accessible at Mycelia Fest. We encourage attendees to bring their own dish, cup, and cutlery to limit single-use items, and we’ll have washing stations available so they can be easily cleaned after the meal. We’ll also be composting food waste and encouraging folks to bike or use other low-impact transportation to get to the event whenever possible.
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This year, our talks will follow a community storytelling format, highlighting personal stories and experiences from members of our community. Rather than traditional presentations, speakers will share their journeys, insights, and the paths that led them to their work.
Our vendor market will also reflect this spirit, featuring people who are sharing their story, their passion, and the work they bring into the world. Each booth represents a piece of the larger community narrative that makes Mycelia Fest what it is.
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Yes. The venue is ADA accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions ahead of the event, please feel free to reach out so we can help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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Yes! Families are encouraged to join us. We’ll have dedicated kids’ play areas with activities so younger attendees can enjoy the gathering as well.
It’s also a great opportunity for young ones to experience community-style gatherings, learn about sustainability, and connect with others in a welcoming, intergenerational environment.
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Yes! If you’re interested in being a vendor, please reach out to bigpsychmpls@gmail.com for more details about vendor opportunities.
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Yes! We welcome community members who want to help support the gathering. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to bigpsychmpls@gmail.com for more details or sign up here.
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Donations can be dropped off on August 13–14 at City Food Studio (3722 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, MN).
If you have produce from your garden or ingredients you’d like to contribute, we’re grateful for the support, it helps make our shared community meal possible.
● Contact
Get in Touch
Questions, ideas, or looking to get involved? Whether you're interested in volunteering, vending, or learning more about Mycelia Fest, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to connect.
