Mushroom Mania 2026
April 25, 2026 at Stone Brewing - Richmond. 4300 Williamsburg Ave. Richmond, Virginia
Free admission!
Donate now!
Your support keeps it going.
It is a celebration of the mysterious, magical, and mouthwatering marvel – MUSHROOMS! Join us for our ninth annual fungi fest to honor the creative influence, culinary delights, health benefits, and cultural significance of the mushroom kingdom. 40+ vendors, mushroom growers, speakers, food, craft beer, costume contest, dancing and more.
2026 Presenters & Schedule
We’re Richmond, Virginia’s first and only FREE fungi fest going NINE years strong! We’ll be featuring free classes, workshops, lectures, screening cartoons, dancing, costume contest, music, giveaways and much more!
DONATE NOW
PAY WHAT YOU CAN!
SCHEDULE : APRIL 25, 2026
2ND FLOOR MEZZANINE SCHEDULE
TAKE THE ELEVATOR OR STAIRS
12:00 - 6:00 PM - Richmond Moon Market - Check out over forty local vendors, mushrooms growers, fortune tellers, artists, plants, vintage wares, jewelry, home decor, art, ceramics, and more.
PATIO SCHEDULE
Eat: Live Buena Food Truck, Furnace Pizza Pop-Up
12:00 PM - Patio - Class - Spring Nervous System Reset: Awakening the Mind & Body with Ayurveda, Medicinal Mushrooms, and Herbal Tonics - Tiffany Robinson, the Te Spot Herbal Healing Room
1:00 PM - Patio - Class - Mushroom Cloning Basics with Caleb M, Folkish Farms
2:00 PM - Patio - Talk - Psilocybin Therapy Crash Course with Sarah Mines LCP
3:00 PM - Patio - Panel - The State of Psychoactive Plants and Fungi in the Commonwealth of Virginia Hosted by Will Nelson, Decriminalize Nature
4:00 PM - Patio - Dance - Athanor Dance Collective - Green Witch
4:30 PM - Patio- Contest - Mushroom Costume contest
5:00 PM - Patio - Live Music - Hot Lava
TAPROOM SCHEDULE
12:00 PM - Taproom - Culinary Talk/Demo - From Spore to Fork: Fermentation, Tempeh & the Art of Cooking Fungi - Keith Gurgick, Chaotic Good
1:00 PM - Taproom - Culinary Talk/Demo - You Should Be Cooking with MOLD: An Intro to Koji and its Applications - Nick Adams, Koji House
2:00 PM - Taproom - Culinary Talk - The Tuckahoe: Mystery Fungus and Forgotten Food - Charlie Aller. MushLuv
3:00 PM - Taproom - Talk - Fungi: A Field Introduction - Chandler Imanian, Richmond Mycological Society
4:00 PM - Taproom - Talk - Poisonous Mushrooms of Virginia - Harry Puffenberger, VA Master Naturalist
ALL DAY:
Learn: From local experts and mycologists, cooking demos, and more.
Shop: Sponsors and Vendors at the Richmond Moon Market
Drink: Stone Brewing offers craft beer, seltzer, frozen drinks, NA, sodas, and more
Eat: Live Buena Food Truck, Furnace Pizza Pop-Up
KEEP THE MANIA GOING!
DONATE WHAT YOU CAN!
2026 Presenters
Join these imaginative and knowledgeable experts to learn more about the marvelous mushroom kingdom and everything it has to offer us.
Psilocybin Therapy Crash Course
Sarah Mines, LPC2:00 PM - PATIO
Learn how to engage in therapeutic use of macrodosed psilocybin ‘trips’ to address deep-seated trauma, fears, shame, and isolation.
Sarah Mines is an LPC with a passion for reintegrating traditional healing practices to aid in returning to right relationships with ourselves, the land, and everyone with whom we share the Earth
You Should Be Cooking with MOLD: An Intro to Koji and its Applications
Nick Adams, Koji House1:00 PM - TAP ROOM
What is koji? Why is it important? And how is it going to change the future of food? Come learn!
Nick Adams is lead fermenter and founder at Koji House, a local small batch koji producer.
Mushroom Cloning Basics
Caleb M, Folkish Farms1:00 PM - PATIO
I will demonstrate step by step the basics of how to clone mushrooms at home using agar plates.
I started learning mycology in 2018, and in 2020 I decided to start selling my extra grain and substrate bags which turned into Folkish Farms. At Folkish Farms we focus on growing functional mushrooms and providing all of the materials that we use on a daily basis so anyone can grow their own mushrooms from home.
Spring Nervous System Reset: Awakening the Mind & Body with Ayurveda, Medicinal Mushrooms, & Herbal Tonics
Tiffany Robinson, The Tè Spot Herbal Healing Room 12:00 PM - PATIO
As the earth awakens, so does your body. This workshop guides you through nervous system renewal using the wisdom of Ayurveda, medicinal mushrooms, and plant-based practices. Learn how to release winter heaviness, restore balance, and step into spring with clarity, vitality, and grounded energy.
Tiffany Robinson is an Ayurvedic psychology practitioner and herbalist specializing in nervous system wellness and seasonal healing. As the founder of Mind Chai, she creates herbal teas and tonics that support balance, clarity, and vitality through the principles of Ayurveda.
Poisonous Mushrooms of Virginia
Harry Puffenberger, Virginia Master Naturalist, Rappahannock, VA4:00 PM - TAP ROOM
Recent publication of poisonous mushrooms of Virginia written by mycologists from the Virginia Mater Naturalists from around the state. I will talk the poisonous mushrooms in our state some identifying characteristics and some of the toxins found in the mushrooms.
I am president of the Central Rappahannock chapter of Virginia Matter Naturalists. My academic education is in Forestry from Virginia Tech. I have been studying fungi and mushrooms for 15 years, learning to forage and identify mushrooms. I have been leading nature walks, tree identification and mushroom identification for over a decade.
The Tuckahoe: Mystery Fungus and Forgotten Food
Charlie Aller, MushLuv2:00 PM - TAP ROOM
Come learn about an unknown but widespread edible fungus, the Tuckahoe! Charlie has been growing a relationship with this fungus and slowly following its mycelium, from exciting encounters to historical references. Cultivation, culture, food and medicine all coalesce in this unseen, tuberous fungus beneath our feet.
Charlie Aller has a BS in Horticulture Science from Virginia Tech. He has spent the last 13 years studying mycology, co-founding Mush Luv with his partner, Nina O’Malley, and re-discovering love for all kinds of biology through a fungal orientation. He has taught workshops on mycology, helped organize the New Moon Mycology Summit, co-lead ecology tours in Greece, and co-facilitated a mushroom cultivation course in Oregon.
Virginia Mushrooms 101
This introduction to mushroom basics is great for beginners and a good refresher for seasoned foragers. They’ll cover how to identify what you're looking at, the difference between edible, medicinal, and toxic species, and how fungi actually function in the environment. Catered for total beginners but with enough depth to satisfy people who are already curious.
I've been a mycologist for 15 years working with herbariums and citizen science projects across the US, South America, and Japan. I specialize in entomopathogenic fungi, though my love spreads to all our myceliating friends.
A couple years ago I started the Richmond Mycological Society because I couldn't find the fungi loving community here that I'd found everywhere else I traveled. We're currently building a small mushroom farm for resteraunts, partnering with community gardens across the city to find homes for spent blocks and host classes on mycorrhizal relationships, and running forays for Richmonders who've been wanting to scratch that foraging itch.
Chandler Imanian, Richmond Mycological Society3:00 PM - TAP ROOM
From Spore to Fork: Fermentation, Tempeh & the Art of Cooking Fungi
With Keith Gurlick, Chaotic Good Tempeh
12:00 PM - TAP ROOM
What does mycelium actually do to a chickpea? We'll trace tempeh's origins from the hibiscus leaf wrappings of ancient Java, geek out on the fermentation science that turns humble legumes into something extraordinary, and trade real cooking techniques that prove it was never really about the soybean.
Keith Gurgick is a Richmond-based chef, fermenter, and founder of Chaotic Good LLC, where he makes the only chickpea tempeh on the East Coast. With 15 years of professional kitchen experience and a deep obsession with the science of fermentation, he has spent the last several years proving that ancient techniques and unconventional ingredients are a match made in mycelium heaven. His chef-crafted tempeh products (bacon, pastrami, chorizo, and more) are available at farmers markets across Virginia and in grocery stores throughout the region.
Panel:
The State of Psychoactive Plants and Fungi in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Hosted by Will Nelson, Decriminalize Nature Virginia with special guests.
3:00 PM - PATIO
Panelists:
Will E. Nelson, Co-Founder Decriminalize Nature Virginia,
Will Nelson is co-founder of Decriminalize Nature Virginia, a grassroots organization dedicated to decriminalizing entheogenic plants and fungi. He has been a key figure in driving statewide reform in Virginia, traveling the Commonwealth to educate the public and discuss legislation with local and state officials. He has championed relevant legislation with key figures in the commonwealth, like Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi.
Maya Gaines-Smith, PhD. neuropharmacologist
Dr. Maya Gaines-Smith is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but has lived in Virginia for over 10 years. She earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience in 2025 from Virginia Commonwealth University, with expertise in neuropharmacology and drug characterization, as well as psychedelic drug development. Her PhD dissertation project explored the therapeutic mechanism of MDMA in a murine model, with a primary focus on neuroplasticity and sex differences. Overall, her PhD training holistically focused on the neuropharmacology of psychedelic drugs, with a particular interest in the integration of the biological and behavioral sciences. In addition to being a VCU alum, Maya also earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biology from Hampton, University. Beyond bench research, Maya also serves as an active community member, mentor, and volunteer in the Greater Richmond Area.
More Panelists TBA
HOT LAVA
5:00 PM - PATIO
Hot Lava is an indie pop band from Richmond, Virginia, known for a charming pop sound that blends surf rock guitar, spooky reverb, and clever lyrics.
Athanor Dance Collective
4:00 PM - PATIO
Athanor Dance Collective is a Richmond, Virginia-based multidisciplinary performance group creating seasonal and site-specific performances blending the traditions of belly dance with flow arts and dance theater
Furnace Pizza
W/ Easterday Mushroom Co.
ALL DAY - PATIO
Pop-Up brick-oven pizzeria lead by Chef West Mazah based in the 757 known for sourdough crusts, unique seasonal pies, and creative plays on regional pizza styles.
Menu will feature mushrooms provided by Easterday Mushroom Company from Richmond, VA. Find Easterday Mushroom Company every Tuesday at Bird House Farmers Market.
More Mushroom Events in Virginia
LOCATION: HaaShrooms 5750 Jabez Lane Goochland, Virginia 23063
WHEN: Sundays from 9:30 AM till 11:30 AM beginning in April
Instructor: Steve Haas
Learn to locate and identify wild mushrooms and wild edible and medicinal plants with Steve Haas on their 60 acre woodland estate. The easy hike is filled with surprises and fun for all! These hunts are extremely popular and fill quickly! We do not collect any mushrooms on group hunts. If you are interested in learning more and keeping all found fungi, join Steve for a private hunt.
Registration is required.
2026 SPONSORS
Thanks to the generosity of these kind folks Mushrooms Mania remains free and open for all to learn, explore and celebrate the fungi kingdom. Check them out.
SUPPORT MUSHROOM MANIA
FAQs
Free admission? YES! DONATE NOW TO KEEP THE FUNGI GOING!
Yes. We love to share the fun of mushrooms and local makers with everyone. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are essential to keeping the fun going. We need your support to continue the mania!
How can I support Mushroom Mania?
Is this a family friendly event?
Yes! There will be fungi fun for all ages. Friends under 18 are welcome with a chaperone. There will be discussion and imagery related to psychoactive and psychedelic mushrooms and plants there. Please use your best judgement.
Got any “shrooms” for sale?
No. In Virginia, it is still illegal to buy, sell or possess psychedelic fungi aka “shrooms,” or “magic mushrooms,” even for medicinal use. No vendors will be selling, trading or giving away illegal items. This is a family friendly event. Be cool. Write to your state and local representatives and ask them to support changing legislation. And check out https://decrimnatureva.org/
Should I do “‘shrooms” at Mushroom Mania?
No, see above. This is for everyone’s safety. Mushroom Mania is a family friendly event.
Many harm reductionist and psychonaughts believe the safest use of psychedelics is in a familiar, safe, and controlled place with someone experienced, knowledgeable, trusted and sober to care for and/or guide you. Be cool. Be safe.
Can I be a vendor at Mushroom Mania?
Vendor applications is now closed.
Can I take FREE public transit? YES! We recommend it!
YES! GRTC and PULSE Bus is currently free to ride.
Stop: PULSE Bus East Riverfront
Stop: GRTC 4B to Main at East Riverfront
Stop: GRTC 4A admiral Gravely Blvd and Williamsburg Rd.
Parking info
Parking is free at Stone Brewing Richmond.
Parking is limited.
We suggest using FREE public transit.
Virginia Capitol Trail cyclists
Exit at University of Richmond docks.
Take Warf St. to 16 Nicholson St.
Bike racks are in the parking lot.
Are dogs allowed?
Friendly dogs are welcome on the outside patio. No pets inside
Nature loves courage.
-Terence McKenna
