FUNGI & FERMENTATION FEST
FUNGI & FERMENTATION FEST
OCTOBER 24, 2026
9am-12pm
Howe Meadow
4040 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market is thrilled to present our inaugural Fungi & Fermentation Fest – a spore-tacular celebration of the outdoor season at Howe Meadow before we head inside for the Winter Market at Old Trail School beginning in Novmeber.
Building on the success of our beloved Annual Tomato Tasting Festival, this unique event will dive deep into the fascinating world of fungi, fermentation, and all things deliciously decomposed. Join us October 24th for a day of discovery, flavor, and fun as we explore the magic of mushrooms and the art of fermentation.
What to Expect
Free to the public and family-friendly, our festival features:
- Interactive vendor demonstrations showcasing fermentation techniques and fungal cultivation
- Sampling stations featuring locally-made fermented foods, mushroom varieties, and artisanal products
- Live music and activities for all ages
- Costume contest – Come dressed as your favorite fungi or spore! With Halloween just around the corner, show off your creative side and compete for Best in Show
Schedule of Events
From ancient fermentation techniques to futuristic fungi-powered architecture, there’s a whole world of discovery waiting at Fungi & Fermentation Fest! Join us for a morning of hands-on demonstrations, fascinating conversations, and a little mushroom-fueled mischief.
All activities are FREE and open to the public!
8:30–9:00 AM | Pre-Market Nature Walk
Jeremy Umansky | Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
Start your morning with a walk through nature alongside chef, author, and mycology enthusiast Jeremy Umansky. Explore the fascinating world of fungi and the natural environment before the market officially opens.
9:00–9:30 AM | Chinese Fermented Beans: The Secret to Umami
Liu Fang | Abundance Culinary
Discover how traditional Chinese fermentation techniques transform humble beans into deeply savory, flavor-packed ingredients. Learn how plant proteins become the foundation for rich, complex umami.
9:30–10:15 AM | The Magic of Koji & Culinary Molds
Jeremy Umansky | Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
Get to know the remarkable molds behind some of the world’s most flavorful foods. Jeremy explores the culinary possibilities of koji and how these tiny organisms can transform the way we cook.
10:15–10:45 AM | Mycotecture: Building a Future with Fungi
Christopher Maurer | redhouse studio
Mushrooms aren’t just for eating! Discover how fungi can be used to grow sustainable building materials, recycle waste, and even help restore the environment. Christopher shares innovative projects spanning Cleveland, Namibia, and outer space.
10:45–11:00 AM | Fungi Costume Parade & Contest
It’s time to show off your fungal fashion! Dress as your favorite mushroom, spore, or fungi-inspired creation and join the parade. All ages welcome, with the winner announced at 11:00 AM!
11:00–11:30 AM | 5 Techniques for Safer Home Fermentation
Kim Kresevic | Kres Kitchen
Ready to experiment with fermentation at home? Learn five practical techniques for making your homemade ferments safer, more successful, and delicious.
11:30 AM–12:00 PM | Grow Your Own Mushrooms
Don King | Epiphany Mushrooms
Curious about cultivating mushrooms at home? Learn the basics of growing your own fungi and discover what it takes to bring a little mushroom magic into your everyday life.
Special Guest: Jeremy Umansky
We will welcome a very special guest, Jeremy Umansky, who will be joining us to share his knowledge and give a free talk to the market community.
Jeremy Umansky is the James Beard Award-nominated chef and co-owner of Larder Delicatessen & Bakery in Cleveland’s Hingetown. Mycologist and co-author of “Koji Alchemy”, the definitive guide to koji fermentation. At Larder, he incorporates koji into virtually every dish, pioneering the use of filamentous molds and wild harvest fungi in modern cuisine. As a leading expert in applied fermentation and zymology, he champions Northeast Ohio’s wild food ecosystem through innovative fermentation techniques and sustainable foraging practices.
A Seasonal Celebration
As we wrap up our summer season at Howe Meadow, join us in celebrating the connections we’ve built. This festival marks our second to last market before we transition to our winter home at Old Trail School, where we’ll continue throughout the colder months.
Join us October 24th for our Fungi & Fermentation Fest. Whether you’re experienced with fermentation, curious about food, or looking for a fun family outing, come explore with us.
Free admission. Costumes welcome.
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