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A ‘Spore-Tacular’ celebration

Humongous Fungus Fest returns to Crystal Falls

By Terri Castelaz 7 min read

CRYSTAL FALLS -- Beneath the forest floor near Crystal Falls lies a living organism that has been quietly growing for at least 2,500 years. The community will celebrate that natural wonder during the 35th-annual Humongous Fungus Fest this weekend.

The Crystal Falls Business Association will host a "Spore-Tacular" festival Friday and Saturday with activities throughout the city honoring the giant Armillaria gallica, commonly known as the honey mushroom. The massive underground fungus spreads across more than 37 acres, weighs an estimated 882,000 pounds and covers an area roughly equal to 140 football fields.

The fungus was discovered in the late 1980s by Johann Bruhn, professor emeritus of plant science, during an unrelated research project. Since then, it has become the inspiration for one of Crystal Falls' signature annual events.

"We are looking forward to two full days of fun for the whole family," Crystal Falls Business Association President Melissa Geary said. "All the favorite traditions are coming back."

Fest activities begin Friday with a cook-off at 1 p.m. at the Harbour House Museum. Chefs will compete for the best appetizer, side or main dish. Public tasting will be open immediately following the cook-off for a donation. All proceeds will benefit the Harbour House Museum.

One of the festival's most popular traditions -- the Humongous Fungus Fest Parade -- steps off Saturday at 5 p.m. down Superior Avenue. Parade participants can start to line up at 4:30 p.m. in the Forest Park School parking lot. No registration is required, and community members of all ages are welcome to participate in the "Spore-Tacular" parade.

"Trophies will be awarded for the best fungus float, best-dressed fungi and best-dressed couple," she said.

After the parade, the action will move one block over to Marquette Avenue near the Steel House for the annual Soapbox Derby.

Organizers have received about a dozen entries, setting the stage for an entertaining afternoon as racers navigate the course in their homemade vehicles. Volunteers will close the street and line the route with barriers and hay bales to prepare for the event.

"Top three finishers will receive trophies," Geary said. "It should be quite a spectacle. We can't wait to see them race."

Geary said the Soapbox Derby has become one of the event's most popular attractions, and organizers hope to continue making it an annual tradition for the community.

The CFBA will once again provide buckets of sidewalk chalk along Superior Avenue, inviting children and families to create colorful artwork throughout the downtown area.

"This is something all ages can enjoy and Saturday visitors can check out all the colorful creations," Geary said.

Festivities resume Saturday with the opening of Vendor Village at 9 a.m. near the Harbour House Museum, 17 N. Fourth St., where visitors can browse a wide variety of handmade items, arts and crafts, as well as enjoy henna and face painting.

"We currently have about 83 vendors, which is awesome," Geary said.

The strong response from vendors has prompted the Crystal Falls Business Association to open vendor registrations earlier for next year's event

Festival-goers will also find plenty of food and refreshments available throughout the day. Vendors include Boujie Bevs, Buddha Bean Coffee Co., Bump's Burgers, Two Dips and an ice cream truck.

The Harbour House Museum will also offer a variety of food from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, including mushroom burgers, mushroom pizza burger, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, marinated cooked fresh mushrooms, hot dogs, along with water and soda. The sales will be a fundraiser for the museum.

The museum will also be open to visitors throughout the festival.

Visitors can grab a slice of homemade pie from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Christ United Methodist Church.

At 10 a.m. the Local Celebrity Dunk Tank CFBA Fundraiser opens.

"We have a really good line-up that should bring people in," said Geary.

Cost is $5 for three chances. Participants will receive an official 2026 Humongous Fungus Fest button. The artwork was created by Lisa Landi.

"The funds raised from the dunk tank will go to Crystal Christmas fireworks and future events," Geary said. "If it's a hit, we're going to keep that going in the future."

The second-annual Smoke It Up BBQ Contest returns Saturday, offering pitmasters the chance to compete for top honors.

The entry fee is $100 per team, with each contestant receiving St. Louis-style ribs, chicken thighs and pork butts to prepare for judging. Competitors will submit all three meat categories, with first-place awards presented in each division.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to help decide the winner of the People's Choice Award by voting for their favorite barbecue.

To sign up, call Pat Sommers at 906-284-0732 or Peter Golob at 513-314-9424.

One of the fest's most anticipated food attractions returns Saturday, as volunteers prepare a 100-square-foot pizza, expected to be ready around noon on Third Street near the Ben Franklin store.

The giant pizza has been a longtime favorite and typically sells out quickly, so organizers encourage attendees to arrive early.

"They are making a supreme pizza this year, so it's going to have everything on it," she said.

Proceeds from every slice sold will benefit the local Robotics Club.

Alpha Michigan Brewing Co. will serve a variety of beverages in the beer garden, with live music scheduled throughout the afternoon.

Geary said several local businesses will also feature festival specials, while restaurants will offer mushroom-inspired menu items.

"We have already booked a mushroom cook for next year's event," she said. "He will be catering all things mushroom -- we're really excited for that."

After a day of festival activities, attendees can wrap up the evening at the Crystal Theatre with a performance by Rosie & The Rivets at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are available online at thecrystaltheatre.org, by calling 906-875-3208 or at the Stage Left box office from 9 a.m. to noon through Friday.

The annual city-wide rummage sale will also take place Friday and Saturday. "Shoppers should watch for signs throughout the community," she said.

The Friends of the Library is hosting a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the library. Funds raised will help the programs at the library.

This year's official Humongous Fungus Fest T-shirt features the winning design by Susan Christine Strand, whose colorful artwork captures the spirit of the annual celebration. The design showcases the Iron County Courthouse emerging from a giant mushroom in a vibrant, psychedelic style inspired by the Upper Peninsula.

T-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase at Black Dog Printing. Those who need their order shipped can contact Geary at 920-256-1078.

All ages are invited to participate in the Humongous Fungus Fest 2026 Coloring Contest, with medals awarded to the top three entries. The deadline to enter is Wednesday.

"We have already had great participation in the coloring contest," Geary said.

Coloring sheets are available at Charlie's Emporium, Black Dog Printing, Buddha Bean Coffee Co., Superior Sport and Feed, and Bewabic State Park. Participants may also print a copy from the festival's Facebook page. Completed entries can be returned to any of the participating businesses.

"We hope everyone comes out to help us celebrate our unique festival," she said. "In addition to enjoying all the activities, you can check out all the downtown businesses."

For more details and updates on the event, go to the Humongous Fungus Fest Facebook page.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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