
Raffle contributions for Fungus Festival still needed!
October 12, 2023
Thank you!
October 17, 2023We hope to see you all at Fungus Festival tomorrow!
Here are a few answers to common questions to make sure you’re getting the most from the experience:
Do I need a ticket or registration to enter?
No ticket or RSVP are required. Just walk right in.
I’m registered for a specific activity – how do I check in?
There are a number of events within the festival that do require pre-registration. If you are registered for one of those events please check in at the welcome table. Have your ticket or confirmation code ready. Please be at the area where your registration-only activity is taking place at least 5 minutes early, otherwise your spot will be given away.
What will the weather be like?
Rain is forecast for Saturday and the early morning hours of Sunday. The event is mostly on grass so waterproof footwear might be a good idea. The high temperature for the day will be 60 but Randall’s Island is quite exposed and can be windy, so dress in layers. The event will take place even in drizzle or light rain (but it’s not looking like it)
I’m no longer able to come. What should I do?
If you have pre-registered for one of the registration-required events or workshops, please unregister on Eventbrite. We have long waiting lists for these events and by unregistering you’re making your spot available to someone else.
When should I get there?
The festival opens at 11am. We expect a large turnout. By getting there early you’ll beat the crowds. It also means you’ll get first dibs on our gorgeous T-shirt, designed by Phyllis Ma, which is sure to sell out quickly. We’ll be printing more, so even if you missed out you’ll be able to sign up for the next batch at our merchandise table.
Will there be food?
Yes, several different food options with a mushroom theme will be available, from Mexican tacos from Taqueria Nixtamal, to Haitian food from Tania’s, to Polish pierogies from Matylda’s. Our friends from James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center will once away give away their delicious pizzas and gnocchi.
What can I do to help?
Bring mushrooms!!! We need fungi for our display table. Bring fungi you’ve collected locally, get them identified by our experts and leave them at the table for others to enjoy.
What should I bring?
Bring a refillable water bottle and consider bringing a blanket – there’s lots of room to spread out. Because it will have rained the previous day, either bring a waterproof blanket or plastic sheeting for underneath.
I have raffle item to give away. Is it still needed?
Yes it is! Bring large or small mushroom themed items to the raffle both next to the Welcome Tent and help us raise funds to keep Fungus Festival free!
Where can I find out what’s going on?
Our full program is here. Our map has the programming listed by area and time slot.
I want to dress as my favorite mushroom. Should I?
Don’t resist the urge! It’s almost Halloween so don those mushroom socks, sweaters, hats or more. Don’t have any? Check out our Costume Corner!
How do I get there?
The event will be taking place on Randall’s Island Urban Farm on Sunday, October 15 from 11 am to 3 pm. The address is 11 Wards Meadow Loop, Randall’s Island 10035. Find a map of Randall’s Island here. A detailed page on getting to Randall’s Island can be found here.
Get there on foot or by bicycle
From 103rd St, Manhattan: The 103rd Street Footbridge in Manhattan is open to pedestrians and cyclists 365 days per year, 24 hours per day, and connects the East River Esplanade/FDR Drive at 103rd Street with the southern end of Randall’s Island Park.
From 125th Street, Manhattan: A walkway along the RFK Triborough Bridge runs between 125th Street and 2nd Avenue and the northwestern section of Randall’s Island Park. Note: the ramp on this walkway exceeds ADA code.
From the Bronx: The Randall’s Island Connector runs under the arches of the Hell Gate Bridge railroad trestle between 132nd Street at Willow/Walnut Avenues in the Bronx and the northern shore of Randall’s Island Park.
From Queens: A walkway runs along the RFK Triborough Bridge between Hoyt Avenue and 28th Street, adjacent to the Astoria Boulevard N/W subway station, and the midpoint of Randall’s Island Park, adjacent to the Central Fields. Note: due to stairs this pathway is not ADA accessible.
Get there by public transit
The M35 bus runs to the Island from the Northwest corner of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. Transfer is available from the Lexington Avenue 4, 5 or 6 subway at 125th Street. Get off at Hell Gate Circle Opposite Odyssey House. Randall’s Island Urban Farm is about a minute’s walk from there.
Get there by car
Use your favorite app or ride share company to get to the Festival. The address you want to enter is 11 Wards Meadow Loop, Randall’s Island 10035. Note that there is no parking near the Festival. We recommend parking by Icahn Stadium which is a 15 minute walk away. Note that parts of the BQE will be closed on Sunday, which means traffic elsewhere will be heavier than usual.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
-Sneha and Sigrid
Fungus Festival 2023 is organized by the New York Mycological Society in partnership with Sneha Ganguly @kali_mushrooms.
We also thank the Randall’s Island Park Alliance and Randall’s Island Urban Farm for their partnership and all of our partners and volunteers without whom Fungus Festival would not be possible.