Mushrooms are far more than just a pizza topping or a side dish—they’re a fascinating and versatile part of nature. From their unique growth process to their diverse uses in cuisines around the world, mushrooms deserve a special place in your calendar. And guess what? They’ve got one! Throughout the year, there are several national days and months dedicated to celebrating everything from foraging for wild mushrooms to stuffing them with tasty ingredients. This list of mushroom-related holidays is your perfect guide to celebrating fungi all year long!
Interested in all food days? Check out our list of national food days!
National Stuffed Mushroom Day – February 4
February 4 is a day to explore the art of stuffing mushrooms with all kinds of delicious fillings. From cheeses and herbs to meats and vegetables, stuffed mushrooms are a versatile appetizer or side dish. This day offers a great chance to try new recipes and learn about the various mushroom varieties best suited for stuffing, like the robust portobello or the smaller cremini mushrooms. It’s also an opportunity to discover how mushrooms can be part of a balanced diet due to their low calorie count and high nutrient content.
Day of the Mushroom – April 16
April 16 is all about celebrating the diversity and wonder of mushrooms. Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals but belong to a kingdom of their own: fungi. On this day, people might explore how mushrooms contribute to ecosystems, acting as decomposers that break down organic material. You can also delve into the world of edible mushrooms, which come in many shapes and flavors. Consider learning about some lesser-known varieties like maitake or enoki, which are popular in Asian cuisine, or simply enjoy them sautéed with butter and garlic.
National Mushroom Hunting Day – May 17
May 17 is a day for the adventurous at heart. Mushroom hunting, also known as foraging, is a popular activity in spring, especially for wild varieties like morels. This day encourages people to get outside and explore forests and woodlands, searching for these prized fungi. It’s a great opportunity to learn about sustainable mushroom foraging practices, how to properly identify edible mushrooms, and the importance of avoiding poisonous varieties like the deadly Amanita species. Mushroom hunting is also a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the thrill of discovering wild edibles.
National Morel Mushroom Festival – May (The Weekend after Mother’s Day)
The morel mushroom, with its honeycomb appearance and rich, earthy flavor, is a treasured find for foragers and foodies alike. Known for being elusive, the morel grows in the wild during the spring, making it a prized delicacy for those lucky enough to discover it. To honor this special mushroom, the National Morel Mushroom Festival has been held annually for 64 years in Boyne City, Michigan.
Each spring, the festival draws hundreds of mushroom enthusiasts from across the country and even around the globe. Taking place the weekend after Mother’s Day, this multi-day event is packed with activities that celebrate morels in all their glory. Visitors can expect to enjoy morel tastings, join in on the national competitive mushroom hunt, and attend educational seminars that dive into everything from the art of foraging to cooking tips. The festival also features an arts & crafts show, a concert, and a lively carnival, making it a great event for both morel lovers and those looking for a fun weekend getaway.
National Mushroom Month – September
September is National Mushroom Month, a time to celebrate mushrooms in all their forms. The month highlights the nutritional benefits of mushrooms, such as their high fiber, low-calorie profile, and the presence of antioxidants that support overall health. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices, as mushrooms are considered one of the most environmentally friendly crops. People can take this month to learn about the different types of edible mushrooms available in their region, attend local mushroom festivals, or even try growing their own at home using a mushroom growing kit.
National Mushroom Day – October 15
October 15 is the big day for mushroom lovers. National Mushroom Day is the perfect time to delve deeper into the various types of mushrooms, from the large, meaty portobellos to the delicate chanterelles. This day is a great opportunity to learn about the medicinal properties of certain mushroom species, like reishi and lion’s mane, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s also a chance to explore the role of mushrooms in global cuisines, whether it’s in European dishes like mushroom risotto or Japanese miso soup with shiitake mushrooms.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
