Join the fun at Field Fest presented by KWS Seeds!
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's official fall harvest kick off celebration, Field Fest is an annual family friendly event where we welcome everyone to experience a hands-on harvest of sugar beets, potatoes, Kernza and cut-flower farm bouquets. Community and connections are at the heart of Field Fest as we cultivate an unforgettable day at the Farm at the Arb.
Field Fest Tickets
The event is free for members, $20 for non-members. Advance registration is required.
Field Fest VIPs: Women in Agriculture
Women in agriculture are invited to be "Honored Guests" at Field Fest as we celebrate the United Nations' recognition of "International Year of the Woman Farmer." VIPs will receive a commemorative Arboretum t-shirt, rosette, coffee, donuts and much more!
Featured Activities
There is something for everyone, from getting your hands dirty digging up sugar beets to enjoying the Beer Garden where adults can relax and toast to a great harvest season. Unearth the sweet story behind one of Minnesota’s most beloved crops!
- Think you can find the biggest sugarbeet? After harvesting your sugarbeet, get it weighed to enter your chance to win a YETI cooler and of course, bragging rights.
- Grab a shovel and experience the magic of uncovering sugarbeets straight from the field. Join Minnesota farmers in the field as they share what harvest season is really like and why the sugarbeet industry is so important to our state.
- Curious about how farmers are able to harvest thousands of sugar beets a day? Check out the machinery and people that make it happen.
- Taste the sweetness. Watch Chef Cheo whip up a delicious sweet treat right before your eyes and sample it yourself. Discover just how many of your favorite foods owe their sweetness to our Minnesota fields.
- Watch Beekeeper Educator Ping Honzay harvest honey.
- Earn your pollinator pal badge: Embark on the Pollinator Quest, a scavenger hunt for all ages. The Quest is sponsored by Great River Energy’s Pollinator Strong initiative.
- Watch a Minnesotan seed artist at work. One seed at a time, Liz Schreiber is redefining what fine art can be. Her work showed as part of the Smithsonian’s “State Fairs: Growing American Craft.” Watch her demonstrate seed art and try it yourself!
- Discover, create and play. Visit our activity stations for hands-on fun for the whole family to love. Work side by side with your kids and grandkids on a craft and team up for a fascinating science activity.
- Sip and celebrate at the Beer Garden. Take a break from the fields and relax with an ice cold drink while celebrating a day well spent at the farm and enjoy food trucks.
- Enjoy farm-fresh food at the Rootstock Pop Up Kitchen, which offers dishes that are plant forward and meat supported. Open at the Farm at the Arb from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during Summer Harvest Days and Field Fest.
- Play on the lawn. Wrap up your visit with lawn games for the whole family.
