Chestnuts, pawpaw ice cream and a trip through the research orchards are all part of this year’s Missouri Chestnut Festival. The free event returns to the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm in New Franklin on Saturday, Oct. 10.
The festival gives visitors a chance to taste Missouri-grown foods, meet local farmers and learn more about agroforestry while enjoying a family-friendly day at the farm.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location: MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm, 10 Research Center Road, New Franklin, MO 65274
- Admission: Free
- Who can attend: Open to the public and family-friendly
Taste Chestnuts, Pawpaw Ice Cream and More
Food is a big part of the Chestnut Festival, and visitors will have the opportunity to sample chestnuts prepared in a variety of ways. Pawpaw ice cream will also be available, offering another chance to try a crop grown in the region.
Local agroforestry farmers will be at the festival selling specialty crops, so visitors can discover new foods while supporting growers from the area.
Take a Hayride Through the Research Orchards
The festival isn’t just about eating. Guests can hop aboard a hay wagon for a ride through the farm’s research orchards and get a closer look at some of the work happening there.
Conservation organizations from throughout Missouri will also be on hand, giving visitors a chance to learn more about agriculture, conservation and growing specialty crops.
The event is designed for everyone from experienced growers to families simply looking for something different to do on a fall Saturday. With free admission, local food and activities around the farm, the Missouri Chestnut Festival offers an easy excuse for a short fall road trip from Columbia.
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