"Explosion of Flavor" is the theme of the 43rd annual Madison Herb Fair sponsored by the Madison Herb Society. It takes place Saturday November 1, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison. Admission is free. Featured speakers are scheduled throughout the day in the Olbrich Gardens Learning Center:
- 10:30 a.m. Lauren Virnoche of Ecotone Herbs Wild Fermented Beverages
- 12:30 p.m. Linda Conroy of Moonwise Herbs Mushrooms in the Kitchen and Apothecary
- 2:30 p.m. Terry Aitken, "The Garlic Guy" Cultivation, Cooking, Culture, and Science of Garlic
A herbal marketplace features two rooms of regional small businesses showing their wares, including herb and spice blends; loose-leaf and herbal teas; herb plants; baked goods, jams, syrups, chili pepper products and superfood truffles; wreaths, ceramics, glassware, papercrafts and other plant-inspired art; incense and dream pillows; soaps, aftershave, lotions and other body products; tinctures, salves and herbal remedies; catnip toys and many gift items; and books about herbal uses, gardening, foraging, and cooking.
"Flavor is our focus this year, with featured speakers on garlic, mushrooms, and wild yeast-fermented beverages," said Joyce Pohl, president of the Madison Herb Society. "In addition, our knowledgeable vendors are happy to share ideas about using herbs for cooking and baking, pet care, personal health and relaxation, gardening, home decor, cleaning and so much more."
The Madison Herb Society is a non-profit membership organization that promotes education about the culture and use of herbs, including their global history and use for culinary, wellness, horticultural and decorative purposes. Throughout the year, the society sponsors speakers, workshops, field trips, garden tours and themed potluck meals. Interested visitors are invited to become members of the Madison Herb Society at the Fair.
More information about the 2025 Madison Herb Fair and the Madison Herb Society is at www.madisonherbsociety.org.
Category: Festivals | Food / Drink
