Prairie Fest to return to Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum

Prairie Fest returns to the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, from 8 a.m. until noon. The free event features yoga in the prairie, guided nature walks, live music, educational exhibits, children’s activities, local artisans, and food vendors.

Organizers say it’s a great opportunity for families to explore one of Fond du Lac’s natural treasures while learning more about Wisconsin’s native prairie ecosystem.

Schedule and Highlights

Yoga and Guided Tours

8:00 AM — Yoga in the Prairie with Lucy Mathers, Twisted Warrior Yoga. Bring a mat or towel.

8:30 to 9:15 AM — Guided mindful nature walk with Kelsey Beine, Lead with Light. A sensory-focused stroll open to all ages.

10:00 AM — Native Plant ID Walk with Amanda Abramovich, Local Legacy LLC. Learn to identify native plants.

Live Music

9:30 to 11:00 AM — Edward Uttendorfer, acoustic (sponsored by the Fond du Lac Area Foundation)

11:15 AM — Randy Peterson family concert. High-energy music, humor, and storytelling geared for kids but enjoyed by all ages (sponsored by the Fond du Lac Evening Optimists)

Environmental Education Displays (8:00 AM to Noon) Booths from local organizations covering native plants, butterflies, pollinators, cranes, small wild animals, local history, and nature-related topics. Participating groups include:

Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter, FDL Area Bird and Nature Alliance, International Crane Foundation, Marsh Haven Nature Center, Mosquito Hill Nature Center, CSA (Congregation of Sisters of St Agnes), Oshkosh/Fond du Lac Citizens’ Climate Education, Earth Justice Now, InterTribal Lake Winnebago Mayom Wild Rice Revitalization Project, Parkwatch/Greenway Arboretum, Fond du Lac County Historical Society, The Arc Fond du Lac Inc., Twisted Warrior Yoga, Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Department, Native Niche, Local Legacy, and Prairie Revival.

Nature Pop-Up Talks (20 to 30 minutes each)

9:30 AM — Nifty Natives for Your Yard – Margie’s Favorites. Friends of the Gottfried board member, Margie Winter, will share some great native plant choices for your home landscape. Colorful native prairie plants can thrive in your yard and create a pocket of habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators.

10:00 AM —Marsh Haven Nature Center presentation at booth – Wildlife of Marsh Haven

10:30 AM — So Many Legs! from Jackie Scharfenberg, retired DNR Environmental Educator/Naturalist. 6, 8, 14, 20, 100+ Why so many legs? As we sweep, poke and dig through the fields, we’ll uncover what creatures have so many legs and try to figure out why.

Nature-Inspired Art and Food Vendors (8:00 AM to Noon)

Joe Longo — Hand-carved birds and mystical cottonwood bark houses

Mary’s Crafts — Hand-painted drawings and crafts

The Wooden Well — Nature-inspired wood burns

Ripon Dough Company — Bakery, ice cold brew coffee, lemonade

Kids’ Activities (8:00 AM to Noon) Face and arm painting by Renee, prairie hat and flower bracelet crafts, Backyard Bug activity books (limited supply, sponsored by Fond du Lac Evening Optimists), chalk zone, and giant bubbles.

The Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum is located at 400 University Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935