It’s spring, when everyone’s fancy turns to thoughts of morels. Sure, you can march out into the woods for weeks of searching for these delicious, often hard-to-find mushrooms. But a MUCH better choice is to wait for Morels & Microbrews, the all-fun, no-frustration fungi festival May 4 in Fulton’s downtown Brick District.

For a dozen years now, visitors have flocked to Callaway County to attend the festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Like morel season itself, the festival is short, but packed with fun and flavor. 

Sample 40+ microbrews with advance purchase of tickets for the beer sampling that starts promptly at noon. Early bird pricing is available until April 15. Ticket holders will pick up their commemorative glass and event bracelet the morning of the event. 

If beer isn’t your thing, no worries. Starting at 11am, festival goers will find countless pounds of fried and fresh morels available for purchase. An amazing collection of local food trucks will be on hand to make sure you don’t go hungry. Free music, including the Kay Brothers, adds to the celebration. Pro Tip: The lines for morel sales start early.

Morels & Microbrews alone is worth making the trip – but there’s so much more to do to make it a weekend getaway by booking a night or two at Loganberry Inn Bed & Breakfast or other lodging option.

Friday Night, stop for a refreshing, boozie slushie or ice-cold beer on the patio at The Station. Follow up with dinner at Beks, where you will find chef-driven specials and house made desserts.

Start your day Saturday with a visit to the Fulton Farmer’s Market. May we suggest breakfast at Court Street Cafe, inside the Brick District Playhouse?. 

While enjoying the festival, you can stop by Brick District shops along Court Street, and around the corner on Fifth Street, including GoPo Gourmet Popcorn Bar, Olive & Grace Apparel, Smockingbird’s Gifts, Garriott Porter Art Studio, Well Read Books, Prickly Pear Antiques, Sault’s Drugs & Soda Fountain, Re-Made for A Purpose, and Wild Sage Goods.

After the festival, retreat to your accommodations to freshen up before heading out to Serenity Valley Winery, located 15 minutes west of the Brick District. Sample wines, order a wood fired pizza, and listen to the tunes of C. Rock City as you wait for one of Serenity’s spectacular sunsets. 

On Sunday, treat yourself to a visit to America’s National Churchill Museum, housed under the 17-century church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. The museum offers the largest Churchill collection in North America and the sculpture Breakthrough, created by Churchill’s granddaughter from eight sections of the Berlin Wall.

As you head out of town, make a stop at Auto World Museum which showcases 70 rare and vintage vehicles set among prints of historic scenes and nearly full-scale building facades.