By Blake Jackson
Families from across central Missouri will gather Saturday, October 10, 2026, for the annual Missouri Chestnut Roast Festival, hosted by the Mizzou Center for Agroforestry at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm (HARF) in New Franklin. The free public event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“October is a beautiful time of year to share the farm with the public,” said Gina Beebe, research and education program specialist at the Center. “There will be so much to explore and learn for all ages.”
The festival will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the farm while learning about agroforestry, agriculture, and Missouri’s natural resources. Activities will include roasted chestnut samples, a pumpkin patch, a sunflower field, live music, children’s activities and wagon tours through some of the nation’s oldest chestnut and black walnut research orchards.
Guests can also purchase lunch prepared by Thompson’s Tables using farm-grown tree nuts and fruits. More than 25 vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, representing organizations and businesses involved in agriculture, conservation, gardening, and local food.
Participating exhibitors include Forrest Keeling Nursery, Buck’s Ice Cream, Grow Native!, Missouri NRCS, MU Extension, Missouri Nut Growers Association, Master Gardeners and the Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri. Ironweed Bluegrass Band and other performers will provide music throughout the event.
A free presentation series will examine the history of the Boonslick region. The sessions will explore how geological changes shaped the area and influenced its food, culture and art over generations.
The festival will also feature a fun run organized with Show Me State Games. Proceeds will benefit elementary schools in Cooper and Howard counties.
“Missouri is a leader in agroforestry, a suite of farming practices that bridge conservation and agriculture,” said Ron Revord, Director of the Center for Agroforestry.
“Our community has a lot to celebrate every fall, and we’re excited to welcome the public to the farm to showcase what’s possible for landscapes and local food systems across our state.”
Located at 10 Research Center Road, HARF serves as the Center for Agroforestry’s primary research location and is part of the Central Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center.
The nearly 700-acre property features experimental nut and fruit orchards, five lakes and ponds, and the historic 1819 Thomas Hickman House.
The festival provides a hands-on opportunity for families to learn more about Missouri agriculture, conservation and locally grown foods while exploring the research farm.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, General