A Weekend Featuring Heirlooms

Discover the many varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated vegetables that you can grow, cook, and preserve at home. Check out heirloom-themed presentations and demonstrations. Gather expert tips and techniques to try at home. Find inspiration in the lush plantings throughout the Fruit & Vegetable Garden.

Schedule

Watch and learn from the experts as they demonstrate.

Saturday, August 23 
Garden Chef Series – Chef Lisa Counts; The Chopping Block

Saturday and Sunday
See a variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruits growing at the Fruit & Vegetable Garden (including some heirloom/open-pollinated varieties). 
1 p.m. Seed Saving 101 
2 p.m. Pruning Tomatoes and Peppers  
3 p.m. Seed Saving: Tomatoes 

Discovery Carts

Gather information and inspiration on growing, cooking, and preserving.

All About Tomatoes    
Heirlooms on Parade 
Top 10 Tomatoes (Sunday only) 
Preserving the Harvest 
Seed Saving 101 
Tomato Problems (Saturday only) 

Shopping

Stop by the market to purchase heirloom related products and more.

Xanadu Apiary – honey products
Irie Cup – iced tea and loose-leaf tea varieties
4 Elements – soaps, bath salts, shampoo bars, and more
Greco Greens - microgreens

Note: The August plant giveaway (sage) will also be taking place as long as supplies last. 

More

Bob Zeni (The Chicago Tomato Man) will feature heirloom varieties from his collection. Midwest Fruit Explorers will feature information on growing heirloom fruits. Lessie Allen demos growing heirlooms in containers (Sunday only). Scientist in the Garden: Suzy Strickler displays “wild” tomatoes (Saturday); Hector Ortiz demos horchata-making (Sunday).

Free; regular parking and admission fees apply for nonmembers.

2025 Heirloom Fest is sponsored by RATIONAL USA