
Fall Fest 2023
Saturday–Sunday, October 7–8, 2023
9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Gale Woods Farm
7210 County Road 110 W.
Minnetrista, MN 55364
Celebrate the beautiful nature in Minnesota at Fall Fest!
Meet the farm animals, explore nature with our naturalist team, watch the sheepherding dog trials, explore the farmers market, make cider and more.
This year, we're celebrating Gale Woods Farm's 20th Anniversary, highlighting some of the site's unique offerings with make-and-take fiber arts activities and putting the spotlight on the farm-to-food connection with cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

Farm Exploration
Find things to do all day long, all around the farm!
- Catch the sheepdog herding trials where dogs from around North America compete in an open-field herding trial (presented by Star of the North Stock Dog Trials). Enjoy an autumn walk or take the wagon ride to the herding fields.
- Stop by the barn, greet the animals throughout the farm and visit the hay bale play area.
- Visit the teaching garden to see what’s in season.
- Curious about cider? See how we press apples into cider, and try your hand after picking your own apples from our trees.
- Explore fall nature with naturalists. Learn and engage through hands-on activities for all ages.
Festival Village
Head over to the Festival Village throughout the day to grab a bite to eat or a local brew to drink, while enjoying live music... and get a chance to walk a llama!
Food and Drink
Grab a bite to eat or a local brew from one of our food and beverage partners: Butcher Salt, Minneapolis Cider Co., Robert’s BBQ, Sawatdee and Blue Loon Concessions.
Walk a Llama
Join Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas to bring a llama for a walk.
Buy a Fall Treat
Visit the Farm Market for seasonal produce, swing over to the Three Rivers Merchandise Tent, or stop in the Farm Store. This first week of October, you might find winter squash, Brussels sprouts, meat, eggs and maple syrup. In addition, you’ll find locally made teas, artistic creations and a selection of books, puppets, games and more.
Music Schedule
Saturday, October 7
- 10:30 AM and 11:35 AM | Cajun Crawfish Hotdish
- 1 PM and 2 PM | Special Guests TBA
Sunday, October 8
- 10:30 AM and 11:35 AM | Mike Bustin
- 1 PM and 2 PM | Brotherhood of Birds

Fiber Arts
Make and Take
Learn about wool and the art of fiber work. Make a fall-on-a-stick themed wool fiber craft to take home ($3).
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–2:30 PM
Demonstration and Display
Step inside a traditional fiber art yurt, made of fiber materials such as felted wool, and then join its maker and other artists in side the education building for demonstrations.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:30–11:30 AM, 12–1 PM, 1:30–2:30 PM
Food and Farm
Farm Market
Explore the tables of Gale Woods' weekly produce harvest at the Farm Market. Early October's selection will likely be winter squash, Brussels sprouts and vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM–2:30 PM
Cooking Demonstrations
Join professional chefs as they create a seasonal dish, sharing tips and the recipe so you can try it at home!
- Becki Melvie, Abundant Kitchen
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM
- Kurt Welshinger, Gale Woods' in-house culinary expert
- Saturday: 11 AM, 1 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM
- Roberto Martinez, University of Minnesota
- Sunday: 1 PM (in Spanish)

Water Resources and Recreation
Guided Fishing
Join the Three Rivers' Outdoor Recreation School to learn beginner fishing skills at the fishing pier on beautiful Whaletail Lake.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM
Learn About the Get The Lead Out Campaign
Join the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in its Get the Lead Out Campaign. Learn how lead negatively effects Minnesota's Loon populations and what you can do to help out!
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–12 PM, 1 PM–3 PM
Water Quality and Care
Learn how alum treatments at nearby Whaletail Lake have improved the water quality. Ask water resources staff about the different actions Three Rivers Park District takes to manage the waterways within and adjacent to park boundaries.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–12 PM, 1 PM–3 PM
Parking and Getting Around the Festival
Complimentary parking is available throughout the park. Should parking lots fill, nearby overflow parking and an event shuttle will be made available.
Mobility Accommodations
Guests wanting additional support to access event offerings can be driven to their destinations via golf carts. No reservations required — available on a first come/first served basis. Stop near the welcome tent to check availability.