Prairie Fest returns on Saturday, August 1, from 8:00 AM to noon at the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, adjacent to the Fond du Lac County Campus.

The free family event features yoga, guided prairie tours, environmental education displays, live acoustic music, nature-inspired art and food vendors, and hands-on activities for kids — all set on one of the area’s most scenic restored prairies. Admission is free and open to the public.

At a Glance

• What: Prairie Fest — free family nature festival
• When: Saturday, August 1 · 8 AM – Noon
• Where: Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, 400 University Dr, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
• Cost: Free
• Best for: Families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed morning outdoors

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
• Two Bear Originals — Nature-themed gifts and décor
• 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.

Prairie Fest is organized by the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum. No registration or tickets are required.

Location: Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum, Fond du Lac County Campus
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM to Noon
Admission: Free

For more information and the latest updates, visit the Friends of the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum online or follow them on social media!