Celebrating in the ‘Mushroom Capital of the World’

As you travel through Chester County, Pennsylvania, you're bound to come upon the charming borough of Kennett Square. The facades of the town's historic buildings belie the fact that this community is at the epicenter of an agricultural treasure enjoyed worldwide.

Kennett Square bills itself as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” producing more than 500 million pounds of mushrooms annually — about half of the nation's supply — and making the industry the town's most recognizable agricultural commodity.

According to a MyChesCo report, mushroom farming began in the late 19th century when a local grower converted shaded space under raised beds to cultivate mushrooms. But the town's roots run deeper than mushrooms. It stretches back from Lenape territory to the early European settlement in 1682. Over the centuries, the town has played a role in the Underground Railroad and in the fight for independence during the American Revolutionary War.

Today, State Street in downtown Kennett Square reflects a culture where community comes first. Here, restaurants, markets, and daily commerce connect the larger story of mushroom farming with everyday living and the region's economy.

Kennett Square's identity is deeply tied to its regional attractions and agricultural surroundings. Landmarks like Longwood Gardens and Anson B. Nixon Park enrich a town that hosts a weekly farmers market and seasonal events. Each September, the borough celebrates mushrooms with the annual Kennett Mushroom Festival, attracting visitors from across the region for parades, tastings, farm tours, and community-wide celebrations.

A vibrant Latino community — many families are involved in mushroom farming — has contributed to the community's neighborhoods, festivals, and businesses, enriching cultural identity. Cinco de Mayo celebrations and First Friday art strolls unite people through art, culture, and music.

With its roots planted in the Brandywine Valley, Kennett Square conveys a blend of history, agriculture, and community — an enduring character shaped by both.