The Southern Adirondack Homesteading Festival is back for its third year, bringing together homesteaders, farmers, and sustainability enthusiasts for a hands-on, immersive weekend from April 25-27, 2025, at the Washington County Fairgrounds. This highly anticipated event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn essential homesteading skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and celebrate self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Throughout the festival, attendees will have the chance to participate in hands-on workshops covering a range of traditional skills and modern sustainable practices. Classes will include chicken processing, soap-making, canning and food preservation, and mushroom cultivation. Whether new to homesteading or an experienced practitioner, participants will gain practical experience and confidence to enhance their self-sufficient lifestyles.
A highlight of this year’s festival is keynote speaker Phillip Ackerman-Leist, a renowned homesteader, author, and sustainability expert. Ackerman-Leist will deliver an inspiring address on regenerative food systems and the role of sustainable farming in building resilient communities. His insights promise to motivate and educate attendees on the importance of self-reliance and sustainable agriculture.
Beyond workshops, the festival offers live demonstrations and expert-led discussions on gardening, livestock care, permaculture, soil health, and traditional crafts. Attendees will learn techniques to grow their own food, care for animals, and preserve harvests, with guidance from local experts who have honed these skills for years.
Designed as a family-friendly event, the festival provides engaging activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live music, delicious offerings from local food trucks, and interactive, hands-on learning experiences tailored for children. The festival atmosphere fosters a welcoming environment where both young learners and seasoned homesteaders can find inspiration and community.
A vibrant marketplace featuring local vendors and artisans will showcase handmade goods, sustainable products, and essential homesteading tools. Attendees will have the chance to browse and purchase everything from heirloom seeds and handmade crafts to essential homesteading equipment.
In addition to workshops and demonstrations, visitors can take part in DIY sessions on woodworking, fiber arts, and other traditional skills. Experts will provide valuable tips on creating a thriving homestead at any scale, whether for those living on expansive rural properties or urban dwellers looking to incorporate self-sufficient practices into their lives.
The Southern Adirondack Homesteading Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and grow within a vibrant community dedicated to sustainability and self-reliance. Whether taking the first steps toward homesteading or looking to expand existing skills, attendees will leave with knowledge and inspiration to apply to their everyday lives.
For more information and event details, visit www.adkhomesteading.com.