POTTSTOWN PA – The popular Pottstown-based Pennsylvania Fig Festival was launched during 2024 by an ardent local fig lover. It attracted a large audience, with visitors from beyond state borders. Now the festival will return Aug. 29 (2026; Saturday) for a third consecutive year.
It’s anticipated to draw another crowd.
The fig lover is Donna Howard Wethey, development coordinator of the non-profit GreenAllies organization. GreenAllies supervises operations at Upper Pottsgrove Township’s scenic Althouse Arboretum, 1794 Gilbertsville Rd.
That’s where the festival began and will again be held, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public, and admission is free. However, a parking donation of $10 per car is requested.
The fig, Wethey suggests, is “one of nature’s most unique fruits.” It’s tasty. It can be used in a variety of recipes, or eaten by itself.
Perhaps more importantly – given Pennsylvania’s wide-ranging climate – fig trees can be grown here. They also can make it through winters with some advance preparation.
Photo by Martin Angelov on Unsplash, used under license
Learn More in Fig Festival Workshops
Wethey and fellow organizer Mike Piersimoni report this year’s fig festival is planned as “a flavorful celebration.” It will provide hands-on workshops for fig lovers of all experience levels. It also intends to “showcase the region’s top fig tree growers.”
“This year’s festival is all about education, community, and cultivation,” Wethey observes. Those who attend have access to six different workshops scheduled throughout the day.
“Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to the fig craze,” the festival offers a welcoming environment in which to learn, she adds Its sessions include:
- Overwintering Citrus And Fig Trees;
- Fig Tree Fertilizing;
- Fig Tree Propagation;
- Winter Protection Techniques;
- Making Fig Wine; and
- Rare Variety Showcases.
Additionally, the event will feature local vendors, fig-based treats, live music, and a fig tree raffle. Among invited fig experts are Ross Raddi (known as “Ross the Fig Boss”) and Bass Saaman.
They, as well as other vendors from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states, will be available on-site. Vendors will offer a wide variety of fig trees for purchase, from classic heirlooms to rare and cold-hardy varieties, and other fig-related products.
For more information, see the fig festival web page.
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