Hot Like Mars & MoonShroom Festival returning to downtown Carbondale

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The fifth annual Hemp, Hops & Shrooms Festival will bring science, food, vendors and live music to downtown Carbondale on Saturday, Sept. 19.

The free, all-ages event will run from 3 to 9 p.m. at New Era Events Plaza, 200 S. Washington St.

Presentations and demonstrations scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. will explore cannabis research, Southern Illinois mushrooms, hemp, fermentation and the science of taste and smell.

Dr. Aldwin Anterola of Southern Illinois University will open the presentations at 3 p.m. with “Cannabis Without the Hype.” The discussion will examine research involving THC, CBD, potency, potential health benefits, risks and product claims. The session will also feature resources from the Carbondale Public Library and a demonstration of a cannabis health education app under development.

At 4 p.m., Jessica Mollison and Jamie Collier will discuss identifying and responsibly foraging mushrooms found in Southern Illinois, as well as ways to use them in food, tinctures and extracts.

Dr. Jose Leme will lead a cannabis cultivation presentation at 5 p.m. featuring a working grow tent. The demonstration will explain how lighting, temperature, humidity, airflow, ventilation and sensors affect indoor growing conditions. Isabela Fonseca and Krish Rauniyar will also present information about cannabis cultivation and community-based research.

Additional demonstrations will focus on using hemp for food and fiber, cooking with mushrooms, hops and fermentation, and how taste and smell influence the way people experience food.

Live music begins at 6 p.m. with Kansas City-based MoonShroom, which blends bluegrass, Americana and psychedelic influences. Chicago-based Hot Like Mars will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. with a mix of funk, soul, R&B, rock and psychedelic jam music.

Food and drinks will be available from Taste & Live, Gordo’s L.A. Style Hotdogs and KaiSipsCo. Local and regional vendors will also be set up throughout the festival.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages.

Additional information is available at ExploreCarbondale.com.