Flavor Blooms and Community Thrives at the 2024 Rhubarb Festival on June 1st in Lanesboro, MN

A couple dances to live music in Sylvan Park in Lanesboro during the annual Rhubarb Festival.

May 30, 2024

Lanesboro, nestled in the picturesque Driftless Area of Minnesota, is more than just a charming town. It proudly wears the crown of the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota, a title bestowed upon us by the Minnesota State Legislature in 2008. And come June 1, 2024, Lanesboro will burst into vibrant celebration during our annual Rhubarb Festival.

People having fun at Rhubarb Festival in Lanesboro's Sylvan Park

The festivities kick off, and take place, in Lanesboro's Sylvan Park.

Sylvan Park: The Heart of the Festivities

The heart of the festival beats in Sylvan Park, a picturesque setting in the middle of Lanesboro. Picture a sun-dappled park, lush greenery, and the delightful aroma of rhubarb wafting through the air. That’s where the magic unfolds.

Rhubarb National Anthem

Prepare for the opening ceremonies ahead of time by familiarizing yourself with the Rhubarb National Anthem!

(Led by festival emcee Phil Dybing)

RHUARB THE BEAUTIFUL
🎵 Oh beautiful for rhubarb stalks
For red and green and pink (and pink)
For lovely green expansive leaves
Above the kitchen sink (the sink)
Oh rhubarb plant, oh rhubarb plant
God shed His grace on thee (on thee)
And crown thy good—and darling—
Would you share your recipe? 🎵

People standing in a line wearing shirts that spell out the letters to the word Rhubarb

Rhubarb fun and games abound at the Rhubarb Festival!

Free Rhubarb Games and Contests

Get ready for some rhubarb-infused fun! Taste your way through a wide variety of delicious rhubarb treats in the Tasting Contest. Cast your vote for your favorite, and who knows—you might discover a new rhubarb obsession. Plus, there are great prizes up for grabs!

Rhubarb Fashion Show

Yes, you can strut your stuff on the rhubarb runway! Join the Rhubarb Fashion Show and flaunt your rhubarb-inspired attire. From rhubarb hats to rhubarb-printed scarves, creativity knows no bounds.

Rhubarb-Themed Deals and treats in Town

While the Rhubarb Festival takes place in Sylvan Park, don't miss the variety of rhubarb-inspired specials and treats various businesses in town will also have going on!

Two women standing next to a Rhub-Art sign at the Rhubarb Festival in Lanesboro, MN

Lanesboro Arts Rhub-Art station at the Rhubarb Festival. Photo courtesy of Lanesboro Arts.

Rhub-Art Opportunities

Artists of all ages, rejoice! Unleash your inner creativity with Rhub-Art. Paint a rhubarb leaf and make a print on paper—a delightful memento of the festival.

Rhubarb Education

Learn fascinating facts about rhubarb at the festival. Did you know that rhubarb leaves are toxic? But fear not—the stalks are the stars of the show, and they’re safe to devour.

Live Music

Bring your lawn chair and settle in for toe-tapping tunes. In the afternoon the park will resonate with melodies as local musicians take the stage. Let the rhythm of rhubarb-infused melodies transport you.

Woman holding a giant rhubarb stalk at the Rhubarb Festival in Lanesboro, MN

KTTC's Jess Abrahamson & Ted Schmidt throw out the first stalk to open the fun & games!

Details at a Glance

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
Location: Sylvan Park, 202 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro, MN 55949

Whether you’re a rhubarb aficionado or a curious first-timer, the 2024 Rhubarb Festival promises a delightful blend of flavor, fun, and community spirit. So mark your calendar, bring your appetite, and let the rhubarb revelry begin!

For more details, check out this year's Rhubarb Festival brochure here.