Flavor Blooms and Community Thrives at the 2025 Rhubarb Festival in Lanesboro, MN
June 4, 2025
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 it by the Minnesota State Legislature in 2008. On June 7, 2025, Lanesboro will burst into vibrant celebration during its annual Rhubarb Festival.
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. And we kick things off with the annual signing of the Rhubarb National Anthem and Be-Bop-a-Rhu-Barb Pie, and kick off the games with KTTC’s and Lanesboro’s own Jess Abrahamson will throw out the first stalk in the Rhu-Lympics, along with the First Alert Team’s Ted Schmidt.
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? 🎵
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!
2025 Rhubarb Fun Run
Adding to the excitement, the 2025 Rhubarb Festival will feature the Rhubarb Fun Run, a delightful event that brings together runners and rhubarb enthusiasts alike. Participants are encouraged to don wacky rhubarb-themed apparel and take to the scenic Root River State Bike Trail for a 5K or 1-mile run. The event celebrates the community's spirit and love for rhubarb, offering prizes for the best costumes and race winners. The Fun Run is a highlight of the festival, embodying the joy and camaraderie that define Lanesboro's annual celebration.
Details & Times:
*8:30-9:15 check-in and same day registration.
*9:30 - RACE STARTS at Bass Pond
*10:45 - Winners announced & prizes awarded at nearby Sylvan Park
Rhubarb-Themed Deals and Treats in Town
While the Rhubarb Festival takes place in Sylvan Park, various businesses in town also offer a variety of rhubarb-inspired specials and treats.
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.
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.
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.
Details at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Sylvan Park, 202 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro, MN 55949
Whether you’re a rhubarb aficionado or a curious first-timer, the 2025 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!
Festival Schedule & Highlights:
10:00 a.m. - Festival Kickoff
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 Rhu-Lympics
- Minute to Win It, Stalk Throw, Golf, Hoops, Green Eggs
10:15 a.m. - 2:00 Activities
- Goat chill-out, Hosted by Peter Ruen
- Story Tree, Hosted by Sandy Webb and Bonnie Hulsing
- Rhu-Art, hosted by Lanesboro Art’s Leah Steding
10:30 a.m. - Rhubarb Run Winners announced + Prizes
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 Contests (Winners announced at 12:45)
- FREE TASTING - Rhubarb Bake Off. You be the judge and vote for your fave!
- Rhubarb Fashion Show (10:30)
- Largest Leaf and Heaviest Stalk Submissions
10:45 - 2:00 MusicÂ
- Charlie Warner (10:45-11:45)
- My Friends And I (11:45-12:45)
- Arnold Bradley Band (1-2)
12:45 - Contest Winners announced
- Rhu-lypmics
- Bake Off
- Heaviest Stalk & Largest Leaf
ALL DAY - Delicious food options: Homemade baked goods, rhu-dogs, kebabs, shaved ice, popcorn, mini donuts, salsa, coffee
2:00 - Festival ends and we start looking forward to next year!
Whether you're a rhubarb aficionado or a curious first-timer, the 2025 Rhubarb Festival promises a delightful blend of flavor, fun, and community spirit. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and join in the rhubarb revelry!
For more details, check out this year's Rhubarb Festival information here.