The Fourth Annual Garden Festival will be hosted by the Environmental Solidarity Network (ESN), The Shed, and the Bailey College of the Environment on Saturday, April 25th in the backyard of Russell House (350 High St, Middletown, CT 06457) from 12pm-4pm.
Garden Fest started as a non-traditional thesis by Talia Zitner ‘23 for Earth Day, with student bands, art, and food. ESN and their many partners have turned the event into an annual tradition with an added component of social justice through tabling and fundraising.
Last year, with 39 tabling groups, 10 bands, and several hundred participants, Garden Fest raised $680 for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry thanks to generous donations from vendor profits. In line with the Bailey COE’s efforts to build and maintain a relationship with Amazing Grace, the proceeds will continue to be donated to the pantry this year. Given the participation in and success of the event over the last few years, the planning committee has decided to implement a 60/40 split for vendors, meaning at least 40 percent of profits will be donated. Additionally, the coordinators are working to emphasize community engagement this year through greater participation and tabling from Middletown residents. As a sneak peak of the environmental Middletown organizations that will be represented at Garden Fest, there will be interactive activities with live animals, waste sorting, and green energy information…but you’ll have to come in person to find out more!
“There seems to be a heightened sense of anticipation for Garden Fest 2026,” said ESN coordinator Thalia Witkovsky ‘27. “As the fourth iteration of this event, all undergrad students at Wesleyan have now had Garden Fest every year of their college experience. I’m hopeful that we will deliver on their expectations and continue the legacy of celebratory environmentalism.”