Porch Notes
Empire's Asparagus Festival
History and culture
The Empire Asparagus Festival is put on by the local Chamber of Commerce, right in the heart of downtown Empire. There’s a small admission fee, and the day runs from morning to early evening.
Things start with the Kick-Yer Assparagus 5k fun run — yes, that’s the actual name — then move to Empire Town Hall for a recipe contest. Food vendors and local breweries set up shop, live music plays through the afternoon, and you might spot Queen Asparagus on Stilts wandering the grounds. The Glen Lake Community Library gets in on it too, inviting poets of all ages to submit asparagus-inspired verses — sonnets, haikus, and limericks all welcome.
The Chamber keeps Empire’s calendar busy the rest of the year as well: Anchor Day, the Hill Climb Revival, and a Hops & Harvest Festival are all part of the lineup.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: June 7, 2026.