Empire's Asparagus Festival
Every June, Empire's Chamber of Commerce fills downtown with an asparagus-themed street festival — a fun run, recipe contest, local food and drink, live music, and a community poetry contest.
The Empire Asparagus Festival is put on by the local Chamber of Commerce. It fills the heart of downtown Empire. There’s a small admission fee. The day runs from morning to early evening.
Things start with the Kick-Yer Assparagus 5k fun run. Yes, that’s the actual name. Next comes a recipe contest at Empire Town Hall. Food vendors and local breweries set up shop. Live music plays through the afternoon. You might even spot Queen Asparagus on Stilts wandering the grounds. The Glen Lake Community Library gets in on it too. It invites poets of all ages to submit asparagus-inspired verses. Sonnets, haikus, and limericks are all welcome.
The Chamber keeps Empire’s calendar busy the rest of the year too. 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.