GARLIC FEST 2026
Join us for garlic inspired activities, medicine making, storytelling, food, music and of course garlic planting! All proceeds will go toward the Seeds of Solidarity funding drive to support the following food sovereignty projects in Palestine, Congo, Cuba, Niger and Sudan.
Arduna - A farming family in Gaza, aiming to break the siege on Gaza by growing food in Beit Lahia and supporting other farming families. Funding will support them in purchasing solar panels to help pump water, which will be used to water their seedlings and crops. @arduna_team
Pan-African Learning Centre & Garden - A collective in Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are working to develope a 4-hectare garden and learning hub to provide free, accessible education rooted in African history, unity and self-determination. Funding will support the purchase of materials and tools for the second phase of the centre's development.
Collective of Afro-Cuban Farmers - A group of Black farmers in Cuba working to build capacity for food production in the face of crippling sanctions.
Femmes Engagées pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie- A prominent organization in Niger that have actively mobilized women across the country to participate in national defense efforts, support state sovereignty, and safeguard the nation. They are currently working to build food sovereignty. Funding will support the installation of irrigation of their farmlands and purchase materials to increase cultivation capacity.
We Must Plant - A grassroots initiative by the Gezira and Managil Farmers' Alliance and supported by organizations like the Sudan Solidarity Collective and Sudanese Resistance Front. For more info check: @sudaneseresistancefront and @sudansolidaritycollective
Workshops:
Collective Poem Workshop led by lia.rs - A writing workshop crafting a collective poem inspired by sense-based experiences, communal learnings, and ancestral wisdom, all of garlic. No previous writing or herbalism experience necessary.
Garlic Guardian: Partnering with Garlic for Vitality led by Cyrée Jarelle Johnson - We’ll make garlic suppositories for thrush and garlic honey for immune support during sick season. Learn about garlic as an anti-fungal immune supporter through its everyday virtues.
Garlic Story-circle and Planting led by Amara - Gather around the circle to reflect and share the many ways garlic shows up in our food and medicine cultures, learn best practices for planting and saving garlic seed for future harvests.
Activities:
silkscreen + block printing station - BYO fabric (t-shirt, canvas bag, etc) to print
seed exchange by El Alimento - bring your own seeds to share and take new ones home
herbal amulets by vyse - Come learn about the protective properties of herbs and sew your own amulet to carry with you for safety. Herbs and supplies are provided.
vendors:
Home Home Bookshop - political education books and zines
Garlic tattoos by onggi and lesser burdock - flash and sign up sheet coming soon!
Seeds of Solidarity Market - pay-what-you-can clothing, homegoods and art supplies
Volunteers needed, please email info@ayniherbfarm.com if you are available to support us in making this event possible!
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We ask all participants and staff to:
wear a well fitting respirator mask (kn95 or better) while not actively eating or drinking. masks will be available on site.
strongly recommended to test 36 hrs before event
take a COVID test (PCR/Rapid Test) the day of the event, ideally before arrival. Photo Proof of negative test required (make sure to take a photo within 10-15 min of your result, no need to bring the physical test card) and avoid eating/drinking/smoking at least 30 min before taking the test for more accurate results) tests will be available on site.
If you plan to test on site, please arrive masked at least 20 mins early. The test results take 15 mins!
How to properly take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) (adapted from COVID Conscious San Antonio Zine)
RATs are notorious for false negatives especially for pre- or asymptomatic people. It is recommended to take 3 tests, each 36-48hrs apart for most accurate results.
Do not eat, drink, chew gum, smoke, vape for at least 30 min before collecting the sample
Blow your nose and wash your hands before collecting the sample
Unless indicated, it is recommended to swab both inner cheeks and lower gums, then swab your tongue as far back as is comfortable, then swab each nostril
Wait the recommended time for the test result (depends on brand, 10min-35min) and snap a picture immediately no need to bring your actual test card in person.
Additionally, please stay home if you feel sick, suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 10 days, are recovering from COVID-19 and/or live/share indoor space with someone who currently has COVID-19 in order to minimize spread. If you are taking public transportation or carpooling with someone outside of your household, please wear a well fitting respirator (KN95 or better). If you do not have access to a KN95 mask check out a local mask bloc or library for free masks and tests (see map here)
Please limit high-risk activities (ex: flights, unmasked indoor parties, etc) at least 7 days before participating in this event and continue masking in public spaces (including around people who you do not know their covid status).
Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available at all times and is required for anyone sharing tools and food during the event.
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Terrain: All activities will take place outdoors, on grassy and uneven terrain. There are some sloped areas to the main field, workshop areas, check in tent and parking area (map coming soon)
Activities: We will have different activities spaced out throughout the farm with access to chairs with backsides
Water: Drinking water will be available but please bring your own water bottle.
Bathroom: There will be a two single stall, gender inclusive and ADA porta-potties onsite with a hand washing station on the outside.
Accessible parking is available closest to the main field, please follow signs
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Address: 1989 County Route 11. Hillsdale, NY 12529
Click here to view google maps with a pinned location. Sometimes typing the address into a maps app is funky.
Check out our carpool sign up sheet if you need a ride or have capacity to offer a ride.
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Accessible parking is available in the field closest to the main event area
All other vehicles should park along the tree line along Route 11
Do not park past posted event signs, if all parking is full, event is full