Mushroom Art Hunt Game Hits East Bay

The Shrooms Art-N-Seek scavenger hunt launched across East Bay parks on June 13, 2026, featuring 10 mushroom-themed art installations by Bay Area artists. Participants download a free app to scan QR codes at each site, unlocking digital collectibles and clues to the next location. The event runs through June 29, blending outdoor exploration with augmented reality elements in public spaces. ### What exactly is Shrooms Art-N-Seek? Shrooms Art-N-Seek is an interactive scavenger hunt organized by local artist collective Mycelium Bay, which debuted its installations on June 13 at 10 East Bay sites. Players start by downloading the Shrooms Art-N-Seek app from the App Store or Google Play, then visit starting points like Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley or the Berkeley Marina. Each physical mushroom sculpture or mural includes a QR code that, when scanned, reveals artist facts, fun mushroom trivia, and a clue directing searchers to the next spot. The game incorporates augmented reality (AR) filters, allowing users to "collect" virtual mushrooms via their phone cameras. Mycelium Bay founder Elena Vasquez described it as "a way to turn everyday park walks into treasure hunts that highlight fungal ecology and local talent." Over 500 participants joined on opening day, per event organizers. ### Where are the art installations located? Installations span a 20-mile radius across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Key sites include: - Tilden Regional Park Little Farm (Berkeley): A 6-foot glowing toadstool sculpture by artist Mia Chen. - Berkeley Marina (Berkeley): Mural on the shoreline pier by collective member Raj Patel. - Lake Merritt (Oakland): Cluster of ceramic mushrooms near the garden center. - Redwood Regional Park (Oakland): AR-enhanced stump installation. - Lafayette Reservoir (Lafayette): Floating lily pad mushrooms viewable from shore. Additional spots are Crab Cove in Alameda, Point Isabel in Richmond, and San Pablo Bay Trail in Richmond. Organizers mapped routes for families, with shorter loops under 2 miles and full hunts covering 10 miles by bike or car. All sites are public access, free, dawn to dusk. ### Who created the mushroom art? Ten Bay Area artists contributed, selected via open call by Mycelium Bay in April 2026. Mia Chen, a Berkeley-based sculptor, built the Tilden toadstool using recycled plastics and LED lights powered by solar panels. Raj Patel's Berkeley Marina mural depicts psychedelic fungi in a style inspired by 1960s poster art. Elena Vasquez coordinated the project, drawing from her mycology background. "Mushrooms are nature's hidden architects—networks underground that mirror our social connections," Vasquez said at the June 13 launch. Installations use weatherproof materials to remain on view through summer. ### How does the app and game work? The free app guides players step-by-step. June 13 launchers received a digital passport; scanning all 10 QR codes unlocks a "Fungi Master" badge and entry into a raffle for art prints. Progress syncs across devices, with hints for stuck players. East Bay Regional Park District approved the event, providing 50 parking waivers for peak weekends. AR features overlay virtual spores on real-world views, educating on species like Amanita muscaria. Over-18 players can opt into a "Psychedelic Mode" with fictional lore, organizers said. ### What's the inspiration behind the event? Mycelium Bay formed in 2025 to promote fungi-themed public art amid rising interest in foraging and ecology. The hunt coincides with World Mycology Day observances. Vasquez cited a 30% uptick in East Bay park visits post-pandemic, per park district data, as ideal for interactive draws. No entry fees apply; donations support future installs. Sponsors include local breweries offering mushroom-themed beers at hunt endpoints. East Bay Regional Park District will host a group hunt finale on June 29 at Tilden Park, with live music and artist meet-and-greets starting at 10 a.m. Mycelium Bay plans a sequel in fall 2026 targeting South Bay sites. ```