The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* brings a delightful array of new activities and features, including the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only promises a fun-filled day but also offers a unique opportunity for your farm-raised animals to take center stage. If you're eager to participate, here's a comprehensive guide to the Animal Festival and everything you need to know.

How to Unlock Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria

The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event, akin to other seasonal town festivities. If you miss it one year due to in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you can always participate the following year.

The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**. Depending on your current position in the seasonal cycle, this gives you plenty of time to prepare. Focus on purchasing and nurturing your animals to ensure they're in top condition for the festival, as this is key to winning the grand prize.

How to Win Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria

The highlight of the Animal Festival is the main contest, where you can enter **up to two of your farm-raised animals** to compete for prizes. You can choose **one small animal** (such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and **one large animal** (such as cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults can participate.

How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest

To enter, head to the festival grounds in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She will guide you to the two booths behind her where you can register your animals.

Josephine will share two crucial tips for maximizing your score. First, the **more hearts your chosen animal has, the higher your score will be**. You can increase an animal's hearts by petting or picking them up, feeding them well, and allowing them outside on sunny days.

Second, your score can also improve based on **the rarity of your animal's coat color**. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue can significantly boost your chances of a higher score.

When ready, talk to **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals. A menu will display which of your animals qualify. Then, speak to **Landen** at the right booth to enter your small animals.

Once you've made your selections, return to Josephine and tell her you're ready to **‘start the judging’**.

All Prizes for the Animal Festival Contest

A cutscene will then play, announcing the winners of the small animal category first, from third to first place. If you outshine Hayden's chicken Henrietta and take first place, you'll be crowned the winner of that category.

The large animal category follows, and if you surpass Hayden's cow Sunshine to claim first place, you'll be declared the winner of that category as well.

At the end of the judging, you'll receive a list of prizes based on your performance. **Note that winning in your first year can be challenging**, as it takes time to fully fill your animals' heart gauges and to unlock rare animals through ranch-related story quests and farm upgrades.

By consistently caring for your animals and upgrading your farm to its fullest potential each year, your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival will greatly increase.

This concludes our guide to the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore our other content, including how to access the Deep Woods.