The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* brings a host of new activities and features, among which the town's Animal Festival stands out as a highlight. This event not only promises a fun time but also provides a fantastic 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 the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The Animal Festival is an annual event in *Fields of Mistria*, akin to other seasonal town celebrations. If you miss it in one year due to other in-game commitments or forgetfulness, don't worry—you'll have another chance the following year.
The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**. Depending on your progress in the game's seasonal cycle, this gives you ample time to prepare your animals. Ensuring your livestock is in top condition is crucial if you aim to win the grand prize.
How to Win the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The highlight of the Animal Festival is the competition 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** (like cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adult animals are eligible for entry.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To enter the contest, head to the festival grounds in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She will direct you to the two booths behind her where you can register your animals.
Josephine offers valuable tips that can impact your score. The first tip is that **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, and allowing them outside on sunny days.
The second tip is that **the rarity of your animal’s coat color** can boost your score. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue, especially if well-cared for, can significantly improve your chances of winning.
When you're ready to enter, talk to **Terithia** at the left booth to register your large animals. A menu will display which of your animals qualify. Then, go 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 starting with the small animal category, from third to first place. If you outscore Hayden's chicken Henrietta and take first place, you'll be declared the winner of the small animal bracket.
The cutscene continues with the large animal category. Outscoring Hayden's cow Sunshine to take first place will crown you the winner of the large animal bracket.
At the conclusion of the judging, you'll receive a list of prizes based on your performance. **If you're entering during your first year, winning first place can be challenging** due to the time required to fully increase your animals' heart gauges and the need to complete ranch-related story quests and upgrades to unlock rare animals with unique coat styles.
By consistently caring for your animals each year and upgrading your farm to its full potential, your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival will be greatly enhanced.
This concludes the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival guide. For more tips and tricks, don't forget to check out our other content, including how to access the Deep Woods.
