Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 24th
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Celebrate fall at Mellody Farm’s annual Harvest Festival, a full day of live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drink experiences, pet-friendly fun, shopping, giveaways, and community programming.

Daytime activities are free and open to the public, with ticketed Harvest Festival Bites & Sips and Bourbon & Bonfires experiences beginning at 4 p.m. The festival is sponsored by Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, and proceeds from the event benefit the Hawthorn School District PTO.

 

Festival Highlights

Mellody Farm Harvest Haul

10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Pick up a complimentary Harvest Haul card at check-in and “Fill Your Basket Around the Farm” by visiting participating retailers, restaurants and festival activities. Complete at least eight stops to receive a free fall-themed Mellody Farm item, while supplies last, and be entered to win prizes.

The grand prize includes a two-night family getaway to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, plus prizes from Mellody Farm businesses including OVME Medical Aesthetics, European Wax Center and SITKA Gear. 

Illinois Agriculture & Urban Farm Zone + Winterizing Your Garden Workshop

10 a.m . –1 p.m.

Explore agriculture, gardening and sustainability with the Lake County Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership.

From 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m., join the free Winterizing Your Garden Workshop for seasonal gardening tips. Morning offerings also include Biscuits & Bloody Marys, plus lemonade and cider, available as part of the ticketed Bites & Sips experience.

Fall Fun Throughout Mellody Farm

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Look for strolling entertainment and activities while shopping throughout the property, including:

  • Face painting
  • Balloon artists
  • Seasonal characters
  • Fall photo opportunities
  • Appearances by Mellody Farm’s four-legged ambassador, Keenam

Yappy Hour Presented by Lazy Dog

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring your four-legged family members for a special Yappy Hour, featuring a fall pet costume contest, photo opportunities, giveaways and a pet rescue and adoption event with PAWS Chicago.

Harvest Festival Bites & Sips

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Ticket Required

Taste your way around Mellody Farm at six Bites & Sips stations featuring participating restaurants including City Works, Tangled Roots, Mendocino Farms and Lazy Dog. Enjoy a variety of seasonal bites and beverages, from meatloaf sliders and pretzels to beer, house-made lemonade and more.

Bourbon & Bonfires

4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Ticket Required

Settle in around the fire pits for Bourbon & Bonfires with Aged in Oak, featuring bourbon tastings, curated flights, bourbon education and a relaxed fall gathering experience.

Live Music

Beginning at 4 p.m.

Enjoy free live music from Big Boss and the Toes as the Harvest Festival transitions into its evening celebration.

 

Give Back This Fall

Harvest Festival also kicks off Mellody Farm’s seasonal community giving initiative. Guests are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and clothing to support local families and hunger-relief efforts.

Purchase Tickets

Daytime activities are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for Harvest Festival Bites & Sips and Bourbon & Bonfires.

  • Harvest Festival Bites & Sips: $35
  • Bourbon & Bonfires: $35
  • Bites & Sips + Bourbon & Bonfires Package: $55
  • Designated Driver Ticket: $20

Check back for additional participating businesses, programming, and festival updates.