Harvest Festival
Mellody Farm Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
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. Costumed pets and their owners also will be invited to join a festive pet parade through Mellody Farm.
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.
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.