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Grass Roots: Upcoming Regional Farm Events
Starting Next Thursday: Get Close To Nature and See How Things Grow
Local Food Forum runs a frequently updated list of Chicago region food events — many of which are fundraising dinners for good causes, prepared by leading chefs.
But with autumn less than a week away and the on-farm busyness of peak season beginning to wane, there is a growing number of fun (and in several cases educational) farm events popping up all over. To help you find them, here is our first take on upcoming on-farm events.
And as always, I find out about these events when they pop up in my email or on social media. So if I missed yours and you'd like to get it into our next update, please reach out to me directly: bob@localfoodforum.com.
Now go up the country and have fun on a farm!
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INSIDE FOOD & AG: CORN — FROM ANCIENT GRASS TO GLOBAL POWERHOUSE
Farm Foundation, 31330 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, Illinois
Thursday, September 24, 2-6 p.m.
From the organizers:
What can one crop teach us about innovation, sustainability, and the future of agriculture?
This immersive experience explores the remarkable story of corn — from its origins as teosinte nearly 9,000 years ago to the modern hybrids that power food production, livestock agriculture, renewable energy, and thousands of everyday products. Through engaging presentations, guided field experiences, and hands-on demonstrations that includes a tasting menu and signature cocktail, you’ll discover why corn remains one of the world’s most important crops and how innovation continues to shape its future.
The event includes a demonstration from a local chef with a corn inspired tasting menu and signature cocktail – check out the registration site to learn more!
MIDWEST VEGETABLE GROWERS (MVEG) FIELD DAY: BUILDING OUT FARM INFRASTRUCTURE
327 Bower Rd., Beaverville, Illinois
Tuesday, October 6, 2:30-5 p.m. central
From the organizers:
Please consider joining us at our next MVEG Field Day in Beaverville, IL, to learn about building out farm infrastructure in a hands-on learning format led by farmer Fresh Roberson of Fresher Together, alongside educators from Farmers Rising & the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College. If you are in the process of planning out your farm's building needs, looking for more resources on equipping your farm, want to hear others' personal experiences with farm infrastructure, or just seeking connection with other farmers -- come on out!
This event will be held rain or shine from 2:30-5 PM on Tues. Oct. 6 with optional hang-out time following the education & farm tour. BYOB to linger, chat, & network with other participants; snacks & hydration will be provided!
MARBLESEED 2026 Farmer of the Year Field Day
FreePrairie Bluff Farm
1762 S. Sharpes Corner Rd., Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
Thursday, October 8, 1-4 p.m. central
From the organizers:
Can bird habitat and prairie complement an operating farm? You betcha! Join us for an engaging day on Steve and Beth Albert's Praire Bluff Farm. The Alberts, who are Marbleseed's 2026 Farmers of the Year, are showcasing their organically managed egg layer farm. With their business, Prairie Bluff Farm, the Alberts raise about 1,500 chickens, which spend most of their time in the mobile coops designed by Steve. Their customer base includes the greater Madison area.
They are joined by Andy Paulios, Natural Resource Manager with Dane County Land & Water Resources Department. Andy will lead a guided walk to share how the Alberts have worked with the neighboring county park to enhance bird habitat. Agronomists and conservationists will be on site to help with discussion and production curiosities. Light locally sourced snacks will be served.
ALL GRASS FARMS FALL FEST ON THE FARM 18N681 IL Route 31, Dundee, IL
Saturday, October 10, 12-3 p.m. central
From the organizers:
Our annual Fall Fest on the Farm is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th from 12 PM - 3 PM. We will re-create the “hay mountain” which is always a big hit with the kids, and this year we will also planning for for some fun contests for kids of all ages that might include the egg toss, chicken rodeo, gunnysack race, hay bale toss, spoon egg race, tug of war, and the three-legged race. And of course hay wagon tours of the farm to see the cows, chickens, pigs, and turkeys in their pasture settings.
As usual the main attraction will be the street tacos from the Jarabe Taco Truck. They will be coming out from Chicago to serve up their Carne Asada, Beef Birria, Chicken Tinga, Al Pastor and Mojo Mushroom tacos. Made with our own grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken. Side dishes will include chips and salsa, roasted tomato rice, refried black beans, and guacamole. All you can eat including bottled water and flavored sparkling water will be provided.
We now have tickets available, reserve your space now before they sell out. $30 for adults, $20 for kids 5 - 12, $15 for little tykes that don't eat much.
SAVANNA INSTITUTE OPEN HOUSE
SPRING GREEN (WISCONSIN CAMPUS)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1-5 p.m. central
From the organizers:
See Agroforestry in action at our North Farm, including a visit to our hazelnut and chestnut fields and see our grazing sheep and cattle. Learn about our research and education we offer on incorporating trees into the agricultural landscape.
The North Farm is located directly north of the Wisconsin River, and contains an almost complete watershed, making it valuable as a site for water quality research, as well as silvopasture and alley cropping approaches. With the largest acreage among the farms, the North Farm is dedicated to demonstrating large-scale commercial farming.
FALL FEST ON THE PRAIRIE: PRESENTED BY MICHAEL FIELDS AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE
N8833 PICKEREL LAKE RD., EAST TROY, WISCONSIN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 3-7 p.m. central
From the organizers:
Fall is on its way, and we’re getting excited for the 2nd Annual Fall Fest on the Prairie at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute!
On Saturday, October 17, from 3:00–7:00 PM, we’ll welcome neighbors, families, farmers, and friends to our New Farm in East Troy for an afternoon of food, fall fun, and opportunities to explore the land and learn more about this special place.
This year’s Fall Fest will include hayrides through the farm and prairie, a campfire, kids’ activities like face painting and pumpkin decorating, local food and farm vendors, alternative-grain cookie tastings, a gourmet s’mores bar, a Community Tool Swap, and more. Dr. Nicole Tautges and Dr. Jim Stute will also lead natural history hayrides exploring the Kettle Moraine landscape, the Mukwonago River Watershed, and the conservation work happening on the farm.
We’re also welcoming Fall Fest sponsors this year. Sponsorships begin at $250 and help support both the event and MFAI’s broader research, education, and policy work. Sponsors receive recognition at Fall Fest, with additional digital, newsletter, storytelling, and annual report recognition available at higher sponsorship levels.
If your business or organization would like to support the event as a sponsor, we’d be delighted to have you involved. You can find sponsorship information attached, or reach out to kmarion@michaelfield.org for more information.
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