Elawa Farm•Lake Forest, IL
Events•$$
Today, our mission is to steward a historic farm that enriches greater Lake County as a center for experiential learning to broaden access to education, nutritious food, and our local food system. Through a public-private partnership, Elawa Farm Foundation and the City of Lake Forest work together to steward this historic campus. The City of Lake Forest owns the property and maintains the historic buildings. Elawa Farm Foundation provides community programming and educational interpretation ...More
Experiences at Elawa Farm
Event
Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop
Join Eileen Weber, AAF of Lake Forest Flowers as she guides you in creating a beautiful thanksgiving centerpiece. Using seasonal flowers and foliage, explore the elements and principles of floral design and take home your floral composition. Please bring a clipper or floral shears to use. All fresh material, container and professional instruction included in the workshop fee.
- Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- $150 per ticket
Event
Hooves and Hugs at Elawa Farm - Saturday
Immerse yourself in the playful charm of our new goats! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can cuddle, pet, and interact with our loveable goats. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Saturday, Oct 5 and Saturday, Oct 19, 2024
- Multiple times
- $15 per ticket
Event
Paella and Sangria
Craving Spanish Cuisine? Join our Director of Culinary Education, Chef David Oland, most recently of award-winning Tapas restaurant “Mercat a la planxa” in Chicago, for either lunch or dinner cooking class as he demonstrates how to make two types of Paella. A Valencian paella with chicken and rabbit and an arroz negro paella (squid ink and fresh calamari and mussels). Follow along as he creates these authentic Valencian dishes plus several authentic tapas for you to taste, all while sipping on a fresh sangria made by Chef David. Included in the price is an authentic Spanish paella pan and imported bomba rice from Valencia. Note: This is a demo class where a meal is prepared by the chef and enjoyed at the end of the lesson.
- Saturday, Nov 2, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Sweets and Greens
Bring your kids to Elawa Farm for a Sweets & Greens class, where children, ages 6-9 years, will help make snacks from our garden, as well as fun holiday treats. Treats include green smoothies made from farm greens, carrot muffins, bug-themed snacks, and more. The kids will enjoy the treats together at the end of class. Register for Sweets & Greens and receive a 10% discount coupon to our new Café.
- Thursday, Oct 17 and Thursday, Oct 24, 2024
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- $30 per ticket
Event
Thanksgiving Sides with Chef Gale Gand
Get ready for the most American holiday of all, Thanksgiving. Chef Gale will teach 3 new side dishes and one dessert perfect for your holiday table or to bring to a family or friends gathering, all with do-ahead and travel tips. Tastes will be provided during class.
- Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at12:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Apple Desserts with Chef Gale Gand
Fall is apple picking time and time for delicious juicy apple filled desserts. Learn all about different varieties of apples, how they cook differently, and 3 desserts focused on apples to help you celebrate the season at your table. Tastes will be provided
- Monday, Oct 14, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at12:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Intro to Homemade Cheese
In this workshop, you will learn how to make your very own stretchy, gooey mozzarella cheese from scratch. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, tug, stretch, and shape your cheese into fun creations, while discovering the magic behind how milk turns into cheese in under an hour. You'll also get to taste your yummy cheese! No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and appetite for fun!
- Friday, Nov 1, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- $75 per ticket
Event
Hooves and Hugs at Elawa Farm - Sunday
Immerse yourself in the playful charm of our new goats! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can cuddle, pet, and interact with our loveable goats. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Multiple dates between Oct 6 and Oct 27, 2024
- Multiple times
- $15 per ticket
Event
Yoga on the Farm
Unroll your mat and enjoy the scenery of Elawa Farm’s restored gardens as our Yoga Instructor guides you on an hour-long yoga journey. Classes will be held on select Saturdays from June - October. Bring a blossoming spirit and enjoy a mindful morning!Note: Yoga mats are not provided - please bring your own.
- Weekly from Oct 26 to Dec 21, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- $20 per ticket
Event
Lobster rolls and Rosè
Unwind with us this Friday night as our Director of Culinary Education, Chef Dave Oland, most recently of award-winning Tapas restaurant “Mercat a la planxa” in Chicago, teaches you how to cook and break down a lobster to get a classic buttery lobster roll. He will show you the best parts of the lobster, and the parts to discard, while you sip on some ice-cold Rose. At the end, you will taste a delicious buttery roll along with your glass of wine. Bring your friend, a date, or just yourself to enjoy this class here at Elawa Farm! Note: This is a class where a meal is prepared by the chef and enjoyed at the end of the lesson.
- Friday, Oct 4, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Hooves and Hugs at Elawa Farm - Sunday
Immerse yourself in the playful charm of our new goats! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can cuddle, pet, and interact with our loveable goats. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Multiple dates between Oct 6 and Oct 27, 2024
- Multiple times
- $15 per ticket
Event
Goat Yoga
We are not 'kidding'! Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and fun! Join us for an outdoor yoga experence that combines the healing benefits of yoga with the fun and joy of interacting with our friendly goats. Please note that our friendly goats might make your mat their own, so be sure to dress with potential mishaps in mind.Note: Yoga mats are not provided - please bring your own. MUST BE 15 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR GOAT YOGA PROGRAM. INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.
- Multiple dates between Aug 24 and Sep 21, 2024
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- $40 per ticket
Event
Pate A Choux with Chef Gale Gand
Learn how to make classic French Pate A Choux or cream puff dough, and how to use it to pipe Cream Puffs, Profiteroles, Paris Brest, and Eclairs. You’ll also learn different fillings, sauces, and glazes to finish off the pastries. Tastes will be provided.
- Monday, Sep 23, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at12:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Boo-zy Cocktails
Join Chiyo Takemoto, our resident cocktail class instructor, for some SPOOKY & BOO-ZY cocktails. She'll be showing you how to make three Halloween themed cocktails. Some spooky snacks will be provided as well!
- Friday, Oct 25, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- $75 per ticket
Event
Dried Flower Social
Come socialize with your friends and make new friends while enjoying prosecco and light appetizers while making your own dried flower bouquet with flowers preserved from our flower fields. Our Dried Flower Bouquet Making social offers a hands-on experience in creating a stunning arrangement that will last long after the seasons change.Our Farm team will provide you with design guidance. All we ask is that you bring a vase for your flower bouquet (please not much larger than a large mason jar).No prior experience is necessary—just a passion for flowers and a desire to create something beautiful!
- Friday, Oct 18, 2024
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- $60 per ticket
Event
Knife Skills 101
Join our Director of Culinary Education, Chef Dave Oland, most recently of award-winning Tapas restaurant “Mercat a la planxa” in Chicago in our Knife skills 101 class, as he guides you on properly handling kitchen knives. This hands-on class teaches you how to chop, dice, and julienne food like a professional. This class is ideal for beginners or those looking to develop a new skill and gain confidence in the kitchen. Note: This is a class where a meal is NOT prepared. We will provide kitchen knives for you to use. Please wear closed-toed shoes.
- Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at10:00 AM
- $65 per ticket
Event
Hooves and Hugs at Elawa Farm - Saturday
Immerse yourself in the playful charm of our new goats! Join us for an unforgettable experience where you can cuddle, pet, and interact with our loveable goats. Pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Saturday, Oct 5 and Saturday, Oct 19, 2024
- Multiple times
- $15 per ticket
Event
Steakhouse Night
Join us for a mouthwatering evening at Elawa Farm’s Steakhouse Night on Friday, September 27! Indulge in perfectly grilled steaks, seasonal sides, and delicious desserts, all in the charming setting of our historic farm. Menu:Rye Manhattans served as welcome cocktail with passed hors d’oeuvresSt. Agrestis NA Phony Negronis with a twist of orangeChef selected red and white wine served with dinner1st course: Family Stylecolossal shrimp cocktail2nd course: Individually PlatedBaby gem lettuce wedge salad: bacon lardons, Elawa farm cherry tomatoes, red onion, Roquefort cheese3rd course: Steaks are individually plated, sides are served family style.Sauces served family style: béarnaise, bordelaise, and horseradish creamChoice of steak (individually plated) 8oz filet mignon or 12oz New York Stripfamily style sides: pomme dauphinoise (gratin potatoes), honey glazed carrots, creamed spinachDessert:Baked Alaska
- Friday, Sep 27, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- $150 per ticket
Event
Hand Filled Pasta
Looking to learn how to make fresh pasta? Look no further than here at Elawa Farm. Join Chef Dave Oland as he teaches you how to make three types of hand filled pastas. We’ll complete them with homemade sauces that are the perfect complement to each shape and filling. You’ll hand craft lemon ricotta ravioli with sage butter, roasted red pepper and tortellini in fra diavolo sauce, and beef agnolotti in brood. Let’s cook and mangia together while sipping on some wine provided by our local wine partners. Note: This is a hands-on class where the food prepped by the chef will be enjoyed at the end of the class.
- Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Perfect Turkey, Perfect Gravy!
Bring your apron and give thanks for this turkey rescue class by Chef David Oland! You will learn the essentials of cooking traditional turkey and gravy components of Thanksgiving. Chef David will demonstrate brining, seasoning, roasting a turkey whole, as well as breaking down the bird into breasts and legs for faster, more even cooking. He will make turkey stock and a lump-free (we promise!) gravy.
- Saturday, Nov 23, 2024
- 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
- $65 per ticket
Event
Holiday Wreath Making
Get into the holiday spirit with our hands-on Christmas wreath making workshop! Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this class will guide you through creating a stunning, personalized wreath to adorn your door this season. Eileen Weber from Lake Forest Flowers and our Farm Team will be partnering together to provide you with expert tips and techniques to help you craft a beautiful wreath using fresh greens, festive decorations, and your own creative inspiration. All supplies will be provided. Enjoy a cozy, cheerful environment with holiday music, hot cocoa, and the company of fellow wreath makers!
- Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- $110 per ticket
Event
Paella and Sangria!
Craving Spanish Cuisine? Join our Director of Culinary Education, Chef David Oland, most recently of award-winning Tapas restaurant “Mercat a la planxa” in Chicago, for either lunch or dinner cooking class as he demonstrates how to make two types of Paella. A Valencian paella with chicken and rabbit and an arroz negro paella (squid ink and fresh calamari and mussels). Follow along as he creates these authentic Valencian dishes plus several authentic tapas for you to taste, all while sipping on a fresh sangria made by Chef David. Included in the price is an authentic Spanish paella pan and imported bomba rice from Valencia. Note: This is a class where a meal is prepared by the chef and enjoyed at the end of the lesson.
- Saturday, Sep 28, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at10:00 AM
- $85 per ticket
Event
Adventures at Elawa
This fall, Elawa will host a 1-hour farm adventure class for kiddos, ages 3-5 years. Kids will explore our gardens, visit our goats, collect chicken eggs, create seasonal crafts, and more. This is a perfect class for those who are too young to join us for Farm Camp. Sign up for Adventures at Elawa and receive a 10% discount coupon to our new Café.
- Multiple dates between Oct 16 and Oct 30, 2024
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- $25 per ticket
Event
Essentials of Tuscan Cooking
Experience traditional flavors of Tuscan cooking here at Elawa Farm. Come join us as Chef David Oland teaches you how to make Pappa al pomodoro, followed by a panzanella and finishing off with a Bistecca all Fiorentina. During this class you will participate in assisting the chef prep and help pick fresh herbs from our garden. Come meet new friends or bring your own while you eat some classic Italian dishes and sip on some delicious Chianti Classico to complement your meals. This is a demo class where you will get to try each of the dishes prepped by Chef David.
- Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024
- 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- $75 per ticket
Event
Digging, Dividing, and Storing Dahlias
Ensure your dahlias thrive next season! In our climate, dahlia tubers need to be carefully removed and stored over the winter to protect them. By dividing the tubers, you can also multiply your plants for the following year. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn expert techniques for dividing and storing dahlia tubers, so you’re ready to plant healthy, vibrant flowers next season.
- Friday, Nov 8, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
- $35 per ticket
Event
Watercolor painting with Evelyn Phelps
Explore Elawa Farm through watercolor painting with Evelyn Phelps. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon while covering material and techniques in watercolor. We will end the session with a completed painting. Reference photos will be supplied.All supplies are included. Refreshments will be provided.
- Friday, Oct 25, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- $75 per ticket
Event
Holiday Desserts with Chef Gale Gand
The holidays are the perfect time to gather together, marking the end of the year and the spirit of giving. Host a party or say yes to bringing a dish to someone else’s. This class will teach you some perfect dessert recipes to do just that. We’ll learn 3 desserts perfect for the holidays that are sure to be show stoppers. Tastes will be provided during class.
- Monday, Dec 9, 2024
- Multiple times, starting at12:00 PM
- $85 per ticket