Vernon Hills, Ill. – September 24, 2026 -- Mellody Farm will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., mixing free daytime activities with ticketed evening food, drink and bonfire experiences across the Vernon Hills shopping center.
A shopping-center scavenger hunt anchors the day
The Mellody Farm Harvest Haul invites guests to pick up a free card at check-in and collect fall-themed stickers from participating retailers, restaurants and activities. Visitors who complete at least eight stops can redeem their card for a free fall-themed Mellody Farm item, while supplies last, and enter a prize drawing that includes a two-night stay at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, a Hydrafacial from OVME Medical Aesthetics, items from European Wax Center and a prize from SITKA Gear. The grand prize will be announced at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Morning programming focuses on Illinois farming and gardens
From 10 a.m. to early afternoon, an Illinois Agriculture & Urban Farm Zone will run alongside a free "Winterizing Your Garden" workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Representatives from the Lake County Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership will lead conversations on soil health, urban farming and local hunger-relief efforts. A Biscuits & Bloody Marys offering will pair biscuits with lemonade, cider and Bloody Marys.
Dogs get their own hour, complete with a costume contest
From 1 to 2 p.m., Yappy Hour presented by Lazy Dog will feature a fall pet costume contest, photo opportunities, giveaways and an adoption event with PAWS Chicago, followed by a pet parade through the center. Roaming entertainment -- face painting, balloon artists and seasonal characters -- will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., alongside appearances by Mellody Farm's mascot, Keenam.
Evening tickets cover bites, sips and bourbon by the fire
Starting at 4 p.m., live music from Big Boss and the Toes will accompany a Harvest Festival Bites & Sips experience with roughly six stations from City Works, Tangled Roots, Mendocino Farms and Lazy Dog, offering meatloaf sliders, pretzels, beer and house-made lemonade. A separate Bourbon & Bonfires experience with Aged in Oak will offer tastings, curated flights and bourbon education around fire pits. Tickets are $35 for Bites & Sips, $35 for Bourbon & Bonfires, or $55 for both; a $20 designated-driver ticket is also available. Proceeds benefit the Hawthorn School District PTO.
The festival will also launch Mellody Farm's seasonal giving initiative, asking guests to donate nonperishable food and clothing for local families. Tickets can be purchased through Omella, and the event concludes at 8 p.m.