AUGUST 23, 2025 3pm-10pmALFALFA MUSIC FESTIVALJoin us at Alfalfa Festival, August 25th from 3pm - 10pm, a gathering of LIVE music, friends and fun in support of Farmers Rising's Education Programming!
TICKETS
$25 adults in advance ($40 at the gate) $10 children 6-12 years (children 5 and under do not need a ticket) FESTIVALEnjoy an afternoon and evening with LIVE music at the Rainbow Pavilion stage, overlooking the lush alfalfa fields and tranquil Kinnikinnick Creek that flows through the grounds.
Location 1560 Rockton Road Caledonia, IL Alfalfa Fest is a low-impact, cash only event! Please carpool, and bring a refillable water bottle (water will be available). Be prepared to pack out what you bring in! Composting Service provided by Nettle Curbside Compost. 
Schedule
1PM - Gates Open Bring your camping chairs and blankets and find a seat on the lawn by the stage. 2PM - Music Starts Regional performers keep you dancing through the afternoon, and into the evening. 
FOOD & BEERFarm fresh meals and snacks prepared by Chef Andy will be available for purchase from 2pm-8pm or while supplies last. Beer will be available to purchase for guests 21+ with ID/wristband. Drinking water will be provided - bring your reusable bottle!
MERCHANDISEWe have an official festival t-shirt and poster available for purchase! Online pre-ordering is available and can be picked up at the festival merch table.
ACCOMMODATIONS NEARBYCamping
Rock Cut State Park 7223 West Lane Rd, Caledonia, IL Hononegah Forest Preserve 80 Hononegah Rd, Rockton, IL 61072 Alfalfa MUSIC Festival
|
|
|
MUSIC
The Way Down Wanderers
Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the 5-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, as reliable as it is infectious.
High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them.
Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the 5-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, as reliable as it is infectious.
High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them.
Miles Over Mountains
Hailing from McHenry Illinois Miles Over Mountains plays a modernized style of progressive bluegrass covering a wide spectrum of genres, dynamics, and feeling. Their live show captivates the audience with anything from lightning fast picking to strong 3 part harmonies to heartfelt ballads.
Collectively the members of the group have thousands of shows under their belt, giving their songs, sound, and performances a musical maturity that echoes their collective years of passion and experience for their craft.
Hailing from McHenry Illinois Miles Over Mountains plays a modernized style of progressive bluegrass covering a wide spectrum of genres, dynamics, and feeling. Their live show captivates the audience with anything from lightning fast picking to strong 3 part harmonies to heartfelt ballads.
Collectively the members of the group have thousands of shows under their belt, giving their songs, sound, and performances a musical maturity that echoes their collective years of passion and experience for their craft.
Wheels North
Wheels North
Wheels North is a progressive newgrass band from the Illinois Fox Valley comprised of Mark Frystak (guitar/vocal), Hayley Skreens (banjo/vocal), Jesse Fuller (bass/vocal) and Chris Grant (fiddle). Wheels North offers powerful three-part harmonies, skillfully crafted song arrangements, and an enticing catalog of both originals and covers. Their live show is engaging and energetic, and challenges the limits of grass based music.
Wheels North is a progressive newgrass band from the Illinois Fox Valley comprised of Mark Frystak (guitar/vocal), Hayley Skreens (banjo/vocal), Jesse Fuller (bass/vocal) and Chris Grant (fiddle). Wheels North offers powerful three-part harmonies, skillfully crafted song arrangements, and an enticing catalog of both originals and covers. Their live show is engaging and energetic, and challenges the limits of grass based music.
Sophie Coyote
Sophie Coyote
A singer/songwriter from the small mid-western town of Waddams Grove, Illinois. She was raised on a broad range of musical influences that include reliable rock & roll, honky-tonk country and a bit of blues. This open mind of influence has led to a songwriting style that is reminiscent of the raw and honest age of music; lyrically driven with interesting stories, unique twists and word-play.
A singer/songwriter from the small mid-western town of Waddams Grove, Illinois. She was raised on a broad range of musical influences that include reliable rock & roll, honky-tonk country and a bit of blues. This open mind of influence has led to a songwriting style that is reminiscent of the raw and honest age of music; lyrically driven with interesting stories, unique twists and word-play.
Asia
Asia
A singer from Northern Illinois performing stripped-back acoustic love songs.
A singer from Northern Illinois performing stripped-back acoustic love songs.
Silhouette
Silhouette
Featuring Rockford's own Taylor Hopkins, Alison LaMantia, and Asia Peters, presents a harmony-heavy set of odes to summer's end.
Featuring Rockford's own Taylor Hopkins, Alison LaMantia, and Asia Peters, presents a harmony-heavy set of odes to summer's end.
DaVíd
DaVíd Stocker
A well known music performer and music educator in the region for over 30 years. He leads regular drumming circles at Nature at the Confluence nearby in Beloit and has directed the Jamm ’n’ Jazz Summer World Music Camp in Rockford for 18 years.
DaVíd is also a worker for social justice currently with .."Art in the Face of Empire"….bringing public art actions to the Borderlands, addressing climate collapse thru arts education and working to create justice and lasting peace in the Middle East.
This year he’s grateful to join the lineup at Alfalfa Fest where he’ll showcase some of the music kids from camp with West African drum rhythms and he’ll also present an acoustic set with collaborator Biff Moyer on violin. Catch DaVíd October 10-14 in Somnium at Sinnissippi Park with his giant puppets.
A well known music performer and music educator in the region for over 30 years. He leads regular drumming circles at Nature at the Confluence nearby in Beloit and has directed the Jamm ’n’ Jazz Summer World Music Camp in Rockford for 18 years.
DaVíd is also a worker for social justice currently with .."Art in the Face of Empire"….bringing public art actions to the Borderlands, addressing climate collapse thru arts education and working to create justice and lasting peace in the Middle East.
This year he’s grateful to join the lineup at Alfalfa Fest where he’ll showcase some of the music kids from camp with West African drum rhythms and he’ll also present an acoustic set with collaborator Biff Moyer on violin. Catch DaVíd October 10-14 in Somnium at Sinnissippi Park with his giant puppets.
Honky Butter
Honky Butter
From the Honky Tonks of Oklahoma to the sounds of Appalachia, Honky Butter spreads a tasteful blend of old and new. We have a couple of buttery jams.
From the Honky Tonks of Oklahoma to the sounds of Appalachia, Honky Butter spreads a tasteful blend of old and new. We have a couple of buttery jams.
Dave Skupien
Check back often for news or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates! Final details and logistics will be emailed to all ticket holders a week prior to the event.
Alfalfa MUSIC Festival Sponsors
HARVEST SPONSORS
SPROUT SPONSORS
|
GROWING SPONSORS
SEED SPONSORS
|
Sponsorship provides essential funding, goods or services that offset our costs and ease the workload for our staff and shows that your organization stands beside Farmers Rising at the forefront of educating our community about food, the environment, farming, and the connection to a healthier lifestyle. Sponsors enjoy a variety of benefits, are featured here, and will be appreciated and promoted at the Festival.
PLEASE NOTE
- Alfalfa Fest is a low-impact, cash only event! Please carpool, and bring a refillable water bottle (water will be available). Be prepared to pack out what you bring in!
- Festival area is set back from Rockton Road. Head toward 1560 Rockton Road, and follow signs for parking and directions when you arrive.
- This is an outdoor event, held on grass, bare ground and gravel, rain or shine (except in the event of extreme or dangerous weather).
- Bring camp chairs and/or picnic blanket for seating.
- No dogs allowed with the exception of service animals. Please contact [email protected] as soon as possible if you need service animal or access accommodation.
- No outside food or drinks in the festival area. Free water will be provided, please bring your own water bottle.
- Tickets are $40 at the gate.
