Abbey Farms Opens Venue To Host Cooking Classes, Live Music

AURORA, IL — At Gather + Sip, Abbey Farms' new venue for small events, guests will be able to do exactly what the name entails. The spot is intended to be a destination for live music, cooking demos, painting classes, and a variety of other opportunities.

With Gather + Sip, organizers said they're bringing the Abbey Farms experience year-round. It's "your destination for great food, delicious drinks and fun activities close to home," reads the website.

At the venue, located in the Nagel Emporium at Abbey Farms, 2855 Hart Road, guests will be able to attend events weekly from Thursday to Saturday.

Thursdays will be dedicated to "a collection of free and ticketed events to feed your soul," including painting and mixology classes, while Fridays will be saved for dancing and live music. On Saturdays, the venue will be a "cozy and unique destination to relax and enjoy with friends" — think board games and classic movies. Sunday events will include brunch and bingo offerings.

Classes on Thursday will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and live musics will be from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday. Brunch will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, followed by bingo at 2 p.m.

In February, a slew of events is already planned at Gather + Sip. Upcoming Thursday classes will cover topics such as mixology, taking place Feb. 10, or hands-on charcuterie, happening Feb. 17. On April 14, people can learn about garden prepping and how to garden vegetables. Monk Mixers — where people can mingle with monks, learn about their service-based lifestyle or try monk-made wines and ales, according to the venue's website — are also scheduled to begin Feb. 24 and take place every fourth Thursday.

Most events, according to a news release from Abbey Farms, will include an appetizer, drink or both.

Emporium Cafe, which sells specialty foods, wine and ales, and seasonal items, will also continue to be open.