Mellody Farm

Bring Your Gardening Questions, Struggling Plants and Pots for One-on-One Advice&nbsp;From Mellody Farm’s Dedicated MicroHabitat Farmer
Mellody Farm, Vernon Hills’ urban-inspired shopping and dining destination, is inviting local gardeners of all experience levels to take advantage of a unique opportunity to get complimentary, personalized gardening advice during a complimentary “Ask the Farmer” workshop on Sat., Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Mellody Farm’s dedicated urban farmer with MicroHabitat will be on hand to answer questions and offer practical advice on everything from growing vegetables and herbs to caring for edible plants, troubleshooting common garden problems and keeping home gardens healthy and thriving.
Guests are encouraged to bring their questions, pictures and can even bring along a struggling plant, container or pot for Alejandra to take a look at. Whether you’re wondering why a plant isn’t thriving, how much water or sunlight it needs, what to prune, what to plant next or how to prepare your garden for the changing season, attendees will have a gardening expert at their fingertips. The first 20 guests to attend will also receive a complimentary seed packet, while supplies last.
The program takes place at Mellody Farm’s MicroHabitat Urban Farm, located on the green lawn between Nordstrom Rack and the children’s play area. The farm features 60 planters filled with vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, with produce harvested throughout the growing season and donated to the Vernon Township Food Pantry.
EVENT DETAILS
Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop
Oct. 17, 2026
10 a.m.&nbsp; to 11:30 a.m.
Mellody Farm MicroHabitat Urban Farm
851–1101 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Register: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterizing-your-garden-putting-the-garden-to-bed-tickets-1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/winterizing-your-garden-putting-the-garden-to-bed-tickets-1992891263416?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>
For more information, to register for workshops or to learn more about upcoming events at Mellody Farm, visit the Mellody Farm website, follow Mellody Farm on social media or register through Eventbrite.
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More About Mellody Farm
Located in the heart of Vernon Hills, Illinois, Mellody Farm is an open-air shopping, dining and lifestyle destination owned and operated by Regency Centers. Conveniently located at the corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road, just two miles west of Interstate 94, the center features approximately 270,000 square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment alongside 260 executive apartments. Designed as a vibrant community gathering place, Mellody Farm offers a thoughtfully curated mix of national retailers, local dining experiences and year-round events that bring people together through shopping, dining, wellness and community engagement.

Local Event: Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills

Lake County

Vernon Hills

Illinois

Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop at...

Bring Your Gardening Questions, Struggling Plants and Pots for One-on-One Advice From Mellody Farm’s Dedicated MicroHabitat...

Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills

Celebrate fall at Mellody Farm’s annual Harvest Festival, a full day of live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drink experiences, pet-friendly fun, shopping, giveaways, and community programming.
Daytime activities are free and open to the public, with ticketed Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips and Bourbon &amp; Bonfires experiences beginning at 4 p.m. The festival is sponsored by Eagle Ridge Resort &amp; Spa, and proceeds from the event benefit the Hawthorn School District PTO.Saturday, October 24th10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
<h2>Festival Highlights</h2>
Mellody Farm Harvest Haul
10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Pick up a complimentary Harvest Haul card at check-in and “Fill Your Basket Around the Farm” by visiting participating retailers, restaurants and festival activities. Complete at least eight stops to receive a free fall-themed Mellody Farm item, while supplies last, and be entered to win prizes.
The grand prize includes a two-night family getaway to Eagle Ridge Resort &amp; Spa, plus prizes from Mellody Farm businesses including OVME Medical Aesthetics, European Wax Center and SITKA Gear.&nbsp;
<hr>
Illinois Agriculture &amp; Urban Farm Zone + Winterizing Your Garden Workshop
10 a.m . –1 p.m.
Explore agriculture, gardening and sustainability with the Lake County Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Partnership.
From 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m., join the free Winterizing Your Garden Workshop for seasonal gardening tips. Morning offerings also include Biscuits &amp; Bloody Marys, plus lemonade and cider, available as part of the ticketed Bites &amp; Sips experience.
<hr>
Fall Fun Throughout Mellody Farm
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Look for strolling entertainment and activities while shopping throughout the property, including:
<ul><li>Face painting</li><li>Balloon artists</li><li>Seasonal characters</li><li>Fall photo opportunities</li><li>Appearances by Mellody Farm’s four-legged ambassador, Keenam</li></ul>
<hr>
Yappy Hour Presented by Lazy Dog
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring your four-legged family members for a special Yappy Hour, featuring a fall pet costume contest, photo opportunities, giveaways and a pet rescue and adoption event with PAWS Chicago.
<hr>
Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | <a href="https://omella.com/267p5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ticket Required</a>
Taste your way around Mellody Farm at six Bites &amp; Sips stations featuring participating restaurants including City Works, Tangled Roots, Mendocino Farms and Lazy Dog. Enjoy a variety of seasonal bites and beverages, from meatloaf sliders and pretzels to beer, house-made lemonade and more.
<hr>
Bourbon &amp; Bonfires
4 p.m. – 8 p.m. | <a href="https://omella.com/267p5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ticket Required</a>
Settle in around the fire pits for Bourbon &amp; Bonfires with Aged in Oak, featuring bourbon tastings, curated flights, bourbon education and a relaxed fall gathering experience.
<hr>
Live Music
Beginning at 4 p.m.
Enjoy free live music from Big Boss and the Toes as the Harvest Festival transitions into its evening celebration.
<h2>Give Back This Fall</h2>
Harvest Festival also kicks off Mellody Farm’s seasonal community giving initiative. Guests are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and clothing to support local families and hunger-relief efforts.
<a href="https://omella.com/267p5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Purchase Tickets</a>
Daytime activities are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips and Bourbon &amp; Bonfires.
<ul><li>Harvest Festival Bites &amp; Sips: $35</li><li>Bourbon &amp; Bonfires: $35</li><li>Bites &amp; Sips + Bourbon &amp; Bonfires Package: $55</li><li>Designated Driver Ticket: $20</li></ul>
Check back for additional participating businesses, programming, and festival updates.

Local Event: Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon Hills Oct. 24

Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon...

Celebrate fall at Mellody Farm’s annual Harvest Festival, a full day of live entertainment, seasonal activities, food and drink...

Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon Hills Oct. 24

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Lake Forest College

Join Forester Athletics for Community &amp; Alumni Day, a celebration of our connection to the community and our alumni!
We invite alumni, families, community members, F.A.N. Club members, and Forester fans of all kinds to campus to cheer on Forester Athletics, enjoy food and drinks from local food trucks, and take part in family-friendly activities and giveaways. Come snap a photo with Boomer the Bear, show your Forester spirit, and shop for Lake Forest College merchandise!
Event Schedule includes:
11 a.m. | Men’s Soccer vs. Grinnell — Farwell Field 12 – 4p.m. | Food Truck Social — Tailgate Lot, South Campus 1 p.m. | Women’s Volleyball vs. Ripon — Sports &amp; Recreation Center 1:30 p.m. | Women’s Soccer vs. Grinnell — Farwell Field
Complimentary food truck meal tickets are available to the first 50 pre-registered Community Members, as well as all F.A.N. Club members and alumni of Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Golf, and Women’s Golf.
Please reach out to fanclub@lakeforest.edu with any questions. Go Foresters!

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Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event:...

Join Forester Athletics for Community & Alumni Day, a celebration of our connection to the community and our alumni!
We invite...

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Community Sports Day

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Posting Activity

Free “Ask the Farmer” Gardening Workshop at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills

OCT

17

10:00 AM

Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL

Mellody Farm Harvest Festival Returns to Vernon Hills Oct. 24

OCT

24

10:00 AM

Mellody Farm, 851-1101 Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL

Lake Forest College Community Engagement Event: Community Sports Day