Sunflowers & Sunsets
2026-08-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-08-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-08-23 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal, Illinois, 61761
🌻 Sunflowers & Sunsets at Rader Family Farms
There is something truly magical about watching the sun dip below the horizon while surrounded by blooming sunflowers. Sunflowers & Sunsets is a peaceful, photo-focused evening designed for guests who want to slow down, soak in the moment, and capture the beauty of golden hour across the field.
The primary purpose of this event is photography — enjoying the incredible sunset as it glows across the sunflowers and taking advantage of multiple natural photo opportunities throughout the field.
What to Expect
• A calm, uncrowded evening experience
• Stunning sunset views across the sunflower field
• Plenty of space for personal photos and quiet moments
• A simple, intentional event focused on the scenery
Important Details
• Online tickets required for entry
• Admission is $5 per person
• No food, drinks, or additional activities will be available
• No sunflower harvesting during this event
• No buckets or blooms for purchase during this event
🌻 Sunflower harvesting and bucket purchases are available only during our daytime U-Pick sessions:
Saturday & Sunday, August 15–16 and August 22–23 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Photography Guidelines
Personal photography is welcome and encouraged.
Professional photography sessions are not permitted during Sunflowers & Sunsets.
A professional photography session is defined as:
• Any paid photo session
• Photography conducted for commercial use
• Sessions involving clients, models, or coordinated photo shoots
• Photography intended for business promotion, advertising, or resale
Photographers interested in booking a professional session may contact Rader Family Farms to learn about separate availability and policies.
This event is about the glow of the sunset, the sweep of sunflowers, and capturing a moment that feels like summer at its best. We cannot wait to welcome you to the field.

Sunflower Days Festival
2026-08-22 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-23 10:00 - 14:00
🌻 Step into a sea of summer color at Sunflower Days Festival at Rader Family Farms. This daytime celebration invites guests to wander through acres of blooming sunflowers and a vibrant zinnia field, soak in the beauty of the season, and enjoy a relaxed, joy-filled farm experience designed for all ages.
This is the perfect time to capture photos, enjoy music across the fields, and take in the simple pleasure of being surrounded by flowers in full bloom.
What’s Included
• Access to acres of sunflowers and our colorful zinnia field• Multiple scenic photo opportunities throughout the fields• Music to enhance the festival atmosphere• Hands-on crafts and activities for added fun• The chance to relax in our beautiful Orchard Barn, overlooking the sunflower and zinnia fields• Food and beverage offerings available for purchase, including lunch options, signature beverages, and sweet treats perfect for an afternoon on the farm
🌻 Blooms to Take HomeGalvanized vases filled with fresh sunflower and/or zinnia blooms will be available for purchase while supplies last – a way to bring a bit of the farm home with you.
Admission Information
• Admission is required for all guests• Your admission includes access to the festival, fields, and activities during event hours
Photography Guidelines
Personal photography is welcome and encouraged.
Professional photography sessions are not permitted during Sunflower Days Festival.
A professional photography session is defined as:
• Any paid or commissioned photo session• Photography conducted for commercial or promotional use• Sessions involving clients, models, props, or coordinated photo shoots• Photography intended for advertising, business branding, or resale
Photographers interested in professional sessions are welcome to contact Rader Family Farms to learn about separate booking options and guidelines.
From golden petals stretching toward the sun to bursts of color across the zinnia field, Sunflower Days Festival is a celebration of summer beauty, simple joys, and time well spent together on the farm. We cannot wait to welcome you to Rader Family Farms.

The Farmstead Fair Pop:Up Vendor Market
2026-08-29 10:00 - 15:00
The Farmstead Fair at Rader Family Farms
Pop-up market featuring more than 100 hand-selected boutiques, makers and vendors.
-Promotes small businesses, artisans and makers, creating an opportunity for the community to shop unique items and merchandise at this once-a-year market!
– Food/beverage/sweets available with the Harvest Brew Coffee shop available for purchases.
– No other farm activities are available.

The Farmstead Fair
2026-08-30 10:00 - 15:00

Route 66 Centennial ​Fall Kick-Off Celebration and Drone Show
2026-09-04 10:00 - 21:00
Get Your Kicks on Route 66 at Rader Family Farms
Kick-Off ​Event Highlights Include:
12-Acre Route-66 themed corn maze – 10 AM – 6 PM (Last entrance is at 5 PM)- ADMISSION REQUIRED
50+ activities combining historical elements, interactive learning, and family-friendly fun – 10 AM – 6 PM – ADMISSION REQUIRED
Route 66–themed diner-style eats plus farm-fresh favorites – $
Cruise-In Classic Cars & Donuts featuring classic and vintage vehicles – 4 PM – 7 PM – (FREE) Sponsored by Maxlider, Rivian and Limelite Graphics.
Live music by Route 66 Band, Cousins, Pizza Payaa, Patty Daddy’s and Brew 66 food trucks and themed photo opportunities – $
​An amazing evening drone show featuring synchronized lights in the sky with iconic Route 66 imagery – AFTER DARK – $
This special day sets the stage for a season filled with storytelling​ and celebration—bringing the legacy of Route 66 to life across the farm.
Presented by VisitBN
Rader Family Farms proudly partners with VisitBN as the Presenting Sponsor of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration. Visit BN plays a vital role in welcoming travelers from near and far, helping share the story of Route 66 and positioning Bloomington-Normal as a must-stop destination along the Mother Road during this historic centennial year.
Centennial Fall Kick-Off Celebration & Drone Show Partner: Rivian
The September 4 Centennial Fall Kick-Off Celebration and Evening Drone Show sponsored by Rivian, whose spirit of innovation and forward-thinking transportation reflects the evolution of the American road trip​ – from the early days of Route 66 to the future of travel. Rivian’s partnership helps bring this unforgettable night of technology, storytelling, and celebration to the skies above the farm.
