Rader Family Farms 2024 Calendar of Special Events

Step into a world of seasonal wonder at Rader Family Farms, where every visit promises memories and unforgettable moments. From the blossoms and blooms of summer to the vibrant colors of fall to the joys of winter, our farm offers a calendar packed with special events and celebrations for the whole family to enjoy.  Explore our calendar of events and plan your visit today!

Hudson Farmer’s Market — Every Thursday beginning May 2, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Come see us at Hudson, Illinois Farmer’s Market located in the Methodist Church Parking lot next to Casey’s. From fresh pumpkin donuts, strawberry donut dippers and our farm-fresh line of Abundant Harvest jarred goods, the Hudson Market is a celebration of all things local. Join us and experience the vibrant energy of live music each week, where neighbors come together to shop local and share in the joy of good food and handmade treasures.

Porch Party —  Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.         

Roll out the red carpet for two days of non-stop shopping fun. Sip on refreshing mocktails, sample delicious treats, and enjoy special discounts and promotions as you explore our curated collection of products. Join us for an unforgettable shopping experience where every visit promises something new and exciting! Discover the latest trends, unique finds, and handcrafted treasures from our talented lineup of vendors. From fashion to home décor, there’s something for everyone to love. Don’t miss your chance to gather, shop and repeat.

Bloomington Farmers Market — Saturday, June 8, June 15, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 3  from 7:30 a.m. to noon
For additional information: https://www.downtownbloomington.org/farmers-market

Baby Animal Days — Saturday, June 22, and June 29, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Purchase tickets here: https://rff.ticketspice.com/baby-animal-days-2024

Join us for Baby Animal Days, where hands-on experiences, education, and endless fun await! Get up close and personal with adorable baby animals, from fluffy chicks to cuddly bunnies, and learn all about their care and feeding from our knowledgeable staff.  Plus, don’t miss special visits from our local police departments and the Paw-fficer teams, who will be on hand to share important safety tips and showcase their pawsome partners. And of course, no visit to Baby Animal Days would be complete without delicious food, limited activities and plenty of laughs along the way. Bring the whole family and harvest memories that will last a lifetime at Rader Family Farms!

Sunflower Photographer Sessions — Sign up here:

Sunflower Days Festival — Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11 and Aug. 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Purchase tickets here: https://rff.ticketspice.com/sunflower-days-2024

Experience the beauty of our sunflower fields with walking paths or guided tram rides. Capture stunning photos at every turn. Enjoy food, drinks and retail shopping on-site. Relax at our coffee shop. Try the ropes course for adventure seekers. Don’t miss the butterfly release. Join us for a memorable day!

Fall season on the farm — Wednesday through Sunday and Columbus Day, Sept. 7 to Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Purchase your 2024 Fall Season Pass here: https://rff.ticketspice.com/season-passes-2024

Join us as we embrace the beauty of fall, family and fun. From pumpkin picking and corn mazes to super slides and farm fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with more than 50 activities as we celebrate the season. And don’t forget to join us on Columbus Day for an extra day of harvesting memories!

Season Passholder Eat, Stay & Play — Friday, Sept. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Join us for an exclusive evening to celebrate the start of the fall season and appreciate our season passholders! Season passholders can enjoy the farm with their families, and non-passholders can join for just $5.

Grandparents Day — Sunday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grandparents Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the love, wisdom, and invaluable contributions of grandparents to our families and communities. Purchase one admission to the farm and grandparents gets in for free. Season passes are excluded as a paid admission for the BOGO.

Chick-fil-A Flashlight Night Maze — Saturday, Sept. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $10/guest 5 years and older

Each paid admission receives 1 sandwich card for a complimentary chicken sandwich at our local Normal, Il Chick-fil-A restaurant. Season passes do not apply.

Ropp Road Roundup and Rivian vehicles — Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join us for an event showcasing vendors passionate about educating customers on their trades, including an exciting display by electric car company Rivian, where attendees can explore their vehicles while children engage in crafts and play on the farm.  Season passes or regular admission applies.

Chick-fil-A Flashlight Night Maze — Saturday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $10/guest 5 years and older.

Each paid admission receives a sandwich card for a complimentary chicken sandwich at our local Normal, Il Chick-fil-A restaurant. Season passes do not apply.

Columbus Day — Monday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All activities and food areas are open.

Texas Roadhouse Flashlight Night Maze — Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $10/guest 5 years and older.

Orange Crush — Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Don’t miss the grand finale of our fall season! Join us for thrilling monster truck rides, (additional fee) pumpkin smashing, trick-or-treating, and the spectacular Orange Crush event, where a crane drops pumpkins from hundreds of feet in the air onto a vehicle, followed by a candy drop to end the season with a bang.

Pumpkin Blossom Barn Retail, Harvest Brew Coffee Shop and Produce Open — Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come check out the discounts and specials.  No fall activities are open.  No admission fee.

Christmas Photographer Sessions — Nov. 2 to Nov. 30

Pumpkin Blossom Barn retail and Harvest Brew Coffee Shop & Bakery open — Thursday, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 16 and Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Bakery Pick-up — Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pumpkin Blossom Barn retail and Harvest Brew Coffee Shop & Bakery open — Thursday, Dec. 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa and Christmas on the Farm — Saturday, Dec. 14

Christmas on the Farm — Sunday, Dec. 15