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Farm-to-Table Chef Series Near Chicago | Locavore Farm’s 2025 Dine on the Land Experience

By Tom Barnas
6/23/2025

Locavore Farm Celebrates 10 Years with Its Most Ambitious Dine on the Land Chef Series Yet

Launching Saturday, June 21 in Grant Park, IL — Just One Hour from Chicago

Locavore Farm’s acclaimed Dine on the Land Chef Dinner Series returns for its 10th anniversary season on select Saturdays from June through September 2025. Located just 43 miles south of Chicago in Grant Park, Illinois, the celebrated dinner series offers guests an unforgettable farm-to-table experience featuring nationally recognized chefs, live music, and an immersive journey into regenerative agriculture.

This milestone season kicks off Saturday, June 21 with Chef Anne Hicks of Michigan and includes a powerhouse lineup of chefs from Chicago to Costa Rica. Each evening features a communal, multi-course, open-fire dinner made with ingredients harvested straight from the farm the same day.

A Decade of Culinary Excellence & Community Impact

Since 2015, founders Rachael and Chris Jones have transformed Locavore Farm from a dream into a nationally recognized agritourism destination. What began with one table in a farm field has grown into a pioneering model for sustainable farming, rural revitalization, and community-centered hospitality.

In ten years, Locavore Farm has:

  • Hosted over 10,000 guests for immersive farm dinners
  • Restored 35 acres into a fully functioning regenerative farm
  • Founded a nonprofit to educate the next generation of farmers and food lovers
  • Played a key role in passing groundbreaking agritourism legislation in Illinois

Locavore was instrumental in the 2022 statewide resolution recognizing agritourism as a key pillar of Illinois’ rural economy—helping farms across the state diversify and thrive.

What Makes Dine on the Land Unique?

Unlike typical farm-to-table pop-ups, Locavore’s visiting chefs arrive early to harvest produce alongside the farmers. They prepare meals on-site using ingredients freshly pulled from the earth, ensuring each dish is a direct expression of the land.

Guests enjoy:

  • A guided farm tour with Farmer Jones
  • A multi-course, live-fire meal at a 110-foot handcrafted communal table
  • Locally crafted drinks
  • Live music under the stars
  • S’mores by the bonfire to end the night

2025 Dine on the Land Chef Series Schedule:

  • Saturday, July 12Chef Adam Allison (Arizona)
  • Saturday, July 26Chef Aram Reed (Costa Rica & Chicago)
  • Saturday, August 9Chef Matt Meyer (Arizona)
  • Saturday, August 23Chef Jenn Beach (Chicago)
  • Saturday, September 13Chef Max Kolker (Chicago)
  • Saturday, September 20Chef Seth Bradley & Chef Ryan Van Voorhis (Chicago)

Tickets and details available at locavorefarm.com.

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