Looking to turn your farm, orchard, or vineyard into a thriving event destination? Hosting events can bring in extra income while showcasing your land’s natural charm. Whether it’s a cozy farm-to-table dinner, a lively harvest festival, or a rustic wedding, there are countless ways to draw in guests and create unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore creative event ideas and smart strategies to help you maximize revenue for your agribusiness!

Why events work well on farms, orchards, and vineyards

Events on farms, orchards, and vineyards offer something super unique compared to traditional venues. Instead of the usual ballroom or conference room, guests get an authentic experience out in nature – whether it’s a picnic in the orchard, a wine tasting among the vines, or a hands-on workshop like cheese-making or flower arranging. These types of events create a stronger, more personal connection with both locals and visitors, turning them into advocates who keep coming back for more. By leveraging the natural appeal, you’re offering an experience that stands out and draws people in.

8 creative event ideas to host on your farm, orchard, or vineyard

Let’s dive into some creative event ideas that’ll be sure to make money on a farm! 

1. Harvest festivals

Harvest festivals are a fantastic way to celebrate the season and draw people to your farm. Think about hosting fall-themed activities that highlight your crops – like pumpkin picking, apple cider tasting, or even grape stomping. You can invite local vendors, farmers, and craftspeople to set up booths too. Offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, like hayrides, a petting zoo, or corn mazes, to make it an event for the whole family. The key is to create an atmosphere that's festive and welcoming, so think about using simple fall decorations, like hay bales, pumpkins, or string lights, to enhance the natural beauty of your space.

2. Farm-to-table dinners

Farm-to-table dinners showcase your produce while partnering with local chefs to create memorable meals. Before dinner, offer guests a guided tour of the property – people will love to see where their food is grown! When planning the menu, highlight your farm's fresh offerings and consider pairing dishes with local wines or ciders. Promote the event as an exclusive experience, and sell tickets in advance to gauge interest and boost your bottom line.

3. Weddings and private events

If you have a picturesque location, consider marketing it as a venue for weddings and private events. Couples are increasingly looking for unique, rustic settings, and your farm, orchard, or vineyard could be just the spot they’re dreaming of. Offer customizable packages that can include ceremony and reception spaces, catering, and even décor options. Don’t forget to think about practical details, like parking and restroom facilities, which can make or break a guest’s experience. Also, reach out to local schools or community organizations that might be interested in renting your space for their events, such as fundraisers or reunions.

4. Workshops and classes

Hosting workshops and classes is a creative way to draw visitors to your farm business and share your expertise! You could offer hands-on activities like cheese-making, fruit preservation, wine tasting, or gardening workshops. Think about inviting local experts or running the workshops yourself, especially if you have a unique skill set. Keep the classes small to ensure a personalized experience, and consider offering a discount for group bookings or repeat attendees to encourage more sign-ups.

5. Outdoor movie nights

An open field or vineyard can make a perfect setting for outdoor movie nights. All you need is a large screen, a projector, and some cozy seating options – think blankets, hay bales, or even vintage chairs. You can add a farm-to-table snack bar featuring your farm's produce, like fresh popcorn, apple cider donuts, or seasonal fruit salads. This type of event is easy to set up and can be a great way to bring in people who might not typically visit a farm or vineyard. Promote it as a family-friendly night out, and consider charging a small admission fee or selling snacks to generate extra income.

6. Wine, cider, and produce tastings

Tasting events are an engaging way to showcase what your farm, orchard, or vineyard has to offer. Set up tasting stations for your wines, ciders, or fresh produce, and consider pairing sessions with local cheeses, breads, or charcuterie to enhance the experience. Make the event interactive by sharing the story behind each product, and offer guests the chance to purchase their favorites onsite.

7. U-pick events

U-pick events can be a fun pop-up event to bring people to your property during peak harvest seasons. Let visitors pick their own fruits, vegetables, or grapes, and consider adding educational elements like farm tours or demonstrations on sustainable organic farming practices. This not only provides a great family outing but also helps people connect with where their food comes from. To make it easy, provide baskets or bags for picking, and consider offering a small discount for those who pick above a certain amount.

8. Farm stays, glamping, and vineyard retreats

If you have the space, consider offering overnight farm stays, glamping, or vineyard retreats. People love unique opportunities to get away, and a rural setting offers a chance to unwind and connect with nature. Include activities like farm tours, animal feeding, or wine tasting under the stars to create a memorable experience. Mark off a dedicated area for people to purchase space to pitch their tents or to park their RV. It’s important that you have at least one or more locations with restrooms and showers too (you can rent a portable version if you don’t have a building). You could also set up a few cozy tents yourself or, if you have the additional budget, invest in refurbishing an old barn into guest rooms. Partner with local businesses to offer additional services like yoga classes or guided nature walks to enhance the stay.

6 extra ways to maximize revenue beyond ticket sales

We’ve covered how online event ticket sales offer a fantastic opportunity to boost your income, but let's explore a few other ways to maximize the agritourism in your area! 

1. Merchandise

When it comes to selling merchandise, consider offering branded products that capture the spirit of your farm – items like honey, jams, or wine. Event-specific merchandise, such as mugs, T-shirts, or tote bags, can also be a hit with guests who want a memento. To maximize visibility, place a small merch stand near the entrance or main event area, where attendees are likely to browse and buy.

2. Food and drink

Set up food stands or carts with delicious offerings made from your farm-grown ingredients or orchard fruits (e.g., fresh apple cider, grilled veggies, or homemade jams). Why not add a “farm-to-glass” bar featuring farm products like your wines, ciders, or local craft beverages? The key is to offer items they can’t get anywhere else, like a signature cocktail that showcases your farm’s produce. 

3. Photography packages

Hire a professional photographer to capture candid moments and sell photo packages to attendees, giving them a treasured memory to take home. Or, instead of hiring a photographer, charge a "photography fee" that lets guests bring their own photographer to use your scenic spots. Establish a few picturesque areas around your property, such as a rustic barn or vineyard row, to encourage photo-taking.

4. Vendor partnerships

Teaming up with local markets or vendors can create a win-win situation. By inviting local artisans and businesses to sell their products at your event, you not only add variety for your guests but also create an opportunity for additional revenue through vendor fees or profit-sharing. Select food trucks, caterers, or specialty vendors that align perfectly with your event's mission and target market. Plus, cross-promotions with these partners can help attract a broader audience to your farm.

5. Raffles and auctions

Raffles and auctions are an extra fun way to engage your audience and raise extra funds! To spark interest, offer farm-related prizes (like baskets of fresh produce, private tours, or exclusive wine tastings) to the winners of your giveaway. Consider partnering with your sponsors or other local businesses for additional prizes as well. Set up a table where attendees can purchase tickets or place bids throughout the event, then announce the winners near the end to end your event on a super high note!

6. Bonfire rentals

When the weather cools down, bonfire rentals can add a cozy, memorable touch to your events. Set up designated bonfire spots, and rent them out to groups looking to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. Enhance the experience by offering s'mores kits, blankets, or hot drinks as add-ons. Make sure the setup includes comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and clear safety measures to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe. Promoting these bonfire rentals as a unique, intimate way to conclude the day can make your venue a standout choice for visitors.

Marketing your farm, orchard, or vineyard events

Looking to spread the word about your event? Try out these tactics to market your farm event! 

Leverage social media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal for marketing events on your farm, orchard, or vineyard. Share behind-the-scenes content and teasers leading up to the event. For example, think about posting photos or videos of your preparations, like setting up decorations or harvesting produce. This builds anticipation and gives your audience a sneak peek of what to expect. Use hashtags and geo-tags to help your posts reach a wider audience and get your event trending locally. Consider running seasonal giveaways or offering exclusive discounts and limited-time merchandise around holidays to create additional buzz.

Partner with local businesses

Collaborating with local businesses can boost your bottom line and attract more attendees at the same time! Work on cross-promotions like offering discount codes for customers of both businesses or running joint advertising campaigns. Make sure to feature these local vendors and sponsors prominently in your marketing materials. After all, a little extra visibility goes a long way in building strong partnerships! For example, a local bakery could offer a free treat to anyone who shows proof of ticket purchase, and in return, you could promote their business at your event.

Email marketing

Building an email list can be one of your most effective marketing strategies. Start collecting emails from past attendees, local supporters, and anyone who expresses interest in your events. Use this list to send out invitations, early bird offers, and reminders as the event date approaches. Make your emails feel personal by sharing stories, highlighting unique aspects of the event, or including exclusive discounts for subscribers. Remember, people are more likely to attend if they feel like they’re getting something special just for them!

Leverage online ticketing tools

Make it as easy as possible for people to buy tickets by leveraging an online ticketing platform with features perfect for farms! Build a perfectly branded ticketing page with all your event details,  and include the link to it on all of your marketing materials. With an event ticketing platform like TicketLeap, our user-friendly interface also automatically generates a QR code for you to add to your flyers! Consider offering group discounts or bundled packages to encourage larger purchases – for instance, a “family pack” or a “friends' night out” bundle. Mention these deals prominently in your promotions to incentivize people to act quickly and buy more tickets at once. The easier your purchase process is and the more enticing your incentives are, the better your ticket sales will be.

Start planning your next farm event today! 

We hope we’ve got your mind full of event ideas to try for your farm! From planning to marketing, you're all set on how to make money on a small farm. The next step? Putting your tickets on sale! Simplify ticketing with TicketLeap's powerful event ticketing software. Enjoy user-friendly tools for online sales, promotions, and event management – all for free when you sign up now!