The Farms: Bluebell Festival presented by Busey Bank
Celebrate spring at the Bluebell Festival presented by Busey Bank on May 1-3! This festive community event will feature our visitor-favorite Plant Sale Fundraiser (May 1-3), Spring Market (May 2), live music, Folk School classes (TBA), food (food trucks + Greenhouse Café), drinks and more! Come for a day or make a weekend of it and stay overnight for a discounted rate! (Learn more and make your lodging reservation here).
Friday, May 1 will feature the opening of the annual Plant Sale Fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m., along with live music, food trucks and a bar. For a special treat, make reservations for Supper Club* in the Mansion Friday evening!
The fun continues Saturday, May 2 with the Plant Sale (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), food trucks, and the Spring Market (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the Mansion – featuring goods for sale, demonstrations from our fabulous Folk School instructors, live music and a cash bar!
Wrap-up your weekend Sunday, May 3 with a Blooming Breakfast* in the Mansion (9-10:30 a.m.) and the Plant Sale (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Consider making a weekend out of it and stay overnight with our Weekend Wind Down. View discounted rooms ($110/night + tax) and book online or by calling 217-333-3287.
No registration is required to attend the Bluebell Festival. Some activities, noted with an asterisk (*), require separate registration and space is limited.
Bluebell Festival Schedule (Subject to change. Folk School classes are still being planned.)
Friday, May 1
5-8 p.m. Plant Sale Fundraiser + Bar + Food trucks (Gatehouse Lawn); Greenhouse Café open
5-10 p.m. Bar (Mansion)
6-8 p.m. Live Music by Heavy Metal Horns (Gatehouse Lawn); BYO chair or blanket
6-9 p.m. Supper Club* (Mansion)
Saturday, May 2
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Plant Sale Fundraiser (Gatehouse Lawn)
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Food Trucks (Main Parking Lot); Greenhouse Café open
10-11 a.m. Formal Garden Tour*
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Spring Market (Mansion)
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Bar (Mansion)
12-2 p.m. Live Music by The Sweet Nothings (Mansion)
6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live Music by Wildwood String Band (Mansion)
Sunday, May 3
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Blooming Breakfast* (Mansion)
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Greenhouse Café open
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Plant Sale Fundraiser (Gatehouse Lawn)
*Requires separate registration. Space is limited.
If you need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.
By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.
About Busey Bank
Busey Bank is more than a financial institution—we’re a trusted partner in the communities we serve. For over 150 years, we’ve built lasting relationships by delivering personalized banking solutions while investing in local initiatives that strengthen families, businesses, and neighborhoods.
About The Farms
The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, outdoor education, science, storytelling, and wellness. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.
