Hoes Down Harvest Festival: October 5th
The Hoes Down Harvest Festival is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the knowledge of agricultural arts and sustainable rural living through inspiration and education. For over 30 years, the festival has provided valuable resources to local and statewide organizations focused on projects that support sustainable agriculture and rural communities.
Come explore the Hoes Down Harvest Festival!
This vibrant event is a true celebration of sustainable agriculture, rural life, and hands-on learning. With a variety of activities, workshops, and demonstrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from:
Workshops & Tours
Starting a Small Farm: Learn the essentials of starting a small farm and how passion, creativity, and endurance create a resilient, successful operation.
Carine & Robert Hines, Suntracker Farm
Growing Organic Tree Fruit: Get expert tips on pruning and orchard care from the man behind the delicious fruit at Good Humus Farm.
Jeff Main, Good Humus Farm
Full Belly Farm Tour: Tour the diverse crops of Full Belly Farm and discover what 40 years of sustainable farming looks like. (Three tours available!)
Paul Muller & Andrew Brait, Full Belly Farm
Flower Walk on the Farm: Join a tour of the flower fields to learn about growing, harvesting, drying, and designing with flowers.
Hannah Muller, Full Belly Farm
Chicken and the Egg: Learn how to keep pastured chickens and discover the secrets of egg farming.
Rye & Becca Muller, Full Belly Farm
The Wild-Side Creek Exploration: Explore Cache Creek to learn about the riparian habitat and spot animals, reptiles, and birds native to the Capay Valley. (Workshop dependent on water quality)
Elliot Schoenig, Biologist, USGS
Wreath Making: Discover the art of creating beautiful wreaths from dried flowers.
Annie Main, Good Humus Farm
Bug Hunt: Have fun catching bugs and learning about their benefits to the environment. All ages welcome!
Neal Williams, UC Davis Department of Entomology
Demonstrations
Sheep Shearing: Watch a live sheep-shearing demonstration by expert Rye Muller.
Rye Muller, Full Belly Farm
Soil Fertility & Plant Health: Learn how healthy soil contributes to vibrant plant life and how to maximize your soil’s potential.
Margaret Lloyd, UC Cooperative Extension
Cow Milking: Very Dairy: Meet the udder side of our cow! A fun, hands-on milking experience for all ages.
Dru Rivers & Becca Muller, Full Belly Farm
Family-Friendly Activities
Clay Creations
Grain Grinding
Farm Bingo
Flower Crowns
Relay Races
Pumpkin Carving
Paint-A-Pot
Seed Saving
Wishing Tree
Watermelon Eating Contest
Scavenger Hunt
Hay Fort
Sudan Grass Maze
Giant Bubbles
Puppet Performances
Natural Fibers - Sheep to Shawl Learning Area
Educator Package: Includes educational resources, interactive project ideas, trip organization, direct experiential opportunities to help better connect the experience with your students and complimentary chaperone ticket. Does not include student ticket.
Student Package: Includes engaging pre and post educational visit activities, trip organization and student ticket.
Hoes Down Festival
Please use the information on this page (package type, venue name, price, etc.) to submit an order request with your school. Once your order is approved, your school will forward the request to us. We will then reach out to you with instructions on how to finalize your trip details and access accompanying resources. Once finalized, you will receive your e-tickets and any additional materials directly to your inbox within 1-3 business days. If you don't see our email(s), please check your spam folder prior to contacting us.
To ensure a smooth process, it is generally recommended to submit your order with your school AT LEAST 10 business days prior to your trip date, unless you are booking a venue that requires more advanced planning. *Please be mindful of your school's processing times and plan accordingly.