Three people sit on a hay bale in front of a tractor. The Fall Fest logo is in the bottom right corner.

Fall Fest 2024

Sunday, October 13, 2024

10 AM–4 PM

Gale Woods Farm
7210 County Road 110 W.
Minnetrista, MN 55364

Celebrate the beautiful nature in Minnesota at Fall Fest! 

Meet the farm animals, visit the fiber vendor fair, explore nature with our naturalist team, watch the sheepdog herding demonstrations, enjoy live music, visit the teaching garden and woodfire oven, and more.

This festival highlights some of Gale Woods Farm's unique offerings with make-and-take fiber arts activities and putting the spotlight on the farm-to-food connection with cooking demonstrations from local chefs.

Find activity locations on this interactive map. 

A black-and-white border collie looks at sheep behind a green fence while a sheepherder looks on.

Farm Exploration

Find things to do all day long, all around the farm!

  • Catch the sheepdog herding demonstrations where border collies will herd sheep through a large field using only cues from their handlers. Connect with the handlers afterwards to learn more. 
  • Enjoy an autumn walk or take a wagon ride through the farmland. 
  • Stop by the barn, greet the animals throughout the farm and visit the hay bale play area.
  • Visit the teaching garden to see what’s in season.
  • Curious about cider? See how we press apples into cider, and try your hand after picking your own apples from our trees.
  • Explore fall nature with naturalists. Learn and engage through hands-on activities for all ages.

Festival Village

Head over to the Festival Village throughout the day to grab a bite to eat or a local brew to drink, while enjoying live music... and get a chance to walk a llama!

Food and Drink

Grab a bite to eat or a local brew from one of our food and beverage partners: Blue Loon Concessions, Butcher Salt, Del Sur, Gastrotruck and Red Wagon Pizza.

Walk a Llama

Join Carlson’s Lloveable Llamas to bring a llama for a walk.

Two adults and a child pose while walking a llama.

Buy a Fall Treat

Visit the Farm Market for seasonal produce, swing over to the Three Rivers Merchandise Tent, or stop in the Farm Store. This second week of October, you might find winter squash, Brussels sprouts, meat, eggs and maple syrup. In addition, you’ll find locally made teas, artistic creations and a selection of books, puppets, games and more.

Music Schedule

  • 10:45 AM: Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band
  • 11:45 AM: Louis & Dan and the Invisible Band
  • 1 PM: Salsa del Soul
  • 2 PM: Salsa del Soul
A person works with wool.

Fiber Arts

Make and Take

Learn about wool and the art of fiber work. Make a fall-on-a-stick themed wool fiber craft to take home ($3).

Displays and Demonstrations 

Fiber Vendor Fair

Visit the Fiber Vendor Fair to meet local artists, purchase their products and see their processes.

Fiber Art Demonstrations

Step inside a traditional fiber art yurt, made of fiber materials such as felted wool, and then join its maker and other artists inside the pavilion for demonstrations.

Food and Farm

Farm Market

Explore the tables of Gale Woods' weekly produce harvest at the Farm Market. Early October's selection will likely be winter squash, Brussels sprouts and vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

Cooking Demonstrations

Join professional chefs Kurt Welshinger (Gale Woods' in-house culinary expert) and Roberto Martinez (Community Nutrition Educator at University of Minnesota) as they create a seasonal dish. They'll share tips and the recipe so you can try it at home!

Schedule

  • 10:30 AM: Kurt Welshinger
  • 11:30 AM: Kurt Welshinger
  • 12:45 PM: Roberto Martinez (in Spanish)
  • 2 PM: Kurt Welshinger
  • 3 PM: Kurt Welshinger
Photo of a pier on a lake. Shoreline trees' leaves are changing.

Water Resources and Recreation

Free Fishing Activity

Join the Three Rivers' Outdoor Recreation School to learn beginner fishing skills at the fishing pier on beautiful Whaletail Lake! All necessary supplies and equipment are provided and free to use. 

Learn About the Get The Lead Out Campaign

Join the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in its Get the Lead Out Campaign. Learn how lead negatively effects Minnesota's Loon populations and what you can do to help out!

Water Quality and Care

Learn how alum treatments at nearby Whaletail Lake have improved the water quality. Ask water resources staff about the different actions Three Rivers Park District takes to manage the waterways within and adjacent to park boundaries.

Parking and Getting Around the Festival

Complimentary parking is available throughout the park. Should parking lots fill, nearby overflow parking and an event shuttle will be made available.

Mobility Accommodations

Guests wanting additional support to access event offerings can be driven to their destinations via golf carts. No reservations required — available on a first come/first served basis. Stop near the welcome tent to check availability.