Annual Fundraisers

SUMMER SOLSTICE BBQ FUNDRAISER

Saturday, June 20
6:30 pm - 9 pm

Tickets are now sold out

Celebrate the longest day of the year with an elevated outdoor feast at one of only two annual fundraising events benefiting Elawa Farm Foundation. The evening features a whole pig roast by acclaimed chef and butcher Rob Levitt of Publican, alongside a vibrant, farm-driven summer dinner from Elawa’s kitchen.

The evening begins with cocktails and garden crudité before guests enjoy a seasonal menu showcasing the best of early summer harvests: local greens with champagne-herb vinaigrette, fingerling potato salad with roasted leeks and fine herbs, stone-ground cheddar grits with Elawa scallions, roasted vegetables with confit garlic and herbs, honey-garlic brined grilled chicken finished with hot honey and charred lemon, and the signature pig roast. Dessert includes strawberry shortcake with buttermilk biscuits and whipped cream, plus fresh-baked cookies.

Guests will also enjoy a silent auction featuring coveted experiences and exclusive items — including tickets to a sold-out Outstanding in the Field dinner taking place at Elawa Farm.

The evening’s soundtrack will be provided by acclaimed bluegrass multi-instrumentalist Chris Walz, whose performances blend folk, blues, bluegrass, and Americana traditions into an unforgettable live experience. A longtime instructor at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music and former member of the Grammy-nominated Special Consensus, Walz is celebrated for his masterful banjo playing, flatpicking guitar, rich vocals, and engaging storytelling.

Set against the beauty of the farm at midsummer, this one-of-a-kind evening brings together exceptional local food, music, community, and purpose — with proceeds benefiting Elawa Farm Foundation’s food access and educational initiatives.

*New this year, assigned dinner seating is only available to VIP ticket holders.

Event runs from 6:30pm - 9pm, rain or shine.

Ticket Information

$300 VIP Tickets

VIP tickets include a private meet & greet and culinary experience with Chef Rob Levitt at 6 pm. VIP guests will be treated to a unique chef's demo with Chef Levitt and exclusive higher mark whiskey tasting with Maker's Mark. VIP guests will also enjoy free on-site parking and assigned seating for dinner.

$200 General Tickets

General ticket holders will arrive to the event at 6:30 pm.

$50 Parking Pass

Includes on-site parking at Elawa Farm,
bypassing the shuttle from St. James Lutheran Church.
(For General Tickets only — VIP tickets already include parking.)

Parking Information

Guests without a parking pass are kindly asked to park at St. James Lutheran Church, located at 1380 N. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL, just three blocks north of Elawa Farm. From there, a convenient shuttle service will transport guests to Elawa Farm. The shuttle will operate continuously from 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm, with the final departure from Elawa Farm at 9:15 pm.

Event Co-Chairs: Kate Holland, Ben Olson, Mike Salgat