Classes & Programs

Our core mission is to expand education in the greater Lake County area. We offer an array of engaging and exciting classes offered by both our internal team members, as well as guest educators. Enroll in a class today, and enjoy a wealth of educational experiences at Elawa Farm.

Adult Classes & Programs

  • Holiday Card Painting Class with Evelyn Phelps

    Friday, December 12 1 pm - 4 pm

    Join us for a relaxing, watercolor session where you’ll learn how to create festive holiday cards. We’ll start the class by going over materials and setup, including how to choose your brushes, papers, and color palette. Then, you’ll explore basic watercolor techniques such as washes, blending, and layering color. Finally, we will paint several holiday cards with step by step instructions.

    You’ll take home a few beautiful, hand-painted cards with envelopes to send.
    All materials will be provided, no experience necessary!

  • Holiday Entertaining with Chef Gale Gand (Demo Cooking Class)

    Monday, December 15 12:30 pm & 6:30 pm

    Not sure what to make for or bring to the holiday party? Let Chef Gale Gand teach you some of her favorites that always bring that holiday cheer. She’ll make 2 savory dishes and 2 sweet ones so every one’s happy.

    Tastes will be provided at the end of class.

  • Grains & Heritage with Chef Mickey (Demo Cooking Class)

    Wednesday, December 17 6 pm - 9 pm

    Celebrate the flavors and traditions of ancient grains in this demo cooking class with Chef Mickey. Discover how time-honored ingredients can shine in modern dishes as you learn techniques for working with yeasted doughs, whole grains, and alternative flours.

    To kick off the evening, our resident sommelier Tim Clark will be making a cider whiskey smash.

  • Holiday Baking Workshop: Bûche de Noël with Pastry Chef Maggie Logan

    Friday, December 19 9 am- 12:30 pm

    Get into the spirit of the season with this hands-on holiday baking class led by Pastry Chef Maggie Logan, where you’ll learn to make the classic French Bûche de Noël. A beautiful and delicious yule log cake that’s the centerpiece of any holiday table.

    Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to festive desserts, this joyful class will leave you inspired, confident, and ready to impress.

  • Winter Braise Fundamentals with Chef Mickey Knutson (Demo Cooking Class)

    Wednesday, January 7 6 pm - 9 pm

    Begin the new year with a cozy culinary demo class led by Chef Mickey Knutson. In this winter-focused class, guests will explore the foundations of great braising from proper searing and deglazing to building rich depth with reduction sauces. Chef Mickey will guide participants step-by-step through each technique, offering practical tips for bringing comforting, dishes to life at home.

  • Intro to Bookbinding with Regin Igloria

    Saturday, January 10 11 am - 1 pm

    Join visual artist Regin Igloria—founder and director of North Branch Projects and leader of Community Binding workshops across Chicagoland since 2010 for an engaging introduction to the art of bookbinding. In this collaborative, hands-on class, participants will learn foundational bookbinding techniques while creating 3–4 handbound books, ranging from zines to unique pamphlet variations.

    All tools and supplies are provided, and no prior experience is needed. Skilled children are welcome to attend alongside their accompanying adult. Please note that each participant both adults and children must have their own ticket.

  • Wrapped and Rolled Ashkenazi Classics with Micah Siva

    Sunday, January 11 10 am - 1 pm

    Join us for a day of baking with Micah Siva—award-winning cookbook author of Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine (2024), trained chef, registered dietitian, and renowned recipe developer. In this hands-on workshop, Micah blends technique with storytelling, bringing generations of Jewish culinary tradition into a fun, modern cooking experience.

  • Vegetarian Winter Comfort with Chef Mickey Knutson (Demo Cooking Class)

    Wednesday, January 14 6 pm - 9 pm

    Settle into the season with a cozy, flavorful vegetarian cooking demo class led by Chef Mickey Knutson. In this winter inspired class, guests will learn how to build deep, satisfying flavors without meat while exploring essential techniques such as béchamel preparation, creating a proper gratin, and learning foundational knife skills. Chef Mickey will guide participants step-by-step, offering practical tips for bringing hearty, plant-based comfort dishes to life at home.

  • Cast-Iron Winter Cooking with Chef Mickey Knutson (Demo Cooking Class)

    Tuesday, January 20 6 pm - 9 pm

    Warm up your winter cooking skills in this technique-driven demo class with Chef Mickey Knutson. This class focuses on mastering the essentials of cast-iron cooking from proper searing and heat management to developing flavorful fond for rich, well-balanced pan sauces. Chef Mickey will guide guests step-by-step, sharing practical techniques for achieving deeply caramelized flavors and beautifully cooked dishes at home.

  • The Yoga Post Intention Setting Day Treat at Elawa

    Friday, January 23 1 pm - 4 pm

    Join Cyd Crain Post for a rejuvenating Day-Treat at the beautiful Elawa Farm, designed to refresh and cool your entire system through the timeless wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda.

    Immerse yourself in fascia work, flowing movement, and calming meditation, all carefully curated to restore balance, release tension, and invite deep tranquility.

    Savor delicious, nourishing offerings from Chef Lee and his team, including a vibrant seasonal grazing board and hot tea crafted to complement your wellness experience. Leave feeling revitalized, grounded, and harmonious. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to nurture your body and mind in a serene natural setting.

    Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

  • Viva Bistro! Vol. 2 with Chef Mickey Knutson (Demo Cooking Class)

    Tuesday, January 27 6 pm - 9 pm

    Step back into the charm of French bistro cooking in this technique-driven culinary demo class with Chef Mickey Knutson. In this second installment of Viva Bistro, guests will explore classic methods that bring big flavor with simple ingredients perfecting the art of deglazing, preparing a tender and flavorful confit, and whisking balanced, versatile vinaigrettes. Chef Mickey will guide participants through each step, sharing approachable, time-tested techniques that translate beautifully to home cooking.

Family Classes & Programs

Youth Classes & Programs

  • Jamberry

    Every Friday
    10 am & 11:15am


    In this class, Nicole will lead you and your little ones in 45-minutes of collaborative music making. We will connect through music while we sing, dance, move, play and pretend.


  • Deck the Cookies

    Saturday, December 13 10 am & 12 pm

    Tis the season for festive sugar cookies and lots of sprinkles! Bring the kids over to Elawa where they will decorate homemade cookies with fun sprinkles and frosting to bring home to share with family and friends. A perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

  • Adventures at Elawa

    Wednesday, December 17 12 pm - 1:15 pm

    Tis the Season for Holiday Cheer. Kids will create their own mini festive holiday wreaths and mix up a tasty holiday trail mix to enjoy and take home. We'll get into the spirit with cheerful Christmas music and plenty of good cheer.

    This is a drop off class for kids age 3-5 years old.

  • Adventures at Elawa

    Wednesday, January 14 12 pm - 1 pm

    Kick off the year with creativity, fun, and a warm cup of hot chocolate! In this class, children will explore the colorful world of weaving using safe, age-appropriate tools and materials. They will experiment with textures, colors, and patterns as they create their very own small woven projects to take home.

    This is a drop off class for kids age 3-5 years old.

  • Adventures at Elawa

    Wednesday, January 28 12 pm- 1:30 pm

    Get ready for a delicious hands-on adventure! In this tasty class, little chefs will learn how to shape and bake their very own soft pretzels. We’ll also whip up a creamy, cheesy dipping sauce to enjoy with their creations.

    This is a drop off class for kids age 3-5 years old and will run an hour and a half.

  • Arepa Workshop for Young Chefs (Ages 11–14)

    Saturday, January 17th 10 am - 1 pm

    In this hands-on cooking class, young chefs will learn how to make delicious homemade arepas from start to finish! Students will prepare two varieties: a savory beef-filled arepa and a gooey cheese-and-bean version.

    Kids will mix, shape, and cook their own arepas while learning kitchen skills, food safety, and techniques for working with traditional corn dough.

View all of our upcoming classes & programs on our Tock page

Visit our Tock Page