Left Behind" A feature documentary screening on Dyslexia 10.27 6:30 p.m.

Please join us at Wakeman Town Farm in Tim’s Kitchen on 10.27 @ 6:30 pm to view a feature documentary directed by Anna Toomey, “Left Behind” a documentary on Dyslexia. Following the film there will be a discussion panel with dyslexia learning specialist Ilse Werther, and Jessica Saslow.

"Left Behind" tells the powerful story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City, the largest school district in the country.

Dyslexia impacts one in five children worldwide, yet while 20% of the population has this learning difference, a staggering 48% of incarcerated individuals are dyslexic. Families without financial means often lack access to essential testing and tailored curricula that their children desperately need. In a city like New York, where 70% of students are Black and Brown, around 200,000 children are left without the support they need to thrive. Kareem Weaver, who heads the Education Committee for the NAACP in Oakland, CA, and a key figure in our film, calls this the defining civil rights issue of our time.

Dyslexia is not a barrier to success; many high-profile dyslexics—including 35% of entrepreneurs, filmmakers, musicians, and actors—prove that. Their unique brain wiring can hinder letter recognition but enhance creativity, risk-taking, and innovative thinking. This film emphasizes the loss of potential brilliance and showcases a group of mothers fighting for equality in our education system. We aim to spark outrage, inspire hope, and ignite a desire for action among viewers.

Anna Toomey, an independent filmmaker who started her career as an Emmy Award-winning producer for ABC News, Good Morning America, ABC News long-form unit, and Peter Jennings Reporting. Anna developed and directed her first feature-length independent documentary, Left Behind, after her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, and she discovered the inadequate resources for millions of children across the country.

Following the film we will have Ilse Werther a dyslexia learning specialist, certified advocate and a parent of a child with dyslexia from LGR Learning Group to lead a discussion panel on how families can find support for dyslexia. Additionally, we will have Jessica Saslow in attendance who is a speech language pathologist and reading expert.

New! Fall Sessions for Inclusive Neurodiverse Farmer Program Saturdays starting 9.6

Designed for farm hands of all abilities, this unique program offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning in a natural setting. Our farm provides a safe and welcoming environment where kids can connect with animals, engage in gardening activities, and explore the outdoors at their own pace. Our staff will be trained to support neurodiverse learners, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met. Activities are tailored to accommodate various sensory, social, and communication styles, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence. Whether your child enjoys feeding animals, planting seeds, or simply observing the wonders of nature, they’ll find a space where they can thrive. This program promotes social interaction, emotional regulation, and physical activity, all while nurturing a love for nature. Join us on the farm for a fun, inclusive, and enriching experience that celebrates every child's unique abilities!

Saturdays 9:00 or 10:00 ages 3-11+

Early morning Adult Vinyasa Yoga at the Farm 10.11 @ 8:30 a.m.

Join us for early morning Vinyasa Yoga at the Farm with instructor Jennifer Seideman. This class is set against the backdrop of Wakeman Town Farm's lovely vegetable and flower gardens and friendly animals. You'll experience a seriously fun Vinyasa class with a healthy emphasis on alignment in a serene, pastoral setting. Led by instructor Jennifer Seideman, participants can expect Sun Salutations (A & B), as well as moving through a creative sequence of poses, hip openers, shoulder openers, thigh stretching, twists, back bends, and forward folds.

Jennifer wants to welcome all levels of yogis who want to move their bodies in community at this beautiful setting. The class will allow you to smile, sweat, and leave feeling like a way better version of ourselves. Adults only

Bring your own yoga mat and block

All levels are welcome

10.11 @ 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 134 Cross Highway, Westport CT 06880 Wakeman Town Farm

Wakeman Town Farm Knitting Circle 10.14! Drop in anytime between 9:30 and 11:30

Come join the Wakeman Town Farm knitting circle. In this warm, welcoming environment held at the Farm, individuals of all skill levels can gather to share their passion for knitting. Enjoy your morning coffee or tea. This knitting circle offers a relaxed environment, where knitters can exchange tips, patterns, and stories. Participants should bring their own projects to work on along with their skillset and can connect with Judy Sloan, our resident knitting aficionado on any questions they may have with their work. The Wakeman Town Farm knitting circle will foster a sense of community, encouraging conversation, creativity, and connection. Whether you're stitching your first scarf or tackling a complex sweater, the Farm knitting circle is a place to unwind and create together.

Please know that it is not necessary to stay for the entire time, drop in and out for what works with your schedule during the window this will take place.

This event is at no cost

Hot Sauce HangOut! All about making hot sauce 9.24@6:30 p.m.

Join us for a flavorful, hands-on experience where you'll learn how to create your own custom hot sauce — from fresh-picked produce on the Farm to the final jar blend. Our Farm-to-Table Hot Sauce Class brings together farm ingredients, instruction, and your unique palate to create something truly special. Additionally, it will be a fun relaxed environment in Tim's Kitchen where we will be spinning some records for entertainment during class. Feel free to bring a record to play.

Wakeman Town Farm's own Nick Yost, will talk about the fundamentals of heat, acidity, and sweetness. This class will explore different pepper profiles and how to balance them to create bold, complete flavors.

Craft your own bottle of hot sauce using freshly sourced ingredients. Choose from a range of peppers, fruits, spices, and vinegars to match your heat tolerance and taste. Included in the class are ingredients and supplies, your own custom jar of hot sauce to take home.

Bring your unique palate, grab a record you want to listen to and head out for this fun event at Wakeman Town Farm.

BYO snacks and beverage.

new! beer garden + fall fun for the whole family 10.12.25

It’s SWEATA WEATHA! Join us on the Farm for our annual family Beer Garden event on Sunday, Oct. 12, sponsored by Howard & Gay Insurance. Highlights include live music by Hitch and the Giddy-Up + Rob Morton, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters, and pumpkin crafts for the littles. Come hungry: There will be plenty of lunch options and goodies for purchase, including Pizza by Tony Pizza Napolitano and tasty offerings from our friends at Food Truck Refinery and delicious gelato treats from Fatto a Mano. We will pouring frosty local beers and adult beverages, sponsored by Greens Farms Spirits. Noon-4 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, invite some friends, and enjoy a fantastic fall day on the Farm!

TICKET INFO + RESTRICTIONS: Entry tickets are $15 per adults. Kids are free. Food + beverage + select craft purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit Farm educational programs. Please note: This is an outdoor-only event. No animals allowed. No rain date!

SORRY: NO REFUNDS! In the event of a weather cancellation, we cannot issue refunds to to opportunity costs. Proceeds will go towards paying vendors. Any extra will be put towards educational programming. Thank you for understanding.

new! kids' back-to-school grill + chill 9.26.25

Back to School Grill + Chill Cooking Class with Dinner. 9.26.25, 5-6:30 p.m. $65 pp.

Kids aged 7-12 love our Friday evening themed cooking nights!

Join us for our Back to School Grill + Chill, a fun Friday afternoon cooking class where we start off in the gardens and end up enjoying a meal together at our communal tables.

We will begin by gathering herbs and veggies from the garden for our menu of marinated grilled chicken, corn skewers, and baked potato bar, and finish with a seasonal favorite — apple fritters a la mode. If the weather permits, we’ll enjoy our homemade feast at our outdoor picnic tables.
Class is open to ages 7-12.

sold out! harvest fest 2025

Tickets are sold out!

Harvest Fest - Sept. 13, 6 PM SHARP. Here's the skinny on Harvest Fest 2025, the Farm's biggest fundraising and food + wine event of the year. Held on the Farm grounds, under a tent draped with twinkling lights, Harvest Fest is a magical evening, featuring seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, live music and more. Wine and signature cocktails will be flowing! In addition to fab food and drinks, there will be a live auction, including a variety of exclusive culinary and travel experiences, such as private chef dinners in our very own Tim’s Kitchen; VIP trips, an exclusive stay at Watch Hill's luxe Ocean House resort, a Wine Wall, and a Paddle Raise to help us raise funds for our new outreach program, Farm on the Go.

It's a FUN-Raiser!

This year, we are doing the event cocktail-party style, with tents and multiple food stations (no sit-down dinner) so guests can mix and mingle. Please arrive on time, as the main food portion of the evening is from 6-7:30 pm. After the eating + drinking...we will be bringing the guests inside the tent for a live band, more drinks, dessert, and the real reason we are all here: The live auction and paddle raise to support the Farm’s mission to provide education to folks of all ages, incomes, and abilities. Once the live auction wraps, it's time to hit the dance floor and groove to our live band!

Thanks to supporters like you, Wakeman Town Farm has made a difference in the community for 10+ years. We’d like to invite you to celebrate that achievement and support our next decade of community impact.

This is more than just a fun night out. It’s the Farm’s most important fundraiser of the year. We count on attendees and guests to bid on live auction items and/or raise paddles to support the Farm at this event. It’s a FUNraiser, so please plan to give generously!

Seating is Limited + Tickets Sell Out Extremely Fast!

This is a communal seating event, so you may be sitting next to “new friends.” We are unable to reserve full or partial tables for groups.

Dietary/Menu Note

Sorry! We cannot accommodate special dietary restrictions. Our chefs work tirelessly to create the evening's menu based on what's best in the local markets.

Cancellation & Refunds Note

Regrettably, we cannot issue refunds, as we have accrued considerable costs in planning the event. If you’d like to pass along your ticket to a friend, kindly have them come in your name to eliminate issues at check in. Thank you.

THANK YOU TO OUR HARVEST FEST 2025 SPONSORS

Corporate Sponsors

BMW of Darien

CT Realty Trust

Jumping Fish Productions

Danna Rogers + Jen Kass Team at Higgins Group

Town Fair Tire Foundation

Individual Sponsors

Jeff + Nancy Plotkin

Dana Rutson-Robinson + Doug Robinson

Steven + Nicole Gerber

In-Kind Sponsors

Greens Farms Spirit Shop

Dano's Dangerous Tequila

new! Harvest Cooking Class with Chef Laura Weinman 9.18.25

Early Fall Cooking Class with Chef Laura Weinman 9.18.25 @6:00 p.m., $125 pp, BYO your favorite libation!

Join us for a cooking class that celebrates the late summer harvest. As summer winds down and we move into the glorious fall weather, we have created a menu that transitions from one season to the next, utilizing the bounty of the late-summer harvest on the Farm. We will focus on knife skills, techniques of fish cooking, vegetable roasting and sautéing, vinaigrette making and a bit of baking, too!

Menu
-Late Harvest Tomato Soup with Bacon and Country Bread Croutons
-Grilled Fresh Swordfish with Lemon, tender herbs and garlic , corn and farro
-Roasted Ratatouille Provencale, with Romano Beans, Garlic and Oregano 
-Fall Salad with Fresh Vinaigrette
-Golden Pear Tarts 

Mexican Cooking with Raquel Rivera 10.9.25

Mexican Cooking with Raquel Rivera 10.9.25 @7 p.m., $125 pp

Join us for a festive Mexican-inspired Menu celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as we prepare a South of the Border themed menu that can be replicated as an easy, prep-ahead weeknight favorite. After preparing the dishes, we will sit down to enjoy them together in Tim’s Kitchen.

Dia de Los Muertos Menu

Farm-Fresh Pico de Gallo and Homemade Guacamole w Tortilla chips

Vegetarian Sopes - Masa, lightly fried and piled with refried beans, salsa verde and cotija cheese

Chicken Enchiladas

Mexican Street Corn

Tres Leches Cake

BYOB: Feel free to bring margaritas, cerveza or other beverage of choice

Chef Bio: Chef Raquel graduated with highest honors from the Institute of Culinary Education after completing her externship at Le Bernardin. After working for catering companies Raquel began teaching at a few NYC based cooking studios until opening A Pinch of Salt over 10 years ago. Chef Raquel teaches cooking fundamentals to all ages, focusing on healthy, seasonal, inexpensive meals that are culturally sensitive and delicious. Furthermore, she has trained adults desiring employment in the culinary field who are now vendors of the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. In 2010 Chef Raquel’s work was recognized with an invitation to the White House South Lawn as a part of First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and in 2019 she was awarded Women Business of the Year by the Southern CT Black Chambers of Commerce.

new! fall kids' cooking for the minis, Grades K-2

Fall is right around the corner, and we are so excited to have chef Kathleen with Culinary Kids returning to whip up fun in the kitchen.  All classes are hands-on and introduce the culinary world and new flavors.  Students will learn how to prepare both sweet and savory recipes, and work  knife skills, food science, math through measuring, culinary terms, and  sensory exploration.

Each class will begin with harvesting what is in season in the garden then enjoy creating and eating what they have made.  At the end of class, we gather together in Tim’s kitchen table and discuss what we made, why we made it and come together  to share a truly farm-to-table experience!

Items on the menu
Our gardens in September are bursting with late season goodness. We will forage and use various herbs for seasoning, zucchini for fritters and muffins, eggplant for parmesan, tomato for tarts, salsa and caprese salad, and fresh basil for pesto.  Later, we will enjoy apple season and make the most of our trees, making homemade apple sauce, apple puff pastry rings, and much more! In October, we will begin to celebrate fall in the kitchen with heartier dishes, such as mini baked pumpkins filled with chili and cornbread. The kids will love baking up pumpkin spiced cakes, spiced oatmeal bars, apple cider doughnuts.

Classes run Mondays 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Session 1:
Monday, September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20
Session 2 
Monday, October 27,  November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 6, 8

new! Sweater Weather Suppers - Kids' Fall Cooking series - Starts after Labor Day! grades 2-6

Sweater Weather Suppers - Fall Themed Cooking Class for Kids

Session 1 -  9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22-(7 sessions)
Session 2-10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17-(7 sessions)

Time: 4:15-5:30
Ages: Grades 2-6
Instructor: Robyn Herman
Students: Max 12

“Where comfort food meets crisp autumn nights.” Join us for a fun and festive fall cooking class designed just for kids! Our Sweater Weather Suppers cooking class will immerse young chefs in the cozy and colorful flavors of Autumn and highlight seasonal ingredients and comforting flavors. From sweet treats to savory delights, each session will be filled with hands-on cooking activities that highlight the best of the season. Sign up for one session or both!

Recipes include: Apple Cider Braised Chicken – Bone-in chicken simmered with WTF Maple syrup, apple cider and farm grown thyme; Stuffed Acorn Squash – filled with quinoa, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and Parmesan cheese; and Pumpkin Muffins, incorporating fall spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

Chef Robyn is a passionate culinary expert with over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. She brings a deep love for teaching and sharing the joys of cooking with the next generation. Chef Robyn believes that cooking is not only an essential life skill but also a wonderful way to inspire creativity and confidence in young minds. Her classes focus on teaching kids how to make healthy, delicious meals while emphasizing kitchen safety and basic culinary techniques.



New! Fall Fantastic Farmhands After School Program starts up 9.9.25

This fun and exciting after school program that take place on the farm, designed to give students hands-on learning experiences in nature. Our programs run Tuesday and Thursday over multiple weeks, allowing students to dive deep into topics related to the environment, animal husbandry, and sustainable living in a relaxed and informal fun setting.

Each meet up is customized to suit various age groups and interests of 6 - 10 years old, offering a broad look at nature—from our gardens, to caring for our animals and everything in between.

New! Fall Green Teen Club Session Starting 9.8.25 Ages 11- 14

This outdoor program for ages 11-14 brings tweens together for an engaging after-schcool experience where they 'un-plug' from the digital world, reconnect with nature, and learn the ins and outs of organic farming and gardening through hands-on instruction. Green Teen Club works together to help maintain the Wakeman Town farm gardens while learning about composting, and taking care of various farm animals (chickens, sheep, alpaca, goats, rabbits). Building projects and exploring how to live a sustainable lifestyle are also a part of this program. It's great for students who like to get their hands dirty while learning about the enviornment and having fun at the same time.

New! Fall Curious Sprouts Sessions Starting up 9.8.25

A preschool favorite for age 3 - 5, Curious Sprouts is back for the Fall at the Farm. We will be holding two fall sessions so be sure to get in and register for one or both!

Enjoy quality time at Wakeman Town Farm with your little one and a small group of other nature loving parents and kids. Together, your preschooler and you will help care for and interact with the Farm’s sheep, chicken, goats, and, of course, the Farm’s furry Alpacas. Time will be spent outdoors interacting with Farm animals. Caregiver, sitter, family member, or another adult is welcome in lieu of parent. Please Note: This program will be mainly outdoors so please dress weather appropriate. Close toe shoes are required, No Crocs or Natives. Please see the below details for dates for our Fall 1 and 2 sessions.

New! Fall Session(s) Little Farmers Parent and Me Starting 9.8.25

Join us for one hour of quality time each day with your child on the Farm, while connecting with other children and parents in the community. You’ll enjoy fun and developmentally appropriate experiences with your little one in a weekly enrichment class designed to foster social skills and independence. Time will be spent outdoors interacting with our gardens and Farm animals. We can’t wait to see you! Please note, this is an adult + child class; adults are expected to participate. Please wear weather appropriate clothing, closed toe shoes are required for the outdoor animal encounters.

Little Farmers Parent and Me Class is for children ages 0 - 3 years old.

Please know the Farm does not offer refunds or exchanges should your plans change or if inclement weather causes class to cancel. Please consider your ticket purchase a donation to Wakeman Town Farm to help support its educational initiatives

New! Inclusive Neurodiverse Farmer Program Fall 1

A parent and child class designed for children of Inclusive Neurodiverse Farmer Program for all abilities.

Designed for farm hands of all abilities, this unique program offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning in a natural setting. Our farm provides a safe and welcoming environment where kids can connect with animals, engage in gardening activities, and explore the outdoors at their own pace. Leann and Alex are trained to support neurodiverse learners, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met. Activities are tailored to accommodate various sensory, social, and communication styles, fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence. Whether your child enjoys feeding animals, planting seeds, or simply observing the wonders of nature, they’ll find a space where they can thrive. This program promotes social interaction, emotional regulation, and physical activity, all while nurturing a love for nature. Join us on the farm for a fun, inclusive, and enriching experience that celebrates every child's unique abilities!

FAll 1 SESSION DATE/TIME:

The Session includes 5 Saturday classes 9/6, 9/13, 9 20, 9/27, 10/4

Ages 3 - 11+ 9:00a.m - 9:45 a.m.

Ages 3 - 11+ 10:00a.m - 10:45a.m.

Sold out! By popular demand! Bonus aug Kids' Culinary Camp! 8.13,8.14.8.15

Kids’ 3-Day Summer Cooking Camp. Bonus week. 9-noon. Ages 6-11. $330 per camper.

Our summer culinary camps showcase the best of what we do at the Farm, by bringing kids together to learn about cooking in a truly organic (pun intended) way! We spend time out in the gardens, discovering what’s growing, and then, learning the proper way to pick what is ripe and ready. Next, we get back into the kitchen and get busy, whipping up an array of dishes, learning about global flavors and spices, and techniques for chopping, sauteéing, using kitchen mixers and other equipment, and so much more. This is a fun, foundational class with a working Farm as the backdrop. After we prep and create, we then gather at the table for lunch.

Mid-August will be prime picking time for eggplants, among other goodies, so we’ll be making recipes such as eggplant parmigiana, tomato caprese salad with Farm basil and ripe tomatoes, berry crisp, herb-marinated grilled chicken, and our famous baked potato bar with lots of fun toppings.