Finally, spring festival season is upon us once more, and we are so ready to get out of the house. Eckert’s Farm in Belleville is hosting a Sip & Savor Festival on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9.
This festival offers a celebration of the Midwest’s culinary traditions, local beverages and artisan craftsmanship. The farm’s picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with food samples from local vendors, pairing workshops, live music and a makers market.
Tickets for the event are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The price includes 10 tastings of cider, spirits or wine, access to pairing workshops and demonstrations, a commemorative cup, and more.
The two-day festival will run from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of local products from vendors such as Hello Juice & Smoothie, Schlafly Beer, Grafton Winery, Switchgrass Spirits, Pretzel Boy’s, Dip’n Good Sauces, Pappy’s Smokehouse, FUFU n’ Sauce, Bold Spoon Creamery and many others.
In addition to the regional tastings, the festival will feature a Midwest Makers Market, where attendees can shop for local artisan goods like cheese, honey, baked goods and more. Guests can meet the makers, sample their products, and discover unique handcrafted items.
One of the highlights of the festival is the pairing workshops, where experts will guide participants in how to expertly match food and beverages. These workshops aim to help elevate any meal by offering creative pairing ideas.
On Saturday evening, March 8, the festival will feature “Sip Under the Stars,” an exclusive experience where attendees can relax by fire pits with beverage flights, charcuterie boards, and s’mores kits while enjoying live music under the stars.
Agricultural demonstrations will also be a part of the event, offering interactive experiences that highlight the journey of food from farm to table and showcasing the importance of local agriculture.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival’s website.
This article appears in January/February 2025.