Hopkins Farm welcomes the season with fall festival weekends

Hopkins Farm is welcoming the autumn season with its Fall Festival weekends running throughout the month of October. Families from across Sussex County and beyond can enjoy hayrides, farm animals, farm games, pumpkins, mums, live music, various food options and Hopkins Creamery’s beloved ice cream.

What sets this festival apart is its strong focus on agricultural education. Hopkins Farm has partnered with the Delaware Farm Bureau, 4-H and FFA to give children and families a closer look at the importance of farming. The Farm Bureau’s Mobile Ag Lab is a major component of this initiative. It offers hands-on activities for children ages 5-12 that explore where food comes from, how it is made, healthy eating and many different careers in the agriculture industry.

“After visiting the Hopkins Farm Fall Festival, we hope families leave with lasting memories, a deeper appreciation for local agriculture and a stronger connection to the farming traditions that sustain the state of Delaware,” said Amy Hopkins.

Visitors will also notice various new additions across the farm. There has been an expansion of green space, and a larger, safer, relocated playground ensures kids have plenty of room to play. Plus, Smokin’ D’z BBQ has joined the festival as a permanent food partner, serving fresh, local barbecue alongside Hopkins Creamery treats. The farm has also officially launched a produce stand after the success of fresh produce sales this past summer, featuring Hopkins-grown crops and products from partner farms across Delmarva, allowing guests to take home local foods.

Hopkins Farm is excited to welcome cows back to the property just in time for the fall festivities. This was made possible by partnering with Heslep’s Coastal Cattle. Looking ahead, Hopkins also plans to bring in sheep and mobile chicken coops, providing families with the experience of farm life and the community with fresh eggs.

“We’ve missed the sound of cows on the property,” said Amy Hopkins. “It warms our hearts to know we’ll once again hear that familiar moo across the pastures.”

Perhaps the biggest news of all is the conversion of the current barn into a permanent farm market and café. This is a result of the overwhelming success of produce sales this past summer. The farm market and café will showcase Hopkins-grown produce, local farm goods, fresh foods and a café menu built around local seasonal ingredients. The target opening date for this initiative is Memorial Day 2026.

“With our partnership with Heslep’s Coastal Cattle and the addition of the new Hopkins Farm Market and Café, the farm will be a place where families can shop, eat and enjoy time together,” said Hopkins. “We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome the community to a space built on farming, family, food and tradition. We’re proud to honor our heritage while building something for the future.”

Hopkins Fall Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 18186 Dairy Farm Road, every weekend in October. For more information, go to www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com.