Bob Evans to host 53rd Farm Festival October 11-13

RIO GRANDE — Bob Evans will host its 53rd annual Farm Festival from Oct. 11-13, set on the original Bob Evans Farm, known as the brand’s birthplace. The 2024 Farm Festival, celebrating the farming community during the harvest season, will combine family fun, farm fresh food, live acts and more. Headlining this year’s three-day celebration is rising country star and Kentucky native, Kelsey Hart, country singer, entertainer and daughter of a multi-award-winning country artist, Tyler Reese Tritt, and American country singer, Jimmy Fortune.

Kicking off the headliner acts, Tyler Reese Tritt, inspired by her father Travis Tritt to establish herself as a noteworthy country singer and following a 2023 breakout year, will perform at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11. On Oct. 12, rising country sensation who has amassed over 14.6 million streams, Kelsey Hart, will perform at 3:30 p.m. Rounding out the musical acts, American Country singer Jimmy Fortune, who performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years, will be performing Oct. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Outside of the three headline acts, attendees can enjoy live music every day starting at 11:30 a.m. from renowned bluegrass, country and gospel musicians.

Attendees can also enjoy live chain saw carvings, performances from local dancers, such as Taps in Motion Cloggers, a team that perform a form of American folk dance, and activities like lumberjack challenges and horseshoe pitching. Located throughout the farm, over 60 artisans will be on-site to showcase and sell one-of-a-kind arts & crafts. Finally, the “Rockets Over Rio” Fireworks show will end Saturday’s activities with a colorful display starting at 8:30 p.m.

The Bob Evans Farm is located on State Route 588, just off U.S. Route 35. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11-13. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate with either cash or credit card and are $5 for adults and free for children five and under. There will be no tickets sold in advance or online for the event. The headliner entertainment is included with the price of admission.

Farm Fest will include amusement park rides for attendees of all ages. All-day ride wristbands can be purchased for $10 for ages 13 and up, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Individual ride tickets can also be purchased for $1 each. The Kids’ Farmyard Fun area will feature face painting, a hay bale maze, game tent, kiddie train rides and a corn pile.

For information and to view the entire weekend’s schedule, visit bobevans.com/farm-festival .