Fayetteville’s local food and music scene is teaming up with regional agriculture for a good cause next month. The Farmers for Tomorrow benefit returns Thursday, June 11, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The CAFF Farm, located at 1005 Meade Avenue in Fayetteville.
This year’s lineup leans heavily into what makes NWA events special. Jerrmy Gawthrop, the longtime chef behind Woodstone Pizza, is handling the food. You know the setup — fresh, simple ingredients done right, probably with a wood-fired twist. There’ll also be local brews and cocktails served up by Tonik Mobile Bar, helmed by Chris Grey. And if you’ve been to a Crescent City Combo show before, you know their funk-and-jazz groove is the perfect backdrop for a summer evening on the farm.
The CAFF Farm, short for Community Action Farmers’ Fund, has become a hub for local agriculture education and access. It’s tucked into a residential part of Fayetteville, but when you’re there, especially during an event like this, it feels like a world apart. Look for tours of the farm during the event — a nice way to see what’s growing and maybe pick up a few things to take home.
There’s also a silent auction, which has become a highlight in past years. Expect to see locally made goods, farm supplies, maybe even some unique experiences. All of it feeds back into the mission: supporting new farmers in the region.
Farmers for Tomorrow isn’t just about raising a few bucks — though every bit counts. It’s about keeping talent in the region. The Farm School, which trains new farmers in sustainable practices and business basics, has seen dozens of graduates over the years. But starting a farm is expensive, and land access is tough. This event helps bridge that gap, giving grads a real shot at launching something of their own in Benton County or beyond.
In a lot of places, this kind of event would be a big-ticket fundraiser downtown or at a swanky venue. Here, it’s happening on a working farm, with a setup that’s more community block party than benefit gala. That’s what makes it feel so NWA — practical, rooted in place, and driven by people who care about building something lasting.
What to know
The event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at The CAFF Farm, 1005 Meade Avenue in Fayetteville. Tickets are usually limited, and past events have sold out, so showing up early isn’t a bad idea. More details, including ticket info, will be available through Fayetteville Flyer.
If you’ve been curious about what’s growing in your backyard or want to meet the people working to keep local farming alive and well, this is a solid way to spend a Thursday evening. And if you’ve got a few extra bucks, even better — every dollar raised goes directly to helping new farmers get started in Arkansas.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer
