UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Student Farm Club will host its 11th annual Harvest Fest from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. The event is free and open to the public.
Food samples will be available throughout the evening from local chefs and caterers, including Penn State Housing and Food Services, Taproot Kitchen, State College Area High School and Paul’s Provisions. The dishes will feature seasonal vegetables grown at the farm.
Guests can make sun prints, plant a succulent, visit a petting zoo and participate in other farm-themed activities. More than 20 activity stations will be available throughout the farm. Succulents are free for Penn State students and $5 for all other guests.
New this year, chef Lorinda John will lead short cooking demonstrations. John previously visited the Penn State campus in fall 2025 for a series of events. Guests also can learn about plans for a new multipurpose facility at the farm, which would expand the types of educational experiences available to the community.
Each year, Harvest Fest is planned and organized by a group of student leaders. Alex Schultes, one of this year’s student planners, said he is looking forward to the return of the petting zoo and John’s cooking demonstrations.
“I’m really looking forward to the petting zoo again and Chef Lorinda’s demos,” Schultes said. “The demos are new this year, and I’m really excited to see cooking in action at Harvest Fest!”
The farm is located at the intersection of Big Hollow Road and Fox Hollow Road. Guests are encouraged to use sustainable transportation options, including:
- Free event buses, which will run continuously between the Berkey Creamery bus pull-off on Curtin Road and the Ross Student Farm from 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.
- A SPIN bike docking area next to the farm’s main entrance.
- CATA’s H route.
- Personal bicycles.
Limited parking will be available in the paved lot next to the farm. Event parking requires a Penn State parking permit of any level or payment through the posted pay-by-app system.
Student Farm Club merchandise, succulents and other items may be purchased with cash, check or Venmo. Attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and use sun protection.
The event will be held rain or shine. In the event of potential thunderstorms, visit the Student Farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Questions may be directed to studentfarm@psu.edu.
About the Student Farm and Food Systems at Penn State
Student Farm and Food Systems includes the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, the Student Farm Club, the Food Recovery Network, the intercollege Food Systems minor and Course-Client Collaborations. The program develops students’ knowledge of sustainable food systems practices through hands-on learning opportunities and community engagement.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.