Beer, Bands, and Barns

in 20 days

When

Saturday, September 26th 2026 at 15:00 US/Central

The stately barns at our Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery will echo with music at this event featuring local musical acts, craft beer, and food trucks. Bring your own chair or set a spell on one of the comfy red rockers set up around the farm to enjoy local musical acts.

The goal of this fundraiser is to help maintain the historic farm as a gathering space for the community, so please respect our policy of not allowing coolers or outside food or drinks into the event.

There will also be a children’s farm and nature-themed play area set up to keep your little ones entertained, but they might just be dancing in front of the stage all evening!

Performers Include:
3:00 – 5:00pm: Jason Hubbard
5:00 – 7:00pm: The Route 66 Band
7:00 – 10:00pm: Double Shot

Call (630) 816-0604 with questions!

Thanks to our volunteer Dickson-Murst Farm Partners for their work on these events.

We do our best to offer programs, rain or shine. You can review our Rain Policy here.

FAQ Did you know?

Fundraising Community Local Family Nature

Where

2550 Dickson Road, Montgomery, IL, USA

To attend this event and discover more service opportunities, please login.

Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

How can I directly support the Conservation Foundation’s cause while I’m at the event?

This is a fundraiser to help maintain the historic Dickson‑Murst Farm, so the most direct support is to purchase food, beer, and any event merchandise from the vendors and booths on site and to make a donation while you’re there. Look for volunteers or staff with donation tablets, QR codes on signage, or ask at the information table. If you want details or to arrange a larger gift or sponsorship, call the organizer at (630) 816-0604.

I want to volunteer — what roles make the biggest impact and how do I sign up?

High‑impact volunteer roles include parking and traffic support, setup/teardown, staffing the information/donation table, helping with the children’s farm area, and assisting vendor or beverage operations. These roles help the event run smoothly and maximize funds raised. To sign up or learn about available shifts, call (630) 816-0604 or contact The Conservation Foundation through their website prior to the event.

I can’t attend — what are meaningful ways I can support the farm from afar?

You can donate online or by phone, become a member or monthly supporter, share event posts and donation links on social media, organize a workplace matching gift, or offer in‑kind support (volunteer time, auction items, or professional services). To learn about current needs or giving options, call (630) 816-0604 or visit The Conservation Foundation’s website.

What can I do at the event to be more effective and respectful of the farm’s mission?

Support on‑site vendors and buy official event items (proceeds help the farm), follow the no‑coolers/outside food and drink policy, stay on designated paths and seating areas, use provided trash and recycling receptacles, and supervise children in the play area. Engage with staff and volunteers to learn about the farm’s programs and sign up for the mailing list to stay involved year‑round. Carpool, bike, or share rides to reduce the event’s footprint.

Are there weather or safety tips I should follow to make my attendance most effective?

The event is held rain or shine, so dress in layers and bring sun protection and insect repellent. Wear sturdy, closed‑toe shoes for walking around the farm. For safety, keep children supervised—the play area can be busy—and follow staff directions in case of severe weather. If you have questions about the Rain Policy or severe‑weather plans, call (630) 816-0604 before coming.

Did you know?

Preserving historic farms and their surrounding open habitats helps support pollinators (bees, butterflies) and native plants that are critical for local biodiversity and crop pollination.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service — Pollinators: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/plantsanimals/pollinate/

Access to nearby green and community gathering spaces is linked to better mental health—regular time in green spaces reduces stress, anxiety, and improves overall well‑being.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Parks and Health: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/community-strategies/parks-for-health/index.htm

Historic preservation and rehabilitation projects create local jobs, boost small business activity, and attract heritage tourism, multiplying the economic impact of community investment.

National Trust for Historic Preservation — Preservation and Economic Development: https://savingplaces.org/stories/preservation-and-economic-development

Conserving farmland and maintaining vegetated buffers helps reduce runoff, trap sediments and nutrients, and protect local water quality—benefiting streams, rivers, and drinking water sources.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Nonpoint Source Pollution (agriculture & runoff): https://www.epa.gov/nps/what-nonpoint-source

Preserved historic farms serve as living classrooms and cultural resources, giving kids and adults hands‑on opportunities to learn about agriculture, heritage, and local ecology.

National Park Service — Historic Preservation: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservation/index.htm

Parks and conserved community spaces tend to increase nearby property values and attract additional public and private investment, so supporting local preservation can strengthen the whole community's economic health.

The Trust for Public Land — Parks and Property Values: https://www.tpl.org/parks-real-estate-values