Gather, Learn & Grow Together
From farm-to-table dinners and seasonal film nights to community gardening and creative workshops, our events are rooted in connection, education, and the joy of sharing meaningful experiences in nature. Join us on the farm to celebrate local food, hands-on learning, and the people who make our community thrive.
We invite you to share a summer evening farm-to-fork dinner at The Garden Lab, an urban farmstead in downtown Rochester, Minnesota.
This productive educational site exemplifies regenerative urban agriculture featuring a rich abundance of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, chickens, and more! Your attendance supports Kelly's vision at The Garden Lab, which aims to expand her urban farmstead, promote food security, and increase access to fresh food through her Plant a Seed initiative.
June 20 • July 25 • August 22 • September 19
Join us!
A culinary experience with farm-fresh local ingredients, craft brews, and creative libations. Farm attire is encouraged as we celebrate summer and the bounty of Southeast Minnesota. Each dinner features a menu crafted from the day's harvest, promising an irresistible journey for your taste buds.
June 20 • July 25 • August 22 • September 19
5:00 PM - Arrive and mingle while enjoying craft brews, libations, and nibbles
5:30 PM - Farmstead Tour
6:00 PM - Four-course dinner of seasonal ingredients and locally sourced meats and cheeses
Seating is limited to 36 people per dinner.
Frequently asked questions
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The menu features seasonal produce, local meats, and cheeses in each course. Each chef can accommodate vegetarian dietary restrictions with at least one week's notice.
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On-street and alley parking are available. We will email additional parking information a few days before the event.
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The terrace and dinner location are accessible from 1115 East Center Street. The farm tour is not fully accessible from all areas. Please let us know in advance if you need accommodations.
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Dinner reservations are non-refundable. You will receive an email a few days before the event that includes a weather update. Should the weather become inclement on the day of the event, we will update you as the weather changes. A final decision to cancel due to weather will be made at 4:00 pm.
Workshops, Gatherings & Garden Things
Here you’ll find upcoming events, workshops, dinners, and seasonal happenings to add to your calendar.
farm-to-fork dinner - June
A culinary experience with farm-fresh local ingredients, craft brews, and creative libations. Farm attire is encouraged as we celebrate summer and the bounty of Southeast Minnesota. Each dinner features a menu crafted from the day's harvest, promising an irresistible journey for your taste buds.
2026 FREE Film Fridays - July
Join me on the terrace at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, June - September, to watch inspiring films about our food system and environment. Bring your beverage of choice - I provide the popcorn!
farm-to-fork dinner - July
A culinary experience with farm-fresh local ingredients, craft brews, and creative libations. Farm attire is encouraged as we celebrate summer and the bounty of Southeast Minnesota. Each dinner features a menu crafted from the day's harvest, promising an irresistible journey for your taste buds.
2026 FREE Film Fridays - August
Join me on the terrace at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, June - September, to watch inspiring films about our food system and environment. Bring your beverage of choice - I provide the popcorn!
farm-to-fork dinner - August
A culinary experience with farm-fresh local ingredients, craft brews, and creative libations. Farm attire is encouraged as we celebrate summer and the bounty of Southeast Minnesota. Each dinner features a menu crafted from the day's harvest, promising an irresistible journey for your taste buds.
2026 FREE Film Fridays - Septempber
Join me on the terrace at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, June - September, to watch inspiring films about our food system and environment. Bring your beverage of choice - I provide the popcorn!
farm-to-fork dinner - September
A culinary experience with farm-fresh local ingredients, craft brews, and creative libations. Farm attire is encouraged as we celebrate summer and the bounty of Southeast Minnesota. Each dinner features a menu crafted from the day's harvest, promising an irresistible journey for your taste buds.
2026 FREE Film Fridays - June
Join me on the terrace at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, June - September, to watch inspiring films about our food system and environment. Bring your beverage of choice - I provide the popcorn!
2026 FREE Film Fridays
Join me on the terrace at 7:00 PM on the first Friday of the month, June - September, to watch inspiring films about our food system and environment. Bring your beverage of choice - I provide the popcorn!
2026 FILMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
2025 FILMS WERE:
The Pollinators (2019)
Before the Plate (2018)
FUNGI: The Web of Life (2023)
Food, Inc. 2 (2024)
Chocolate Road (2021)
The Pollinators (2019)
Before the Plate (2018)
FUNGI: Web of Life (2023)
Food, Inc. 2 (2024)
Chocolate Road (2021)
Garden Tours
A garden tour is a great way to have fun with friends or your community group while honing your gardening skills. Discover new techniques to elevate your gardening game to the next level.
Contact Kelly to schedule a tour, May - September. Need catering? No problem!
“As I listened to Kelly while looking around at her garden, hearing the questions, and seeing the “ah ha” looks on the tour participant’s faces, I realized the tremendous gift of knowledge she has given to our community, now and for generations to come.”
- Kris J.
Bring on Community Gardening!
"What a wonderful day. The students of likely 40 different countries were just thrilled. Thank you is quite insufficient. By 1pm we had already had 140 student shoppers."
- Sandy M.
Have an Event Idea or Looking to Collaborate?
I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning a community event, workshop, presentation, or something a little outside the box, feel free to reach out and start the conversation.