Haute Goat Farm is preparing for a busy weekend, with two very different events bringing people together for food, music, animals and a little farm-based fun.
The weekend begins with the Pink Tie Dinner on Friday, an evening that transforms the farm into a more elegant setting. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Chef Matthew Ness, live music and the chance to explore the property — with the goats making an appearance throughout the evening.
Haute Goat’s Sarah Nightingale says the event is designed to offer an experience people might not expect from a farm.
The dinner includes live performances from Brian Bracken and jazz vocalist Melissa Lauren, with doors opening at 4 p.m. and the sit-down dinner beginning around 6:30 p.m., according to Nightingale.
Then on Saturday, Goachella takes over the farm.
The festival features live music, food and artisan vendors, with performances from Melissa Payne, Tucker Moore and the Beach Men, a Beach Boys cover band.
But the goats remain the stars of the show.
Nightingale says Goachella attracts people of different ages and backgrounds, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
And then there are the goat and pig races.
The races have become one of the more memorable parts of the festival, with guests getting behind their favourite animals.
The unpredictable nature of the animals is part of the fun, with Nightingale saying you never quite know what will happen once the race begins.
Nightingale says, at the heart of both events, it’s about celebrating the farm, the animals and the community that has grown around them.
Tickets and additional information are available through Haute Goat Farm’s website.
