Bates Farm

09/04/2026

Celebrate Hobbit Day with us at Bates Farm’s Lothlorian site on Sept 22, 2026! From 1–4 PM enjoy a Bilbo Baggins’ Birthday Bash featuring a costume contest, tree-identification hike, an outdoor escape game, and plenty of picnic space. Perfect for families, fans of Middle-earth, and anyone who loves a whimsical afternoon. Details: https://wix.to/a7tR1E2

09/04/2026

Spend the day with us on September 19th learning to craft custom herb-infused compound butter, immune-boosting elderberry syrup, or both! 🌿🧈

Check out the flyer for times and details, then reserve your spot at bates-farm.com/workshops!

09/02/2026

08/29/2026

Homeschool Camping Weekend is right around the corner (Sept 25th–27th), and our activity schedule is locked in! ⛺✨

If you’ve been planning to join us, now is the time to reserve your campsite and pick your add-on activities. From hands-on Off-Grid Kids workshops (litmus paper, earth batteries, water purifiers, and hydroponics!) to star gazing, archery, and guided glow hikes, you can build the exact weekend adventure your family wants.

Check out the full schedule below to map out your trip!

Alabama Choose Act Vendor eligible!

👇 Reserve your campsite and select your workshops here:
www.bates-farm.com/homeschool-camping-2026

08/28/2026

Calling all Hobbits, Elves, and Middle-earth adventurers! 🧝‍♂️🍃 September 22nd is Hobbit Day, and we’re hosting a Bilbo Baggins’ Birthday Bash at our Lothlorian site!

Pack a picnic, dress in your finest Middle-earth attire, and enjoy an afternoon of fun—costume contest, a tree-identification hike, and an outdoor escape game!

Can’t make the celebration? No problem! You’re welcome to sign up for our two escape games instead running most days:

Escape to Elissa: A Hobbitish Hunt
Get outdoors and into a tale—an escape-room style adventure that’s part hike, part scavenger hunt. Ages 12+.
https://www.bates-farm.com/service-page/escape-to-elissa-a-hobbitish-hunt
$8 per person (2 hours)

The Forest of Fairies: A Hobbitish Hunt
A fun unexpected journey into the fairy forest—solve clues and help find the magic. Ages 8–12.
https://www.bates-farm.com/service-page/the-forest-of-fairies-a-hobbitish-hunt
$8 per person (2 hours)

For the Hobbiton celebration details and visit planning:
https://www.bates-farm.com/service-page/hobbiton-celebration

Don’t forget your walking stick—an unexpected journey awaits! 🧺✨

08/27/2026

Ready to test your target skills under the stars? 🎯✨

Grab your bow and join us for our next 3D Archery Glow Shoot! We’ve updated our lighting setup from last year, and we're bringing back 50% cash payouts including for the youth division.

No pre-registration needed—just head out, grab some food at the concession stand, and compete for top score after dark! 🏹

08/26/2026

🍂 September Happenings at Bates Farm! 🍂

Check out the full September lineup 🌿✨

🏕️ Labor Day Weekend — September 4th–7th
Spend your holiday unspooling under the stars at Bates Farm! ✨
Spots are limited—reserve early:
👇 https://www.hipcamp.com/.../land/alabama-bates-farm-zwjh1kee

📅 September 14th — Fall Classes Begin
🚨 Fall classes are almost full! 🚨
Classes kick off September 14th, and spots are limited:
- 🌿 Off-Grid Kids 1: 2 spots left
- 🍂 Off-Grid Kids 2: 1 spot left
- ⚡ Physics Kids: 4 spots left

👉 Register here: https://www.bates-farm.com/bates-farm-kids

📅 September 19th — Workshops + Glow Shoot!
🌿 9am–12pm: Compound Butter Making
🍯 1pm–3pm: Elderberry Syrup Making
Want to make a day of it? Sign up for both!

Seats fill up quickly—secure your spot today:
👇 bates-farm.com/workshops

🌙 8:00 PM: Bates Farm Glow Shoot (Youth + Friends)
Get practice under the lights at our 3D Archery Glow Shoot!
💲 $20
- 10 targets
- 1 Stake – Close Yardage
- Different lighting from last year
- 12’s & 14’s will be in play (must be called)

📍 Bates Farm, 343 Conway Rd Decatur, AL 35603
(Food available for purchase: burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, drinks, popsicles & more!)

🎉 September 22nd — Hobbiton Celebration: Bilbo Baggins’ Birthday Bash
📅 September 22, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

Join us for a magical birthday party with friends, festive fun, and all the Bilbo magic at our Lolotrion site! 🎂✨
👉 Details:
https://www.bates-farm.com/service-page/hobbiton-celebration?referral=service_list_widget

🏕️ September 25th–27th — Homeschool Camping Trip
🌲 Choose Your Own Adventure at Bates Farm!
Secure your family’s spot here:
👇 bates-farm.com/homeschool-camping-2026

08/26/2026

September is right around the corner! Thanks to a bumper harvest, we’ve officially added another Elderberry Syrup workshop to our September lineup! 🌿✨

That means on September 19th, you can join us for Compound Butter Making, Elderberry Syrup Making, or make a day of it and sign up for both!

Whether you come for one workshop or spend the afternoon doing both, we’d love to have you out to learn how to craft your own custom butter blends and nutrient-rich syrups.

Seats fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your spot in advance!

👇 Register online today:
bates-farm.com/workshops