The Roost Festival returns to Stone Acres Farm on November 1

The festival is set to bring culinary stars, craft beverages, and live music

At the Roost Festival Saturday November 1, guests can explore the 63-acre grounds of Stone Acres Farm, transformed into a vibrant bazaar with a farm stand, chef tents, VIP lounge, and Shakedown Street marketplace. Culinary stars, including Brad Leone, Mason Hereford, Reneé Touponce, Jordan Rubin, and André Hueston Mack join beloved local favorites like Frank Pepe’s and Island Creek Oysters for an unforgettable mix of food and drink, with live music by Grateful Shred. www.theroostfestival.com.

On Saturday, November 1, the historic fields of Stone Acres Farm in Stonington will host The Roost Festival, a daylong celebration of food, drink, and live music inspired by the Grateful Dead’s legendary Shakedown Street, where fans would gather before and after shows to eat, drink and buy and trade crafts. The event blends nationally recognized chefs, award-winning brewers, and the communal spirit of a live show.

Mystic has become one of New England’s most exciting culinary destinations, known for its combination of coastal charm and serious food talent. The Roost Festival reflects that evolution, with a lineup that includes fermentation expert and author Brad Leone; Mason Hereford, chef/owner of Turkey & the Wolf, Food & Wine’s Most Important Restaurants of the Decade; Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head and creator of Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale; James Beard finalist Reneé Touponce, chef/owner of Mystic’s Oyster Club and Port of Call; Portland, Maine’s Jordan Rubin (Mr. Tuna, Crispy Gai), Food & Wine Best New Chef 2025; Eli Cairo, founder of Olympia Provisions and a leader in American charcuterie; and celebrated sommelier André Hueston Mack, founder of Maison Noir Wines.

They will be joined by New England institutions and favorites, including Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Island Creek Oysters, and Haring’s Noank (New York Times 50 Favorite Restaurants 2025), along with festival-only offerings, such as Brad Leone’s Pawberry Cocktail. Together, they create a food and drink experience that celebrates both the local scene and a national caliber of culinary creativity.

Shakedown Street will feature local and nationally recognized craft vendors, including Jono Pandolfi (ceramicist for many Michelin chefs) and Xtratuf, selling Leone’s new shoe collaboration and custom Grateful Dead garments. There will also be family friendly activities, such as pumpkin carving, a kids’ area for painting pumpkins and more.

The setting, Stone Acres Farm, is a 63-acre working farm dating back to the 18th century, and its gardens are the perfect setting for the gathering.

At 4 p.m., the festival shifts into music, with nationally touring Dead cover band Grateful Shred performing through sunset.

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“We’re so excited to welcome The Roost back to Stone Acres Farm, truly one of the most historic and gorgeous farms in New England,” said Daniel Meiser, founder and CEO of 85th Day Food Community. “This event is the perfect blend of community, food & music.”

Adds Brad Leone, “For me, there’s nothing better than New England in the fall, amazing food, and those unmistakable Grateful Dead vibes – my three favorite things. And they’re all jamming together for one big party with pals. That’s what makes The Roost so special.”

General Admission is $69, and VIP tickets $325. Kids under 12 are free.

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The Roost Festival returns to Stone Acres Farm on November 1