An Unexpected Gathering is an immersive, thoughtfully sourced farm-to-table dinner and folk faire set among the orchards of Albemarle Cider Works in the heart of Middle Virginia. This is not just a dinner. It is a celebration of the land, the people who tend it, and the stories that connect us all.

Picture lantern-lit tables surrounded by apple trees at the doorstep of fall foliage. Fire-cooked meat ripe off the bone. Local ciders, wine, and beer poured by the people who made them. Live music drifting through the evening air. Games, activities, and surprise entertainment. And a long table where strangers become friends over a shared feast.

Inspired by the old tales of halfling feasts and history becoming myth, An Unexpected Gathering brings the warmth and wonder of folklore to life through local food, handmade craft, and community. Think of a birthday celebration so generous it feeds the whole village.

Every ticket supports Fields of View, a nonprofit dedicated to telling the stories of farmers, food systems, and rural communities across Middle Virginia. All proceeds fund educational programming, including a children's show filmed on Virginia farms, lesson plans for teachers, and media content provided to farmers at no cost.

This is your invitation. Come hungry. Come curious. Come in costume. Cloaks, capes, and folk garb are warmly encouraged.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

• Location: Albemarle Cider Works, North Garden, VA

• Format: Immersive farm-to-table dinner with live music, games, and folk faire

• Dress: Folk and farmstead costume fitting Middle Virginia. Cloaks and capes welcome.

• Age: Private event, 21 and up

• Tickets: Coming soon. Follow the LINK and join the mailing list to be first to know.