Welcome to HilltopFarm Agriculture & Architecture

Hilltop Farm — Managed by the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop


Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.

  • 1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078

  • Call us: (860) 758-0668

  • Mail Support: info@fofah.org

  • Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm

Grab Your Chair, Join the Jam

Bluegrass Festival

Bluegrass Festival
  • Date : TBA

  • This Event Has Yet To Be Scheduled.

Get ready for a foot-stompin', pickin' good time!

Become A Friend for the annual Hilltop Farm Bluegrass Festival! This is your chance to see some of the best names in bluegrass perform live, from seasoned veterans to rising stars. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with toe-tapping tunes, delicious food from local vendors, and a true sense of community.

Bluegrass Melodies Reclaim Hilltop Farm

The rolling hills of Suffield, Connecticut, are preparing for a long-awaited homecoming. In 2025, the air at Hilltop Farm will once again vibrate with the rhythmic drive of banjos and the soulful harmonies of fiddles as the Annual Bluegrass Festival makes its triumphant return. Set against the backdrop of the historic "Monster Barn" and 250 acres of preserved landscape, this event marks a revitalization of a local tradition that has long celebrated the intersection of American roots music and agricultural heritage.

A Legacy in Harmony

For nearly two decades, the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH) have worked tirelessly to transform the early 20th-century estate of Indian Motocycle co-founder George Hendee into a community hub. While the farm has become a staple for events like the annual Oktoberfest and the Hilltop Craft Show, the Bluegrass Festival holds a special place in the hearts of residents.

Originally gaining momentum with the "Paddle Faster" series, the festival became a regional beacon for "mountain music in overdrive". After a period of hiatus and smaller "Taste of Bluegrass" showcases, the 2025 return represents a full-scale restoration of the festival's original grandeur, inviting families to gather once more on the sprawling lawn of 1616 Mapleton Avenue.

What to Expect in 2025

The comeback festival is designed as an immersive experience for both die-hard bluegrass aficionados and families looking for a quintessential New England afternoon.

  • The Musical Lineup:
    While specific 2025 headliners often pull from the rich talent pool seen at regional events like the Podunk Bluegrass Festival, past performers at Hilltop have included Grammy winners such as Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, as well as fan favorites like The Kevin Prater Band and Rock Hearts. The 2025 stage will feature a curated mix of nationally touring acts and local virtuosos, ensuring the "high-energy" atmosphere the farm is known for.

  • The Venue:
    Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to settle in for a day of music. The 18,700-square-foot Colonial Revival Barn, a National Register of Historic Places landmark, serves as a stunning visual anchor for the festivities.

  • Family and Community:
    True to Hilltop’s mission of "connecting people with the land," the event often includes local food vendors, farm-fresh refreshments, and activities for children, such as the farm’s popular sand pile and animal encounters.

2026

Become A Friend - Become A Member

    • A paid membership to the Friends of Hilltop Farm (FOFAH) provides numerous benefits, from supporting the farm's mission to gaining personal perks. Your contribution helps sustain the historic Hilltop Farm in Suffield, CT, as a community space, educational resource, and recreational destination.

    • Become A Friend!
We Need You! - Volunteer!
    • We are so excited to work with you! Volunteers are at the heart of our work with a wide range of opportunities from Saturday farm workdays, to serving on a committee, to sharing your expertise in helping with our various projects. People who make time in their day and in their lives to support us with their talent create a deep impact and we appreciate you.

Count Me In!

A Celebration of Local Spirit

The return of the Bluegrass Festival is more than just a concert; it is a vital fundraiser for the Hilltop Farm Restoration Project. Proceeds from ticket sales and parking directly support the ongoing maintenance of the historic structures and the development of educational programs that teach the community about Suffield’s agricultural history.

Bluegrass music, with its origins in the accessible, "music of the people" tradition, is the perfect match for Hilltop. It requires no expensive equipment—only a sense of community and a love for storytelling through song.