East Austin Urban Farm Tour To Benefit Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance

Dorsey Barger at HausBar Farms

Photo by John Anderson

In the not-too-distant past, much of what we now know as East Austin was covered with working truck farms that fed residents of this city and many others. Thanks to the urban farm renaissance that began in the early Nineties and continues today, some of that same rich Colorado River bottomland is feeding Austin families again. On Sunday, April 15, up to 400 local food enthusiasts will have the opportunity to tour four East Austin urban farms to observe spring crops in bloom, appreciate ongoing projects and expansions, and ask questions about gardening and keeping chickens. At each farm, local chefs, artisan food makers, winemakers, distillers, and craft brewers will share their creations with guests. Proceeds of the tour will benefit the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, or FARFA, a nonprofit organization that lobbies to protect small family agricultural operations and ensure the public's access to real food. The farms are located within a few blocks of each other, so plan to park at one and walk to the others or make the tour a bike outing. The 400 available tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the farm gates; children 12 and under are free. Buy advance tickets at the farms or at www.eventbrite.com/event/3099238907.

Sunday April 15, 1-5pm

Boggy Creek Farm (3414 Lyons, www.boggycreekfarm.com) East End Wines, Asti, Fine Home Dining, Lenoir, Lick

HausBar Farms (3300 Govalle Ave., www.hausbarfarms.com) Hoover's Soular Food Trailer, Komé, Thunder Heart Bison: Ranch to Trailer, Amity Bakery, Paula's Texas Spirits, Balcones Distilling, Wahaka Mezcal

Springdale Farm (755 Springdale Rd., www.springdalefarmaustin.com) Bola Pizza, East Side Show Room, Péché, Rebecca Creek Distillery, Jester King Craft Brewery, Texas Sake Company

Rain Lily Farm (914 Shady, www.rainlilydesign.com) Confituras, Fabi + Rosi, the Hot Dang, Dai Due, Argus Cidery, Zhi Tea