Can I bring my own food or drinks to The Craw-Daddy Festival?

Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed, but you can pre-order meals and purchase local summer beers on site.

Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes, there are plenty of activities for children including a petting pasture, fishing derby, and various father-child competitions.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

Pets are not recommended to attend due to the farm animals and crowded environment.

How do I pre-order food for the event?

You can pre-order through the Old Mill Farm Durham website or via the provided booking referral link.

What types of payment are accepted at the festival?

Cash and most major credit cards are accepted for on-site purchases.

What happens if it rains on the day of the festival?

The Craw-Daddy Festival proceeds rain or shine with covered areas available, but check the official website for any updates.

Celebrate Father’s Day at The Craw-Daddy Festival in Durham

The Craw-Daddy Festival in Durham, North Carolina offers a unique way to celebrate Father’s Day with an outdoor boil event that combines great food, lively music, and family fun. Hosted by Old Mill Farm Durham, the festival features chef Christian Thompson’s renowned cooking, bringing a delicious twist to this classic southern tradition. Alongside the feast, enjoy live performances by The Beagles and a selection of refreshing local summer beers. The day is filled with activities perfect for all ages, including a petting pasture where kids can meet friendly farm animals, a fishing derby for a bit of friendly competition, and father-child contests that create memorable experiences. Pre-order your meal to ensure you savor every bite during this lively and vibrant community gathering. The Craw-Daddy Festival is more than just a meal; it’s a full day of laughter, connection, and celebration with a fun rural atmosphere just minutes from downtown Durham.

About Old Mill Farm Durham

Old Mill Farm Durham is a community-focused working farm located in Durham, North Carolina. The farm operates seasonal public events, educational programs, and hands-on animal experiences designed for families, children, and adult visitors. Highlights include weekly Fridays at the Farm live-music nights with food trucks and local beer (March–October), signature animal encounters such as Baby Goat Snuggles and Baby Lamb Snuggles, and special one-day festivals like the Baby Goat Festival and The Craw-Daddy Festival.

Summer Camp at Old Mill Farm offers a six-acre outdoor camp where campers participate in animal care, gardening, fishing, STEAM projects, and entrepreneurship activities. Camp programming emphasizes small camper-to-staff ratios and practical, hands-on learning in a safe outdoor setting.

The farm also offers a 2025 Farm Membership that provides members with event access, discounts, and quarterly gifts. Tickets for limited-capacity events are available online, and the farm communicates event details and schedules in advance.

Old Mill Farm Durham maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with supervised animal interactions, a beer garden for adult guests, and accessible grounds for visitors. The farm partners with local musicians, food vendors, and breweries to support the regional community and to create seasonal attractions. Visitors can expect organized events, clear scheduling, and a variety of experiences tailored to families and groups seeking outdoor, animal-focused recreation near Durham. Safety protocols are prioritized, and staff provide guidance during encounters; online booking and event calendars make planning easy for visitors seeking reliably scheduled farm experiences. Membership benefits, seasonal updates, and ticket releases are announced online regularly.