Featuring Local/Regional Chefs Brad Leone, Reneé Touponce, Jordan Rubin; New Orleans Chef Mason Hereford; Wine personality Andre Hueston Mack; and Music from Renowned Grateful Dead cover band Grateful Shred

STONINGTON, Conn., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

"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.

Details at www.theroostfestival.com and on Instagram at @theroostfestival. A portion of ticket sales will go to Yellow Farmhouse Education Center at Stone Acre Farms.

About The Roost Festival
The Roost Festival was co-founded by 85th Day Food Community, culinary personality Brad Leone, and Loupe Management creator Carolyn Gagnon. It celebrates the intersection of food, drink, and community, drawing inspiration from the Grateful Dead's Shakedown Street gatherings of yore. By bringing together celebrated chefs, brewers, winemakers, and musicians, the event transforms a fall afternoon in Mystic into a showcase for the town's growing reputation as one of New England's culinary centers.

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SOURCE The Roost Festival