Spend a summer evening beneath apple trees at Aamodt’s Apple Farm for An Evening in the Shire, a one-night fundraiser hosted by The Zephyr Theatre. Enjoy a staged excerpt from The Hobbit, live music, food and drink, and community-focused fundraising.
Spend a summer evening beneath apple trees at Aamodt’s Apple Farm for An Evening in the Shire, a one-night fundraiser hosted by The Zephyr Theatre. Enjoy a staged excerpt from The Hobbit, live music, food and drink, and community-focused fundraising.
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Operated by The Zephyr Theatre · Stillwater, Minnesota
An Evening in the Shire unfurls under apple boughs at Aamodt’s Apple Farm in Stillwater, Minnesota, offering a theatrical, community-driven evening that feels less like a fundraiser and more like a local tradition in the making. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, The Zephyr Theatre converts an orchard into a functioning Shire: the cast presents a fully staged excerpt from Scene 1 of The Hobbit, live Shire music threads between rows of trees, and guests circulate with complimentary food and a beverage provided by Aamodt’s, Thor’s Hard Cider, and Saint Croix Vineyards. The setting is the draw—mature apple trees, open grass lanes, and the sweeping bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley provide a rare outdoor stage where audience and performers meet under stars.
Tickets come in three tiers—Friend of the Shire, Hobbit Companion, and Fellowship Patron—each bundling admission with perks like signed posters, a commemorative t-shirt, raffle entries, and a 20 percent discount to see The Hobbit at the Zephyr this summer. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. start; the evening runs about two hours with general admission seating on a first-come basis. Visuals and programming are curated to welcome families and patrons of all ages; the site is ADA accessible.
Beyond the performance, the night models a tangible way to support arts in a small river town: raffle proceeds, donations during a ‘fund-a-need’ segment, and ticket revenue help the Zephyr expand educational programming and production capacity. For visitors, it’s an appealing mix of rural Minnesota charm and theatrical craft—an outdoor summer event that turns a working orchard into a stage while spotlighting local producers.
Practical notes: bring a jacket for cool June evenings, cash for the raffle, and arrive early if you want a closer view of the performance; ADA seating is available. The apple trees and surrounding bluffs create good photo opportunities at sunset, and the combination of cider and live music lends an instantly approachable atmosphere. Whether you’re a theatre patron, a Tolkien fan, or a visitor seeking a memorable summer evening in the St. Croix Valley, An Evening in the Shire is a singular community event that combines storytelling, place, and purpose.
Tickets are tiered—Friend of the Shire ($75), Hobbit Companion ($150), and Fellowship Patron ($250)—each includes admission, food, one beverage, and special add-ons like signed posters, a T-shirt, raffle entry, or cast recognition in the program. Limited availability makes early booking wise; proceeds support Zephyr’s educational outreach and future productions. Meet at Aamodt’s Apple Farm, 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082; plan for rural parking and follow event crew directions on arrival. This evening offers a direct way to fund local theater while enjoying a lively summer night in the orchard.
Yes—the event listing notes ADA accessible seating and access at Aamodt’s Apple Farm.
Meet at Aamodt’s Apple Farm, 6428 Manning Ave N, Stillwater, MN 55082 for event entry and check-in.
Refunds/Exchanges are not available for this event, per the ticketing policy.
Tickets include Shire admission, one complimentary food item and beverage; higher tiers add signed posters, a T-shirt, raffle entries, and program recognition.
Yes—there is rural onsite parking; plan for a short walk from parking to the orchard and follow crew directions.
Yes—the program is family-friendly and welcomes patrons of all ages; seating and programming are designed to accommodate families.
The Zephyr Theatre in Stillwater, Minnesota produces immersive theatrical experiences and seasonal events that spotlight local history and storytelling. For 2025 the theater presents the Haunted History Trolley Tour, a theatrical trolley tour that guides guests through Stillwater’s eerie streets while costumed, ghostly characters recount chilling tales from the town’s past. The experience includes pre-tour festivities at River Siren Brewery where attendees can watch classic horror films, enjoy drinks, and participate in a themed scavenger hunt. The Zephyr Theatre coordinates live performance, venue partnerships, and curated pre-show programming to deliver a cohesive audience experience. Performances are staged on a trolley to combine historical narrative with theatrical presentation, and actors portray period and spectral characters to animate local stories. The production is designed as a seasonal October event, with specific dates marketed for the 2025 run. The organization emphasizes clear event information, ticketed attendance, and partnered local venues to create predictable, public events for visitors and community members. By combining theatrical staging, site-specific storytelling, and on-site pre-show activities at an established local brewery, The Zephyr Theatre provides a distinctive way to explore Stillwater’s haunted history. Prospective guests should check official tickets and event listings for schedule, accessibility, and age guidance before attending. Ticketing information, start times, boarding locations, and safety policies are published with each 2025 performance. The Zephyr Theatre coordinates with River Siren Brewery and local partners to stage the Haunted History Trolley Tour, ensuring organized check-in, pre-tour entertainment, and a themed experience consistent with advertised programming for attendees, guests.
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