"I don't ask for much. Maybe some blissful, uninterrupted reading time. And maybe that reading time is spent beneath the blue skies of a scenic Sauvie Island farm. And maybe I'm shaded by the dense limbs of a 500-year-old Oregon white oak. And perhaps, as I read, I'm listening to live background strumming by ukulele master Chris Lydgate. Maybe there's a gentle breeze. Maybe birds are flitting between the white oak's wide branches. Maybe farm-fresh food and drinks are available. Is that so much to ask?! Apparently not, because Topaz Farm has it all covered."
– Lindsay Costello, Portland Mercury Top Picks
Last year's sold-out Silent Reading Parties were such a delight! Join us again this July, August and September to rekindle your favorite summer pastime and treat yourself to a couple hours of uninterrupted reading under the glorious skies of Topaz Farm at this private, after-hours event. Shaded by the generous limbs of the farm's magnificent Grandmother Tree, a 500-year-old Oregon White Oak, you’ll read in community with fellow book lovers and anyone who wants to experience a special night.
This event makes a perfect evening for singletons, date nights, groups of friends, and families. Minors are welcome with a purchased ticket, as long as they are accompanied and able to read quietly alongside you for two hours.
Hosted by Portland writer and editor Audrey Van Buskirk, the event begins at 6:15 PM with a few remarks about Oregon's special place in the literary landscape. As you read, you’ll listen to live background strumming by ukulele master, Chris Lydgate and friends. And the birds. And the wind.
Both Audrey and Chris lead global book clubs as part of Frizzlit, which pioneered Silent Reading parties in 2009 and has been nationally recognized for building an inspiring community around literary and cultural classics.
Bring whatever you like to read, and either use our picnic tables for seating or bring your own blanket or chair. Your ticket price includes one drink; additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. Note outside food and drink are not permitted.
And if you need book suggestions, send a description of what you’re looking for to [email protected]. She'd love to help!
Schedule
Summer 2025 “Sip &” Series
This event is part of our new Summer 2025 “Sip &” Series — Wednesday evenings on the farm, after hours.
It’s all about slowing down midweek and spending time doing something with your hands, your heart, and maybe a frosé in the mix. Whether you're dyeing, fermenting, pickling, printing, or just reading quietly under our 500-year-old oak… these nights are about gathering in a relaxed, creative space and letting the farm do what it does best — inspire.
More Wednesday, after hours "Sip &" events here
About Topaz Farm
Topaz Farm is a regenerative, no-spray 130-acre family farm for every family, featuring farm-to plate dinners, live music, u-cut flowers, u-pick berries, a farm stand and fall harvest activities. The farm's full list of ticketed events can be seen here.
First time visitor to the farm? Click here for farm FAQs.
