The Midwest’s favorite vintage festival brought an adventurous twist this year. Junkstock, named one of the best “Midwest fall festivals” by Midwest Living magazine, returned to Sycamore Farms Oct. 3–5 and 10–12 with a theme that was equal parts nostalgic and forward-looking.
For 2025, the festival transformed into Camp Junkstock, a whimsical fall escape complete with a towering 25-foot Smokey the Bear, A-frame cabins, vintage campers and a fully restored Airstream. The immersive setup channeled national park charm with handmade boulders, afghan blanket tents, antique lace curtains and even forest trees shipped in from Minnesota. It proved the perfect backdrop for pumpkins, campfires and cozy fall moments.
Beyond its imaginative design, Camp Junkstock also served as a preview of what’s ahead for Sycamore Farms. Some of the cabins and vintage campers introduced this fall marked the first steps toward a new venture: glamping on-site.
“People come from all over the country for Junkstock, and they’ve always asked to stay here,” says Sara Alexander, co-founder of Junkstock. “With 80 acres along the Elkhorn River, the space is perfect for cabins, campers and a unique glamping experience. Vendors and visitors have wanted this for years, and we’re excited to create it.”
The plan includes tiny A-frame cabins on trailers, a restored vintage Airstream and rentable retro campers nestled in the woods. The fall festival offered a first taste of this vision, with the long-term goal of creating a year-round retreat where guests can stay and experience the magic of Junkstock beyond a single weekend.
Alongside the debut of Camp Junkstock, festivalgoers enjoyed everything the event is known for: more than 250 vendors, 22 live bands, 62 food options and seasonal highlights like a vintage car show and a special performance by Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks.
This year’s festival not only celebrated fall with music, food and vintage finds, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter for Sycamore Farms, where future visitors will soon be able to camp under the stars after a day at Junkstock.
Junkstock History
Founded in 2012 by Sara Alexander, Junkstock grew from a small event with 29 vendors in a chicken coop to a nationally recognized festival at Sycamore Farms, celebrated for vintage finds, artisan goods, live music and food.