FAQs
About the Experience
What exactly is The Paca Picnic?
Picture yourself unwinding in a beautifully styled picnic lounge set right in the middle of an alpaca pasture. Your table is set, the cushions are fluffed, and the décor is thoughtfully arranged — all that’s left is for you to arrive and enjoy.
As you relax, the alpacas simply go about their day. Some may wander close, especially when they realize you’ve been supplied with alpaca food, while others will hang back and graze. Their quirky personalities always bring a touch of surprise and plenty of laughter to the day.
The Paca Picnic is perfect for everything from an intimate date to a birthday toast, a family afternoon, or even a team outing where the “icebreakers” happen to have four legs and fuzzy ears.
What is included?
Imagine if MoMA, CB2, and Aesop collaborated on an outdoor living collection — then dropped it into a sunlit pasture with alpacas roaming nearby. That’s the vibe: a soft white, cream, tan, and green color palette, styled with an eye for comfort and design. Each private setup for The Paca Picnic features low boho tables, ultra-soft layered blankets, and cushioned seating that invites lounging and long conversations. The tablescape? Effortlessly elevated: artful ceramic plates, fine glassware, modern flatware, and linen napkins — all arranged under a vintage market umbrella for shade and style.
Details matter to us: a decorative ice bucket pre-filled with ice, a sleek Bluetooth speaker for your playlist, and design-minded table games for a little interactive charm. You’ll also find hand sanitizer and more than enough alpaca food for up-close introductions. It’s a setting that’s part picnic, part editorial spread — and entirely unforgettable.
Adult guest place settings feature:
Whimsical alpaca plates
Fine glassware & silverware
Linen napkins
Linen napkins Child guest place settings feature:
Whimsical alpaca plates
Acrylic drinkware
Paper straw
Sustainable paper napkins
Bamboo cutlery
How long is The Paca Picnic experience?
Each private reservation is designed for a two-hour experience. That gives you plenty of time to settle in, enjoy your food and drinks, take photos with the alpacas, and simply unwind in the pasture. If you’d like to linger a little longer, extended time can often be arranged in advance for an additional fee — just let us know when booking.
Do you offer professional photography?
While every guest is welcome to snap their own photos, we know alpacas make for unforgettable memories. We partner with local photographers who know the farm and the herd well, and who can be booked to capture your picnic in a professional way. If you’d like to add photography, just let us know during booking and we’ll share package options.
What is your official hashtag?
We love seeing your memories! Share your photos with #ThePacaPicnic so our team (and our alpacas) can join the fun.
Where are you located?
The Paca Picnic is hosted at two beautiful farms just outside of Washington, DC: Alpaca Lane Criations in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and The Artsy Farmer in Dickerson, Maryland. Both locations offer a serene countryside escape less than an hour from the Nation’s Capital.
Can I arrive early for my reservation?
We kindly ask that guests arrive no more than a few minutes in advance of the scheduled start time so we have everything styled and picture-perfect for you.
Food & Drink
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes...absolutely! The Paca Picnic was designed to be a 100% bring-your-own food and beverage experience, so you can pack exactly what you love. Feel free to bring your favorite bites, drinks, and sweet treats — just don’t forget any serving dishes, utensils, or containers you might need. (Pro tip: Dishes that seal or wrap neatly are easiest if you plan to bring leftovers back with you.)
That said, if you’d rather not lift a finger food-wise, we’ve teamed up this fall with our friends at Windows Catering to offer a beautifully curated menu inspired by The Paca Picnic — think modern charcuterie displays, tea sandwiches, and seasonal small plates, all ready to be dropped off at your setup. If you’d like to explore The Paca Picnic x Windows Catering Fall 2025 packages, please reach out to Sydney Rubin at srubin@catering.com. Windows kindly asks for 72 hours’ notice for all orders.
Please Note: At this time, we do not offer any food or drink for purchase on-site — but that’s on purpose! We’ve put all our love into caring for the alpacas and creating a beautiful, cozy space just for you. A little planning ahead — whether you BYO or go with Windows (or another company) — means you can sit back, relax, and soak it all in.
Booking & Availability
How far in advance should I book The Paca Picnic?
We recommend reserving your spot as far out in advance as possible, since popular dates and seasons do fill quickly. If you have a special occasion in mind, the earlier the better. That said, on occasion you can snag a reservation the same week as your desired date — it never hurts to check! If you don’t see your preferred date or time listed, feel free to email us at hello@thepacapicnic.com — we can often make it happen.
Your website says The Paca Picnic is fully booked on my preferred date. Should I still reach out?
If your preferred date isn’t listed as available, feel free to email us at hello@thepacapicnic.com — we can often make it work or let you know if a spot opens up.
What if I need to change my reservation?
We understand that plans shift. If you need to move your date, just let us know at least 72 hours in advance and we’ll be glad to reschedule your picnic. In the event of severe weather, our team will also work with you to find a new date that works best.
Logistics & Policies
What happens if there is inclement weather on my scheduled picnic date?
Picnics and pastures go hand in hand with nature, and we always keep a close eye on the forecast. If conditions look too wet, stormy, or uncomfortable, we’ll reach out in advance by email to let you know and outline next steps.
In most cases, the best approach is to reschedule your picnic for another date that works for you. There’s no expiration, so you’re welcome to rebook whenever it’s convenient, and we’ll work with you to select a date that feels just as special as your original one.
If you’d prefer not to reschedule, we can instead extend a 50% refund. Just let us know what works best for your plans.
What is your refund policy?
Because each picnic involves advance planning, farm coordination, and vendor commitments, all bookings are non-refundable in full. That said, we strive to remain as flexible as possible.
If you cannot attend your scheduled picnic, we are always happy to reschedule your experience for another date of your choice. There’s no expiration — you may choose a future date whenever it works best, and we’ll help ensure it’s just as enjoyable as your original one.
If rescheduling isn’t possible for your group, we can provide a 50% refund. Simply let us know your preference.
Can I arrive early for The Paca Picnic?
We kindly ask that guests arrive at their scheduled start time so we have everything styled and picture-perfect for you.
Do I need to do anything else before my Paca Picnic?
Just one last step: keep an eye out for a waiver email closer to your reservation date. Once that’s signed, you’re all set for The Paca Picnic.
I have another question! What’s the best way to reach your team?
The fastest way to get in touch is through our website’s contact form or by emailing hello@thepacapicnic.com