Villages of Van Buren - Event Calendar

Hinterland Dairy will be opening their retail store on the farm for the season!

The Villages Folk School specializes in providing learning experiences in traditional arts and skills while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the eleven historic Villages of Van Buren County Iowa.

Classes are held in peaceful rural settings so students can return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village-life. Pre-registration is required for classes.

• Rug Weaving Workshop  (Multi-Day 6th-7th)  with Teri Showman

Pre-registration is required for classes.
Register for April Classes

A fun-filled family-friendly event of musical entertainment and comedy! Features many local entertainers from the Tri-Sate area. 

Doors open at 5:30pm, show at 7pm.
Tickets:
$15 at the door
5 and under Free 

A soup supper will be served at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria before the show. A variety of soups, sandwiches, and desserts will be available. Free-will donation

There will be adult beverages for purchases with an valid ID.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Bonaparte Community Improvement Association.

If you like organized activities with a lot of fun, then come on out and join River Valley for their special events! Open to anyone who like to watch or participate.

• April 12 ~ First Ron Wallace Barrel Racing Series
• April 12-14 ~ First Wright's Donkey Sorting with barrel racing
• April 12-14 ~ Trail Clinic by Lala O'hara

Download the 2024 Schedule of Events for more information

The Villages Folk School specializes in providing learning experiences in traditional arts and skills while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the eleven historic Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa.

Classes are held in a peaceful rural setting, so students can return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village life. 

• Rug Weaving Class with Teri Showman

Pre-registration is required for classes.
Register for April Classes

Join Van Buren County Naturalist Chloe for a hike at Lacey Keosauqua Beach House Lodge to explore and discover various bird species found in our local habitat.

This 2-mile hike will have various terrain types from
moderate to difficult. This trail is gravel and timber so proper hiking attire and bug spray is recommended. We have a limited number of binoculars available if you don't have your own.

Registration is encouraged but not required.
Registration: MyCountyParks.com

Speaker Dr. Randy Lengeling is a native Iowan who grew up in Carroll. This PowerPoint presentation looks at Wood’s personal life story- his artistic development and meteoric rise to international prominence as the leader of Regionalism; his controversial professorship at the State University of Iowa; and his enduring legacy in art history having lived nearly his whole life in Iowa. His story is an inspiration for all Americans, particularly Iowans, and a shining example that world-influencing achievements can occur in this “flyover” state that we call home. Original Grant Wood works may be available for viewing.

This presentation may be more suitable for adults. There are 2 sessions: 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Space is limited to 20 guests per session. To ensure your spot, please preregister by calling the Center at 641-652-3352 or online at MyCountyParks. Walk-ins are welcome on a first come, first served basis once preregistered guests have been seated.

American Gothic House interior will be open 11 AM until 2 PM

The museum gallery will be closed to the public until 12:30 p.m.

FREE

Choose spaghetti or chicken alfredo served with salad, garlic bread, and cookie. 

Dine in or Carry Out!
$15 for adult and $10 for kids.

The Villages Folk School specializes in providing learning experiences in traditional arts and skills while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the eleven historic Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa.

Classes are held in a peaceful rural setting, so students can return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village life. 

• Leather Crafting for Beginners with Stuart Holmes

Pre-registration is required for classes.
Register for April Classes

Greenhouse will open on April 15th with a Spring Open House on April 20th-21st!

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am-Noon. Closed Sunday.

All the shops will be OPEN Saturdays and Sundays rest of April!

• Greef General Store/Addie May Fudge
• Iron & Lace
• Sweet Maple Mercantile
• Treen Woodworks

Come on out and join the Birmingham Fire Dept. for a free-will donation breakfast dinner. Serving pancakes, sausage, biscuits & gravy, and beverages.

The American Gothic House Center invites all ages of the public to participate in their annual art contest as part of Eldon's Gothic Days celebration!

Click HERE to see the Rules and Contest Deadlines.

Items up for bid will begin loading on our Facebook page at 2pm on Friday, April 26. All items will be available for bidding through Sunday, April 28 closing at 6pm.

Items up for bid are donated by and will feature area businesses and services. Proceeds will help support the mission of the Villages of Van Buren, a non-profit organization.

Rules:
* Post your bid in the comments on our Facebook page. The highest bid at 6pm Sunday wins.
* The highest bidder at 6pm on April 28, will be contacted on the page about the win.
* The winning bidder will pick up the item at the Welcome Center no later than May 3rd. (Other arrangements MAY be possible for some items. Message Villages if you need to make other arrangements.)
* The winning bidder will pay at pick-up with cash or check. (If other arrangements are made, this will include payment arrangements as well.)

Join Van Buren County Naturalist Chloe for a hike at Lacey Keosauqua Beach House Lodge for a hike to discover the different edible flora found in timbers of Van Buren County.

This mile hike will have various terrain types from moderate to difficult. This trail is gravel and timber so proper hiking attire and bug spray is recommended. We will be looking at different flora throughout the lake trail and discuss what types of places they are found in.

Registration is encouraged but not required.
Registration: MyCountyParks.com

Hot Cocoa Run will take place at retail shops both days in
Bentonsport, Bonaparte, Farmington, and Keosauqua. Outdoor flea market, rudolph Run Scavenger Hunt, and outdoor vendors.