Villages of Van Buren - Event Calendar

Weekend of trail riding and instructional painting!
Meet new friends in a safe group of horsemen, guided trail riding, building new friendships, creating a unique painting.
Four home-cooked meals are provided.
$95 includes food and all painting supplies.

Camping separately, reserve through River Valley 319-878-3888

A deposit of $40 to reserve a spot can be mailed to:
Sheri Dill-Billings
2430 285th St
New London, IA 52645
Or PayPal dillbillings@gmail.com
Please feel free to email or call with questions at 641-919-4021

Download the 2021 Schedule of Events

Postpone Until Next Year (November 4th, 2022)

Choose from a large selection of handmade bowls and enjoy all you can eat homemade soups!  Homemade bread, dessert, and drink included. $25 suggested donation handmade bowl to keep or good will offering for disposable bowl. 

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. 

• Goat Milk Soap Making with Heather Nelson

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

The Dutchman's Store is celebrating 36 years in Cantril, with a special Anniversary Sale.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8a-6p, Sat. 8a-5p, Closed Sunday.

Start the holiday season off with musical acts and performances provided by some very talented local musicians. This is a fun-filled family event.

Featuring many local entertainers from the Tri-Sate area including Mike Browning, Amy Fellows, Tom Allen, Brandon Cochenour, Justin & Jolene Snider, Joe Short, Marcella Hannam, Tiana Fincher, and Jed Westercamp and many more!

Friday Show: Doors open at 6pm, show at 7pm.
Saturday Show: Doors open at 5:30pm for Soup Supper, Show at 7pm.

Tickets: $10.00 in advance (age 5-adults) non refundable. 
$15.00 at the door (Limited Reserve Seating Available). Call 319-520-5385 for tickets. 

Sat Only: A soup supper will be served at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria prior to the show. A variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts will be available.

Download flyer 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 Workshop (Multi-Day) with Teri Showman

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

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 Christmas Ornament with Stuart Holmes

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

Join the Folk School for an evening of Holiday Hoopla at Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, Iowa!

Things will kick off with a cake painting challenge as five top local artists compete for 1st place. Completed cakes will be sold to the highest bidder and handmade cookies will be for sale throughout the evening.

Iowa musician and songwriter, Chad Elliott, will be entertaining us with his original songs and a few Holiday singalongs in the sample room. Chad is also a painter, who creates large acrylic panels that are featured in his children's books. Books will be available. https://www.chadelliott.net

Come for the cake painting challenge, stay for the soothing tones and a drink with friends. Tis the Season to be Jolly! See Less

Christmas is in the Air!

Shop for that special someone on your Christmas list, pick up stocking stuffers, enjoy special pricing, drawings and food. Help us celebrate shopping local!

The Birmingham Lions will be serving chili soup, vegetable soup, potato soup, chicken noodle soup and various other soups! Desserts and drinks are included. Dine-in is available. Cost is $5.00 per meal.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides to see Christmas decorations starting at approximately 5:30 p.m.