Villages of Van Buren - Event Calendar

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.

• Raku Pottery with Betty Printy
• Rejuvenating Spring Edibles with Pat Crawford
• Glass Blowing Basics with Tim Blair

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

Stop by and help Wasko Hardware celebrate 16 years in business! In-store specials, prizes, food and more!

Join Historic Hills Scenic Byway on May 7-8th for the first annual Byway Spring Shop About. The event will include small businesses from Donnellson to Drakesville including local boutiques, spas, home primitives, hardware stores and even historical businesses along the way! Gather up your family and spend the weekend shopping local and supporting the small businesses that give back to your communities!

The Byway Spring Shop About will be hosted along the 110-miles of Historic Hills Scenic Byway and any community member or business is welcome to participate to be a part of the route! It’s a great excursion that can involve the young and old, gather up a group of family and friends and carpool to your favorite local businesses.  

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.

• Plein Air: Landscapes with John Preston
• Needle Felting with Wool with Barbara Zumdome

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

Join the Villages Folk School at their Annual Memorial Day Weekend BBQ & Auction!  Enjoy a boxed dinner featuring BBQ Brisket or Pulled Pork, along with baked beans, coleslaw, chips and cookie.

There will be a Plein Air Quick Paint Contest through the Van Buren County Arts Council.  Participants must register in advance for the outdoor painting contest.

Homemade pies and goodies auctioned off at 6pm. Bring your lawn chair and join the fun under the BIG TENT in the Keosauqua City Park!

Bentonsport Historic District will be having its annual Spring Flea Market and Craft Show during the Memorial weekend.

All the shops will be open and a variety of vendors will be set up along Riverside Park. There will be food, crafts, antiques, blacksmithing and other demonstrations all weekend.