Villages of Van Buren - Event Calendar

The 2024 Performers are all booked, and we are already getting excited for another great weekend!

Lori King & Junction 63 as well as the Bluegrass Blondies will be playing again this year, with performances by The Baker Family and William Lawson!

Bigger and better this year is their goal! Keep the dates folks! You won't want to miss this Festival!

 All adult beverages need to either be in a tumbler or in a koozie. Please pack your lawn chairs or a blanket to set on. And most of all, come to enjoy and be happy. Spread the love of music with each other. 

Enjoy a great weekend with the whole family! Pedal Pull, Parade, Car Show, Truck & Tractor Pull, Games and so much more. Plus Food by Stockport Fire Dept. Friday and Saturday!

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. 

• Raku Pottery Experience with Betty Printy
• Stained Glass for Beginners with Kolby Freeman
• Glass Blowing Basics with Tim Blair
• Rug Weaving Workshop (Multi-Day 7th-8th) with Teri Showman

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

Explore Lake Sugema to tag monarch butterflies. This guided program is to discover monarchs’ life cycle and the trip butterflies take south. 

This hike covers various terrain from moderate to difficult. This trail is grass and dirt, proper hiking attire, and bug spray is recommended. We will meet at Lake Sugema near the Shelter house.

Registration is REQUIRED, limited to 20 participants.

Registration:  https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Van-Buren/Park/Lake-Sugema-Park/Events/25129/Monarch-Tagging.aspx

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. Pre-registration is required for classes.

• Foraging: Putting Up For Winter! with Pat Crawford

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

Explore Lake Sugema Prairie to tag monarch butterflies. This guided program is to discover monarchs’ life cycle and the trip butterflies take south. 

This trail is grass and dirt, proper hiking attire, and bug spray is recommended. We will meet at the Lake Sugema Campground near the Shelter house.

Registration is REQUIRED, limited to 20 participants.

Registration: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Van-Buren/Park/Lake-Sugema-Park/Events/25130/Monarch-Tagging.aspx

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. Pre-registration is required for classes.

• Basket Weaving - Tribal Basket with Jeanne Dudley

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

Want to try collecting native prairie seeds?

Learn how to collect native prairie seeds and discover various prairie plants in our local habitat at the Lake Sugema Wildlife Area.

This area has tall grass, wearing proper hiking attire, and bug spray is recommended. Meet at Lake Sugema Campground near the non-reservable sites. Kids 15 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

Registration is encouraged.
Registration: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Van-Buren/Park/Lake-Sugema-Park/Events/25131/Prairie-Seed-Collecting.aspx

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.

• Sept 21-23 ~ Fifth Wright's Donkey Sorting with barrel racing

Download the 2024 Schedule of Events for more information

Enjoy the colors of fall leaves on this paddle! Meet at Lacey Keosauqua Boat Ramp to paddle and explore at Lacey Keosauqua Lake. 

If you have your own canoe or kayak you are more than welcome to bring that. The paddle is open to everyone, however, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Van Buren County Conservation. The Des Moines River Water Trail is one of 19 official water trails in Iowa.

Registration is REQUIRED.
Registration: https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Van-Buren/Park/Other/Events/25132/Fall-Color-Paddle.aspx