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. 

Download Flyer 

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

Download Flyer

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

Serve Outdoors invites all youth and individuals with disabilities to the shooting range!

All ammo and rounds shot are free for participants. Lunch will be served between 11:30am and Noon for the shooters and their families at no cost. 

Sponsored by the Des Moines River Valley of Serve Outdoors 

Annual old fashion church service at the historic 1895 Oak Grove Country Church at 15818  Iowa Oak Grove Avenue, 3 miles southeast of Douds. 

The adjacent 1872 Oak Grove Country school will also be open for touring. Everyone is  invited!

Enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Amish Dinner Buffet!
Serving: Oven Baked Chicken, Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Chicken Noodles, Homemade Bread, Cooked Cabbage, Green Beans, Salad Bar, Pies, and Drinks.

Adults: $13, Seniors: $12, Children ages 5-12: $7, Under 4: Free.

Friday, September 13th - 5-8pm
Saturday, September 14th - 4-7pm

The bakery will be open during buffet hours.

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

Comb your mullet and brush your tooth for a Redneck Rendezvous! 

• Seed Spitting Contest at 5:15pm
• Beard Contest at 5:30pm
• Mullet Contest at 5:45pm
• Frozen T-shirt contest at 5pm (not what you think - this is child-appropriate)
• Redneck Horseshoes at 6pm
• Bring your own cooler.

All activities at the playground shelter.

Rev your engines and mark your calendars! You're invite to the first annual Thunder in the Villages motorcycle/side-by-side weekend in Keosauqua, Iowa.

This event promises an exhilarating weekend filled with activities, music, and camaraderie with fellow motor enthusiasts.

With multiple camping options nearby, live music, a poker run and scavenger hunt exploring each of the scenic Villages of Van Buren County, a burnout pit, motorcycle/side-by-side parade, bike show, and more, you're guaranteed to have a good time.

Whether you ride a cruiser, sport bike, chopper, custom, ATV, or UTV, all are welcome. 

Download Flyer

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

Come to the Birmingham Lions Building for some tenderloin sandwiches (choice of breaded or grilled), potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, various desserts, and drinks. 

Meal - $10, 
Sandwich and Drink - $6 
Proceeds used for Lions projects.

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

Have a blast in your side by side (or any vehicle) while helping Indian Lake Park raise money!!!

Food and live band following the ride. 50% payout and all remaining proceeds go towards Indian Lake Park for improvements.

Register at the Indian Lake Lodge (9am-10:30am).
$20 Per Hand.
Must return to Indian Lake Park no later then 6:30pm where all card will be drawn.