Villages of Van Buren - Event Calendar

Have a blast with your family and friends this 4th of July!

Great fun all day for the entire family in downtown Keosauqua!

• All-you-can-eat Pancake and Sausage Breakfast from 7-10am. Freewill Donation.
• Pedal Pull (free) signup - 2:30pm. The Pedal Pull begins at 3pm.
• Kids' Games - 4pm (or after pedal pull)
• Silver Mine - 5pm (or after kids' games)
• Mercer's Crazy Train - 5-9pm
• Street dance with the Harvest Band courtesy of Engage Keosauqua on Front Street - 6pm-dark
•  Amazing Firework display over the Des Moines River at dark.

Join Van Buren County Naturalist Chloe at Ely Ford’s Lacey Keosauqua State Park for a guided hiking tour along the river to discover the natural beauty of the bluffs and rock formations. 

This trail is gravel and in timber so proper hiking attire, sunscreen, and bug spray is recommended. This mile-long hike will have various terrain types from moderate to difficult. You'll be looking at different rock formations and discussing different rock types. 

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

No need to drive to the movie theater! Bring the family out to Bentonsport Shelterhouse.

Remember to bring your lawn chair, blankets, and snacks. This movie will be shown near the shelter house. Bug spray would be recommended. Kids 10 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

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.

10am Shotgun start
2 person scramble (all men team, all women team, or man and women team)
$65 per person includes: golf cart, prizes, lunch and tee gift.
Flag prizes on every hole.

100% proceeds go to Pay It Forward Christmas Charity
Benefiting: children in Van Buren County providing coats, boots, clothing, and toys at Christmas. 

Hosted by Riverview County Club
for reservations call 319-293-3200

Come to the Lake Sugema Wildlife Area to view the night sky. 

This guided program is about discovering different star patterns and constellations. If you have a telescope you are encouraged to bring your own.

The Douds Historical Preservation Association, Inc. of Douds, Iowa will observe its 50th anniversary of existence with an open house at all historical properties! 

• Douds Depot, 14168 Walnut St.
• Valley No. 3 Country School, 14779-Ferris St.
• Oak Grove No. 8 Country School, 15818 Iowa Oak Grove Ave.
• Mt. Moriah Methodist Church, 14889 120th St.

All these Historic properties have been fully restored. Tours will be given at each facility with cash prizes awarded at each facility to a lucky winner. This is a FREE event open to the public.

Enjoy a week of fun at the Van Buren County Fair! Featuring: Fair Queen Contest, 4-H, and FFA exhibits all week long & more!

Check out >> 2024 Tentative Fair Schedule

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. 

• "Paint The Fair" a plein air competition (Multi-Day)

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