UAFS Drennen-Scott Holiday Open House
2018-09-21 00:00 UTC, 2018-11-30 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | AR
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas. Friday, November 30 between 5:30 and 8:30 pm for the UAFS Drennen-Scott Historic Site Victorian Holiday Open House. We will have live Christmas music, a children’s arts and craft project, holiday treats, egg nog, wassail, and plenty of holiday decorations and cheer!Parking is available on site and a shuttle bus will run from the Crawford County Courthouse area where additional parking can be found.
The event is free and open to the public.

The Western District at the King Opera House
2018-09-21 00:00 UTC, 2018-10-05 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago), 2018-10-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
On May 8th, 1871 the Western District Court of Arkansas was moved from Van Buren to the location famously known as Fort Smith’s “Hole in the Wall” saloon, a site that is today occupied by the restaurant, 21 West End. In only fourteen months and twenty days it becomes the most corrupt courthouse in the entire United States. My play, The Western District, takes place during that time period and reveals the true, never before told, story behind the founding of First National Bank and the real reasons why Judge Parker came to the Fort Smith. Tickets can be purchased here.

Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly
2018-10-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Insects rule in the diaries of unlikely best friends: Worm, Spider and Fly. Worm eats his homework, Fly believes she has superpowers, and Spider can’t wait to grow up and molt. Promoting eco-consciousness, earth science and tolerance of others, DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER, & A FLY is a joyful, hip musical exploration of the world outside. You might just find that a bug’s life is not all that different from your own!
Van Buren Fine Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased here.

Flor de Toloache
2018-10-11 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Latin Grammy Nominees Mariachi Flor de Toloache make New York City history as its’ First and Only All-Women Mariachi Group. Founded in 2008, Mariachi Flor de Toloache is lead by singers Mireya I. Ramos (founder) & Shae Fiol (founding member). Reminiscent of the early days of mariachi the group started as a trio, Harp, Violin and Vihuela. Today, Mariachi Flor De Toloache performs as a full Mariachi ensemble. The members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Australia, Colombia, Germany, Italy and the United States. This defines their unique flavor and sound. The result of this cultural bouquet is an edgy, versatile and fresh take on traditional Mexican music. They coalesce as would a band of sisters, with a grace and vibrant beauty that casts a spell over their audiences not unlike the legendary Toloache flower still being used in Mexico as a love potion. While working to preserve centuries old traditions of Mariachi, their melange of the traditional and the modern pushes the boundaries of the genre and brings Mariachi music to new audiences. Tickets can be purchased here.

FALL FESTIVAL
2018-10-13 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Craft and food vendors will line both sides of historic Main Street to celebrate the beginning of the Fall season. For festival vendor applications visit https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/787b96_64e4e9d7503b4e3c93a73edb044d8088.pdf. For additional information call: 479-922-6862.

Halloween on Main Street
2018-10-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Zombie Crawl and Trunk or Treat on Van Buren’s Historic Main Street.

Ingrid
2018-10-30 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Tickets are on sale now to watch the documentary “Ingrid”. The show will be October 30 at the King Opera House and will conclude with a talk back session with Ingrid and the film director. Come learn about this amazing artist and support CAE. Tickets can be purchased here.

Van Buren Veterans Day Parade
2018-11-08 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)

Ride the Train from Van Buren to Winslow
2018-11-23 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago), 2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
A scenic tour through the Ozark Boston Mountains. Burrow through the quarter mile Winslow tunnel and over a trestle that towers over 125 ft above the ground with views for miles.
Corporate & Private Charters, Fundraisers, Gift Certificates, and Group rates.
For more information call 1-479-725-4017 or 1-800-687-8600 or visit http://www.amtrainrides.com.

Van Buren Holiday Express Pajama Train
2018-11-23 17:00 - 18:00, 2018-11-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2018-11-25 11:00 - 12:00, 2018-12-10 09:00 - 2018-12-12 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Children of all ages can enjoy the magic of the holidays on this one-hour round trip Holiday Express Pajama Train. Ride includes: Hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa. Also Available on all 6:30 pm round trips, at an additional cost, is the Holiday Pizza Express. For pricing and to purchase tickets call 479-725-4017 or online at amtrainrides.com. Board the train at the Old Frisco Depot at 813 Main Street, Van Buren.

Jingle and Mingle on Main St. Christmas Festival
2018-12-01 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Come enjoy Old Town Christmas charm at Historic Main Street’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market and Open House. The day will include horse drawn carriage rides, photo ops with Santa and for families, hot cocoa, carolers, a new twist on our tradition of living windows, and door prizes! The unique shops of Main Street will also offer refreshments and Open House promotions!

Lighting of the Courthouse and Festival of Trees
2018-12-01 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)

Van Buren Christmas Parade
2018-12-08 18:30 (America/Chicago)

Jazz Festival
2019-01-30 00:00 UTC
Held at Freedom Park Pavilions.
Arkansas Jazz Festival Schedule:
Friday April 26th
3:30 Fort Smith Kimmons Junior High School
4:30 Farmington Junior High School
5:30 Farmington High School
6:30 Bentonville West High School
7:30 Booneville High School
8:30 Ramsey Junior High School
9:00 Fort Smith Southside High School

Jazz Festival
2019-01-30 00:00 UTC
Held at Freedom Park Pavilions.
Saturday April 27th
9:00 am Van Buren Middle School
10:00 am Jazz Jam
11:00 am UAFS Jazz Lab Ensemble
12:00 pm UAFS Jazz Cats
1:00 pm Prairie Grove High School
2:00 pm Pea Ridge High School
3:00 pm Muldrow High School
4:00 pm Van Buren High School

Parents Date Night-Kids Fun Night Hosted by VBFA
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
February 15th
Looking to go on the perfect Valentines Date Night with your spouse but just need someone to look after the kids? That’s what we’re here for! Starting at 7pm, you can drop your kids off at VBFA while you and your spouse head out for the Valentines Date that you’ve been planning for! While you’re gone, well have plenty of fun games and activities to keep your child safe and having a blast until you get back! This event is free for the community!

United States Air Force Band of Mid-America @ VBFAC
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
Concert is free but tickets are required. Visit us at www.bandofmidamerica.af.mil or www.VBFAC.org.

10th Annual VBHS Empty Bowls 2019
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
10th Annual VBHS Empty Bowls 2019

For the ticket price, guests are invited to pick out a handmade ceramic bowl (made by VBHS students and other guest artists) and partake in a symbolic dinner of soup and bread from their special bowl. After dinner, the bowl will be washed so that it may be taken home as a reminder of the “empty bowls” throughout our community and the world. Money raised from ticket sales will be donated to the “Meals for Kids” Backpack program throughout the River Valley through the Community Services Clearinghouse. Empty Bowls is an international effort to raise awareness and funds for food insecurity. In our community, this is a great way to support young people helping other young people through art, charity, food, and community!
Tickets are $15/adult and $7/child. Advanced ticket sales locations TBA!
New this year: Our soup will be made by the brand new Pointer Place Cafe.

Farewell Angelina Hosted by VBFAC
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC

Hippity Hop Express - 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
Join us for a one hour train ride out of Van Buren with the Easter Bunny on board! For more information call 1-479-725-4017 or 1-800-687-8600 or visit http://www.amtrainrides.com.

Old Timers Day Steampunk Festival
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC

Historic Downtown 2nd Saturday Shopping
2019-02-05 00:00 UTC
Every 2nd Saturday of the Month the Old Town Merchants Association (TOTMA) members are open from 10 am to 8 pm. We will have different activities such as entertainment, shopping, and dining. This is a family friendly event that would be great just for a night out with the guys, ladies, or a date night. Come on down and check out all Downtown Van Buren has to offer.
