Van Buren Chamber of Commerce

6th Annual Food Truck Festival
2026-06-27 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Main Street, Van Buren, MO, 105 Main Street, Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
6th annual Current River Food Truck Festival!

Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 3-8 PM
Historic Carter County Courthouse | Van Buren, MO

We are excited to announce our live entertainment lineup!

Activities for the entire family:
Kids Zone | Facepainting | Raffle (kayak) | Corn hole | and More!

The Food Truck Festival is the annual fundraiser for the Carter County MU Extension which supports the county 4H activities, as well as county educational programming and other community resources and support.

Rivertime BBQ Cookoff at Rivertime RV
2026-06-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Rivertime RV, 1802 Gossett lane, Van Buren, MO, 63965
BBQ COOK OFF
DATE: June 6, 2026
Win prizes for contest winners
RiverTime RV in Van Buren, MO
Come cook your favorite BBQ, hang with your friends, win prizes, and have a blast!

Pecos and the Rooftops concert
2026-05-16 19:30 - 23:00 | Riverside Amphitheatre, 611 Chicopee Rd., Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
Pecos & The Rooftops
Riverside Amphitheater

May 16, 2026 7:30 PM following Thunder on the Current boat races.

Doors Open: 6:30 PM

TICKET PRICES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

PIT: $47.50

GA: $32.50

Van Buren Farmer's Market
2026-05-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Old Carter County Courthouse, 105 Main St, Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States

Spring into Wellness Resource Fair
2026-04-24 12:00 - 17:00 | Van Buren Youth & Community Center, 1204 Co Rd. D., Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States

2nd Annual Christmas on the Current Beauty Pageant
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Carter County Courthouse, 105 Main St, Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
Join us for the 2nd Annual Christmas on the Current Beauty Pageant sponsored by the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, as part of Christmas on the Current. This exciting event will be held on December 13th at the pavilion in the historic Carter County Courthouse in downtown Van Buren. The pageant begins at 10 a.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m. Each division will compete consecutively, and trophies and crowns will be awarded to the top 3 contestants in each category.
Pre-registration is open until Wednesday, December 10th. You can fill out the form and pay online, or submit in-person at Holt Sales Inc.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
DIVISIONS
Boys:

Baby Mister (0-11 months)
Little Mister (12-24 months)

Girls:

Baby Miss (0-11 months)
Toddler Miss (12-24 months)
Tiny Miss (3-4 years)
Little Miss (5-6 years)
Mini Miss (7-9 years)
Junior Miss (10-12 years)
Teen Miss (13-15 years)
Miss Christmas on the Current (16-18 years)

Dress Code: Girls should wear pageant wear, and boys are encouraged to dress in formal wear or Sunday best.
Entry Fee: $25 per contestant. Contestants may list a sponsor on the entry form if one is covering their fee.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
An additional Photogenic Contest is available for $10. Contestants can submit up to three printed 5×7 photos (no digital photos accepted).
For more information, please contact Danielle Robertson at (573) 714-8202. We look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you at the Christmas on the Current Beauty Pageant!
Pageant Application
Click on 3 dots under form and Download the PDF

Christmas on the Current
2025-12-13 | Old Carter County Courthouse, 105 Main St, Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for Christmas on the Current, a day full of festive family fun in Van Buren, Missouri!
This event kicks off at 10 AM at the historic Carter County Courtyard and continues throughout the day with something for everyone to enjoy:

Holiday Market: Open at 10 AM featuring local vendors with unique holiday gifts.
Food Trucks: Offering all-day delicious treats.
2nd Annual Christmas on the Current Holiday Pageant. Pre-registration at 9 AM and Pageant starts at 10 AM.
Kids’ Activities: Free fun activities in the courtyard beginning at 3 PM.
Memory Lane Memorial Tree Display: A touching tribute to loved ones, organized by Martha Gibbs.
Festival of Lights Parade: Beginning at 6 PM, the parade will light up the night, followed by a spectacular light display.

This is a family-friendly event that brings the community together for a joyful celebration of the holiday season.
For more information, contact:

Holiday Market Vendors: Susan Van Winkle 206-931-0738
Food Truck Vendors: Amber Duncan 417-255-5146
Pageant: Danielle Roberton 573-714-8208 or Holly Holt 417-331-6047
Festival of Lights: Regina Dazey 573-429-9748 or Lori Chadwell 913-485-3424
Memory Lane Memorial Trees: Martha Gibbs -573-707-3429

We can’t wait to see you there!

Vendor Application
Click on 3 dots under form and Download the PDF

Pageant Application
Click on 3 dots under form and Download the PDF

Pop's River Jam & Fall Festival Featuring Graham Barham
2025-10-04 | Riverfront Park Van Buren Mo
Welcome to Pop’s River Jam & Fall Festival!
Join us at Van Buren Riverfront Park for a full day of live music, food, shopping, monster truck rides, a mechanical bull, and tons more family fun along the beautiful Current River.
🎤 Concert Lineup:✨ Headlining is rising country music star Graham Barham✨ From The Voice, powerhouse vocalist Trevon Dawson✨ Fresh from Bike Week in Sturgis, SD – the high-energy John Scalia & The Dirty Word
🚗 The Largest Car Show in the Ozarks – Don’t miss this massive showcase of classic cars, hot rods, and custom rides that will blow you away.
🎵 Live Music All Day – Along with our incredible headliners, enjoy an amazing lineup of local and regional performers.🍔 Delicious Food & Drinks – From classic festival favorites to unique local flavors, there’s something for every craving.🛍️ Local Vendors & Artisans – Shop handmade crafts, boutique finds, and specialty goods you won’t see anywhere else.🎉 Family-Friendly Fun – From bounce houses to face painting, monster truck rides to the mechanical bull, this event brings back that down-home get-together feel that reminds everyone why it’s so great to gather and have fun!
🪑 Concert Seating Note: Bring your own lawn chair for the concert so you can kick back and relax by the river — but please leave the coolers at home.
📲 Stay Connected: Follow Pop’s Events on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok for the latest updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes fun leading up to the festival!
Whether you’re here for the music, the cars, the shopping, or just to soak up the fall vibes by the river, Pop’s River Jam & Fall Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Thunder on the Current
2025-09-20 | Riverside Amphitheatre, 611 Chicopee Rd., Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
Get ready for a day of high-octane action on the river in Van Buren, Missouri! Thunder on the Current returns on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Riverside on the Current (611 Chicopee Rd).

Races begin at 9:00 AM with multiple classes of in-board aluminum, glass boats, and outboards competing for the title of King of the River.

Concert gates open at 6:00 PM, featuring the Eli Young Band – Strange Hours Tour live on stage!

🎟 Admission is just $20 per person or grab a $40 weekend armband for the full experience.
Come enjoy thrilling boat races by day and incredible live music by night, all on the scenic Current River.

Butler & Carter Counties Americorps Seniors - Current River Cleanup
2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Big Spring, Big Spring Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Fourth Annual 9/11 Day of Service Project. Help by boat, kayak, canoe, or foot. Registration 10am at two locations – Watercress Spring and The Landing. 3pm meet at Big Springs for food and door prizes. Trash collection at Big Spring. Drop off trash by 3pm, join party at pavilion. For more information contact Jennifer Rosener at 573-686-8624 or email jennifer.rosener@thecrc.org.

Freedom Celebration on the Current
2025-07-05 17:00 - 22:00 | Riverfront Park Van Buren Mo
🎆 Freedom Celebration on the Current 🎆
Saturday, July 5th, 2025📍 Riverfront Park – Van Buren, Missouri
Join us for a patriotic celebration along the banks of the Current River! Help keep Van Buren’s beloved fireworks tradition alive by donating to the City Fireworks Fund.

🔥 Become a Sponsor
Your donation supports the annual fireworks show and earns you a spot on this year’s commemorative t-shirt!
Sponsorship Levels:

💎 Platinum – $500+

🥇 Gold – $300

🥈 Silver – $200

🥉 Bronze – $100

All sponsors will be printed on the back of the official 2025 event t-shirt.

👕 Commemorative T-Shirts
Order your shirt to show your support and wear your patriotic pride!Order Deadline: Monday, June 16th
Pricing:

Youth Small – Adult XL: $20

2XL: $22

3XL–5XL: $23

🔗 Order online:https://bapromotions.com/product-category/fundraisers/freedom-celebration-on-the-current-river/🔐 Use password: [REDACTED]
📱 Or scan the QR code on the flyer to order directly.

📞 Questions or Want to Sponsor Directly?
Contact:

City Hall: 573-323-4335

Holt Sales Inc.: 573-323-0440

Celebrate your freedom, support your community, and make memories under the stars this July 5th in beautiful Van Buren, Missouri.
Let’s light up the sky together! 🎇

Carson & Erik Benefit
2025-06-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Riverfront Park Van Buren Mo
An all day event with proceeds benefiting local car accident victims Carson Van Wagner and Erik Ortega will be held on June 14th at Riverfront Park.
A Boat Poker Run will start at 10 am. There will be a fish fry starting at noon. Live music and auction will follow.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assoc. Chapter 4-10 Dice Run
2025-06-07 10:00 - 15:00 | MO
A Dice Run will begin at the historic Carter County Courthouse in Van Buren on Saturday June 7th with first hand leaving at 10am. $20 per hand and $10 additional with all proceeds going toward helping local area veterans. All vehicles welcome.

Christmas Bazaar
2024-12-06 - 2024-12-07 | Dollie Lane, 108 Dollie Lane Warehouse #3, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Kids Corner- Fairy Garden, Geode Cracking, Gem Panning, Fossil Quarry
This event will be inside and heated, there will be a variety of vendors
This will be Friday, December 6th 3pm-7pm and Saturday, December 7th 9am-5pm

8th Annual Current River Turkey Trot
2024-11-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Big Spring, Big Spring Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Turkey Trot! Thursday, November 28th 2024 at 8am. At Big Spring Park. Contact Susan Jarrell or Megan Weeks for more information!

Food Handout
2024-11-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Carter County Nutrition Center, 116 Ball Park Rd., Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
Liberty Baptist Church will have a food handout on Tuesday, November 26th, at 3:00pm located at the Carter County Nutrition Center in Van Buren Mo. There are no requirements to receive. Please come and be blessed!

Trunk or Treat
2024-10-31 17:00 | Riverfront Park Van Buren Mo
Join us for a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat! October 31st at 5:00pm. At Van Buren Riverfront Park. There will be a Booth contest and a Costume contest. There will be Chili/Hotdogs, Movie by Mo Down Under, Games, Candy and Fun! Free Admission Contact Cori Risinger for more information 573-872-1119

Food Bank
2024-10-30 17:00 | Mount Zion Church of God Prophecy, 464 Old Bridge Road, Van Buren, Mo, 63965
We’re excited to announce a special community event where anyone in need can receive a free mobile basket, no qualifications required!
Date: October 30, 2024Time: 5 PMLocation: Mt. Zion Church of God of Prophecy
Join us for this unique opportunity to receive free good without any cost or requirements. It’s as simple as showing up!
For More Information: Jeff Berry, 573-300-6274
Spread the word to anyone who could benefit. We can’t wait to see you there!

Horror in The Holler
2024-10-26 18:00 - 23:00 | Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo, HC 1 Box 89, Van Buren, 63965, United States
Come walk the haunted path if you DARE where you’ll encounter awesome animatronics, scare actors, fog, strobe lights, black light features, and many more! Stay for a double feature movie and grab some awesome burgers and adult beverages from Carbi’s!!

Mt. Zion Fall Festival
2024-10-26 16:00 - 17:00 | Mount Zion Church of God Prophecy, 464 Old Bridge Road, Van Buren, Mo, 63965
Free Community Event! Join us for an evening of fun, and fellowship! We will have games, soups, music, hayrides and a trunk or treat!

Eastwood Fire Department Fall Festival
2024-10-26 16:00 | Eastwood Communty Center, 7143 Carter Route C, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Movie and popcorn (The Nightmare Before Christmas) 7:00pm,Pumpkin Painting, Bounce Houses, Fall Photo booth, Raffle drawing, two grand prize winners, 11 prizes total. Pie a firefighter! Come and show your support!

DarkSky Missouri Festival
2024-10-25 17:00 - 2024-10-26 23:00 | Big Spring, Big Spring Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Friday October 25, 2024
4:00PM Registration Table Opens, 5:00PM-6:00PM Shaun Heise presents, 6:00PM-10:00PM Dark Sky Viewing

Saturday October 26, 2024
8:00AM-10:00AM Nature/bird walk Co-led with Reva Dow and Greg Swick, 10:00AM-1:00PM Free time, 1:00PM-1:30PM How Big is Big Spring with Loring Bullard, 1:30PM-2:15PM Early Logging of Old Growth Pine with Jim Gulden, 2:15PM-3:00PM Pioneer Forest- A Case Study for Conservation with Jason Green, 3:00PM-3:30PM Nightscape Photography Basics with Ben Caruthers, 3:30PM-4:00PM Spreading Life in the Darkness with Dan Zarlenga, 4:00PM-5:00PM Let There be Night: Dark Skies as a Natural Resource with Dr. Vayu Gakhale of Truman State University, 5:00PM-6:00PM Free time, 6:00PM-11:00PM Dark Sky Party

For more information and Brochure details Please visit darkskymissouri.org

BBQ Cookoff!
2024-10-19 13:00 | River Time RV, 1802 Gossett Ln, Van Buren, MO, 63965
Rivertime RV will be hosting a BBQ cookoff on Saturday October 19th at their campground in Van Buren starting at 1:00 pm. Fire up your grill and enjoy an afternoon with games, live music and fun for the whole family! $200 cash prize for 1st place! Call Treva for more information: 417-372-7301
Cookoff entry is $25 for the chance to win, Otherwise this is a free event for the public you can purchase a plate for $10 this includes 1 meat and 2 sides, $12 to add a drink and dessert. Come out and enjoy the fun and bring a lawn chair!

Pop's River Jam & Fall Festival
2024-10-05 | MO
This year’s event will be cram-packed with all kinds of different activities! Pop’s River Jam & Fall Festival, Pop’s River Jam Car Show, Pop’s Little Miss Fall Festival Pageant, Pop’s Baby Miss Fall Festival Pageant and more will be located at Riverfront Park in Van Buren MO this year. There will be shuttles running throughout town so you can park in any of the designated parking areas and hitch a hayride to the event or stop by the local shops and check things out. Check out Pop’s River Jam & Fall Festivall Facebook Page for more information!

Thunder On The Current
2024-09-21 10:00 - 2024-09-22 17:00 | MO
Hellbenders on the Current in Van Buren is hosting boat racing along with music, food and vendors. Come and see some of the fastest boats in the area and have fun with the whole family!

King Of The River Bass Tournament
2024-07-27 | Carter County Nutrition Center, 116 Ball Park Rd., Van Buren, MO, 63965, United States
The 23rd Annual King of The River Bass Tournament! Saturday July 27th 7am-5pm at Watercress Park- Van Buren.
$60 Entry, $10 Big Bass, $10 Side Pot, and 50/50 Raffle Trophies-cash and prizes guarantee! 1st Place- $500, 2nd Place- $300 value, 3rd place- $250 value, 4th place- $200 value, 5th place-$100 value.
*Silent Auction @ Nutrition Center Bidding closes July 26th

Van Buren Firworks Celebration
2024-07-06 21:00 - 21:30 | MO
Independence Day fireworks will begin at dark on Saturday July 6th. They will be set off across Riverfront Park in Van Buren.

2024 Solar Eclipse
2024-04-08 12:30 - 13:30 | MO
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime blackout in Van Buren, MO!
On April 8, 2024, Van Buren will be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse, with the moon completely blocking out the sun for nearly four minutes. This makes Van Buren one of the prime locations for viewing the eclipse. With unobstructed views of the sky from the beautiful Ozark National Scenic Riverways or other scenic locations throughout the area, Van Buren is the perfect place to witness this awe-inspiring celestial event. Plus, local institutions will be offering special programming and events for visitors.
Start time of Partial Eclipse: 12:39:10 PM
Start time of Totality: 1:55:49
Duration of Totality: 3m 47.8s
Map of Totality Path

Map courtesy of NationalEclipse.com

'Zark Side of the Moon
2024-04-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Big Spring, Big Spring Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, MO, 63965
April 8th, 2024 10am-4pm. This event is completely free, hosted by The National Park Service! Activities include Smokey Hot Air Balloon, A Safeplace for Eclipse Viewing, Hands-on Fun with Solar Simulations and Eclipse Toys, Partner Organization Booths, Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl, Junior Ranger and Junior Eclipse Explorer Program, B.A.R.K. Ranger Program, Photo Opportunities, Sales from Eastern National and the ORF, and Food Vendors. For more information for these individual happenings please visit https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/2024-eclipse.htm#onthisPage-3.

Note: There will be a lot of people in town please bring cash to event for vendors incase the internet is down.

Solar Eclipse at The Landing
2024-04-07 - 2024-04-08 | The Landing
The Landing will be hosting a 2 day festival! April 7th and 8th 2024. 2 Day parking $100, this will include a souvenir, Eclipse glasses and 2 day event wristbands for all occupants. There will be live music, a raft race, food and drinks, and a duck race. There is $5,000 in prizes and fun!
Monday, April 8th Schedule is as follows:

7am Parking Lot Open & Breakfast Buffet
7am-12pm Floating Open (Pinoak Only)
9am Dustin Recktor Music
10:45am Jesse Charles Hammock
11am Fish Fry on Gravel Bar
12:45pm Just Enough

ECLIPSE

3:45pm Trichrome Nebula
4pm Ducky Race
