The Van Buren Popcorn Festival is a FREE festival!  There is not an admissions charge and ALL entertainment located at the main stage is FREE!  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the 53rd Van Buren Popcorn Festival!

This year, we are honoring the former Van Buren High School with our theme: “Van Buren High Was Poppin’ Up Aces!”

​As we approach the 60th anniversary of the last graduating class of Van Buren High School, we proudly recognize the history and legacy of its students—many of whom helped shape our town and even this festival.

2025 Schedule​

Saturday, August 9th

Select Vendors are open for Business during the day

7:00am - Festival Information Booth Open

7-11am - Annual Fireman's Pancake & Sausage Breakfast @ Fire Station

7:30am - The Kernel 5K Registration

8:30am - The Kernel 5K 

9-11am - Popcorn Olympics - Free games for kids

11:00am - Baby Parade

11am-1pm - Mini Golf at Central Christian Church

11am – Spiderman

11:30am – Ariel

12pm-10pm – Bounce Houses

12pm - Elmo

12-4pm – Balloons by Aaron

12:30pm – Spiderman

1pm – Ariel

1-2pm – Caricature Artist

1:30pm – Elmo

2:00pm - Kids Big Wheel Race

2-5pm - Car Show

3:00pm - Kids Pedal Tractor Pull

3-4pm - Caricature Artist

5pm - Anchored

5-6pm - Caricature Artists

6pm - Syn

8pm - GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

8:30pm - Ain't Ryte

Following Ain't Ryte - Firework show by Big Brad Fireworks

These events will happen at a tent near the stage