2026 Country Social

On Sunday, September 20 from 1–4 p.m., the Valley Grove Preservation Society invites you to spend the afternoon with us for live music, wagon rides, history, children’s activities, coffee and cookies, and plenty of time to enjoy the churches, prairie, and oak savanna.

The Country Social has been a Valley Grove tradition for many years. At its heart, it is a simple old-fashioned gathering: good music, familiar faces and new ones, activities for all ages, and a chance to enjoy this historic place at one of the prettiest times of year. Past Country Socials have similarly brought together traditional Nordic music, wagon rides, old-time activities and opportunities to explore the restored prairie and oak savanna.

This year, Hütenänny returns to Valley Grove and will play from 1–2:30 p.m. under the oak trees to the east. The Northfield-based group and its traditional Nordic music have been part of the Country Social tradition for many years.

At 2:45 p.m., join River Rossi and Myles Bakke in the Wooden Church for a book reading.

From 1–4 p.m., come enjoy the music, take a wagon ride, walk through the prairie, visit the churches, have a cookie, or simply find a spot outside and enjoy a September afternoon at Valley Grove.

The Country Social is free and fun for all ages. Donations in any amount are welcome and support the Valley Grove Preservation Society's continued stewardship of the historic churches and surrounding landscape. Valley Grove's two churches—the Stone Church built in 1862 and Wooden Church built in 1894—sit among the prairie and oak savanna that the Society works to preserve and share with the community.