Conferences & Conventions

Every week on The Kershner Files show, I run through a brief list of gun shows for several states. It only makes sense to also start including conferences, conventions, and various gatherings that might interest you, your family, or your group. These gatherings and meet-ups are excellent forums to continually learn more about preparedness and homesteading. I’ve also included rendezvous events as well.

What is a rendezvous? In North American history, a rendezvous was a larger meeting usually held once a year in the wilderness. Regardless of the meeting type, it included a major transfer of furs and goods to be traded for furs. Variations included a mix of other types of trading, business transactions, business meetings, and revelry. The last original Rocky Mountain Rendezvous of the mountain men era was held in 1840. These annual gatherings, which served as trade hubs and social events for trappers and traders, took place from 1825 to 1840.

Historical/Traditional Rendezvous Events

June 4-7, 2025 - Black Hills Rendezvous, in the Black Hills National Forest near Rapid City, South Dakota.
June 4-8, 2025 - Fort Henry Buckskinners Rendezvous, near Ashton, Idaho.
June 6-8, 2025 - Coeur d' Alene Muzzleloaders Cedar Mountain Rendezvous, in Athol, Idaho.
June 6-8, 2025 - Interlake Mountain Men 52nd Annual Rendezvous, in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
July 2-6, 2025 - 1838 Rendezvous, in Riverton, Wyoming.
July 10-13, 2025 - Chadron Fur Trade Days Primitive Rendezvous, near Chadron, Nebraska.
July 10-13, 2025 - Flathead Kootenai Muzzleloaders Two Rivers Rendezvous, near Libby, Montana.
July 10-13, 2025 - Green River Rendezvous, in Pinedale, Wyoming at the Museum of the Mountain Man.
July 11-13, 2025 - Tioga Mountain Man 2025 Summer Rendezvous, in Bridge, Oregon.
July 12-19, 2025 - Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous, in Lonetree, Wyoming. This event features historical reenactments and competitions.
August 22, 2025 - Bear River Mountain Man Rendezvous, in Evanston, Wyoming.
August 29- September 1, 2025 - Fort Bridger Rendezvous, in Fort Bridger, Wyoming at the Fort Bridger State Historic Site.
October 9, 2025 - Calico Mogfest 2025, in Yermo, California.

Homesteading Events

January 17-18: 2025 Conference: Farming Into the Future in Silver Spring, Maryland. This conference covers various topics related to farming and homesteading, including crop production, livestock, regenerative agriculture, and the business of farming.
May 16-17: 2025 Homestead in a Weekend Event at Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. This Homesteaders of America event offers workshops, lectures, and a community experience for aspiring homesteaders.

June 18-19: Food Independence Summit in Ohio Amish Country in Millersburg, Ohio at the Timbercrest Camp and RV Park. This evening event (6 pm - 9 pm) focuses on self-sufficiency, homegrown food, and healthy living with expert speakers, workshops, and practical strategies.
June 20-21: Montana Homesteaders Conference at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains, MT.
June 23-27: Camp Terra Week 03 - Off the Grid at the McKnight Outdoor Education Center (Indian Village) in Columbus, OH. This week-long program focuses on conservation, sustainability, and survival skills.
June 27-28: Modern Homesteading Conference in Coeur d'Alene, ID. This two-day conference covers traditional skills and simple living, featuring various speakers and demonstrations.
July 28-August 1: Camp Terra Week 08 - Off the Grid at the McKnight Outdoor Education Center (Indian Village) in Columbus, OH
August 8-9: Homesteaders of the Midwest Conference.
August 30: "On Farm" Homesteading Conference at Willow Haven Farm in Pennsylvania. This event features hands-on workshops and farm tours focused on sustainable living, including sourdough bread baking, preserving the harvest, cheese making, and organic gardening.
September 5-6: Ozarks Homesteading Expo in Marshfield, MO.
September 12-13: Perry County Homesteading Conference and Livestock Show in Perryville, AR.
September 12-13: Rocky Mountain Regional Homesteaders Conference & Fair in Logan, UT. This event offers demonstrations, vendors, workshops, and opportunities to connect with other homesteaders. Workshops are an additional cost, and tickets for the general admission are required.
October 10-11: 2025 Homesteaders of America Conference in Front Royal, VA. This annual conference includes speakers, workshops, and vendors.