Open Forge Night
Wednesday February 18, 2026
6 PM - 9 PM
This free event happens the third Wednesday of every month.
Feel free to bring a project you’re currently working on or just come and practice! Our very own blacksmith, John Sarge, will be on hand to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have.
It’s a great opportunity to refine your techniques, meet fellow enthusiasts, and spend time at the forge. There is no cost to attend, though donations to help cover the cost of coal and materials are appreciated. We hope you can join us!
The Rhythm Within: An Evening with Nic Gareiss
February 20, 2026
7:30-8:30 PM
An intimate concert on percussive dance traditions
Nic Gareiss (he/they) is a distinguished figure in the traditional arts, celebrated for his singular voice in music and percussive dance. Hailed by the New York Times as “a virtuosos step dancer in Irish and Appalachian traditions… an undersung treasure, ” Nic is recognized globally for his unique blend of ethnographic study, performance, and improvisation.
Informed by 25 years of study across numerous percussive dance practices – including clog, flatfoot, and step dance – Nic weaves together a technique that facilitates his love of musical collaboration. He has concertized in sixteen countries alongside luminaries of roots music and folk dance, including The Chieftains, Bruce Molsky, and Natalie Haas.
We are delighted that Nic will be joining Tillers for an intimate “house concert” performance. This rare opportunity will showcase his mastery of rhythm, followed by a next-day workshop focused on the traditional forms of percussive dance he has spent his life studying. Join us to experience and learn from one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch.”
Annual Plow Day
April 18, 2026
11AM - 3PM
Tools, Teams, and Tradition: The Tillers Annual Open House
Join us for our Annual Plow Day, a full-farm open house where you can witness the traditional skills that power our historic farm and artisan village. This is your chance to step behind the scenes and see our mission in action!
Highlights include:
- Plowing and Harrowing: Watch as Tillers staff, guest teamsters, and our teams of draft animals work the fields to ready them for our annual crops, demonstrating time-honored methods of land stewardship
- Artisan Village in Action: The Blacksmith Shop, and Woodworking Shops will be fully operational, hosting live demonstrations throughout the day so you can see the creation of heritage crafts firsthand
- Local Makers: Browse and shop from a curated selection of artisan vendors offering unique, handcrafted goods
- Open House Access: Explore the farm at your own pace, meet the animals, and connect with the instructors and staff who make Tillers International a vital hub for practical skills
- Silent Auction: Support Tillers by bidding on an array of handcrafted items made by our talented instructors and staff members
The Annual Plow Day is a celebration of spring, hard work, and the dignity of self-sufficiency. Bring the whole family for a day of tradition, demonstration, and community!
2026 World Draft
Cattle Symposium
June 25 - 27, 2026
Tillers is honored to host the 2026 International Draft Cattle Symposium, a major event that brings together global experts, practitioners, and scholars dedicated to the study of working cattle.
This interdisciplinary symposium explores the history, current state of research, and future relevance of draft cattle (including oxen, bulls and cows) in agriculture, transportation, and sustainable development worldwide.
Join us for a weekend of networking, knowledge exchange, and advocacy for the preservation and expansion of traditional draft cattle skills.
Full schedule, speaker list, and registration details will be published in early 2026.
The symposium offers a rare mix of high-level discourse and hands-on learning:
- Keynote Session and Papers: Features a keynote speaker and several papers on best practices on how to preserve and further the use of draft cattle from the past into the future
- Field Days & Workshops: Participate in practical demonstrations focused on cattle behavior, training techniques, innovative traction systems, harnessing, and specialized machinery
- Global Insight: Explore case studies and new concepts from around the world that position draft cattle as a critical part of a resilient and sustainable future
30th Anniversary of Midwestern Ox Drovers Association
June 26 -28, 2026
Celebrating three decades of community, tradition, and the Ox Drover’s art
Free and open to everyone!
Join us for a major milestone as Tillers International hosts the 30th Anniversary Gathering of the Midwest Ox Drovers Association (MODA). Originally formed by students from an Oxen Basics Class at Tillers a quarter century ago, this event is a powerful celebration of a dedicated, growing community.
The MODA Gathering is the premier annual event for anyone with an interest in working cattle, bringing together drovers from 26 states and Canada. This weekend is dedicated entirely to hands-on learning, shared knowledge, and camaraderie, offering resources and support for all skill levels.
Come celebrate the history of MODA, connect with fellow ox drovers, and immerse yourself in the art and tradition of working with draft cattle.
Earthcraft Skillshare
July 9 - 12, 2026
Tillers International is proud to host the Earthcraft Skillshare Gathering, a four-day, family-friendly campout dedicated to the study and practice of traditional crafts and sustainable living.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant learning community. The event brings together dozens of expert instructors, craftspeople, and makers who are dedicated to passing on knowledge of ancestral skills – from friction fire and foraging to hide tanning and natural building.
Whether you are a family looking for a meaningful outdoor experience or an individual seeking to deepen your skill set, the Earthcraft Gathering provides a welcoming, hands-on environment. It’s more than a campout; it’s a chance to forge lasting bonds rooted in a shared appreciation for tradition, nature, and sustainable living.
Worktrade and scholarships available.
Details on the 2026 schedule, class offerings, and ticket packages will be announced in spring 2026.
A Tillers Family Weekend: Camp, Craft, and Connect
July 31 - August 2, 2026
What to expect:
- Family Camping – Bring your tent and gear! Enjoy rustic camping on the Tillers property both Friday and Saturday nights
- Traditional Crafting – Dedicated instruction from your hosts ensures every family will go home with new skills and finished projects
- Family-Style Cookout – Enjoy a relaxed, delicious family-style cookout with your hosts and other participating families, fostering a true sense of community around the shared dinner table
Hosted by Tom and Colleen Hurst
This weekend is more than just a class – it’s an opportunity to build skills, create lasting heirlooms, and forge deeper family connections away from the distractions of modern life.
Details on registration, pricing, and event schedule will be announced in the spring.
About your host, Tom Hurst: Tom has spent 35 years teaching agriculture, environmental sciences, and woodworking at all levels. Growing up on a small dairy farm instilled a lifelong passion for making things from trees. His woodworking focuses on the beauty and utility of everyday items. Tom’s experience designing community shops and his passion for teaching mean you are guaranteed expert, engaging, and patient instruction for the whole family.
Michigan Herbal Conference
August 21 - 23, 2026
The ultimate weekend of herbal discovery, ancestral skills, and health-specific knowledge
Tillers International is proud to host the annual Michigan Herbal Conference, a multi-day event dedicated to the deep study and practical application of medicinal and edible plants. This unique conference brings together a diverse community of experts – including naturopaths, master herbalists, MDs, and mycologists – to explore the science behind herbalism.
The conference is a welcoming, nature-focused event designed to help participants reconnect with the land and learn life-enhancing, resilient skills.
Registration details coming soon
The Tillers Lantern Ride and Local Ghostly Legends
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Step into the shadows: A horse-drawn evening of folklore and frights
Join us this October for a unique spooky season experience nestled deep in the Tillers woods.
Trade the hayride for a beautiful, horse-drawn wagon journey that winds through our moonlit forest trails. Along the way, talented local actors will bring the region’s chilling folklore to life, sharing ghost stories and unexplained mysteries that linger just beyond the lantern light.
The evening doesn’t end in the dark! Head back to the warmth of the old farmhouse for post-ride treats:
- Cozy Corner – indulge in our hot chocolate bar, with all the toppings and mix-ins needed to warm you up
- Adult Spirits – for guests 21+, enjoy a bourbon tasting featuring a selection of local and regional spirits
The Tillers Yuletide Market
December 5, 2026
Roaring fires, artisan crafts, and holiday cheer by the wagon load
Transform your holiday season at our inaugural Tillers Yuletide Market, a festive celebration where the charm of a European village meets the cozy traditions of a historic farm. The entire Tillers campus, from the stables to the Artisan Village, will be bathed in a canopy of twinkling Christmas lights.
Stroll through the grounds and discover a curated collection of artisan craft vendors offering unique, handmade gifts perfect for everyone on your list. Stay warm beside a roaring fire, filling the air with the comforting scent of woodsmoke and holiday spices.
Embrace the joy, find the perfect gift, and start a beautiful new holiday tradition with us at Tillers International!
Thank you to all of our sponsors!
