Events
Join us at the 2026 ABANA Conference in Bentonville, AR
he 2026 ABANA Blacksmithing Conference & Festival will feature a wide variety of activities. Blacksmithing and metalworking demonstrations, lectures on related topics, and hands-on activities built around the ABANA National Curriculum will run throughout the event. A beginner’s forging area lets you make an item to take home, and craft classes are available (be sure to sign up in advance). There’s also a kids’ area, friendly evening competitions, plenty of vendors, and a tailgating section where you can buy, sell, and trade. Round it out with food trucks and beer in the evenings. Bring the whole family and have a blast!
BOA Will have their November meeting at the conference on Saturday, November 14th. Join us to learn more about the Blacksmith Organization of Arkansas and how you can become more connected to blacksmithing in the Ozarks!
2026 Meeting Schedule
The Northwest Chapter of BOA meets the second Saturday of each month. The Central Chapter meets every third Saturday of each month. There may be some deviations depending on holidays or other circumstance.
Scroll down to see area chapter schedules.
Northwest Chapter
DATE | HOST | Trade Item |
Jan 10 | Kevin King (Fayetteville) | Trivet |
Feb 14 | Joe Doster (Huntsville) | Tongs |
Mar 14 | Ha’vah Gordon (Japton) | A Belt Buckle |
Apr 18 | Tired Iron (Gentry) | A Garden Tool |
May 9 | Sonny & Judi Sartwell (Springdale) | A Door Handle |
Jun 13 | Rusty Wheels (Harrison) | Something for the toolbox |
Jul 11 | Rober Meuser (Mountian Home) | A Door Knocker |
Aug 8 | Sam Hibbs (Mountain View) | A Large Spoon or Ladle |
Sep 12 | Tired Iron (Gentry) | Anything from 1 ft of 1-inch angle iron |
Oct 10 | Rusty Wheels (Harrison) | Something for the toolbox |
Nov 14 | ABANA Conference (Benton Co Fairgrounds) | TBD |
Dec 12 | ESSA (Eureka Springs) | Something Wintery/Seasonal |
Contact us for Directions to next NW Meeting
Central Chapter
DATE | HOST | Trade Item |
Jan 17 | Robert Fox (Little Rock) | TBD |
Feb 21 | Joe Morris | Something Made at the Meeting |
Mar 21 | Tim Huddleston | TBD |
Apr 18 | Red River Poultry Show (Greenwood) | A Camp Knife |
May 16 | Christian Shelton (Bryant) | A Towel Ring, Bar or Paper Towel Holder |
June 20 | Tim Huddleston | A Fireplace Poker |
July 18 | Dale Custer | A Belt Buckle |
Aug 15 | Robert Thompson | A Forge Welded Item |
Sep 19 | Robert Fox | A Hot Dog Fork |
Oct 17 | Tim Huddleston | A Zombie Apocalypse Weapon |
Nov 14 | ABANA Conference (Bentonville) | A Door Knocker |
Dec 19 | Tim Huddleston | A Gift for a Blacksmith |