Events
Scrap Metal Jewelry: Wrap Rings
03/29/2025 02:00 AM - 04:00 PM CT
Metalworking
Learn to work scrap metal into a beautiful and unique statement ring.
Scrap Metal Jewelry: Earrings
03/29/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Metalworking
Work scrap metal into a beautiful and unique pair of earrings.
Soap Making From Scratch
04/02/2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Soap is created from lye and fats. Join us in making soap by hand and take some home with you! No prior experience necessary.
Call of the Wild Poetry Night
04/03/2025 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM CT
Community Events
Join us for a poetry open night the first Thursday of the month. Presented in collaboration with Northern Lakes Arts Association.
Wheel Throwing
04/03/2025 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM CT
Ceramics
You'll learn about the different stages clay goes through during the making process, as well as the tools and techniques used to create both wheel thrown and handbuilt pottery.
Ely Area Writers Group
04/03/2025 06:15 PM CT
The mission of the Ely Area Writers Group (formerly Writers Read) is to encourage writers to write.
Writing with Your Child For Your Child
04/05/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Youth and Family Programming
This 4 week class (one two hour session per week) was designed for parent and child or grandparent and child pairs. The intention is for each pair to write their own personalized children’s book.
Making Necklaces and Bracelets with Woodburning Designs
04/05/2025 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Combine pyrography and jewelry making in this joint folk art class.
The Poet’s Way
04/08/2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM CT
Music, Voice, and Page
Join us in celebrating the act of writing and the art of poetry.
Making Jewelry with Fabric: Necklaces
04/10/2025 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM CT
Folk Arts
Use fabrics to make one of a kind jewelry
Nature Writing for Women: The Season of Rebirth
04/12/2025 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM CT
Music, Voice, and Page
Needle Felt a Loon (virtual teacher)
04/12/2025 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM CT
Fiber Arts
Join us at the Ely Folk School for this beginner needle felting class with virtual instructor Laura Berlage.
Soap Making From Scratch
04/16/2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Soap is created from lye and fats. Join us in making soap by hand and take some home with you! No prior experience necessary.
Hand Pie Demonstration (live online)
04/19/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Enjoy this free demonstration of hand pie crust making with instructor and EFS board chair Lacey Squier
Make a Collage Banner
04/24/2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Hang your new creation on your door or wall
Natural Dying from Start to Finish
04/25/2025 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM CT
Fiber Arts
This class covers dyeing natural fibers with natural dyes from the beginning of the process to end. Natural dyes and fibers will be discussed and examples presented. We'll go through the process of scouring fibers and preparing fibers for natural dyeing (using mordants and tannins). We'll learn about natural dyes, how to make a dye bath, how to dye natural fibers, and modify colors. We'll explore the colors of 4 different natural dyes. Each student will go home with 2 types of dyed cellulose fibers (a linen scarf and a cotton bandana) and 2 types of dyed protein fiber (a skein of yarn and a silk scarf). This class is held in 3 sessions.
Sourdough Scones and Loaf
04/26/2025 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Make scones and a loaf of bread with sourdough starter
Stash Buster: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion (virtual teacher)
04/26/2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Fiber Arts
Use up your stash! Make these functional pin cushions with scraps you have laying around from various projects.
American Sign Language for Beginners
04/30/2025 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Humanities
Join us for a two part class introducing you to the ASL alphabet and common phrases.
Birding by Ear
05/03/2025 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.
Hand Pie Demonstration
05/03/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Enjoy this free demonstration of hand pie crust making with instructor and EFS board chair Lacey Squier
Mushroom Foraging for Beginners
05/03/2025 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Come learn about the ethics and tips for foraging, the life cycle of a mushroom, the physical parts and purpose of mushrooms, and how to begin to confidently identify both edible and poisonous mushrooms.
2025 Ely Folk School Spring Bonfire
05/07/2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM CT
Community Events
Our annual spring event welcomes back warm weather and invites Ely area residents, visitors, and friends/family to celebrate together.
Why We Get High
05/08/2025 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM CT
Humanities
Join local natural medicine expert Tatiana on this deep dive on altered states--why and how do people get high?
Birding by Ear
05/10/2025 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.
Introduction to Bookbinding
05/10/2025 11:30 AM - 02:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Learn the history, significance, and techniques of book making.
Mother's Day Cardmaking and Woodburning
05/10/2025 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Combine the art of card making and wood burning in this craft perfect to do WITH your mom, or as a gift FOR her!
American Sign Language Fingerspelling
05/14/2025 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Humanities
Join us for a class for practicing "reading" hands
Houseplant Swap and Seed Exchange
05/14/2025 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM CT
Community Events
Join us for an evening of plant nerdery! Cuttings of current houseplants and rehoming welcome. Please bring at least one plant to swap.
EFS Spring Cleaning Event
05/15/2025 10:00 AM - 05/17/2025 03:00 PM CT
Community Events
Stop by anytime during this weekend to earn volunteer hours by helping us downsize, organize, and clean our facilities.
Birding by Ear
05/17/2025 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.
Herbal Infused Oils and Salves
05/17/2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Learn the foundations of creating your own infused oils and salves, and be prepared to take your custom creations home with you!
Carve Your Path: Wood Working Basics from Forest to Finish
05/20/2025 05:00 PM - 05/22/2025 08:00 PM CT
This three part class will cover everything from selecting wood and tools to starting your own carving projects with confidence
Spring Edibles
05/22/2025 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Go hunting for wild foods, learn about some others that aren’t yet ready for harvesting, and return to EFS to cook up a small, delicious snack.
Birding by Ear
05/24/2025 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.
Youth Carrot Cake
05/24/2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM CT
Youth and Family Programming
Learn to make carrot cake in this kids specific Folk School cooking class
Birding by Ear
05/31/2025 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Northern Minnesota hosts a colorful variety of nesting songbirds each summer, from chestnut-sided warblers to goldfinches. Each species has a colorful song and this class focuses on learning to match the song with the singer while in the field.
Beginner Friendly Sewing: Make a Blouse
05/31/2025 09:00 AM - 01:30 PM CT
Fiber Arts
Sew your own shirt customized to the style you want and that looks good on you--not just what some store sells.
Homemade Sauerkraut
05/31/2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Learn everything you need to know to make your very own batch of sauerkraut!
Nature Writing: Water Reflections
06/07/2025 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM CT
Music, Voice, and Page
As part of our "We Are Water MN" exhibit, please join us for a water themed poetry course.
Finding Your Spark: Creativity for the Non-Creative
06/07/2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Humanities
Feeling overwhelmed? Always thought you had NO creativity at all? Come learn how to tap into the creativity that we ALL have!
Beaver Hide Cell Phone Pouch
06/07/2025 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Use scrap beaver hide to fashion an insulated pouch for you cell phone, perfect for winter outdoor adventures of all sorts.
Herbal Allies for Finding Peace and Calm
06/07/2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM CT
Nourishment
Calm your nervous system with these plants that help center and calm.
Writing for Your Life
06/14/2025 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
Music, Voice, and Page
hrough thoughtful readings and free-flowing writing prompts, you will practice shaping truths and fictions from your own observations and experiences.
Mastering the Basic Skills of Upholstery
06/14/2025 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Learn the art of upholstery in a supportive environment.
Custom Greeting Card
06/18/2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Learn to personalize your own card for any occasion.
Summer Solstice Power Word (interactive discussion and woodburning)
06/21/2025 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM CT
Folk Arts
Pair group conversation and mid-summer refresh with the art of woodburning!
Nature Writing with the Listening Point Foundation
06/25/2025 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM CT
Music, Voice, and Page
Follow Sig Olson's legacy of nature writing in a supportive group at his historic town home, now the headquarters of the Listening Point Foundation.
Wet Felted Sauna Hat
06/28/2025 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM CT
Fiber Arts
Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.
Wet Felted Sauna Hat
06/28/2025 01:30 PM - 04:30 PM CT
Fiber Arts
Students can select from four hat styles, gnome, wizard, bucket or loopy sauna. The practice of wearing a hat in the sauna insulates and protects your head.
INTEREST FORM: Dry Stone Course with Stonemaster Jim Sullivan
08/18/2025 07:00 AM - 08/20/2025 06:00 PM CT
Make Your Own Beaver Musher Mittens
11/04/2025 06:00 PM - 11/07/2025 09:00 PM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Backyard Herbalism Club Membership
12/18/2025 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CT
Northwoods Skills & Crafting
Join the club! Membership gets you access to all 12 of our 2025 herbalism classes.