Outdoor concerts abound in Vermont during the summertime. They check several boxes for parents: They’re fun for both children and adults; with family rates or free entry for kids, they’re often an economical way to encourage music appreciation among the next generation; and seeing musicians perform can awaken an interest in learning to play the instruments that kids see onstage.
That’s what happened to Seven Days music editor Chris Farnsworth. His parents brought him to tons of shows as a kid, including a memorable UB40 performance at the Vermont Reggae Fest. He grew up to play guitar, bass and piano, which eventually turned into a full-time gig writing about music.
Farnsworth assembled this list of outdoor shows that you and your kiddos might enjoy.
Brattleboro Gallery Walk series
Starting Friday, June 6, 5 to 9 p.m., various locations in downtown Brattleboro
On the first Friday of the month, rain or shine, Brattleboro throws a block party that’s free to attend and has a little bit of everything — music, food, games, plenty of kids stuff and lots of art. Elliot Street is closed to traffic, and Harmony Lot becomes a stage. The All Night Boogie Band plays on June 6.
Summer Kick-Off Party & Shweebee Social
Thursday, June 12, 4-8 p.m., the Green at
Essex Experience
Clint Bierman, front man of the band the Grift, has invented a new lawn game called Shweebee. You can try it out and play other lawn games, too, at this free event, featuring tunes from the Grift and friends.
Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green
Monday, June 23, to Thursday, September 4, Shelburne Museum
These shows on lawn at the Shelburne Museum aren’t cheap for adults, but children 12 and under get in free. Some are already sold out, but as of mid-May there are still tickets available for Waxahatchee, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, and Ani DiFranco. With tons of food trucks — including one from Ben & Jerry’s — these shows are a go-to for music fans with kids.
Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
Friday, July 25, to Sunday, August 3, various locations in East Dover, Jacksonville, West Dover, West Wardsboro, Whitingham and Wilmington
Blueberries are obviously the main event at this 10-day, multi-venue celebration, but free live music is a big part of it, too! Also live animal shows, a farmers market and a parade.
Maple Roots Festival
Saturday, July 26, noon to midnight,
Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier
This one-day music fest features kids’ activities by Linda Bassick and the Busy Morning Band, as well as local food vendors and maple creemees at the Morse Farm store. Parking costs $25 per vehicle.
This article was originally published in Seven Days’ monthly parenting magazine, Kids VT.
The original print version of this article was headlined “Sounds of Summer | A music editor recommends family-friendly concerts this season”
This article appears in Kids VT, Summer 2025.
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