Summer in Vermont seems to come and go in the blink of an eye. With that in mind, it’s important to make the most of the warmer temps and the state’s stunning landscape. Whether along the shores of Lake Champlain, nestled in the Green Mountains or anywhere in between the events in our go-to guide represent the best of local art, music, food and more. As seasoned Vermonters, we know how unpredictable the weather can be, so rainy-day activities are featured alongside their blue-sky counterparts.
Still looking for more? Take a peek at our Summer Vacation Picks and our weekly calendar section for up-to-date happenings all season long.
May | June | July | August | September
MAY
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon & Relay
runvcm.org, 863-8412
May 26, Burlington
Long-distance runners pound a 26.2-mile path through the Queen City.
The Opera Company of Middlebury
ocmvermont.org, 388-7432
May 19-June 8, Middlebury
A popular “Meet the Singers” gala paves the way for a fully staged production of Thaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin.
Green Mountain Opera Festival
greenmountainoperafestival.com, 496-7722
May 28-June 23, Mad River Valley
Professional opera singers let arias fly in the Mad River Valley. Festival highlights include open rehearsals, an opera brunch, a Broadway picnic, an Emerging Artists production of Albert Herring and a MainStage production of Don Giovanni.
City Hall Park Lunchtime Performances
burlingtoncityarts.org, 865-7166
May 29-August 30, Burlington
The lunch crowd gathers for everything from big-band jazz to rowdy honky-tonk to masterful classical music in the open air.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
discoverjazz.com, 863-7992
May 31-June 9, Burlington
Queen City residents get jazzed about a grand-slam lineup of live music, which takes place everywhere from concert halls to tents by the waterfront.
Hartland Farm Fest
hartlandfarmersmarket.com, 436-7017 or 295-8563
May 27, Hartland
Folks mingle with local farmers and food producers during a farmers market with horse and wagon rides, live music and farm-skill demonstrations.
JUNE
Castleton Summer Concerts
castleton.edu/concerts, 468-6039
June 4-August 13, Castleton
Top New England performers dole out bluegrass, swing, gypsy-jazz, folk and pop on the Old Chapel Green.
Tour de Kingdom
tourdekingdom.org, 334-8511
June 5-9, Derby
Recreational and competitive cyclists cover miles of scenic paths by the lake and in the hills of the Northeast Kingdom, northern New Hampshire and Québec.
Roots on the River
rootsontheriver.com, 463-9595
June 6-9, Bellows Falls
Bellows Falls is overtaken by a rollicking four-day melody bash around town and in a big festival tent.
Montpelier Fashion Show
montpelierfashionshow.org, 279-5762
June 7, Montpelier
The Capital City is stylin’ as more than 75 models overtake downtown in creative costumes. This year’s theme: ancient Rome.
Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games
specialolympicsvermont.org, 863-5222
June 7-9, Burlington
Athletes from all parts of the state compete in aquatics, track and field, bocce, and softball.
Strolling of the Heifers
strollingoftheheifers.com, 258-9177
June 7-9, Brattleboro
Cute young cows bedecked in flowers take Main Street by storm at this quintessentially Vermont take on Pamplonas Running of the Bulls. The parade and surrounding events strive to connect people with farmers and food producers.
Hartland Farm Fest
hartlandfarmersmarket.com, 436-7017 or 295-8563
June 9, Hartland
Folks mingle with local farmers and food producers during a farmers market with horse and wagon rides, live music and farm-skill demonstrations.
Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green
highergroundmusic.com, 652-0777
June 11-July 31, Shelburne
The folks from Higher Ground Presents bring big-name acts to the Shelburne Museum: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (June 11), David Byrne & St. Vincent (June 22) and Garrison Keillors A Prairie Home Companion Radio Romance Tour 2013 featuring Sara Watkins (July 31).
Snow Farm Vineyard Concert Series
snowfarm.com, 372-9463
June 13-August 29, South Hero
Picnickers take in live classical, jazz, swing, bluegrass and classic rock by the grape vines every Thursday evening.
Kids Pirate Festival
lcmm.org, 475-2022
June 15-16, Vergennes
Little swashbucklers costume up for an era of exploration with dramatic play and maritime activities.
Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival
belviderecommunityclub.org/events/bluegrass.html, 644-2498
June 15, Belvidere
Legendary bluegrass musicians such as Cardigan Mountain Tradition and Modern Grass Quintet perform at this outdoor family festival in its 30th year.
Wanderlust Vermont
stratton.wanderlustfestival.com
June 20-23, Stratton
This epic four-day yoga throwdown also includes an impressive lineup of musical acts, including Femi Kuti & The Positive Force.
The 2013 Death Race
youmaydie.com, 989-3982
June 21, Pittsfield
An insane endurance race challenges even the most adventuresome with 24 to 48 hours of mud runs and physical obstacles.
Chittenden County Relay for Life
relayforlife.org/chittendenvt, 872-6300
June 21-22, Essex Junction
Vermonters battle cancer with overnight, relay-style laps that raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Stowe Wine & Food Classic
stowewine.com, 888-683-2427
June 21-23, Stowe
Connoisseurs of all things edible compare and contrast fine wines, enjoy gastronomic collaborations between chefs and vintners, and feast at the Grand Tasting & Silent Auction.
‘Strings and Vines’
elevachamberplayers.org, 244-8354
June 21-23, Berlin, New Haven and Shelburne
The Eleva Chamber Players make tour Vermont wineries, pairing classical music with wine-and-cheese tastings.
Burlington Wine & Food Festival
burlingtonwineandfoodfestival.com
June 22, Burlington
An eat-and-drink extravaganza features sipping sessions with a selection of 300 fine wines, seminars with noted vintners and an array of area gourmet food.
Frog Run Beer Fest
vermontfolklifecenter.org/sapbeer/frogrunfest.php, 388-4964
June 22, Shelburne
Beer advocates sip Frog Run Sap Beer while taking in the traditional fiddle music of Vermont, New England and Québec.
Hartland JazzFest
June 22, Hartland
Professional jazz musicians and rising artists play their hearts out in an outdoor setting at this inaugural bash.
Long Trail Century Ride
longtrailcenturyride.com, 353-8129
June 22, Killington
Up to 500 cyclists are expected to complete 20-, 50- and 100-mile routes at this second annual fundraiser for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. Long Trail Brewing Company hosts the après-ride party.
Native American Encampment
lcmm.org, 475-2022
June 22-23, Vergennes
Folks rewind to our region in earlier times as members of Abenaki tribes share traditional singing, drumming, dancing and crafts.
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
gmcmf.org, 336-784-5128
June 23-July 20, Burlington
The artist faculty of an annual summer conservatory offer a compelling classical repertoire.
Free Summer Concert Series
brandon.org, 247-6401
June 24-August 23, Brandon
Music lovers bring chairs or blankets to open-air concerts; see website for announcements.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour
vso.org, 864-5741, ext. 10
June 27-July 7, statewide
Picnickers tune in for masterful, fun-spirited works ending with a bang: Tchaikovskys 1812 Overture and some fireworks.
The Frendly Gathering
frendlygathering.com, 760-633-4200
June 28-29, Windham
A crew of professional snowboarders founded this festival of music, camping and camaraderie.
Vermont Quilt Festival
vqf.org, 872-0034
June 28-30, Essex Junction
This annual parade of patchwork is New Englands largest quilt show. It features displays, appraisals, gallery talks, and vendors offering colorful bed coverings and the means to make them.
Hills Alive!
hillsalive.org, 362-6313
June 28-August 3, southern Vermont
Encompassing five weeks, this festival of the arts attracts visitors to exhibitions, concerts, plays and readings.
Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour
smirkus.com, 533-7443
June 29-August 18, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast
Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Cedar Circle Farmstead & Education Center Strawberry Festival
cedarcirclefarm.org, 785-4737
June 30, East Thetford
Horse-drawn wagon rides, strawberry picking, kids crafts and other festivities honor the arrival of the favored summer fruit.
JULY
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows
July 2-August 11, East Dorset
New Englands top equestrian competition, running for six weeks, draws spectators to its five all-weather rings.
Kingdom Aquafest
kingdomaquafest.com, 323-8424 or 334-6345
July 4-7, Newport
Folks gear up for fun in the sun along the shores of Lake Memphremagog. Activities include the Kingdom Swim, bed racing, a derby parade and a log-rolling competition.
Kingdom Swim
kingdomswim.org, 334-8511
July 6, Newport
Make a splash at this celebration of open-water swimming. Six courses range in length from a quick 100 yards to an admirable 10 miles.
Great Race Triathlon/Duathlon
fcrccvt.com, 524-2444
July 7, St. Albans Bay
Athletes of all ages and abilities run, bike and paddle in the 34th year of this friendly competition.
Waterbury Arts Fest
waterburyartsfest.com, 496-6466
July 12-13, Waterbury
Live music, physical comedy, artist demonstrations and good eats enliven an outdoor arts-and-crafts exhibition.
SolarFest
solarfest.org, 235-1513
July 12-14, Tinmouth
New Englands renewable-energy celebration features games, workshops, information, activism and live music all powered by the sun.
Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival
stoweflake.com/activities_balloon_festival.aspx, 253-7355, ext. 5538
July 12-14, Stowe
Floating orbs transport people through the sky at a balloon-launch fest with plenty of entertainment and eats.
Summer Pride Festival
chandler-arts.org, 728-6464
July 12-21, Randolph
Staged readings with gay and lesbian characters and themes seek to strengthen connections within the regional LGBTQ community.
Antiques and Uniques
townofcraftsbury.com, 586-7596
July 13, Craftsbury
More than 100 antiques and collectibles vendors, jewelry makers, quilters, woodworkers, and potters share their goodies.
Brain Freezer 5K
brainfreezer5k.com, 318-4488
July 13, Burlington
Racers tour the Queen City on a running challenge interrupted by a Ben & Jerrys ice-cream-eating challenge. Yes, really.
French Heritage Day
addisoncounty.com, 388-7951
July 13, Vergennes
Celebrate our region’s cultural history with an array of family activities, including colorful reenactments, old-time games, horse-and-carriage rides and local entertainment.
Craftsbury Chamber Players Summer Concert Series
craftsburychamberplayers.org, 800-639-3443
July 17-August 22, Burlington and Hardwick
World-class musicians explore classical compositions from the baroque to the contemporary era in this six-week festival, also including free mini-concerts for children and their families.
Vermont Brewers Festival
July 19-20, Burlington, Sold Out
Bottoms up! Live music, suds-centered workshops and scores of regionally crafted beers make for a smooth-tasting celebration.
Goshen Gallop XXXV
blueberryhillinn.com/goshengallop.html, 247-6735
July 20, Goshen
Runners pound the ground over dirt, gravel and soil on a rugged 10K trail.
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
vtcheesefest.com, 800-884-6287
July 21, Shelburne
Got cheese? Dairy lovers, chefs and artisan cheesemakers from around the state sample more than 200 varieties, partake in tasting seminars and catch a cooking show.
Small Boat Festival
lcmm.org, 475-2022
July 21-22, Vergennes
Landlubbers and others get their sea legs at a two-day celebration of watercraft, including the popular Kids Duct-Tape Regatta.
Summer Serenades
burlingtonensemble.com, 598-9520
July 23-August 10, Shelburne and Stowe
Burlington Ensemble soundtrack afternoon picnics, sunset programs and indoor concerts with stellar chamber music.
Bookstock Vermont
bookstockvt.org, 457-9149
July 26-28, Woodstock
This page-turning festival of words includes speeches and readings by authors of local and national renown, interactive programs, secondhand book sales, and art and music.
Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
vermontblueberry.com, 464-8092
July 26-August 4, various locations in the Mount Snow area
Feeling blue? Wilmington, Whitingham and Dover make the best of the hue over 10 days with a Big Blue Parade, a Blue Street Fair, blues music, pick-your-own blueberries … and even blue beer.
Champlain Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
burlingtongemandmineralclub.org, 849-6076
July 27-28, South Burlington
Thousands of beautiful, natural specimens catch visitors eyes in exhibits, lectures and kids activities.
Onion River Century Ride
onionriver.com/events-results/century, 229-9409
July 27, Montpelier
Pledge-propelled bikers benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library by pedaling either 111, 68 or 35 miles.
Green Mountain Draft Horse Field Day
shelburnefarms.org, 985-8686
July 28, Shelburne
Farmers demonstrate the true meaning of “horsepower” as steeds bred for strength pull plowing and reaping machines.
AUGUST
Vermont Festival of the Arts
vermontartfest.com, 496-6682
August 1-September 2, Mad River Valley
A whoppin’ five-week festival boasts exhibits, performances and workshops celebrating painting, poetry, crafts, culinary arts and everything in between.
Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival
ridethedragon.org, 999-5478
August 4, Burlington
Water-bound teams of businesses, neighborhoods and breast-cancer survivors paddle their way to victory on 41-foot boats.
Vermont Fresh Network Annual Forum
vermontfresh.net, 434-2000
August 4, Shelburne
Chefs, consumers and farmers break bread at a grazing dinner to support the states farm-to-table food routes.
Shakespeare in the Park
vermontshakespeare.org, 877-874-1911
August 8-11; 16-18, Burlington
August 15, North Hero
The Bards best works are brought to life on forest stages by the Vermont Shakespeare Company. This years play: The Winter’s Tale.
Festival of the Arts
cambridgeartsvt.org/festival-of-the-arts, 730-2383
August 10, Jeffersonville
A festival on its fourth year promotes the regions visual and performing arts through exhibits, live music and childrens activities.
Summer Art in the Park Festival
chaffeeartcenter.org, 775-0356
August 10-11, Rutland
Handicrafts and fine art attract buyers and gawkers, who can also sample diverse food and music.
Valley Stage Music Festival
valleystage.net, 434-4563
August 10, Huntington Valley
Music lovers enjoy food and green-themed displays between a variety of folk acts.
Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival
cvcmf.org, 201-569-8122
August 12-25 various locations in the Upper Valley
Masterworks soar in the 20th-anniversary season, which features a one-night concert with the internationally acclaimed Lark Quartet.
The Vermont Challenge
vtchallenge.com, 914-420-8805
August 14-18, various starting locations
Cyclists wheel through rolling farmlands and quiet country roads in tours ranging in length from one to four days.
Lake Champlain Maritime Festival
lcmfestival.com, 482-3313
August 15-18, Burlington
Boat displays, tasting tables, hands-on educational exhibits, daytime music and evening concerts sail into the Burlington waterfront. Headliners the Black Crowes perform on August 17; see website for future announcements.
Lake Champlain ACBS Annual Vintage Boat Show
August 17, Burlington
The Lake Champlain Chapter Antique and Classic Boat Society presents historic watercrafts and a boat parade during the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
Tweed River Music Festival
August 16-18, Stockbridge
A huge lineup of rock, folk and Americana tunes meets idyllic scenery and a swimming hole.
Kingdom Farm & Food Days
hardwickagriculture.org, 472-5840
August 17-18, Hardwick
A celebration of regional agriculture includes farm tours and food workshops.
Rabble in Arms Weekend
lcmm.org, 475-2022
August 17-18, Vergennes
History comes alive as costumed reenactors in traditional boats depict the 1814 construction of Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough’s fleet, which was instrumental in the War of 1812.
St. Albans Civil War Heritage Weekend
stalbansraid.com, 524-6897
August 17-18, St. Albans
Living-history military and civilian reenactors demonstrate battle skirmishes, drills and camp life in Taylor Park. The Raid half marathon along Franklin Countys historic Rail Trail rounds out the event.
Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival
lccmf.org, 846-2175
August 17-25, Colchester, Burlington and Plattsburgh, N.Y.
The influences of Paganini and Liszt dictate a classical-music festival helmed by violinist Soovin Kim.
Quechee Scottish Festival & Celtic Fair
quecheescottishfestival.com, 295-5351
August 24, Quechee
Bagpipe bands, sheepdog trials, plaid skirts and, of course, haggis all figure prominently in this annual celebration of Scottish heritage.
Champlain Valley Fair
champlainvalleyfair.org, 878-5545
August 24-September 2, Essex Junction
Parades, a giant sand sculpture, circus acts and talent showcases join top musical acts and a wealth of fried food at Vermont’s largest fair. Concert schedule: Ke$sha (August 24), Josh Turner with Justin Moore (August 25), Austin Mahone (August 26), Toby Keith with Kip Moore (September 1); see website for future announcements.
The North Face Race to the Top of Vermont
catamounttrail.org/news/the-north-face-race-to-the-top-of-vermont, 864-5794
August 25, Stowe
Runners, mountain bikers and noncompetitive hikers scale Vermonts highest peak in exchange for spectacular views and a postrace barbecue.
Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival
lovegarlic.com, 447-3311
August 31-September 1, Bennington
Vampires are sure to shun this annual extravaganza featuring crafts and food from more than 100 vendors and growers, children’s games, live music and entertainment, a beer and wine garden and more.
SEPTEMBER
Cambridge Music Festival
cambridgemusicfestival.com, 730-2383
September 7, Cambridge
A 12-hour barn party showcases New England musicians, including Josh Panda & the Hot Damned, Funkwagon, Wolfman Conspiracy, Hayley Jane & The Primates, DJ Lazy Eye, Sharon & Kim and more.
Grand Point North
highergroundmusic.com, 652-0777
September 14-15, Burlington
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals headline two nights of star-studded acts, including Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, the Felice Brothers, Scott Tournet & Ver La Luz, Josh Panda & the Hot Damned, Alpenglow, and Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band (September 14) and Gov’t Mule, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, City and Colour, Shovels & Rope, Rough Francis, Natalie Press, Paper Castles, and Belle Pines (September 15).
This article appears in Summer Preview 2012.
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