Summer Preview Greatest Hits 2012 

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BURLINGTON | Chittenden County | Waterbury/Mad River Valley | Barre-Montpelier | Stowe/Smuggs Area | Champlain Islands/Northwest | Northeast Kingdom | Upper Valley | Middlebury Area | Rutland Area | Southern Vermont

BURLINGTON

City Hall Park Lunchtime Performances

burlingtoncityarts.org, 865-7166

May 22-June 28, Burlington

The lunch crowd gathers for everything from big-band jazz to rowdy honky-tonk to masterful classical music in the open air.

KeyBank Vermont City Marathon & Relay

runvcm.org, 863-8412

May 27, Burlington

Long-distance runners pound a 26.2-mile path through the Queen City.

Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games

specialolympicsvermont.org, 863-5222

June 1-3, Burlington

Athletes from all parts of the state compete in aquatics, track and field, bocce, and softball.

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

discoverjazz.com, 863-7992

June 1-10, 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.

Burlington Wine & Food Festival

burlingtonwineandfoodfestival.com

June 23, 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.

Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival

uvm.org/gmcmf, 336-784-5128

June 24-July 21, Burlington

The artist faculty of an annual summer conservatory offer a compelling classical repertoire.

Craftsbury Chamber Players Summer Concert Series

craftsburychamberplayers.org, 800-639-3443

July 11-August 16, 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.

Brain Freezer 5K

brainfreezer5k.com, 318-4488

July 14, Burlington

Racers tour the Queen City on a running challenge interrupted by a Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream-eating challenge. Yes, really.

Vermont Brewers Festival

vtbrewfest.com

July 20-21, Burlington

Bottoms up! Live music, suds-centered workshops and scores of regionally crafted beers make for a smooth-tasting celebration.

Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival

ridethedragon.org, 999-5478

August 5, Burlington

Water-bound teams of businesses, neighborhoods and breast-cancer survivors paddle their way to victory on 41-foot boats.

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival

lcmfestival.com, 482-3313

August 9-12, Burlington

Boat displays, tasting tables, hands-on educational exhibits, daytime music and evening concerts sail into the Burlington waterfront. Concert schedule: Gogol Bordello (August 9), Old Crow Medicine Show with the Lumineers and the Milk Carton Kids (August 10), Strangefolk (August 11), and Citizen Cope (August 12).

Shakespeare in the Park

vermontshakespeare.org, 877-874-1911

August 10-12, North Hero

August 17-19, Burlington

The Bard’s best works are brought to life on forest stages by the Vermont Shakespeare Company. This year’s play: The Tempest.

Lake Champlain ACBS Annual Vintage Boat Show

lcacbs.com

August 11, Burlington

The Lake Champlain Chapter Antique and Classic Boat Society presents historic watercrafts and a boat parade during the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.

Grand Point North

highergroundmusic.com, 652-0777

September 14-15, Burlington

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals headline two nights of star-studded acts, including Dr. Dog, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Heloise & the Savoire Faire, Ryan Power, Brenda, and Tooth Ache (September 14) and the Avett Brothers, Galactic, Sam Roberts Band, Waylon Speed, Gregory Douglass, Bow Thayer, and Bob Wagner (September 15).

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CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Midway Lawn

highergroundmusic.com, 652-0777

June 15-July 29, Essex

The folks from Higher Ground Presents bring big-name acts to the Champlain Valley Exposition: Michael Franti & Spearhead with Saints of Valory (June 15), Cake (June 16), and Wilco with the Lee Ranaldo Band (July 29).

Winooski River Sojourn

winooskiriver.org/sojourn, 882-8276

June 19-24, various locations along the Winooski River

Paddlers take to their canoes or kayaks on an adventure down the river basin, guided by river scientists, historians and naturalists.

Chittenden County Relay for Life

relayforlife.org/chittendenvt, 872-6300

June 22-23, Essex Junction

Vermonters battle cancer with overnight, relay-style laps that raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

‘Strings and Vines’

elevachamberplayers.org, 244-8354

June 22-24, New Haven, Berlin and Shelburne

The Eleva Chamber Players make their first tour of Vermont wineries, pairing classical music with wine-and-cheese tastings.

Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green

highergroundmusic.com, 652-0777

June 24-August 7, Shelburne

The folks from Higher Ground Presents bring big-name acts to the Shelburne Museum: Sarah McLachlan with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra (June 24), David Gray (July 7) and Lyle Lovett (August 7).

‘Dear Pina’

hannahdennison.org/dear-pina, 863-5966

June 25-30, Shelburne

Twenty-eight Vermont dancers move to choreography by Hannah Dennison, Amy LePage and Hanna Satterlee in a large-scale dance/theater tribute to the late Pina Bausch.

Vermont Quilt Festival

vqf.org, 872-0034

June 29-July 1, Essex Junction

This annual parade of patchwork is New England’s largest quilt show. It features displays, appraisals, gallery talks, and vendors offering colorful bed coverings and the means to make them.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour

vso.org, 864-5741, ext. 10

June 29-July 8, statewide

Picnickers tune in for masterful, fun-spirited works ending with a bang: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and some fireworks.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

smirkus.com, 533-7443

July 1-August 19, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast

Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in "Topsy-Turvy Time Travel!"

Frog Run Beer Fest

vermontfolklifecenter.org/sapbeer/frogrunfest.php, 388-4964

July 7, Shelburne

Beer advocates sip Frog Run Sap Beer while taking in the traditional fiddle music of Vermont, New England and Québec.

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

vtcheesefest.com, 800-884-6287

July 22, 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.

Summer Serenades

burlingtonensemble.com, 598-9520

July 22-28, Shelburne and Stowe

Burlington Ensemble soundtrack afternoon picnics, sunset programs and indoor concerts with stellar chamber music.

Champlain Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show

burlingtongemandmineralclub.org, 849-6076

July 28-29, South Burlington

Thousands of beautiful, natural specimens catch visitors’ eyes in exhibits, lectures and kids activities.

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.

Vermont Fresh Network Annual Forum

vermontfresh.net, 434-2000

August 5, Shelburne

Chefs, consumers and farmers break bread at a grazing dinner to support the state’s farm-to-table food routes.

Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival

lccmf.org, 846-2175

August 18-26, Colchester, Burlington and Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Bach figures prominently in a classical-music festival helmed by violinist Soovin Kim.

Champlain Valley Fair

champlainvalleyfair.org, 878-5545

August 25-September 3, 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: Train with Mat Kearney (August 25), Demi Lovato with Hot Chelle Rae (August 27), Jason Aldean (September 1) and the Zac Brown Band (September 2).

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WATERBURY/MAD RIVER VALLEY

Green Mountain Opera Festival

greenmountainoperafestival.com, 496-7722

June 1-24, 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 Don Pasquale and a MainStage production of La Bohème.

Winooski River Sojourn

winooskiriver.org/sojourn, 882-8276

June 19-24, various locations along the Winooski River

Paddlers take to their canoes or kayaks on an adventure down the river basin, guided by river scientists, historians and naturalists.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour

vso.org, 864-5741, ext. 10

June 29-July 8, statewide

Picnickers tune in for masterful, fun-spirited works ending with a bang: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and some fireworks.

Stowe Street Arts Festival

stowestreetartsfest.com, 496-6466

July 13-14, Waterbury

Live music, physical comedy, artist demonstrations and good eats enliven an outdoor arts-and-crafts exhibition.

Vermont Festival of the Arts

vermontartfest.com, 496-6682

August 1-September 3, Mad River Valley

A whoppin' five-week festival boasts exhibits, performances and workshops celebrating painting, poetry, crafts, culinary arts and everything in between.

Valley Stage Music Festival

valleystage.net, 434-4563

August 4, Huntington Valley

Music lovers enjoy food and green-themed displays between a variety of folk acts.

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BARRE-MONTPELIER AREA

Montpelier Fashion Show

montpelierfashionshow.org, 279-5762

June 2, Montpelier

The Capital City is stylin’ as more than 75 models overtake downtown in creative costumes. This year’s theme: wildlife.

Winooski River Sojourn

winooskiriver.org/sojourn, 882-8276

June 19-24, various locations along the Winooski River

Paddlers take to their canoes or kayaks on an adventure down the river basin, guided by river scientists, historians and naturalists.

‘Strings and Vines’

elevachamberplayers.org, 244-8354

June 22-24, New Haven, Berlin and Shelburne

The Eleva Chamber Players make their first tour of Vermont wineries, pairing classical music with wine-and-cheese tastings.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

smirkus.com, 533-7443

July 1-August 19, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast

Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in "Topsy-Turvy Time Travel!"

Onion River Century Ride

onionriver.com/events-results/century, 229-9409

July 28, Montpelier

Pledge-propelled bikers benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library by pedaling either 111, 68 or 35 miles.

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STOWE/SMUGGS AREA

Rattling Brook Bluegrass Festival

belviderecommunityclub.org/events/bluegrass.html, 644-2498

June 16, Belvidere

Legendary bluegrass musicians such as Jimmy Gaudreau and Moondi Klein headline at this outdoor family festival in its 29th year.

Stowe Wine & Food Classic

stowewine.com, 888-683-2427

June 22-24, 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.

Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival

stoweflake.com/activities_balloon_festival.aspx, 253-7355, ext. 5538

July 6-8, Stowe

Floating orbs transport people through the sky at a balloon-launch fest with plenty of entertainment and eats.

Cambridge Music Festival

cambridgemusicfestival.com, 730-2383

July 21, Cambridge

A 12-hour barn party showcases New England musicians, including Kim & Sharon, Casio Bastard, Something With Strings, and the Starline Rhythm Boys.

Summer Serenades

burlingtonensemble.com, 598-9520

July 22-28, Shelburne and Stowe

Burlington Ensemble soundtrack afternoon picnics, sunset programs and indoor concerts with stellar chamber music.

Festival of the Arts

cambridgeartsvt.org/festival-of-the-arts, 730-2383

August 11, Jeffersonville

A festival on its fourth year promotes the region’s visual and performing arts through exhibits, live music and children’s activities.

Music Festival of the Americas

musicfestivaloftheamericas.org, 760-6797

August 23-25, Stowe

World-class gusts join director Alonda de la Parra and the festival orchestra in a classical lineup.

Celebrate Vermont

celebratevermontfestival.com, 425-3399

August 23-26, Stowe

“Vermont’s own party” kicks off with a Noah’s Ark Parade and continues with local eats and outdoor recreation.

The North Face Race to the Top of Vermont

catamounttrail.org/news/the-north-face-race-to-the-top-of-vermont, 864-5794

August 26, Stowe

Runners, mountain bikers and noncompetitive hikers scale Vermont’s highest peak in exchange for spectacular views and a postrace barbecue.

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CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS/NORTHWEST

Snow Farm Vineyard Concert Series

snowfarm.com, 372-9463

June 7-August 30, South Hero

Picnickers take in live classical, jazz, swing, bluegrass and classic rock by the grape vines every Thursday evening.

St. Albans Civil War Heritage Weekend

stalbansraid.com, 527-7933

July 21-22, St. Albans

Living-history military and civilian reenactors demonstrate battle skirmishes, drills and camp life in Taylor Park.

Shakespeare in the Park

vermontshakespeare.org, 877-874-1911

August 10-12, North Hero

August 17-19, Burlington

The Bard’s best works are brought to life on forest stages by the Vermont Shakespeare Company. This year’s play: The Tempest.

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NORTHEAST KINGDOM

Tour de Kingdom

tourdekingdom.org, 334-8511

May 30-June 3, 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.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour

vso.org, 864-5741, ext. 10

June 29-July 8, statewide

Picnickers tune in for masterful, fun-spirited works ending with a bang: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and some fireworks.

Kingdom Aquafest

kingdomaquafest.com, 323-8424 or 334-6345

June 30-July 8, 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.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

smirkus.com, 533-7443

July 1-August 19, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast

Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in "Topsy-Turvy Time Travel!"

Kingdom Swim

kingdomswim.org, 334-8511

July 7, 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.

Craftsbury Chamber Players Summer Concert Series

craftsburychamberplayers.org, 800-639-3443

July 11-August 16, 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.

Antiques and Uniques

townofcraftsbury.com, 586-7596

July 14, Craftsbury

More than 100 antiques and collectibles vendors, jewelry makers, quilters, woodworkers, and potters share their goodies.

Kingdom Farm & Food Days

hardwickagriculture.org, 472-5840

August 18-19, Hardwick

A celebration of regional agriculture includes farm tours and food workshops.

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UPPER VALLEY

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.

Vermont History Expo

vermonthistory.org, 479-8505

June 16-17, Tunbridge

Crafters, reenactors and preservationists join town historical societies from around the state to show their stuff at a two-day fair.

Hartland JazzFest

hartlandcommunityarts.org

June 23, 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 23, Bridgewater Corners

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, featuring tunes by the Pete Kilpatrick Band.

Cedar Circle Farmstead & Education Center Strawberry Festival

cedarcirclefarm.org, 785-4737

June 24, East Thetford

Horse-drawn wagon rides, strawberry picking, kids crafts and other festivities honor the arrival of the favored summer fruit.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

smirkus.com, 533-7443

July 1-August 19, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast

Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in "Topsy-Turvy Time Travel!"

Summer Pride Festival

chandler-arts.org, 728-6464

July 13-22, Randolph

Staged readings with gay and lesbian characters and themes seek to strengthen connections within the regional LGBTQ community.

Bookstock Vermont

bookstockvt.org, 457-9149

July 27-29, 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.

Tweed River Music Festival

tweedrivermusicfestival.com

August 3-5, Stockbridge

A huge lineup of rock, folk and Americana tunes meets idyllic scenery and a swimming hole.

Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival

cvcmf.org, 201-569-8122

August 13-26, 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.

Quechee Scottish Festival & Celtic Fair

quecheescottishfestival.com, 295-5351

August 25, Quechee

Bagpipe bands, sheepdog trials, plaid skirts and, of course, haggis all figure prominently in this annual celebration of Scottish heritage.

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MIDDLEBURY AREA

The Opera Company of Middlebury

ocmvermont.org, 388-7432

May 27-June 16, Middlebury

A popular “Meet the Singers” gala paves the way for a fully staged production of Massenet’s Thaïs.

Kids Pirate Festival

lcmm.org, 475-2022

June 9-10, Vergennes

Little swashbucklers costume up for an era of exploration with dramatic play and maritime activities.

‘Strings and Vines’

elevachamberplayers.org, 244-8354

June 22-24, New Haven, Berlin and Shelburne

The Eleva Chamber Players make their first tour of Vermont wineries, pairing classical music with wine-and-cheese tastings.

Native American Encampment

lcmm.org, 475-2022

June 23-24, Vergennes

Folks rewind to our region in earlier times as members of Abenaki tribes share traditional singing, drumming, dancing and crafts.

French Heritage Day

addisoncounty.com, 388-7951

July 14, 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.

Goshen Gallop XXXIV

blueberryhillinn.com/goshengallop.html, 247-6735

July 21, Goshen

Runners pound the ground over dirt, gravel and soil on a rugged 10K trail.

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.

The Vermont Challenge

vtchallenge.com, 914-420-8805

August 15-19, various starting locations

Cyclists wheel through rolling farmlands and quiet country roads in tours ranging in length from one to four days.

Rabble in Arms Weekend

lcmm.org, 475-2022

August 18-19, Vergennes

History comes alive as costumed reenactors depict the War of 1812 in its 200th-anniversary year.

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RUTLAND AREA

Castleton Summer Concerts

468-6039 or 468-1206

June 5-August 14, Castleton

Top New England performers dole out bluegrass, swing, gypsy-jazz, folk and pop on the Old Chapel Green.

The 2012 Death Race

youmaydie.com, 989-3982

June 15, Pittsfield

An insane endurance race challenges even the most adventuresome with 24 to 48 hours of mud runs and physical obstacles.

Free Summer Concert Series

brandon.org, 247-6401

June 24-August 23, Brandon

Music lovers bring chairs or blankets to open-air concerts, featuring Swing Noire (June 28), Gene Childers and the Jubilee Jazz Band (July 27), Ten Rod Road (August 16) and the Avant Garde Dogs Band (August 23).

SolarFest

solarfest.org, 235-1513

July 20-22, Tinmouth

New England’s renewable-energy celebration features games, workshops, information, activism and live music — all powered by the sun.

Summer Art in the Park Festival

chaffeeartcenter.org, 775-0356

August 11-12, Rutland

Handicrafts and fine art attract buyers and gawkers, who can also sample diverse food and music.

The Vermont Challenge

vtchallenge.com, 914-420-8805

August 15-19, various starting locations

Cyclists wheel through rolling farmlands and quiet country roads in tours ranging in length from one to four days.

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SOUTHERN VERMONT

Strolling of the Heifers

strollingoftheheifers.com, 258-9177

June 1-3, Brattleboro

Cute young cows bedecked in flowers take Main Street by storm at this quintessentially Vermont take on Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls. The parade and surrounding events strive to connect people with farmers and food producers.

Roots on the River

rootsontheriver.com, 463-9595

June 7-10, Bellows Falls

Bellows Falls is overtaken by a rollicking four-day melody bash around town and in a big festival tent.

The Frendly Gathering

frendlygathering.com, 760-633-4200

June 14-16, Windham

A crew of professional snowboarders founded this festival of music, camping and camaraderie.

Wanderlust Vermont

stratton.wanderlustfestival.com

June 21-24, Stratton

This “epic four-day yoga throwdown” also includes an impressive lineup of musical acts, including Ani DiFranco.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour

vso.org, 864-5741, ext. 10

June 29-July 8, statewide

Picnickers tune in for masterful, fun-spirited works ending with a bang: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and some fireworks.

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

smirkus.com, 533-7443

July 1-August 19, various locations in Vermont and the Northeast

Acrobatics, tumbling feats, high-wire high jinks and general clowning around come together in "Topsy-Turvy Time Travel!"

Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows

vt-summerfestival.com

July 4-August 12, East Dorset

New England’s top equestrian competition, running for six weeks, draws spectators to its five all-weather rings.

Hills Alive!

hillsalive.org, 362-5333

July 7-15, southern Vermont

Encompassing two weekends, this festival of the arts attracts visitors to exhibitions, concerts, plays and readings.

Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival

vermontblueberry.com, 464-8092

July 27-August 5, 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.

The Vermont Challenge

vtchallenge.com, 914-420-8805

August 15-19, various starting locations

Cyclists wheel through rolling farmlands and quiet country roads in tours ranging in length from one to four days.

Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival

lovegarlic.com, 447-3311

September 1-2, 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.

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