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There is so much to do during the summer in Vermont! From farmers markets to outdoor concerts and local attractions, there’s something for everyone. We’ve put together a list that is by no means exhaustive, but it covers some of the highlights. We hope you find something you can enjoy!
Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets are a staple of Vermont in the summertime, and they take place statewide! You can find a Farmers Market near you by visiting https://nofavt.org/find-organic-local-food/farmers-markets
Winooski Farmers Market: May 28 – October 15
The Winooski Farmers Market, located at 20 Winooski Falls Way, is open Sundays from 10am-2pm. Enjoy tasty food gathered and made by the local community. More info at https://downtownwinooski.org/winooski-farmers-market
The BTV Market: June 3 – September 30
The BTV Market in downtown Burlington is open every Saturday from June 3 to September 30 from 11am-3pm. Enjoy food, markets, and other events that represent a wide variety of Burlington’s diverse communities! Learn more about the other happenings at the City Hall Park at https://www.burlingtoncityarts.org
Old North End Farmers Market: June – October
At the Old North End Farmers Market you can enjoy affordable, healthy, and locally grown food. It is located at Dewey Park on Spring Street in Burlington, and is open on Tuesdays from 3-6:30pm from June to October. More info: https://onefarmersmarket.com
Isham Family Farm: June – September
The 108 acre Isham Family Farm hosts a Farmers Market on Tuesdays from June to September from 4:30-7:30pm. Located only 3.5 miles off of I-89 at 3515 Oak Hill Rd., Williston. You can find out more about the historic farm by visiting https://ishamfamilyfarm.com
Champlain Islands Farmers Market – May – October
Connect with the great farms, specialty food businesses, and artisan studios in the Champlain Islands.
Saturdays in Grand Isle; Wednesdays in South Hero
More information: https://champlainislandsfarmersmarket.org
Events and Attractions
Summer in Vermont is host to several events and attractions held throughout the state. You are sure to find something for everyone to enjoy!
Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides: May – October
See the Green Mountain State from the air, as you drift over Vermont’s hills, Lake Champlain, and of course, its Green Mountains. Learn more: https://balloonvermont.com
South End Get Down: May 26 – September 1
Enjoy music, food, and drinks from a wide variety of vendors. Open every Friday from 5-9pm, this market can be enjoyed by the whole family. 377 Pine Street, Burlington, VT. Learn more: https://getdownvt.com
Spirit of Ethan Allen Cruise: May – October
The ocean isn’t the only body of water that hosts cruises. Visit the Spirit of Ethan Allen and enjoy several different events like Champagne Brunch or the fireworks on July 3rd! Learn more at https://soea.com
St. J Final Fridays: June, July & August
Experience a street fair and nightlife feel in historic downtown St. Johnsbury. For more info visit: https://www.discoverstjohnsbury.com/finalfridays.html
2023 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: June 7-11
One of the largest annual events in Vermont! Celebrate the future of jazz at the historic Flynn Theater and other locations in downtown Burlington. Learn more at https://www.flynnvt.org/jazzfest40
Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival: June 16-18
Enjoy the largest hot air balloon festival in all of New England at the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival. Enjoy a wide variety of music and numerous artisans as well as the hot air balloons. Learn more here: https://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com
Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival: June 22-25
This family-friendly event encourages music fans to camp out at the Tunbridge fairgrounds and stay the whole weekend. There will be children’s activities every day and an “instrument petting zoo,” geared for young’uns who have never held a stringed instrument. Paid weekend admission covers parking, rough camping, showers, and access to all stages; day passes are also available. More info: https://jennybrookbluegrass.com
Fourth of July Celebrations
Classic celebrations including parades and fireworks, held throughout the state.
Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock: https://billingsfarm.org/events/old-vermont-fourth-2021-07-04
Montpelier: https://montpelieralive.com/july3
Jeffersonville: https://www.smuggs.com/pages/universal/events/19/
Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour: July & August
A classic big tent circus that tours throughout New England. The Smirkus Big Top Tour offers events that the whole family can enjoy. Learn more about what the circus offers, along with locations and times here: https://www.smirkus.org
The Farm to Ballet Project: July
The Farm to Ballet Project is an original ballet about a farm through the seasons. Dancing vegetables, familiar animals, and even the seasons themselves come to life through dance in a joyful and entertaining show. For dates, locations, and times visit: https://www.balletvermont.org/farm-to-ballet-project.html
Dead of Summer Music Festival: July 7-8
Located at 410 Hunter Park Rd, Manchester at the Northshire Civic Center, The Dead of Summer Music Festival hosts a wide variety of musical genres. Learn more: https://www.deadofsummermusicfestival.com
Waterbury Friday Night Block Party: July 14
Live music, beer, food, and other forms of entertainment, all sponsored by Ben and Jerry’s! Learn more: https://waterburyartsfest.com/friday
The Bradford Fair: July 14-16
Come and enjoy the Bradford Fair, located at 66 Carson Lane, Bradford, VT. There you can enjoy motor events and fair rides. You can learn more here: https://www.bradfordfair.org
Vermont Brewers Festival 2023: July 21-22
Vermont is considered to have the best breweries in the world! You can see and taste for yourself at the Vermont Brewers Festival at Waterfront Park in Burlington. Find out more by visiting their website at https://www.vermontbrewers.com
Lamoille County Field Days: July 21-23
The Lamoille County Field Days hosts a variety of events, including horse shows, animal pulling, agricultural products tests, and more. Learn more: https://lamoillefielddays.com
The Cabot Arts and Music Festival 2023: July 28-29
The Cabot Arts and Music Festival plays host to several musical artists for you to enjoy, while also providing activities for kids, food trucks and art projects. More info here: https://www.cabotarts.org/arts-and-music-festival
Burlington Festival of Fools: August 4-6
Enjoy street performers from across the globe on Burlington’s historic Church Street. Learn more at https://vermontfestivaloffools.com
Franklin County Field Days: August 4-7
Horse shows, demolition derby, tractor pulls and more in Swanton. Learn more here: https://www.franklincountyfielddays.org
Vermont Open Farm Week: August 7-14
Want to know your farmer better? Enjoy local foods? Want to get a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont’s working agricultural landscape? Then the Vermont Open Farm Week is for you. Meet the farmers who work hard to bring you the best. Learn more here: https://diginvt.com/events-in-vermont/vermont-open-farm-week-2023/?date=2023-08-06
Addison County Fair & Field Day: August 8-12
The Addison County Fair & Field Days in Vergennes plays host to several events including exciting demolition derbys, animal shows and more. Learn more: https://www.addisoncountyfielddays.com
Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet: August 11-13
Enjoy a wide variety of classic antique cars along with a flea market, food, and craft booths. Located at Farr’s Field, 2 miles west of Waterbury on US Rt. 2. More info here: https://vtauto.org/vermont-car-shows/antique-classic-car-meet
12th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival: August 13
Don’t let the name fool you, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival offers far more than just cheeses. The event hosts dozens of other artisans from meats to wine, beer and other spirits! Located at Highland Center for the Arts, 2875 Hardwick Street, Greensboro. Learn more: https://vtcheesefest.com
Vermont State Fair: August 15-19
The historic Vermont State Fair, located at 175 South Main Street in Rutland, has been running since 1846. This event plays host to several attractions including dining, music, ferris wheels, other fun rides and more! Learn more: https://www.vermontstatefair.org
Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival: August 23-27
The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival celebrates new films by new filmmakers. Held in beautiful and historic Middlebury, the Festival runs from August 23 to August 27, and features several new films. More about the festival can be found at their website: https://middfilmfest.org
Caledonia County Fair: August 23-27
Enjoy the Caledonia County Fair, an event that has been running since 1834! There you can enjoy amusement rides, demolition derby, and even human cannonballs! Learn more: https://caledoniacountyfair.com
Champlain Valley Fair: August 25-September 3
Founded in 1922, the historic Champlain Valley Fair plays host to vendors, music and even monster truck shows! It takes place at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, and you can learn more by visiting: https://champlainvalleyfair.org
3rd Annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival: August 26-27
The 3rd Annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival offers something for everyone to enjoy, including music, wine tasting, artisan crafts and more. The festival is held at Okemo Field in Ludlow on August 26 from 12-7pm and August 27 from 10am to 4pm. Learn more: https://www.yourplaceinvermont.com/best-of-vermont-summer-festival
Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival: September 2-3
Stars from Vermont and internationally known musicians team up for a lively two-day festival of folk and blues music performed in the pure country air of historic Plymouth Notch, birthplace of the 30th U.S. President. Learn more: https://plymouthfolk.com
Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival: September 3
Come enjoy a garlic-themed festival in Bennington, VT, featuring garlic-themed vendors, food trucks, kids and family activities, live music and entertainment, vendor demonstrations and more. More info: https://www.bennington.com/garlictown
31st Annual South End Art Hop: September 8-10
Come and see a celebration of all that Burlington’s South End Arts District has to offer. Featuring local artists, open studios, exhibitions, food, music and fun. More info: https://www.seaba.com/arthop
Tunbridge World’s Fair: September 14-17
The Tunbridge World’s Fair has been a staple in Tunbridge, Vermont since 1867, offering demonstrations of farming and agricultural traditions and culture, working antique displays, horse and ox pulling, horse racing, cattle and horse shows, junior exhibits, floral and 4-H exhibits, contra dancing, gymkhana, and many free shows. More info: https://www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com
Von Trapp Oktoberfest: September 16
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall with music, beer, food, a stein holding contest, and more. Take in the spectacular mountain views at this 2,600-acre mountain resort by the family that inspired The Sound of Music. Learn more: https://www.trappfamily.com/happenings.htm
Year long attractions
Some things are just too good for only one season! Here are some attractions that can be enjoyed all year long!
The Trapp Family Lodge
Enjoy the historic Trapp Family Lodge, the very lodge run by the famous von Trapp family that had their lives immortalized in the classic motion picture, The Sound of Music! Enjoy lodging, meals, family friendly events, musical concerts and more. You can learn more at: https://www.trappfamily.com/happenings.htm
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Tour
Enjoy classical music performed by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra! The Orchestra performs in a number of beautiful locations throughout the Green Mountain State. You can find dates, times, and locations, and more info at: https://www.vso.org/events
Jane Austen Weekends: Sense and Sensibility
Literary-inspired diversions for Jane Austen devotees in Hyde Park, VT: talk on Regency life, dinner party with English country dancing, afternoon tea, Sunday brunch & a quiz with prizes. Optional carriage ride. More info: https://onehundredmain.com/events/jane-austen-weekends
