Planning a trip to Vermont this summer or just looking for something to do?  We got you covered.  Several of the events that are listed below were featured in an article by Yankee Magazine about the Top Summer Events in Vermont.  I decided to look a bit further.

May Events 

Vermont Artisans Open House Weekend – 5/28 – 5/29

If you are an art buff, then you are not going to want to miss out on the Vermont Artisans Open Studio Weekend.  For two days, Vermont crafters will open their doors to the public. Visit the local artists and learn about all that they do.  You’ll  be so impressed that you might even make a purchase or two.  Visit the Vermont Art Council to see the participating studios.

June Events 

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival – 6/3 – 6/12

Love Jazz music.  Head to Burlington, VT, the city by the lake for free and ticketed concerts throughout the week.   Enjoy some of the best jazz music in the world, street parties and cruises along Lake Champlain.  There will be “meet the artists” events, films and workshops.  For a complete list of all of the events and how to purchase tickets visit Burlington Discover Jazz Festival.

 

Strolling of the Heifers – 6/3 – 6/5
Head on down to Brattleboro, VT for the Strolling of the Heifers. The event kicks off  with the Gallery Walk and Street Festival for the Annual Block Party.  On Saturday morning  you’re not going to want to miss the parade.  Watch as dozens of calves, all decked out in flowers make their way down Main St.  Afterwards, head to the Live Green Expo for music, food, exhibits and demonstrations fully dedicated to the mission of sustaining family farms.  Finally, on Sunday, one of the events taking place is The Tour De Heifer, Vermont’s most challenging dirt road cycle ride.

B3 Fest – Bikes Bevs and Beats –  6/10 – 6/12
Head to Stowe, Vt for a weekend of Vermont music, Vermont craft libations (beers, wines, spirits, ciders, root beer), and a celebration of Vermont mountain biking. This is a town-wide event, with restaurants serving as the venues!  Area bike shops are hosting mountain bike group rides in town for the B3 Fest weekend, which will start and end at participating B3 Fest venues. Their will be live music all over town.

Manchester Antique & Classic Car Show: Celebrating 30 Years! –  6/11 – 6/12
Welcome all car enthusiasts to Manchester, VT.  The premier Antique and Classic Car Show in Manchester & the Mountains, Vermont celebrates 30 years of the best antique and classic cars, food vendors and flea market in the northeast! This year it’s FREE! The Tailgate Competition will take place and be judged on Sunday as well as the judging for “Best of” the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

 

Stratton Wanderlust – 6/16 – 6/1
Wanderlust taking  place at Stratton Mountain Resort in Bondville, VT is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world’s leading yoga teachers, top musical acts and DJs, renowned speakers, top chefs, winemakers, and much, much more.  — all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. We’re talking about fun in the sun and dancing under the stars. Hiking on peaceful trails and getting your down dog on at the top of the mountain.

37th Annual Quechee  Hot Air Balloon and Craft Festival – 6/ 17- 6/19
Up, up and away in a beautiful balloon. The 37th Annual Hot Air Balloon and Craft Festival takes place in beautiful Quechee,  VT. The festival has been chosen by Yankee Magazine as one of the top 20 events of summer. It features over 20 hot air balloons, with flights scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17th; 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th (always weather and wind permitting).  Enjoy a ride on one of the more than 20 hot air balloons that takes flight over the village green.  If you don’t like heights then stay grounded and enjoy crafts, food, music and special activities for the kids.

NEMBAfest – 6/17 – 6/19

In Burke, VT experience over 100 miles of unique trails and terrain that makes Kingdom Trails. Enjoy a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend of riding, camping, demo-ing the latest mountain bikes, checking out all the gadgets and gear, rockin’ to great music, and enjoying yummy local food & drink in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom!

The Vermont History Expo – 6/18 – 6/19
Want to head back in time and learn about some Vermont history?  The Vermont History Expo takes place at the Tunbridge World Fairgrounds, in Tunbridge, VT.  Step back in time to the days of small Vermont farms, horse and buggies, small country stores and hearthside stories.  Nearly 150 heritage and history organizations will be having fascinating exhibits showing community history from all over the state.  Artisans, authors, musicians and crafters will complete this history filled weekend.   This year’s theme is H20: The Power of Water in Vermont History.

Jenny Brook Blue Grass Festival – 6/23 – 6/26
How about some good old fashion bluegrass music?  The 16th Annual Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival takes over the Tunbridge World Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, VT.  Enjoy this multiday Green Mountain music festival with award winning Bluegrass bands, workshops, meet the artist’s sessions and children’s activities.  If you plan on camping for the event the gates open on Tuesday, June 21.  The festival has been recognized nationally by the International Bluegrass Association and was nominated for The Bluegrass Event of the year in 2013 and 2014.

July Events 

The Vermont Summer Festival – 7/ 5 – 8/14
Dorset, VT is host to the The Vermont Summer Festival as it welcomes all spectators to the show grounds! Watch the horses and athletes, shop the onsite boutiques, or plan to have lunch and a drink. Spectators welcome Wednesday – Sundays.  Adults $6-9. (Gate proceeds got to local charities.) $50k Grand Prix on August 13th.

 

8th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival – 7/17
If you love cheese then make sure you head up to Shelburne Farms located in Shelburne, VT for the 8th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival.  Vermont is the artisanal cheese state with the highest number of cheesemakers per capita: over 50 of them.  Come and experience their passion for making cheese.  Taste fresh and local foods and wines.  Meet the artists who make them while spending the day along the shores of Lake Champlain.  There will be cheese making and cooking demos, workshops, tastings and much more.  Plus, there will be over 200 cheeses, beverages and foods to sample and purchase.

August Events 

Chocolate & Cheese Fest / Silent Auction – 8/1
Once again The Landgrove Inn, in Landgrove, VT will be hosting the Chocolate and Cheese Festival.  If your are a chocolataholic  you are going to love this event. There will be  more than 30 chocolatiers,  and several chefs, plus live music, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a cash bar. The event will be handicapped-accessible. All proceeds go to benefit Neighborhood Connections, a social service agency that provides a wide range of help to needy area residents.

Harpoon Point to Point Bike Race – 8/13
The Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, VT is holding the Harpoon Point to Point Bike race Presented by National Life Group. This event is  to benefit the Vermont Foodbank.  Cyclists choose from a 25, 50, or 100 mile road ride and new in 2016, a mountain bike option at Ascutney Mountain. All rides finish with a  post-ride party at the brewery in Windsor, VT with fresh beer, BBQ, fun with sponsors, and live music.

 

Vermont State Fair – 8/16 – 8/20
The 171st Vermont State Fair located in Rutland, VT features entertainment, rides, events, music concerts, demolition derby, agricultural exhibits, farm animals, culinary, vegetable and floral exhibits, maple sugar house and dairy barn, grandstand attractions and more. The fair first took place in 1846, making it one of oldest fairs in the United States.

Kingdom Farm and Field Days – 8/19 – 8/21
Come to Burke, VT and explore the region’s rich food and farm scene! The Northeast Kingdom Farm & Food Days is a weekend long celebration of regional farms, local food, gardens, small producers, and agricultural businesses. Workshops, food and tours will be available to all attendees. All events are FREE, open to the public, and fun for all ages!

 

2nd Annual Middlebury New Filmmaker’s Festival –8/25 – 8/28
The 2nd Annual Middlebury New Filmmaker’s Festival takes place in Middlebury, VT.  The festival brings together first and second time filmmakers from all over the world and brings 90 short and feature flicks at the historic Town Hall Theater, the recently renovated Marquis Theater and the beautiful Dana Auditorium at Middlebury College.  There will be Q & A sessions, parties and panel discussions to round out the fun. Don’t miss the big Festival Dance Party on Saturday night that is open to everyone.

September Event 

21st Annual Garlic and Herb Festival – 9/3 – 9/4

Bennington, VT will be smelling like garlic as they host the 21st Annual Garlic and Herb Festival. You will find everything from garlic ice cream to garlic jelly, pickled garlic, roasted garlic, garlic braids and of course, plenty of garlic bulbs of every variety  for sampling and purchase. There will be activities for the children.  Relax at the beer and wine garden and listen live music both days.

Find more information  in the Vermont.com Calendar of Events.
Need a place to stay? Find Vermont hotels and  lodging options.
Remember to check the weather before heading out for any of these events.

 Have a Great Summer!