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Vermont Chamber Events Calendar
Guiding you to some of Vermont's Best Events
Please use the events calendar on this page to guide you to some of Vermont's best events! Click on a date above, or page down to the bottom of this page to plug in the dates you'll be here and view all events that will be happening during your stay.
You may also want to check out the Vermont Chamber Top Ten Events listed below, which have been chosen by a panel of judges to represent the best of Vermont's seasonal celebrations.
Top Ten Winter 2008-2009 Events
Top Ten Summer 2009 Events
Top Ten Fall 2009 Events
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Wassail Weekend
Woodstock, December 12 - 14, 2008
Wassail Weekend in Woodstock celebrates twinkling holidays in the quintessential New England Village. A festive holiday weekend with a spectacular horse parade, caroling around the village green, holiday house tour, musical events, yule log, and Santa’s visit to the Winter Wonderland. Shop, dine, stay - find gifts for everyone in our unique stores or relax in a cozy inn and enjoy fine cuisine. Experience holiday magic in Woodstock, Vermont! Some events have fees. Sponsored by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce.
888-496-6378 or visit: www.woodstockvt.com.
First Night Montpelier - 15th Anniversary
Montpelier, December 31, 2008, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. (January 1, 2009)
Central Vermont’s drug and alcohol-free, family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. There’s something for everyone with music, dance, theater, storytelling and magic, plus children’s activities, an international food court, poetry slam, 5 km road race, ice skating, parade & fireworks. Twelve incredible hours of entertainment for one price! Before December 31: $12/single, $40/family. Day of: $15/single, $50/family.
802-223-9604 or visit: www.mdca.org.
Art in the Snow
Brandon, January 24-25, February 28-March 1, March 28-29, 2009; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Sundays 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
On the fourth weekends of January, February, and March, Brandon’s artists open their studio doors to visitors for the opportunity to experience their creative community. Brandon has been called "the art and soul of Vermont" and the creative economy is red hot. This is the public’s unique chance to see that creative process in action! Open studios to include painters, potters, jewelers, sculptors, photographers, folk artists, fabric artists, and glass artists.
802-247-6401 or visit: www.brandon.org.
Brookfield Ice Harvest - 30th Year
Brookfield, January 31, 2009, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 30th Annual Brookfield Ice Harvest recalls the history of ice harvesting in Brookfield through a talk, demonstration, and hands-on competition for young and old. Prizes are awarded. This is a great family event, with food, skating, dog sledding and many other features. 802-276-3959.
TD Banknorth Craftsbury Marathon
Craftsbury Common, January 31, 2009, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This point-to-point cross-country ski race and tour has been presented by the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for 27 years. Offering exciting competition, the marathon is the largest x-country ski event in the Eastern United States, with half of the 725 participants coming from out of state. The marathon (25 or 50 km) has a special Family Touring Class. Registration fees.
802-586-7767 or visit: www.craftsbury.com.
INDIGENOUS EXPRESSIONS: Native Peoples of the Lake Champlain Basin
Burlington, February 14, 2009 and ongoing, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Explore more than 11,000 years of regional Native American history and culture at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center’s special, facility-wide Quadricentennial experience. You’ll discover the indigenous people’s intimate connections to the landscape that allows them to survive and thrive in the ever changing Lake Champlain Basin. Through exciting exhibits, activities, imaginative interactives, a contemporary portrait gallery, lectures, films, artifacts and multimedia presentations, you’ll connect with the past, present, and vibrant future of our native neighbors. Free with ECHO admission.
877-ECHOFUN (877-423-6386) or visit: www.echovermont.org.
Burke Mountain Dog Sled Dash
East Burke, February 28 - March 1, 2009, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch over 100 dog sled teams compete for their share of the $8,000 purse. Enjoy BBQ, raffles, and kids games to benefit Northeast Kingdom children and families. Attend the benefit dinner and meet NHL Hall of Famer Clark Gillies!
802-626-7300 or visit: www.skiburke.com.
Vermont Flower Show
Essex Junction, March 6 - 8, 2009; Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vermont’s premier flower show offers three days of Spring the first weekend in March. Visitors see a grand central display filled with flowering plants, water features and stonework. The 2009 theme is "Child’s Play" with a focus on encouraging garden play for children and the young at heart. The central display includes a fairy house forest, kinetic sculpture, Mr. McGregor’s veggie garden, water features, a tree house and a star gazing tent. Over 100 exhibitors display at the show. Three days of seminars and educational workshops are held. There is a professional floral competition. Kids will find a special room all their own devoted to hands-on activities and scheduled performers to entertain them. Vermont Certified Horticulturists are on hand all three days to answer any gardening or landscaping questions. Fee.
888-517-6484 or visit: www.greenworksvermont.org.
Relay for Life Nordicstyle
Stowe, March 7-8, 2009; Sat. 6 p.m. to Sun. 6 a.m.
Join us as we Celebrate, Remember and most importantly Fight Back against cancer at the 6th Annual Relay For Life NordicStyle at the Trapp Family Ski Touring Center. Join us this year as we camp out during this all night event, cross country ski, snowshoe the trails and put the fun into fundraising to find a cure for cancer. Be part of American Cancer Society’s historical event...Relay For Life NordicStyle.
866-466-0626 or 802-872-6304. E-mail: www.cancer.org.
Chevy U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix
Killington, March 14-15, 2009
More than 100 of the top snowboarders in the world compete in Slopestyle and Superpipe at Bear Mountain. Competition venues and live entertainment venue are open to the public, free of charge. The excitement will peak on Saturday with a concert and Superpipe finals. The overall winners of the three-stop Grand Prix series will be crowned at Killington. The entire event will air nationally on NBC.
802-422-6867 or visit: www.killington.com.
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Vermont Lake Champlain Quadricentennial
Celebrating in towns throughout the Lake Champlain Basin and Vermont, year round.
It has been 400 years since French explorer Samuel de Champlain paddled into the lake that bears his name. Now young and old alike will engage in their own voyages of discovery to celebrate the region’s environmental and cultural heritage. Explore Vermont’s special qualities through musical performances, art exhibits, bike and boat tours, culinary events, cultural festivals, re-enactments, and signature events celebrating what’s new and what’s old in Native American, French, English, and Yankee traditions. Produced by over 50 Vermont organizations!
802-828-3683 or visit: www.celebratechamplain.org.
Bennington Moosefest 2009
Bennington, May - October
Have you "herd"? The moose are returning to Bennington, to answer the many calls received for the moose to return to the streets. They will be seen publicly for the first time at the unveiling party on May 13, 2009. On May 30th they will be positioned, for all to see, through mid-October. The moose will migrate to the Bennington Center for the Arts for our grand Gala and Auction on October 17th for a night of celebration with delicious food, live entertainment and a spirited auction.
802-447-3311 or visit: www.benningtonmoosefest.com.
Eighth Annual Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival
Brattleboro, June 5 -7, Fri. 5 to 9 pm, Sat. & Sun. 9 am to 8 pm.
This Mardi Gras-like celebration annually occurs during the first weekend in June. The lighthearted Strolling of the Heifers Parade on Saturday is the festival’s focal point. The animal & entertainment cavalcade culminates at Brattleboro Retreat Healthcare’s ground where the Dairy Fest and Marketplace takes place, featuring food, agricultural demos, Vermont farm products, and the Family Farm Fun Tent. This year, square dancing is a new element of the event, and 4-H members will be honored.
802-254-4565 or visit: www.strollingoftheheifers.com.
Vermont Quilt Festival
Essex Junction, June 19 -21, Fri. & Sat. 9 am to 6 pm, Sun. 9 am to 3 pm.
Thread your way to the beautiful Lake Champlain Valley for a delightful experience for the whole family at New England’s oldest and largest quilt event. Be dazzled by some 500 breathtaking new and antique quilts and enjoy workshops, lectures and entertaining free gallery talks and demos. Shop the colorful merchants’ mall for treasures to suit everyone, treat the kids to fun kids’ classes, and bring your quilts for appraisal. All events are located at the air-conditioned Champlain Valley Expo.
802-872-0034 or visit: www.vqf.org.
28th Annual LCI Father’s Day Fishing Derby
Lake Champlain, June 20 - 22, 12 am Sat. thru 10 pm Tues.
The oldest largest family fishing derby in America. The chief fundraising event of Lake Champlain International, Inc., the three-day derby attracts over 5,000 anglers and their families from more than 25 states. With national sponsors such as Yamaha Outboards and Toyota Trucks and local sponsors such as Hall Communications and the Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing, our Father’s Day Derby continues a 27-year tradition of family, friends and fishing in Vermont.
802-879-3466 or visit: www.mychamplain.net.
Yellow Barn Music Festival 40th Anniversary Season
Putney, June 25 - August 9, each Thurs., Fri. and Sat. evening, plus daytime community outreach events.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009, Yellow Barn Music Festival will present more than 30 captivating chamber music concerts featuring internationally renowned artists and amazing young professionals, plus public master classes, workshops and free community events, including children’s concerts, in and around Putney. Masterpieces from the Baroque era to the 21st century offer a richness of programming and inspiring performances, under the artistic direction of Seth Knopp, founding pianist of the resident Peabody Trio.
800-639-3819 or 802-387-6637 or visit: www.yellowbarn.org.
SolarFest 2009 - The New England Renewable Energy Festival
Tinmouth, July 10 - 12, Fri. noon to 10 pm, Sat. 8 am to 11 pm, Sun. 8 am to 7 pm.
SolarFest’s Fifteenth Annual Festival is a renewable-energy powered celebration of the performing arts, sustainable living, and community. The weekend is packed with education and entertainment. Five tents house over 65 workshops on renewable energy and sustainable living topics, plus world class performers on two solar-powered stages, Theater in the Woods, dozens of exhibitors inside and out, crafts, food, children’s activities, bonfire art and much more. For more information and tickets,
802-235-1513 or visit: www.solarfest.org.
39th Annual Antiques & Uniques Festival
Craftsbury Common, July 11, 10 am to 4 pm.
A beloved Vermont summer event featuring over 100 purveyors of antiques, hand-crafted jewelry, furniture, beautiful paper & fiber items, pottery, quilts and more. Live Celtic music with Trinity. A grill tent & legendary bake sale keep guests happily fed. All on beautiful Craftsbury Common to benefit the programs of Vermont Children’s Aid Society.
802-655-0006 or visit: www.vtcas.org/calendar.
3rd Annual New Taste of Stowe Arts Festival
Stowe, July 24 - 26, 10 am to 5 pm.
Where else can you get a foot massage, hear live music, taste grilled scallops paired with Magic Hat Circus Boy, sample raw milk, buy a painting from a local artist, buy a handcrafted table and pottery plates from real artists? The New Taste of Stowe Arts Festival!
802-253-7321 or visit: www.craftproducers.com.
Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
Jacksonville, Whitingham, Wilmington, Dover, July 31 - August 9.
An eclectic recognition of all things blue! Agricultural products & activities, church bake sales, storefront window contests and blue light specials, family picnics and 100 gallons of blue jello. Charity walks, dances, library programs, bookstore contests. Blueberry-enhanced entrees, bar-b-ques and brunches! Deja Blue Car Show, blues bands, and Wearin’ of the Blue Village Strolls.
802-464-8092 or visit: www.boydfamilyfarm.net.
Plymouth Folk & Blues Concerts
Plymouth Notch, September 5 - 6, 2 pm to 5 pm
Stars from Vermont and nationally known musicians team up for a two-day festival! Folk and blues music performed in the pure country air of historic Plymouth Notch, birthplace of the 30th U.S. President.
802-672-3773 or visit: www.plymouthfolk.com.
New World Festival at Chandler
Randolph, September 6, noon till midnight
The New World Festival celebrates the Celtic and French Canadian heritage of northern New England through music and dance, as well as the vitality of a small Vermont town. In the midst of an historic village center, 5 continuous performance stages feature fiddlers, pipers, storytelling and dance. The festival includes children’s activities, crafts, and food. Performances take place in all-weather tents, Bethany Church and Chandler Music Hall. Festival profits are used to support programming for youth at Chandler throughout the year.
802-728-9878 (info), 802-728-6464 (advance tickets) or visit: www.newworldfestival.com.
South End Art Hop
Burlington, September 11 - 12, hours vary from site to site
For sixteen Septembers, the South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA) has encouraged the fusion of culture and commerce by hosting the South End Art Hop. The south end of Burlington is home to the widest and greatest concentration of start-up businesses and artist studios in the state. In 2008, over 600 artists exhibited in over 100 locations.
802-859-9222 or visit: www.seaba.com.
Tunbridge World’s Fair
Tunbridge, September 17 - 20, see website for hours
138 years of celebrating Vermont family farming traditions, and educating as agriculture looks to the future. Great livestock shows, vendors and amusements add to the fair’s traditions.
800-889-5555 or visit: www.tunbridgefair.com.
Annual Northeast Open Atlatl Competition & Flint Knap-in
Addison, September 18 - 20, noon to 5 pm Fri., 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Sat., 9:30 am to 5 pm Sun.
This three day event celebrates Vermont’s earliest human history, bringing to life the ancient skill of using the atlatl (spear thrower, preceding bows and arrows), and primitive skills such as flint-knapping, cordage making, and pottery. The event offers workshops, competitions, coaching sessions, and craft demonstrations. It is part of the Festival of Nations, with Crown Point, NY, SHS, a Signature event for both Vermont and New York for the 2009 Champlain Quadricentennial.
802-759-2412 or visit: www.historicvermont.org.
Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival
Wilmington, September 25 - 27 (check website for schedule and hours)
Annual festival celebrating the best of wine, food and the good life! The Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival highlights the unparalleled quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers and artisans. Special dinner wine pairings, food demonstrations and tasting from a variety of exhibitors.
877-887-6884 or 802-464-8608 or visit: www.thevermontfestival.com.
17th Annual Hildene Fall Arts Festival
Manchester, October 2 - 4, 10 am to 5 pm
200 juried artists and artisans exhibit an astonishing array of works. There are original one-of-a-kind creations as well as contemporary and traditional craft work. Numerous craft demonstrations enhance the ambiance. All exhibits are housed under colossal heated tents. Live entertainment and a food court showcasing local food make the Festival a fall favorite in southern Vermont.
802-362-2100 or visit: www.craftproducers.com.
Moondance
Windsor, October 9, 5 pm to 10 pm
A community arts street festival that celebrates the known and the unknown, the magical, mystical, astronomical, celestial and gastronomical. Moondance’s mission is to elevate the energy, educational, and artistic levels and possibilities of our region; to build a happier, healthier, engaged and interconnected community; to make use of the assets within our downtown; and to inspire and delight. Each year we focus on evolving the event into a larger multidimensional festival.
802-674-2929
Great Pumpkin Challenge
Bennington, October 24, noon to 10 pm
Downtown Bennington hosts the 4th annual Great Pumpkin Challenge. Join us for all-day events including the Carving Challenge at noon, costume making at 2 pm, children’s parade at 4 pm, pumpkin baking challenge at 5 pm, and hay rides down Main St. at 7 pm. Vendors, raffle, kids activities, harvest dance at 8 pm, and of course thousands of carved, lighted pumpkins displayed throughout downtown from sundown until 10 pm.
802-442-5758 or visit: www.betterbennington.com.
Haunted Forest
Williston, last two weekends in October (see website for hours)
The largest and longest running Halloween event in the state. We celebrated our 28th anniversary in 2008. The show combines outdoor theater, special effects, the magic of the night forest, and the spirit of Halloween to delight audiences of all ages. Spooky guides lead you through a forest path lined with 1,000 jack-o-lanterns to see creepy characters, mischievous spirits, and maybe a monster or two.
802-238-0923 or visit: www.thehauntedforest.org.
Upcoming Events
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