The Best Vermont Summer Events for Music, Food, Arts, and Local Flavor
When summer hits Vermont, it brings more than long days and lush mountains. It ushers in a full season of festivals that span every corner of the state. From small-town parades to nationally known music celebrations, summer festivals in Vermont offer something for everyone.
This is a state that knows how to celebrate. Vermonters take pride in community, creativity, and craftsmanship, and it all comes alive through summer’s most vibrant events. Whether you’re dancing barefoot at a bluegrass show, watching hot air balloons drift over the Green Mountains, or sampling small-batch cheeses at a food festival, the memories you make here will be unmistakably Vermont.
Here is your complete guide to the best Vermont summer festivals, filled with local tips, event highlights, and everything you need to plan the perfect season.
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
One of the Top Jazz Events in the Northeast
Location: Burlington, VT
When: Early June
For over 40 years, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival has brought world-class musicians to Vermont’s largest city. Church Street and the Lake Champlain waterfront transform into performance spaces, with concerts in parks, clubs, and theaters throughout the city.
Expect a mix of legendary names, up-and-coming artists, and local bands that push the boundaries of jazz, blues, soul, and funk. The atmosphere is electric. People dance in the street, horns echo from rooftops, and the energy of summer is palpable from every corner of the city.
Many events are free and family friendly, with food trucks, local beer, and vendors lining the sidewalks.
Vermont Brewers Festival
Craft Beer with a Side of Lake Champlain
Location: Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT
When: Mid to Late July
Set on the edge of Lake Champlain, the Vermont Brewers Festival is a summer staple for beer lovers. Dozens of Vermont breweries gather to pour limited releases, small-batch experiments, and fan favorites. The tasting tents are surrounded by local food vendors, live music, and views of the Adirondacks across the water.
This event sells out quickly, so plan ahead. Each tasting session includes a set number of samples, and many breweries bring beers you cannot find anywhere else. Expect creative collaborations, barrel-aged specialties, and seasonal sours that showcase Vermont’s reputation as a top-tier beer destination.
Stowe Balloon Festival
Hot Air, High Spirits, and Mountain Magic
Location: Stowe Events Field, Stowe, VT
When: Mid-July
Few sights are more magical than dozens of hot air balloons rising against the backdrop of Mount Mansfield at sunrise. The Stowe Balloon Festival is a beloved Vermont tradition that brings color, wonder, and a true sense of awe to the summer season.
This three-day event includes sunrise and evening balloon launches, live music, beer and wine gardens, tethered rides, and a kids’ activity area. You do not need to ride in a balloon to enjoy the show. Bring a blanket and watch the sky transform from the ground.
Plan to arrive early for morning launches or stick around for the illuminated balloon glows at dusk.
Waterbury Arts Fest
Small Town, Big Talent
Location: Waterbury, VT
When: Mid-July
The Waterbury Arts Fest is one of Central Vermont’s hidden gems. Hosted on the town’s historic Main Street, the event begins with a Friday night block party featuring live bands, food trucks, and dancing in the street. Saturday is dedicated to the art show, with over 100 juried artists displaying everything from paintings and pottery to woodworking and wearable art.
This festival perfectly blends creativity and community. It is walkable, friendly, and filled with charm. Kids can take part in art activities while adults browse vendor booths, enjoy local food, and listen to live music throughout the day.
Killington Wine Festival
Sip with a View on the Green Mountains
Location: Killington, VT
When: Late July
Held at the top of the world (or at least the top of Killington Resort), the Killington Wine Festival pairs fine wines with mountain views in a way only Vermont can. Attendees sample over 400 wines from around the globe while enjoying the crisp summer air and panoramic scenery.
The signature event is the Grand Tasting, held at the base of the mountain, but smaller gatherings and themed tastings take place throughout the weekend. Local food vendors, craft producers, and musicians round out the lineup.
Take the gondola to the peak for an elevated picnic, or keep it casual on the lawn. Either way, it is one of the most elegant events of the season.
Champlain Valley Fair (Essex Junction)
Vermont’s Biggest Summer Celebration
Location: Essex Junction, VT
When: Late August through Labor Day Weekend
No summer in Vermont is complete without a visit to the Champlain Valley Fair. It is the largest annual event in the state and blends classic Americana with modern entertainment.
Expect everything from demolition derbies and carnival rides to big-name concerts and prize-winning livestock. The food scene alone is worth the trip, with fried dough, maple cotton candy, local barbecue, and more.
The fairgrounds are massive, with multiple performance stages, exhibit halls, and family areas. Whether you are going for the music, the games, or the farm animals, this is an all-day (or multi-day) event that keeps families coming back year after year.
Tips for Attending Vermont Summer Festivals
- Buy Tickets Early: Many events sell out in advance, especially if they are held in smaller towns or include tastings.
- Pack for the Weather: Vermont weather can shift quickly. Bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors now accept cards, smaller events and rural locations may still be cash-only.
- Check Local Lodging: Book accommodations early if you are traveling for a festival. Inns and hotels fill quickly in the summer.
- Make a Weekend of It: Many festivals are near scenic byways, hiking trails, and lake towns. Turn your festival trip into a Vermont getaway.
Final Thoughts
Vermont’s summer festival season is a full-spectrum celebration of everything that makes the state unique: community, culture, food, music, and the great outdoors. Whether you want to sip wine on a mountaintop, dance to live jazz on the lakeshore, or cheer for tractors and fireworks in a small-town parade, there is a festival waiting for you.
So grab your calendar, rally your road trip crew, and start planning a summer that tastes, sounds, and feels like Vermont. These events are not just fun; they are unforgettable.
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