Top 10 Vermont Events of 2016 | Spring and Summer Fun
Looking for fun things to do in Vermont this summer? We’re here to help! From history and hot air balloons to music and cheese, our list of the Top 10 Vermont events of 2016 has something for everyone. Read on to see our picks, then share any we missed in the comments! APRIL 30–MAY 1: ESSEX JUNCTION, 20th Spring Craft Show […]
Hot Air Balloon, Craft, and Music Festival | Quechee, Vermont
Photo Credit : Jim KeefeLooking for fun things to do in Vermont this summer? We’re here to help!
From history and hot air balloons to music and cheese, our list of the Top 10 Vermont events of 2016 has something for everyone. Read on to see our picks, then share any we missed in the comments!
Photo Credit : Jim Keefe
APRIL 30–MAY 1: ESSEX JUNCTION, 20th Spring Craft Show & Vermont Antique Show. Two separate events, but they take place simultaneously at Champlain Valley Expo, and paid admission to one gets you into the other as well. Don’t miss the gourmet food marketplace. 802-879-6837; vtcrafts.com
MAY 7–8: WOODSTOCK, Sheep Shearing & Herding with Border Collies. At Billings Farm & Museum, enjoy a weekend devoted to Southdown sheep and their Border collie friends, with shearing and herding demonstrations, a children’s art show, and a lunch to benefit the local volunteer fire department. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org
MAY 28–29: STATEWIDE, Vermont Artisans’ Open Studio Weekend. For two days, Vermont crafters open their workspaces to the public. Visit with the artists, learn about how they do what they do, and maybe make a purchase or two. See the website for a map of participating studios. 802-223-3380; vermontcrafts.com
JUNE 3–5: BRATTLEBORO, Strolling of the Heifers & Slow Living Summit. Watch scores of adorable calves all decked out in flowers as they parade down Main Street. Then head over to the Live Green Expo for food, music, dance, demonstrations, exhibits, and fun, all dedicated to the mission of sustaining family farms. strollingoftheheifers.com
JUNE 3–12: BURLINGTON, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Headliners descend on the City by the Lake for free and ticketed concerts throughout the week, plus street parties, cruises on Lake Champlain, “meet the artist” events, workshops, and films. 802-863-7922; discoverjazz.com
Photo Credit : Theresa Shea
JUNE 17–19: QUECHEE, 37th Annual Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival. Book a ride on one of more than 20 hot-air balloons taking flight over the town green, or stay grounded and enjoy the crafts, music, food, inflatable climbing wall, and special kids’ activities. 802-295-7900; quecheeballoonfestival.com
JUNE 18–19: TUNBRIDGE, Vermont History Expo. At the fairgrounds, recall the days of hill farms, rural country stores, homespun clothing, and hearthside story-telling. This year’s theme: “H2O: The Power of Water in Vermont History.” 802-828-2180; vermonthistory.org
JUNE 23–26: TUNBRIDGE, Jenny Brook Family Bluegrass Festival. This multiday Green Mountains musical extravaganza takes over the fairgrounds for the 16th year, with award-winning bands, meet-the-artists sessions, workshops, and children’s activities. jennybrookbluegrass.com
JULY 17: SHELBURNE, Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. Celebrate the state’s famed specialty—small-batch cheeses (and other fresh, local foods)—and meet the artisans who make them, at idyllic Shelburne Farms on Lake Champlain. 866-261-8595; vtcheesefest.com
Heading to this year’s Vermont Cheesemakers Festival? So are we! As an event sponsor, Yankee will be on-site to meet readers, talk cheese, and lead a cooking demonstration. Be sure to say hello! See a recap of last year’s event here: Yankee at the 2015 Vermont Cheesemakers Festival in Shelburne, Vermont
AUG. 25–28: MIDDLEBURY, Middlebury New Filmmakers’ Festival. Devoted to the work of first- and second-time filmmakers, this event brings 90 short and feature flicks to three venues. Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and parties round out the fun. 802-247-4650; middfilmfest.org
