Welcome to your guide for year-round excitement in Southern Vermont! From vibrant summer festivals to cozy winter gatherings, our area is bursting with events that celebrate the best of every season. Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Manchester, taking in the scenic charm of Dorset, or enjoying the festivities at Stratton Mountain, there’s always something happening that will capture your interest and bring our communities together. Dive into this list of annual events, fairs, concerts, and more—and start planning your next adventure in Vermont’s beautiful Northshire region!
Dorset • Manchester • Stratton • Winhall
Londonderry • Arlington • Weston • Peru
January
Manchester Music Festival's Winter Concert Series: A series of classical music performances held in Manchester.
February
Dorset Players Winter Production: A theatrical performance by the local community theater group in Dorset.
March
Maple Open House Weekend: Statewide event celebrating Vermont's maple sugaring season, with participating sugarhouses in the region.
April
Green Mountain Club's Spring Hiking Season Kickoff: Events and guided hikes celebrating the start of the hiking season, with activities in towns like Peru and Landgrove.
May
Dorset Farmers Market: Held at H.N. Williams Store on Route 30 in Dorset, running every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. From October through May, it moves indoors to J.K. Adams, except for Easter Sunday.
Manchester Farmers Market: Begins in late May and runs through early October, offering local produce, crafts, and more every Thursday from 3 PM to 6 PM at Adams Park in Manchester Center.
Vermont Open Studio Weekend: Artists across the state, including those in these towns, open their studios to the public.
June
Dorset Theatre Festival: Begins its summer season with professional theatrical productions in Dorset.
Manchester Antique and Classic Car Show: Annual car show featuring vintage vehicles in Manchester.
SolarFest at SVAC: A festival celebrating renewable energy and the arts, held at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester.
West River Farmers Market: Located in Londonderry, this market operates on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, starting Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, offering a variety of local products.
July
Concerts on the Hill Series: A series of Sunday afternoon concerts held at the Old Parish Church in Weston, featuring a variety of musical genres.
Dead of Summer Music Festival: An annual music festival featuring live performances, vendors, and camping, held at Hunter Park in Manchester.
Dorset Theatre Festival: Continues with various productions throughout the month.
Manchester Concerts on the Green: A series of free, outdoor concerts held on Wednesdays from late June through mid-August at Factory Point Town Green in Manchester.
Manchester Music Festival: Summer chamber music concerts featuring renowned musicians.
Manchester's 4th of July Festivities: Independence Day celebrations featuring fireworks at Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park.
Stratton Mountain 4th of July Celebration: Independence Day festivities at Stratton Mountain Resort, including fireworks and live music.
Taconic Music Summer Festival: A four-week festival featuring concerts, masterclasses, and educational programs in Manchester.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show: A six-week equestrian event held in East Dorset, featuring top-level horse jumping competitions.
Weston Playhouse Theatre Company Season: Professional theater productions in Weston.
August
Bondville Fair: The oldest continuous fair in Vermont, featuring agricultural displays, crafts, rides, and entertainment in Bondville.
Dorset Theatre Festival: Concludes its summer season with final performances.
Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival: A four-day music festival featuring a variety of bluegrass, roots, and Americana music from both icons of the industry and innovative up-and-coming artists, held in Manchester.
Manchester Sidewalk Sales: A four-day event where local retailers offer significant discounts on various items.
Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival: Held in Manchester, showcasing artisans and their crafts.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show: Continues through early August in East Dorset.
Weston Playhouse Theatre Company Season: Continues with various productions.
September
Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival: Features artisans and crafters from the region.
Vermont Golden Honey Festival: Celebration of honey and beekeeping in Weston.
October
Orvis Fall Orvis Days: An annual event at the Orvis store in Manchester featuring activities like the DockDogs competition, product demonstrations, and special promotions.
Peru Fair: Traditional country fair with crafts, food, and entertainment in Peru.
Stratton Mountain HarvestFest's Brewfest & Chili Cook-Off: An annual event at Stratton Mountain Resort featuring craft ales, lagers, porters, sours, ciders, live music, and a chili cook-off.
November
Dorset Lighted Tractor Parade: A festive parade featuring illuminated tractors and agricultural vehicles, bringing holiday cheer to Dorset.
Manchester Merriment: Kickoff of the holiday season with events and activities in Manchester.
December
Dorset Players Holiday Production: Seasonal theatrical performance in Dorset.
Manchester Lighted Tractor Parade: A beloved holiday event where tractors and floats adorned with lights parade through downtown Manchester, spreading festive cheer.
Manchester Merriment: Continues with holiday-themed events throughout the month.
Stratton Mountain New Year's Eve Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display to ring in the New Year at Stratton Mountain Resort.
*Note: Event dates and details can vary annually. It's advisable to check with local event organizers or websites for more information.
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