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Overview of Vermont's 2025 Festivals and Events

Vermont, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant foliage, and small-town charm, offers an array of festivals that celebrate its culture, heritage, and natural splendor. In 2025, the state presents a rich calendar of events catering to residents and visitors alike.

The year kicks off with the Stowe Winter Carnival, blending outdoor adventure with family fun. Spring brings the Vermont Maple Festival, highlighting the state’s sweetest tradition. Summer sees a host of outdoor music and art festivals, including the iconic Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, where visitors can savor the finest local flavors.

As fall arrives, the state comes alive with foliage tours, craft fairs, and agricultural celebrations like the Tunbridge World’s Fair. Winter wraps up the year with festive events like Woodstock Wassail Weekend, showcasing the warmth of Vermont’s community spirit during the holiday season.

Whether you’re exploring the arts, indulging in culinary treats, or simply soaking in the scenery, Vermont’s festivals offer unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

List of Festivals in Vermont 2025: Date, Location, Significance and Activities

Vermont’s 2025 Festival Calendar: A Year of Scenic Celebrations and Cultural Delights
The illustrated map for Festivals in Vermont 2025

January: Winter Wonderland

Stowe Winter Carnival

  • Date: January 19–27, 2025
  • Location: Stowe, VT
  • Significance: Celebrating winter with fun activities, community events, and artistic competitions.
  • Activities: Ice carving contests, snow volleyball, live music, and kids’ activities.
  • Tickets: Free admission; some events may require a fee.
  • How to Attend: Parking available in downtown Stowe; check the event website for schedules.

Montpelier Winter Festival

  • Date: January 25, 2025
  • Location: Montpelier, VT
  • Significance: A family-friendly celebration of winter with outdoor and indoor activities.
  • Activities: Ice skating, sledding, arts and crafts, and hot cocoa stands.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Held in Hubbard Park; dress warmly for outdoor activities.
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February: Snow and Festivities

Lake Morey Ice Fishing Derby

  • Date: February 10–11, 2025
  • Location: Lake Morey, Fairlee, VT
  • Significance: A competitive ice fishing event bringing together anglers of all skill levels.
  • Activities: Fishing contests, prize giveaways, and food trucks.
  • Tickets: $20 entry fee; spectators free.
  • How to Attend: Register online or on-site; parking available near the lake.

Burlington Winter Lights Festival

  • Date: February 23–25, 2025
  • Location: Burlington, VT
  • Significance: A celebration of light, art, and community spirit during the winter season.
  • Activities: Light installations, art exhibits, live performances, and food vendors.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Downtown Burlington; public transportation and parking available.

March: Maple Magic

Vermont Maple Open House Weekend

  • Date: March 23–24, 2025
  • Location: Statewide, VT
  • Significance: Celebrating the state’s maple syrup industry with tours, tastings, and demonstrations.
  • Activities: Visit sugarhouses, enjoy maple-themed treats, and learn about syrup production.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Find participating sugarhouses on the official event website.

Middlebury Chili Fest

  • Date: March 29, 2025
  • Location: Middlebury, VT
  • Significance: A spicy celebration featuring chili from local chefs and restaurants.
  • Activities: Chili tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities.
  • Tickets: $10 for unlimited tastings.
  • How to Attend: Downtown Middlebury; tickets available at the gate.

April: Spring Awakens

Green Mountain Film Festival

  • Date: April 10–14, 2025
  • Location: Montpelier, VT
  • Significance: Showcasing independent films and celebrating the art of storytelling.
  • Activities: Film screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
  • Tickets: $15 per screening; festival passes available.
  • How to Attend: Held at venues across Montpelier; tickets sold online or at the box office.

Vermont Artisan Fair

  • Date: April 28, 2025
  • Location: Brattleboro, VT
  • Significance: A gathering of local artisans showcasing handmade goods and crafts.
  • Activities: Browse artisan booths, enjoy live music, and sample local food.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Event held at the Brattleboro Common; parking is free.

May: Blooming Celebrations

Vermont Tulip Festival

  • Date: May 5–7, 2025
  • Location: Shelburne, VT
  • Significance: A vibrant festival celebrating spring and the beauty of tulips.
  • Activities: Garden tours, photography workshops, and live music.
  • Tickets: $15 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Held at Shelburne Farms; tickets available online.

Strolling of the Heifers

  • Date: May 25, 2025
  • Location: Brattleboro, VT
  • Significance: A quirky, family-friendly parade celebrating Vermont’s agricultural heritage.
  • Activities: Cow parade, food vendors, and educational workshops on sustainable farming.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Parking available in downtown Brattleboro.
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June: Early Summer Fun

Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

  • Date: June 16, 2025
  • Location: Shelburne, VT
  • Significance: Showcasing the finest artisan cheeses from Vermont’s renowned cheesemakers.
  • Activities: Cheese tastings, wine pairings, and cooking demonstrations.
  • Tickets: $50 per person; includes tastings.
  • How to Attend: Tickets available online; parking included.

Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival

  • Date: June 21–23, 2025
  • Location: Quechee, VT
  • Significance: Vermont’s longest-running hot air balloon festival featuring colorful launches.
  • Activities: Balloon rides, craft vendors, live music, and kids’ activities.
  • Tickets: $20 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Tickets available at the gate or online; parking is provided.

July: Peak Summer Festivities

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Concerts in the Park

  • Date: July 4, 2025
  • Location: Multiple locations across Vermont
  • Significance: A series of outdoor classical music concerts celebrating Independence Day.
  • Activities: Live orchestra performances, fireworks displays, and food vendors.
  • Tickets: $10 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Check the Vermont Symphony Orchestra website for venues and tickets.

Killington Wine Festival

  • Date: July 19–21, 2025
  • Location: Killington, VT
  • Significance: A wine lover’s paradise offering tastings of regional and international wines.
  • Activities: Wine tastings, food pairings, and scenic gondola rides.
  • Tickets: $50 per person for the Grand Tasting; VIP packages available.
  • How to Attend: Tickets sold online; parking available near event venues.

August: Outdoor Adventures and Art

Bennington Arts Weekend

  • Date: August 10–11, 2025
  • Location: Bennington, VT
  • Significance: A vibrant celebration of Vermont’s artistic community.
  • Activities: Art exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Event held in downtown Bennington; parking available nearby.

Vermont Blueberry Festival

  • Date: August 17–25, 2025
  • Location: Wilmington, VT
  • Significance: Celebrating Vermont’s blueberry harvest with family-friendly events and culinary delights.
  • Activities: Blueberry picking, pie-eating contests, live music, and craft fairs.
  • Tickets: Free admission; food and activities priced individually.
  • How to Attend: Parking available at designated festival locations.

September: Foliage and Heritage

Tunbridge World’s Fair

  • Date: September 12–15, 2025
  • Location: Tunbridge, VT
  • Significance: A historic agricultural fair celebrating Vermont’s rural traditions.
  • Activities: Livestock shows, craft vendors, carnival rides, and local food stalls.
  • Tickets: $10 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Tickets sold at the gate; parking available on-site.

Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival

  • Date: September 28–29, 2025
  • Location: Tunbridge, VT
  • Significance: A showcase of Vermont’s wool and fiber arts, featuring workshops and artisan goods.
  • Activities: Wool-spinning demonstrations, fiber art exhibits, and craft vendors.
  • Tickets: $8 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Parking available on-site; tickets sold at the entrance.
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October: Autumn Splendor

Fall Foliage Festival

  • Date: October 1–14, 2025
  • Location: Statewide, VT
  • Significance: A state-wide celebration of Vermont’s iconic fall foliage.
  • Activities: Scenic foliage tours, local craft fairs, and seasonal culinary experiences.
  • Tickets: Free admission; some activities may have fees.
  • How to Attend: Visit Vermont’s tourism website for event details and routes.

Mount Snow Oktoberfest

  • Date: October 12–13, 2025
  • Location: Mount Snow, West Dover, VT
  • Significance: A Bavarian-themed celebration featuring beer, food, and fall activities.
  • Activities: Beer tastings, pumpkin painting, hayrides, and live music.
  • Tickets: $20 for adults; children under 12 free.
  • How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the gate; parking available on-site.

November: Thanksgiving Preparations

Vermont International Film Festival

  • Date: November 1–10, 2025
  • Location: Burlington, VT
  • Significance: A showcase of independent films and storytelling from around the world.
  • Activities: Film screenings, panel discussions, and networking events.
  • Tickets: $15 per screening; festival passes available.
  • How to Attend: Held at various venues in Burlington; tickets sold online or at the box office.

Craft Vermont Show

  • Date: November 22–24, 2025
  • Location: Essex Junction, VT
  • Significance: Vermont’s largest indoor craft fair, featuring handmade goods from local artisans.
  • Activities: Shopping, live demonstrations, and seasonal food and drinks.
  • Tickets: $8 for adults; free for children under 12.
  • How to Attend: Tickets available at the entrance; parking is free.
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December: Holiday Cheer

Woodstock Wassail Weekend

  • Date: December 13–15, 2025
  • Location: Woodstock, VT
  • Significance: A festive holiday celebration steeped in tradition and community spirit.
  • Activities: Horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, caroling, and the lighting of the yule log.
  • Tickets: Free admission; some activities may require a fee.
  • How to Attend: Events held throughout downtown Woodstock; parking is limited, so arrive early.

Festival of Lights

  • Date: December 1–31, 2025
  • Location: Burlington, VT
  • Significance: A month-long celebration featuring holiday light displays and festive events.
  • Activities: Tree lighting ceremonies, light installations, and holiday markets.
  • Tickets: Free admission.
  • How to Attend: Downtown Burlington; public parking and transportation available.

Conclusion

Vermont’s 2025 festival calendar is a testament to its unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant community spirit. From the scenic beauty of the Fall Foliage Festival to the festive charm of Woodstock Wassail Weekend, every season offers something extraordinary. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Vermont’s festivals promise unforgettable experiences year-round.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Vermont for festivals?

Fall (September–October) is especially vibrant, with events like the Tunbridge World’s Fair and Fall Foliage Festival, but every season has its unique offerings.

2. Are Vermont’s festivals family-friendly?

Yes, many events, such as the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival and Strolling of the Heifers, are designed for families.

3. Do I need tickets for Vermont festivals?

Some festivals, like the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, require tickets, while others, such as the Fall Foliage Festival, are free. Check event websites for details.

4. Are pets allowed at Vermont festivals?

Policies vary by event. Outdoor festivals like the Mount Snow Oktoberfest may allow pets, but always confirm beforehand.

5. What should I pack for Vermont festivals?

Comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate gear are essential. Layers are recommended, especially for fall and winter events.

Plan your trip and immerse yourself in the charm and festivities that Vermont has to offer in 2025!

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