The Most Epic Annual Events in Vermont: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Vermont: A State That Knows How to Celebrate
The Green Mountain State isn’t just about breathtaking scenery—it’s also home to a rich tapestry of annual events in Vermont that draw locals and visitors alike. From maple-rich spring celebrations to festive fall harvest fairs, Vermont’s festival calendar offers something for every type of traveler, family, or enthusiast. In this guide, you’ll discover ten standout Vermont festivals—each currently operating—that are must-experience events in Vermont, full of local culture, tradition, and fun.
Whether you’re planning your first Vermont getaway or you’re a seasoned New England explorer, these events provide memorable experiences. You’ll get details about what makes each festival special, tips for families or groups, and the kind of local flavor that boosts their evergreen appeal. Let’s jump in and celebrate the best of Vermont’s festival scene.
1. Sweet Start: The Vermont Maple Festival (St. Albans)
Each spring, the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans brings the world of maple syrup to life. This signature celebration highlights one of Vermont’s most iconic products. VT Maple Festival+2Vermont Tourism+2
What to expect:
Pancake breakfasts, maple syrup tastings, live music and craft booths—all rooted in Vermont’s syrup-making heritage.
A relaxed, family-friendly setting where kids can learn about the process from sap to table.
A great introduction to visiting Vermont in spring—when the landscape is waking up.
Why this ranks as one of the top festivals in Vermont:
It taps into Vermont’s identity: maple syrup is synonymous with the state and this festival honours that.
It offers unique photo-ops and educational aspects (good for visitors wanting more than just “festival food”).
Because it’s in early season, it’s less crowded than some summer festivals but still vibrant.
Pro tip: Arrive early for pancake brunch sessions, and plan to visit nearby sugarhouses. Lodging in St. Albans or nearby towns can give you a full spring-weekend feel.
2. Uplifting Skies: The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival (Upper Valley)
Hovering high on many bucket lists of Vermont experiences is the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival, held in the Upper Valley. Vermont Explored+2Vermont Explored+2
Highlights of the event:
Hot air balloons dotting the sky—tether rides, ascensions, live entertainment and crafts make it feel like a full weekend adventure.
The setting in a scenic Vermont valley adds to the “epic” feel of the festival.
Suitable for families, couples, photography-enthusiasts and anyone craving a memorable view of Vermont.
Why it stands out among Vermont’s most epic annual events:
It offers a unique feature (balloons!) rather than just music or food.
The visual spectacle makes it highly shareable: think Instagram, travel-blogs, family memories.
It combines outdoor/sky experience with community fair aspects (vendors, local crafts, music).
Pro tip: Book balloon rides ahead of time if you want one. Bring a jacket for early morning balloon launches—they can get chilly.
3. Music and Lakeside Vibes: Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (Burlington)
For those looking for festival + music + community energy, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival brings together global jazz talent alongside local flavor in Burlington. Vermont Explored+2Vermont Explored+2
What you’ll experience:
Free street concerts, ticketed headline shows, outdoor performances near Lake Champlain and downtown Burlington.
A range of styles—from classic jazz to world-fusion—so the event appeals to both jazz enthusiasts and casual music fans.
Urban setting in Vermont, which gives an alternative to more rural festival settings.
Why this is one of the must-experience events in Vermont:
Combines destination travel (Burlington!) with festival culture.
Easily fits into a weekend trip—stay in town, walk to venues, enjoy restaurant and bar scene.
Adds a “music festival in Vermont” angle to your travel story, which can appeal to younger groups or couples.
Pro tip: Stay near downtown Burlington to maximize nightlife and walking access. Check festival schedule early and pick a mix of free & paid events.
4. Agricultural Roots: Vermont State Fair (Rutland)
No list of Vermont’s must-experience festivals would be complete without the Vermont State Fair in Rutland—one of the oldest and most enduring events in the state. Wikipedia
Festival features:
Traditional fair elements: midway rides, food stands, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment.
A true Vermont “fair” experience—agriculture, local products, community gathering.
Good for families, kids, and those seeking a quintessential state fair feel in Vermont.
Why it deserves its place:
It offers that Americana-fair ambiance, rooted in Vermont’s farming heritage and community traditions.
It’s a broader draw—not just food or music but a full-scale fair experience.
Since it’s state-wide in scope, it often draws visitors from across Vermont and beyond.
Pro tip: Go mid-week if possible to avoid peak crowds. Bring cash for rides and food, and check the schedule for special concert nights.
5. Autumn Harvest Magic: Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival (West Dover)
As the leaves turn and the air cools, the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival in West Dover offers a refined way to celebrate fall in Vermont—with wine, food and community fun. Vermont Tourism+1
What to expect:
Regional wineries showcasing Vermont and New England wines, paired with specialty food and harvest activities.
Beautiful setting in Vermont’s countryside with foliage, local charm and relaxed vibes.
Great for couples, adult groups, and food-and-drink enthusiasts.
Why it stands out among Vermont annual events:
It’s less about carnival rides and more about taste, experience and ambiance—adds variety to your Vermont festival itinerary.
The backdrop of Vermont fall foliage enhances its appeal and searchability (“fall wine festivals in Vermont”).
Because it combines food, drink and landscape, it appeals to multiple interest groups.
Pro tip: Reserve a tasting pass ahead of time. Stay in a nearby inn in West Dover or nearby ski-resort lodging for an extended fall weekend.
6. Winter Fun: Stowe Winter Carnival (Stowe)
When winter sets in, the town of Stowe fires up with its Winter Carnival—a festival that captures the fun of cold-weather Vermont while offering unique experiences. Vermont Tourism+1
Festival elements:
Snow-and-ice activities, parades, fireworks, winter sports and plenty of Vermont winter atmosphere.
A vacation-style festival that invites visitors to pair skiing, snowboarding or mountain leisure with cultural events.
Fun for families, groups or couples looking for a winter travel destination in Vermont.
Why this ranks among the most epic annual Vermont events:
It offers seasonal balance—so the list isn’t just spring/summer; it includes winter.
Vermont’s winter festivals are less common in many states, giving this one unique “destination” value.
If you’re looking to plan a vacation around an event, this offers lodging, skiing and festival fun in one package.
Pro tip: Make lodging reservations early (ski season = high demand). Pack layers and plan for daylight hours—winter days are shorter. Check for specific event schedules (parades, fireworks, snow events).
7. Bluegrass & Roots Music: Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival (Manchester)
For music lovers seeking something outdoorsy but not mainstream pop, the Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival in Manchester brings together top-tier roots music and Vermont scenery. Vermont Explored
What you’ll enjoy:
Live performances of bluegrass, folk, Americana in a scenic Vermont mountain town.
A more relaxed festival feel—immersed in nature, music-forward but still family-friendly.
The ability to combine lodging in Manchester with local outdoor activities (hiking, village strolling).
Why it qualifies as a must-experience Vermont festival:
It represents a niche: roots music in Vermont’s outdoors—searchable via “bluegrass festivals in Vermont” or “roots music events Vermont.”
Has good crossover appeal: both music fans and nature lovers.
Seasonal timing often aligns with summer or early fall, when Vermont is lush and active.
Pro tip: Bring earplugs if you have early-rising children. Consider camping if offered or stay in local inns in Manchester for full tie-in with town charms.
8. Field Days & Fairs: Lamoille County Field Days (Hyde Park)
For a genuine Vermont fair experience that leans rural and traditional, the Lamoille County Field Days in Hyde Park deliver agriculture, community, and festival energy. Dig In Vermont
Key attractions:
Tractor and ox pulls, barnyard exhibits, craft booths, local food stands and rides.
A smaller-town feel that makes the experience more intimate and authentic.
Great for families with children—lots of interactive exhibits, animals, casual rides.
Why this makes the top 10 list of Vermont annual festivals:
It adds diversity to the festival types (not just music or food) by highlighting agricultural celebration.
Offers visitors a chance to step outside typical tourist zones, explore Vermont’s rural roots.
Provides an affordable, accessible festival experience with local flavor.
Pro tip: Bring cash for small vendors. Wear sturdy shoes (fairgrounds may be muddy depending on weather). Visit early afternoon for best access.
9. Harvest & Craft: Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival (Plymouth)
As fall deepens, the Plymouth Folk & Blues Festival offers another side of Vermont’s musical festivals—focusing on roots, folk and blues in a beautiful Vermont setting. Vermont Explored
What to look for:
Live performances by folk and blues artists, open-air settings, craft vendors and local food stands.
A cozy, mellow vibe compared to big commercial festivals—ideal for music enthusiasts seeking authenticity.
Pleasant location in Vermont’s countryside—makes for a weekend getaway.
Why it’s one of the most epic Vermont annual events:
Combines music + community + craft culture in a way that aligns with Vermont’s identity.
Helps fulfill the “shareable” and “searchable” criteria: folk & blues in Vermont draws interest.
Offers a fall scene—so your festival adventure extends across seasons.
Pro tip: If camping is available, it adds to the experience; otherwise staying in a nearby B&B offers comfort. Bring layers—the evenings may get bright with music but chilly.
10. Family & Community Classic: Vermont Dairy Festival (Enosburg Falls)
Rounding out our list is the Vermont Dairy Festival in Enosburg Falls—an event steeped in Vermont’s dairy farming heritage, fun for families and deeply regional in charm. Wikipedia
Festival features:
Celebrates Vermont’s dairy industry with farm tours, tastings, parades, live music, educational exhibits.
Family-friendly atmosphere with kids’ activities, community spirit, refreshing local flavor.
A non-metropolitan event, giving visitors a taste of Vermont’s rural heartland.
Why it earns its place among top Vermont festivals:
It highlights Vermont’s agricultural backbone—not just for show, but educational and festive.
It’s evergreen for families wanting a festival that’s fun and meaningful.
Adds geographic diversity by reaching into northern or less-touristed parts of Vermont.
Pro tip: Look for special family days or discounted entry times. When driving to rural Vermont towns, plan for slower roads and check local lodging options early.
Tips for Planning Your Festival Adventure in Vermont
Here are a few practical suggestions to get the most from your festival-focused trip to Vermont:
Pick your season wisely. Vermont festivals span spring (maple syrup), summer (music, balloons), fall (harvest, foliage) and winter (carnival).
Book lodging early. Popular festivals in desirable locations fill up quickly.
Check current status. Even though these festivals are “currently open,” always confirm dates and details for the specific year you plan.
Balance one major event with local downtime. After a big festival day, plan a quieter morning exploring nature or a village to avoid burnout.
Focus on family-friendly vs adult-oriented. Some festivals (like the wine harvest or music festivals) lean adult; others (like dairy or field days) are great for kids.
Pack appropriately. Vermont weather can pivot fast—layers are your friend. For outdoor festivals have good shoes, sunblock for summer, jackets for evenings.
Blend festival with local travel. Many of these events are near charming towns, scenic drives or outdoor adventures—make your trip more than just the event.
Why These Festivals Matter
These top 10 annual events in Vermont succeed for a few key reasons:
They are searchable and shareable. Phrases like “hot air balloon festival Vermont,” “maple syrup festival Vermont,” “music festival Burlington Vermont” tend to pop up in travel planning.
They are evergreen. While exact dates may change, the festival concepts are rooted and likely to return year after year.
They cover diverse types of experience: food & drink, music, culture, agriculture, outdoor spectacle.
They span multiple regions of Vermont—urban Burlington, rural Enosburg, ski-town Stowe, valley West Dover—which gives geographic spread for visitors.
They speak to a wide audience: families, couples, music fans, food enthusiasts, rural travelers.
They embody Vermont’s identity: community, nature, tradition, craftsmanship, and seasonal rhythm.
Final Thoughts & Call to Explore
From syrup tastings in spring to hot air balloons hovering over scenic valleys, from lively jazz by Lake Champlain to the quiet roar of a fair in rural Vermont—these festivals bring the state’s soul to life. If you pick just one or two festivals as anchors for your next trip to Vermont, you’ll unlock immersive experiences that go beyond sightseeing.
In summary: If you’re looking for the most epic annual events in Vermont, the list above gives you ten carefully chosen festivals—each currently operating, each offering a distinct flavor of Vermont life. Choose based on your interests, season of travel, and the kind of memory-making you’re after.