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MONTPELIER, Vt. – If you’re thinking about where to spend the Fourth of July, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to celebrate in Vermont. Communities across the state from Bennington to Burlington are hosting a variety of Independence Day events with parades, fireworks, music and more. After the festivities are over, there will still be plenty of July events to look forward to, including outdoor concerts, horse shows, festivals, art tours and much more. Here are just a few of the many events taking place in Vermont in July.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
East Dorset – July 1-August 9, 2009
The Vermont Summer Festival is a six-week show jumping competition that is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show. The Vermont Summer Festival offers over $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event in the state of Vermont. Harold Beebe Farm, Route 7. For more information, visit
www.vt-summerfestival.com.
Burlington International Waterfront Festival
Burlington – July 2-14, 2009
The Queen City will host a 13-day festival of comedy, music, film and theatre. The event includes musical performances from Tony Bennett, Aimee Mann, Steve Earle, Dan Zanes, The Roots and Buddy Guy. Enjoy exhibits, history forums, concerts, children’s activities, a giant parade and much more. The festival is a 2009 Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration signature event. Various locations. For details, visit www.celebratechamplain.org.
Independence Day Celebrations
Statewide – July 3-4, 2009
Cities and towns across Vermont are offering a variety of Independence Day events. On July 3, Burlington’s waterfront boasts a massive fireworks display at dusk, while the Vermont Symphony Orchestra plays its annual “Independence Eve” concert in Grafton. Quirky fun marks the 4th of July parades in Moscow and Warren. Pick a town, and celebrate our country. For a list of Independence Day celebrations, visit www.vermontvacation.com/arts/story_july4.asp
Vermont Morgan Horse Heritage Days
Tunbridge – July 3-5, 2009
The annual Vermont Morgan Horse Heritage Days show will be held at the historic Tunbridge Fairgrounds. This amateur-friendly show is always a great time and spectacle that showcases the history, ability, and versatility of the Morgan horse. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Route 110. For more information, visit www.vtmorganheritagedays.org.
Stoweflake Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Stowe – July 10-12, 2009
The 23rd annual hot-air balloon festival is one of Vermont's most popular summer celebrations and includes live music, children’s activities, food, a beer and wine garden, balloon launches and more. This spectacular event features 25 hot-air balloons. Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, 1746 Mountain Road. For more information, visit www.stoweflake.com.
SolarFest 2009 – Vermont’s Renewable Energy Festival
Tinmouth – July 10-12, 2009
SolarFest’s annual festival is a renewable energy-powered celebration of the performing arts, sustainable living, and community. The event includes more than 70 workshops on renewable energy and sustainable living topics, plus 20 world-class performers on two solar-powered stages. 12 McNamara Road. For more information, visit www.solarfest.org.
Annual Antiques & Uniques Festival
Craftsbury – July 11, 2009
One of Vermont’s best-loved summer events will feature more than 100 vendors of antiques, pottery, paintings, jewelry, collectibles, toys, quilts, and much more. Visit the legendary bake sale tent, listen to great live music and enjoy free children’s activities. Craftsbury Common, Route 14. For details, visit www.vtcas.org/calendar.php.
Vergennes French Heritage Days
Vergennes – July 17-18, 2009
French, Quebecois and Franco-American culture comes to life in parks and historic buildings throughout Vermont’s smallest city named for the French Count de Vergennes. Enjoy reenactments, exhibits, boat tours, children’s activities and more at this signature event for the 2009 Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration. Various locations. For more information, visit www.celebratechamplain.org.
Marlboro Music Festival
Marlboro – July 18- August 16, 2009
Now in its 59th season, the festival features five weekends of chamber music concerts that offer compelling, insightful and passionate performances. For over five decades, Marlboro has presented generations of the world’s musical leaders in collaborative performances on the hilltop campus of Marlboro College. Persons Concert Hall, 2472 South Road. For details, visit www.marlboromusic.org.
Vermont Mozart Festival
Shelburne, Bolton Valley, Grand Isle, Ferrisburgh, Stowe, Middlebury, Essex, Vergennes, Richmond – July 19-August 9, 2009
Summer 2009 presents “The Magnificent Seven” – seven musical masterpieces, seven featured performers, seven beautiful locations. The festival also will be featuring works by Haydn to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his death. Various locations. For more information, visit www.vtmozart.org.
Vermont Brewers Festival
Burlington – July 17-18, 2009
The Vermont Brewers Association is pleased to present the annual Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington’s scenic Waterfront Park. The Vermont Brewers Festival is the longest running outdoor brewers festival in the East, and it's no wonder since Vermont is home to more breweries per capita than any other state. Burlington Waterfront Park. For more information, visit www.vermontbrewers.com.
Rock River Studio Tour
Newfane – July 18-19, 2009
The 15 world-class artists who live in Newfane, South Newfane and Williamsville will open their homes, gardens and studios to the public for the weekend. This year, visitors may choose to see fine cabinetry crafted of curly maple, dreamlike collages, organically fluid sculptures made from consumer and industrial leftovers, and much more. Various locations. For more information, visit www.rockriverartists.com.
Billings Farm & Museum’s Annual Cow Appreciation Day
Woodstock – July 18, 2009
Learn about Jersey cows during lively educational programs, the "Cowlege Bowl" competition for families, as well as butter and ice cream making. Admission to the event includes all programs and activities, plus the working dairy farm, farm life exhibits, and the restored and furnished 1890 Farm House. Route 12 and River Road. For more information, visit www.billingsfarm.org.
Champlain Islands Artists’ Art Show
Grand Isle – July 24-26, 2009
The Champlain Islands Artists’ Organization is hosting its annual juried art show. More than 50 island artists and artisans will be exhibiting their work. Watercolors, oils, fabric art, pottery, stained and fused glass, jewelry and mixed media are included. Grand Isle School, Route 2. For more information, visit www.ciaovt.org.
Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival
Manchester – July 31-Aug. 2, 2009
For the 31st consecutive summer, this nationally renowned craft show returns to Manchester. About 175 exhibitors will showcase their work, ranging from furniture and original paintings to socks and coffee mugs. Hildene’s Meadow, River Road. For more information, visit www.craftproducers.com.
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