We all know the magic of the Vermont mountains in the winter and this past season’s incredible conditions will long be remembered as some of the best ever. But the mercury is on the rise and that means hot summertime fun! Here’s a round-up of all kinds of awesome happening at the Green Mountain ski resorts for the next few months. Happy summer!
July 4th Events in Vermont
July 3 – Independence Day Celebration at The Quechee Club’s Murphy Farm – Come celebrate under the Big Top for one of Quechee’s biggest events of the year! Family fun, games, face painting, DJ, fireworks and BBQ celebration are just some of what’s in store. The event is open to the public but registration is required.
July 3 – Great American July 3rd Celebration & Tailgate Party at Stowe Mountain Resort – Come celebrate the holiday at Stowe Mountain Resort with 3 great events. Test drive latest autos from Mercedes Benz during the annual ‘Test Drive to Win’ event. On Friday, Stowe’s Farmers Market series kicks-off with the area’s freshest produce and finest artisan crafts, food venders and free activities for kids. Then, at 6pm come for the Great American Tailgate Party in the Mt. Mansfield Parking lot featuring an artisan food court, live music, kid’s activities and a spectacular fireworks show.
July 4 – The Julie Shea Band & Sun Deck BBQ at Bromley Mountain – Three part harmonies, acoustic & electric guitar, and unique percussion combine in perfect blend of pop, rock and blues – throw in some burgers and dogs, and you’ve got Independence Day made!
July 4 – The Great American Party at Okemo Mountain Resort – Okemo’s Jackson Gore courtyard becomes a giant all-American backyard barbecue with live music, games, fresh-from-the-grill burgers and hot dogs and icy drinks. For more family fun check out Okemo’s Adventure Zone featuring zipline tours, miniature golf, a treetop challenge course, mountain coaster and more. All are are welcome and folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
July 4 – Q Burke 4th of July Celebrations – Kick off your holiday at the Q Burke Pig roast & BBQ. Mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, and live music by Roots of Creation make for a fantastic day. End the celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display at sundown.
July 4 – Jeffersonville/Smugglers’ Notch Resort July 4th Celebration – A whole week of Independence Day activities are happening at Smuggs with plenty of fun and games for families. On the fourth, Jeffersonville will host a traditional parade followed by a country fair. Later, enjoy festivities at Smugglers’ Village Green.
July 4-5 – Mountain Friends and Freedom at Stratton Mountain Resort – Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with gondola rides, face painting, hayrides, pie eating, live entertainment, and old-fashioned backyard games. Gather your friends and family and lay down your blanket at the Base Area to watch the fireworks and enjoy live music part of the Stratton Summer Concert Series Saturday night. For all the details check out Stratton Summer Events.
Stay updated on all July fourth events at Vermont resort by checking out our Facebook event!
Outdoor Adventures
June 19 – Pink Friday at Bromley – Got Pink? Wear it to Bromley 6/19/15 and get a morning Mountain Adventure Pass for just $15. All of the proceeds from the morning’s pass sales will be donated to Susan G Komen® Vermont-New Hampshire.
June 27 – Catamount Ultra Marathon at Trapp Family Lodge – The Catamount Ultra Marathon is an awesome summer event that starts and finishes at beautiful Trapp Family Lodge outside of Stowe VT. The 25k course is primarily wide, hard-packed dirt trail. Rolling through highland pastures and hardwood forest this course is not to be missed. 50k runners complete the loop twice.
July 11 – Dirty Girl Mud Run at Killington – At Killington’s Dirty Girl Mud Run, you’ll run, jump, hop, bounce and splash your way to the finish line with your besties and thousands of other women. Challenging and fun obstacles are there to be conquered and you’ll celebrate at an awesome after party. Expect to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Expect the event to go on rain or shine. Expect not to be timed. Expect some crazy team uniforms. But most of all, expect to leave with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
July 11-12 – Kids’ Adventure Games at Trapp Family Lodge – For the second year running, the Kids Adventure Games are returning to Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. The games offer kids, ages 6 through 14, the opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure racing. Races emphasize teamwork, problem solving, sportsmanship, environmental awareness and fun, and kids cross the finish line, muddy, sweaty, smiling and full of pride.
August 1 – The Bitter Pill at Bolton Valley – The Bitter Pill is a 12-hour adventure race for teams of two or three that is organized by the Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association. Hike, bike, swim, paddle and navigate your way with a map and compass then enjoy an after party at Bolton Valley Resort. If you have never done an adventure race before, this is the perfect one to start with. This was the first adventure race for about one-third of the participants for the past four years, so don’t be intimidated!
Rockin’ Music
June 12 – August 28 – Jackson Gore Summer Music Series at Okemo Mountain Resort – Chosen as best free music series in New England by Yankee Magazine, the Jackson Gore Summer Music Series takes place every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Pack the lawn chairs or picnic blankets and bring the family to enjoy a variety of local and regional bands in the Jackson Gore Inn courtyard.
June 19 – Panic at the Peak at Jay Peak Resort – Celebrating their first show in Vermont in close to a decade, Widespread Panic, with very special guest, Umphrey’s McGee, will be performing join at Jay Peak’s Stateside Amphitheater.
July 9 – VT Symphony Orchestra Summer Festival Tour at Saskadena Six – Pack a picnic and relax with an evening of symphony under the stars. As if a summer’s evening in Vermont weren’t magical enough already…the VSO conjures up a dreamscape of enchantment. Wizards, witches, and trolls, oh my! Musical sorcery spirits you to Middle Earth–and then safely back to your picnic spread. Concerts conclude with the spectacular 1812 Overture, marches, and fireworks.
July 24 – 25 – Jeezum Crow Festival at Jay Peak Resort – Two days. Nine Bands. Plenty of fun. That’s Jeezum Crow at Jay Peak. And what’s more, headlining this year’s festival is the fabulous Dark Star Orchestra with performances on both days. Don’t miss it.
August 7 – The Ottauquechee Musicfest at the Quechee Club – For the second year in a row, The Ottauquechee MusicFest will take place in an amphitheater set-up at the Quechee Club’s ski area. Featuring theatrical performances by powerhouse vocalists are paired with choreographed dance routines inspired as the music itself. Festival attendees can expect to be brought to their feet time and again as they enjoy chart topping hits from a variety of genres and artists alike, such as The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Maroon 5, and Supertramp.
August 8 – August West at Jay Peak Resort – Now in its eleventh year, the August West Festival both celebrates the music of The Grateful Dead, but also the community in and around Jay Peak. The Festival has grown a bit in size, but the intent is still the same. It’s a great way to spend the day – kids and well-mannered dogs are welcome, there’s lots of good food and drink and plenty to do.
Fabulous Festivals
June 18 – 21 – Wanderlust at Stratton Mountain Resort – With yoga classes, guided meditations, hiking, concerts, renowned speakers, an artisan market and farm-to-table cuisine, Wanderlust is not to be missed. A celebration of mindful living, Stratton’s Wanderlust Festival brings together a remarkable group of yoga and meditation instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs for a transformational, four-day retreat. Read a personal account of the event at skivermont.com!
July 18 – Killington Wine Festival – Featuring more than 500 wines from over 40 vineyards around the world, Killington’s Wine Festival is one of the regions best summertime events. Enjoy a weekend of tastings, specialty foods, and golf surrounded by some of Vermont’s best Green Mountain views.
August 7 – 9 – Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival at Okemo Mountain Resort – Sample more than 50 craft beers and ciders from regional brewers while enjoying a selection of great wines at what the Vermont Chamber has named one of the top ten summer events. Hops in the Hills will showcase a great lineup of live music, craft vendors, and tasty food options all in the beautiful, outdoor setting of the Jackson Gore courtyard.
August 8 – Annual Q Burke Bike and Brew – The 7th Annual Q Burke Mountain Resort Bike & Brew brings music, brews, and mountain biking to East Burke! Bike all day, then join the Bike ‘n Brew Event. Sample a variety of beers and vote for your favorite to become the 2015 Burke Mountain Brew. There are sure to be fun events that might include a wheelie contest, a one-foot down contest, a bunny hop contest, a pit-bike race, and a huffy huck! Hearty BBQ, live music, and a giant raffle round out the day.
August 8 – Jeffersonville Festival of the Arts – This summer festival is a highlight for area visitors who enjoy strolling Jeffersonville’s charming Main Street to see the works of dozens of talented regional artists. Family friendly fun includes music by the Green Mountain Swing Band and Eames Brothers, children’s activities, and plenty of food offerings. Jeffersonville is just a 10-minute drive from Smugglers’ Notch Resort.
August 8 – Taste of Woodstock SummerFest – Spend a fun-filled day enjoying the charming village of Woodstock and enjoy Vermont specialty foods, local cheeses, wines and beer. Music, kids’ activities, art, gifts, candy, and more complete the picture — everything great about the Woodstock Area, all on Elm Street.
August 22 – Hop Jam at Bolton Valley – Back for its second year, the Vermont Hop Jam debuted at Bolton Valley in 2014 and has quickly become a highlight on the summer calendar. Come enjoy a line up of killer music, an unparalleled selection of top quality and hard to find craft beer and delicious locally made food. This unique event is one not to be missed by any beer and music lover. Bolton is offering some great lodging packages to go along with the event, too!
August 22 – Sugarbush Resort Food & Wine Sampler – A daytime food and wine event offering a sampling of delicious wines, fine food pairings, and two educational seminars by industry experts all in the beautiful surroundings of the Green Mountains. In the evening, an outdoor, multi-course gourmet meal with wine pairings will be served at Allyn’s Lodge at the top of Gadd Peak. Guests travel to and from the meal via chairlift.
September 5 – 6 – Mount Snow Brewers Festival – Close out an amazing Vermont summer with a Labor Day celebration at Mount Snow. The 21st anniversary of the resort’s renowned beer, music and food festival is on tap for the weekend featuring 50 different breweries that will be on hand pouring their wares. There will be plenty of live music both days, including performances by Brewers Festival favorite, The Jeff Tuohy Band.
Gina Vercesi is an award-winning freelance writer with an adventurous spirit and unwavering wanderlust. Despite growing up in New England, Gina didn’t don a pair of skis until February 2014—the result of being raised by a beach-loving dad who eschewed everything having to do with snow and cold. When she finally took her first lessons and hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, she became an instant convert. As an All Mountain Mama, Gina loves sharing the joys of Vermont skiing with powder-lovers and novices alike.
Chronicling journeys on land, water, and snow, Gina’s words and images have appeared numerous print and digital publications including National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Sierra, the Boston Globe, Delta SKY, Afar, Yankee, and many more. She is passionate about helping families (including her own!) unplug from electronics and the frenetic pace of modern life and believes that travel and adventure are the best ways reconnect to one another and the world around us. Gina lives in a friendly village on the Hudson River with her husband, three daughters, and a good dog. www.ginavercesi.com