Celebrate Summer in Ludlow at the Best of Vermont Summer Festival
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If your ideal summer weekend involves sipping craft beer, dancing to live music, shopping local, and celebrating small towns and vibrant communities, mark your calendar for the Best of Vermont Summer Festival, happening August 22–23, 2026, in Ludlow, Vermont.
This beloved annual festival is run by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, and this year it’s presented by Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates.
This two-day gathering features live music both days, line dancing, craft beer, wine, and distillery pours, cheese and maple producers doing what they do best, small-batch food vendors, local artists and makers, and a kids’ zone for the littles.
Executive Director Carol A. Lighthall put it well when she reflected on how far the event has come: “It’s hard to believe we’re already celebrating our sixth year. What began as a simple community gathering has grown into a signature event that truly highlights the best of Okemo Valley — our makers, our music, our flavors, and the welcoming spirit that defines this region.”
The Music Lineup
Saturday, August 22
11am to 1pm: Bear Mountain Boys
1pm to 3pm: The Loonz
3pm to 5pm: The Rustie Bus Band
Sunday, August 23
11am to 1pm: Sammy Blanchette
1pm to 3pm: Rick Redington & Tuff Luv
3pm to 5pm: Line Dancing
Tickets
A single-day ticket runs $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 5 to 12, with kids under 5 getting in free. A weekend pass is $8 for adults and $5 for kids.
Where to stay in Ludlow
Located in the beautiful Okemo Valley, Ludlow, with just 2,000 residents, is tucked against the Green Mountains. Most people know it as the home of Okemo Mountain Resort, but the village itself has enough restaurants and shopping to fill a weekend on its own, and the surrounding towns give you plenty of reasons to stick around past Sunday afternoon.
I recommend Main and Mountain as a home base if you’re traveling solo or with a small family. It’s a small, beautifully decorated hotel with a few different room configurations and an onsite bar. It’s within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shopping, so you can leave the car behind to explore the village.
The Bigger Picture
The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce represents 12 towns and more than 300 member businesses across South Central Vermont. It’s easy to drive past Ludlow on your way to somewhere else. The Best of Vermont Summer Festival is a good excuse not to.
Vendor announcements and any schedule updates will be posted on the Best of VT Summer Festival Facebook page as the date gets closer.
Why Ludlow?
Ludlow is an ideal host for a summer festival and is close to some of Vermont’s best attractions. The scenic setting, welcoming community, and vibrant mix of locals and visitors make this a fantastic spot to throw a party.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the shopping, the food, or just a good excuse to spend a summer day in Vermont, the Best of Vermont Summer Festival is the perfect mix of Green Mountain fun.
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