The Best of Vermont Summer Festival Is Back this August, And It’s Worth the Drive to Ludlow
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If you’ve never spent a summer weekend in Ludlow, Vermont, let me make the case for you right now.
Ludlow is often associated with skiing, thanks to its close proximity to Okemo, but summer is a different level of beauty worth exploring. The surrounding hills are green, the pace is unhurried, and on the right weekend, the region comes alive with music, family-friendly activities, and amazing Vermont delicacies.
The right weekend this year is August 22 and 23, 2026.
The 6th Annual Best of Vermont Summer Festival returns to Okemo Field on Route 103 and Bixby Road, and if you haven’t been before, this is a good one to put on your calendar.
What to Expect at the Festival
The event is organized by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and is presented this year by Mary W. Davis Realtor & Associates.
It’s a two-day outdoor celebration that leans into everything Vermont does best in the summer: local food, craft beverages, live music, and community.
You can expect craft beer, wine, and spirits from local producers, along with cheese makers, maple vendors, specialty foods, and small-batch culinary artisans.
There will be local artists and makers, family-friendly activities, a kids zone, and live music throughout the weekend (the full lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ll update it when we know more. Line dancing is also on the agenda, which I think sounds like a very good time.
The festival draws locals and visitors from further afield; it’s genuinely a mix of people who all share an appreciation for this corner of Vermont.
Executive Director Carol A. Lighthall summed it up nicely:
“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.”
Plan Your Visit
The festival takes place Saturday, August 22nd, and Sunday, August 23rd, at Okemo Field, located at the intersection of Route 103 and Bixby Road in Ludlow, Vermont.
Check with the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce for the latest on vendors, the music lineup, and event logistics.
If you’re coming from outside the area and want to make a full weekend of it, Ludlow is a great home base for exploring the surrounding region, including Plymouth Notch, Weston, Okemo State Forest, and some of my favorite hiking trails in south-central Vermont, which are all within easy reach.
August in Vermont is fleeting. Might as well spend some of it here.
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