Celebrate the Fourth: 2025 Independence Day Celebrations in Vermont
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Summer is short in Vermont, and we take our outdoor celebrations seriously. The Fourth of July is a time for community gatherings, large and small, and Vermonters come out in droves to celebrate.
From small-town barbecues and elaborate firework displays to more eclectic events that are sure to make you smile, here’s an overview of some of the more extraordinary Independence Day celebrations in Vermont to put on your calendar.
June 28, 2025: Not Quite Independence Day (NQID) in Waterbury
Not Quite Independence Day (NQID) is Waterbury’s signature summer celebration, hosted annually by the Waterbury Rotary Club.
Taking place this year on Saturday, June 28, 2025, NQID is a full day of food, music, family fun, and fireworks — all with a playful twist on classic Independence Day festivities.
This year’s theme, “Vermont Weather,” embraces the beauty, unpredictability, and resilience that come with living in the Green Mountain State. After two years of rain on parade day, organizers are hoping the weather gods will smile on Waterbury in 2025.
The celebration kicks off in Rusty Parker Memorial Park, where food vendors, local crafters, and nonprofit organizations will set up shop alongside beer and cider tents featuring Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Cold Hollow.
The streets of downtown Waterbury fill with energy as the Green Mountain Mile fun run leads into the main event: a whimsical, themed parade that marches north on Main Street through the heart of town.
Families can enjoy hours of entertainment in the park, with classic carnival games, face painting, and activities for all ages. As the sun sets, live music from local band 4Play brings the community together in celebration before a stunning fireworks display lights up the sky over the State Complex.
Free parking is available nearby, and while furry friends are much loved, attendees are kindly asked to leave dogs at home for this event.
Whether you’re a Waterbury local or just visiting for the day, NQID is a spirited celebration of community, creativity, and good old Vermont charm. Bring your lawn chairs, your sense of fun, and maybe even an umbrella, just in case.
July 3, 2025: Independence Day Celebration in Burlington, Vermont
Celebrate Independence Day in Burlington with the biggest fireworks show in Vermont! The BTV Independence Day Celebration returns to the Burlington Waterfront on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with an evening full of music, food, and family-friendly festivities.
From 5 to 11 pm, the city comes alive with performances, local food vendors, and a stunning fireworks finale over Lake Champlain.
The celebration begins with the high-energy percussion of Sambatucada, a vibrant Vermont-based street samba band known for lighting up parades and festivals around the state.
The evening’s headliner, Jesse Ray Smith, brings his signature brand of Modern Americana to the Waterfront Main Stage with three soulful sets throughout the night. His heartfelt sound blends indie folk and heartland rock, perfect for a lakeside summer evening.
Food lovers will find plenty to savor, with more than a dozen local vendors serving up everything from maple creemees and cheesesteaks to kabobs, pizza, and grilled cheese.
Whether you’re dancing along the boardwalk, enjoying a creemee with the kids, or relaxing with friends by the lake, the BTV Independence Day Celebration offers something for everyone.
The fireworks show begins at 9:30 pm, lighting up the sky and reflecting off Lake Champlain in a dazzling display that draws thousands each year.
Also Read: Why Burlington, Vermont, should be on Your Summer Bucket List
July 3, 2025: Montpelier’s Independence Day Celebration
Montpelier’s Independence Day Celebration is the Capital City’s biggest event of the year: a one-day festival that transforms downtown into a vibrant celebration of community and country.
Taking place on Thursday, July 3, 2025, this uniquely Vermont celebration includes a mix of music, food, family fun, and fireworks, all centered around the State House Lawn and downtown streets.
The festivities begin at 3 pm with the Food Truck Festival and FamilyFest, where families can enjoy bouncy houses, kids’ games, live performances, and tasty bites from local vendors lining State Street.
Live entertainment continues throughout the afternoon with acts like the No Strings Marionette Company, the Capital City Band, and more. At 6 pm, the crowd cheers on runners in the Montpelier Mile, immediately followed by the Community Parade, a beloved hometown tradition that winds through downtown, ending at the State House.
After the parade, the celebration rolls on with an evening concert on the Main Stage featuring Dave Keller with Johnny Rawls, leading up to the National Anthem at 9:20 pm and a fireworks finale at 9:30.
The event also includes a variety of satellite happenings around town, like live music at Bent Nails Bistro and Charlie-O’s, fire truck tours, and special museum exhibits at the Vermont History Museum, which offers free admission on July 3rd.
July 3 & 4, 2025: Bristol, Vermont Fourth of July Celebration
Each summer, the town of Bristol, Vermont, throws one of the most spirited and community-driven Independence Day celebrations in the state, and of course, you’re invited!
The festivities span two full days, kicking off the evening of July 3rd with live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display at the town recreation field. On July 4th, the entire town turns out for a full day of fun that blends small-town charm with big-time celebration.
The morning of the 4th begins with the quirky and beloved Great Bristol Outhouse Race, a fast-paced dash featuring homemade rolling outhouses racing through downtown.
The races are followed by the Bristol 4th of July Parade, which proudly holds the title of Vermont’s oldest continuously running Independence Day parade. The route winds through town, cheered on by locals and visitors alike, and leads into the day’s main gathering: the Festival on the Green.
Centered on Bristol’s historic town green, the festival is a family-friendly affair with food and craft vendors, pony rides, inflatable games, and live music.
The entire celebration is planned and run by a dedicated local committee that works year-round to keep this tradition thriving. From the BBQ dinner in late June to the final cascade of fireworks fading from the sky, Bristol’s 4th of July celebration is a heartfelt and memorable way to celebrate both America’s birthday and the strength of community.
Please note: for everyone’s comfort, pets should stay home for the festivities.
Also Read: Plan a Perfect Weekend in Bristol, Vermont
July 4, 2025: Warren Fourth of July Parade and Festivities
Warren, Vermont, knows how to throw a party, and for its 75th parade (76th year!), the town is pulling out all the stops for a wild, wacky, and wickedly fun Independence Day Celebration.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, the charming village of Warren will host one of Vermont’s most beloved parades, followed by live music, street dancing, family activities, and fireworks at nearby Sugarbush Resort.
This year’s theme is “Stand Up for Democracy,” and the parade will honor local librarians as the Grand Marshals in celebration of their 125th birthday.
The festivities begin bright and early, with Main Street closing to traffic at 8:30 am. Parade floats line up and marchers gather for the 10 am cannon boom that signals the start of the parade. No pre-registration is required for floats, but participants should arrive early and enter via South Main Street.
Spectators are encouraged to find a spot along the parade route and enjoy the colorful, creative, and often delightfully offbeat entries. As always, respectful expression is welcomed, and the event embraces free speech in true Independence Day fashion.
After the parade, Brooks Field becomes the hub for family fun, live music, and refreshments.
Enjoy a performance by Phineas Gage & Phriends, kids’ games hosted by KidVentures, and delicious food and cold drinks in the Rotary’s Beer Garden. Meanwhile, in the Village, the Jewel House Band (featuring Harwood Union High alumni) will keep the crowd moving with high-energy tunes during the traditional street dance.
The town’s unique Buddy Badge game, sponsored by WDEV Radio, adds an extra layer of interactive fun for all ages.
Parking is limited, and free shuttle buses from Sugarbush Lincoln Peak will operate from 8 am to 4 pm to help alleviate congestion.
Guests are kindly asked to leave pets and horses at home. Please note that alcohol is not permitted in Warren Village between 8:30 am and 2 pm.
The day wraps up with a stunning fireworks display at dusk over Sugarbush. The Warren 4th of July celebration promises unforgettable small-town magic with a big personality.
July 4, 2025: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Stowe
Stowe’s 4th of July Celebration is a picture-perfect day in one of Vermont’s most charming villages.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, Stowe Vibrancy, in partnership with the Town of Stowe, invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a full day of celebration spanning downtown Stowe and Mayo Fields. From art markets to parades to fireworks, this is one Independence Day you’ll want to spend in the mountains.
The festivities begin at 10 am with the return of Art on Park, a special pop-up market showcasing Vermont artists and handcrafted goods.
On the Village Green, enjoy live music by Scott Forrest, performing from 11 am to 12 pm, and again from 1–2 pm. Don’t miss the lighthearted fun of the World’s Shortest Marathon, a spirited tribute to USMC Lt. Ryan Casey, held at the entrance to the Stowe Recreation Path.
The Main Street Parade kicks off at noon, with a festive lineup of floats, marchers, and creative entries led by this year’s Grand Marshal. Community members are encouraged to join in, walking, dancing, or rolling down Main Street with as much imagination as they can muster. It’s a beloved event that brings the whole village together in celebration.
As evening sets in, make your way to Mayo Fields, where the day ends with one of Vermont’s largest fireworks displays lighting up the sky just after dusk.
Also Read: 18 Delightful Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
July 4, 2025: VSO Summer Festival Tour comes to Shelburne, Vermont
The Vermont Symphony Orchestra invites you to feel the love this summer with its 2025 Summer Festival Tour: Summer of Love, a joyful celebration of music, community, and the season.
Running from July 1 to 6, the tour presents a vibrant, genre-spanning program in six towns across Vermont: Castleton, Grafton, East Burke, South Pomfret, Shelburne, and Stowe.
With a mix of classical masterpieces, movie themes, and pop favorites, the evening promises something for every listener. This year’s special guest is mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz, who brings dramatic flair and vocal power to the stage.
Audiences can expect to hear selections from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Bernstein’s West Side Story, Bizet’s Carmen, and even John Williams’ Star Wars score.
The second half of the program moves into modern territory with soulful tunes like Nature Boy and I Put a Spell on You. Conducted by Andrew Crust, this summer’s concert blends elegance and emotion with a dose of fun, all set against Vermont’s most beautiful outdoor backdrops.
At each location, the VSO offers its beloved Musical Petting Zoo, an interactive opportunity for all ages to explore orchestral instruments before the show. The Shelburne Museum performance, scheduled for July 4, adds an extra spark to the evening with fireworks following the concert.
Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and outdoor essentials to enjoy this alfresco musical experience.
Tickets for Shelburne are $33 in advance for adults and $5 for youth (ages 6–17), with free admission for children under 5. Prices increase slightly at the gate.
Gates open at 5:30 pm for picnicking, and the concert begins at 7:30.
Be sure to bring a flashlight for navigating after the show, and please leave pets at home (service animals are welcome). If the skies don’t cooperate, the rain site is the Shelburne Field House.
However you experience it, this tour is one of Vermont’s most beloved summer traditions, and a beautiful way to connect through music.
Also Read: Your Weekend Itinerary for Shelburne, Vermont in the Summer
Ready to celebrate the red, white, and blue, Vermont-style? Head to one of these incredible Vermont festivals this Fourth of July!
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