16 Epic 2026 Festivals to Celebrate July in Vermont
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July is high summer in Vermont, when locals book every moment of every weekend with barbecues, outdoor concerts, camping trips, and other adventures that require long days, short nights, and balmy temperatures.
On any given July weekend in Vermont, you will have your pick of celebrations, festivals, and opportunities for summer shenanigans. Don’t believe me? Here are a few of the best events to celebrate July in Vermont and endless summer vibes.
Vermont Events: July 1-5, 2026
Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Festival Tour: America 250, July 1-5, 2026: This joyful program is traveling to six picture-perfect locations across the Green Mountain State, bringing you a soundtrack that pairs perfectly with golden hour and a good Vermont picnic.
Whether you’re a die-hard classical fan, love celebrating birthdays, or just appreciate a good outdoor concert, this year’s lineup has a little something for everyone.
Each performance begins at 7:30 pm, with gates opening at 5:30 pm for picnicking.
- July 1 – Saskadena Six Ski Area: A classic mountain setting to kick things off, with rolling hills and wide-open views.
- July 2 – Burke Mountain Ski Resort: Northeast Kingdom charm meets big, sweeping orchestral sound.
- July 3 – Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: One of Vermont’s prettiest villages sets the stage for an evening of music.
- July 4 – Shelburne Museum: A Fourth of July celebration that ends with fireworks.
- July 5 – Trapp Family Lodge: Alpine views, cool mountain air, and a grand finale in Stowe.
Independence Day Celebrations in Vermont
Almost every Vermont town celebrates the Fourth of July in some way, shape, or form. Here are just a few of the distinctive celebrations across the state in 2026.
- July 3, 2026, 5-11 pm: Burlington, VT: Celebrate Independence Day on Lake Champlain with a beautiful mountain backdrop, live music, tasty treats, and of course, fireworks!
- July 3, 2026, starting at 3 pm in Montpelier, VT: Capital City’s largest festival of the year includes a Food Truck and Family Fest, a mile road race, parade, live music, and of course, fireworks.
- July 4, 2026, 10 am in Warren, VT: This year marks the 76th almost-consecutive year of celebrating Independence Day in Warren with a wild and wacky parade and street dance that would make our forefathers proud.
- July 3 and 4, 2026, in Bristol, VT: Two days of festivities featuring live music, games, food, craft vendors, a 5K road race, a parade, outhouse races, and fireworks.
- July 4, 2026, starting at 10 am in Plymouth Notch: Celebrate the birth of our nation as well as the birth of our 30th president at President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch. Festivities include a chicken barbecue, a naturalization ceremony, live performances, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Read Next: Celebrate the Fourth: 2026 Independence Day Celebrations in Vermont
Vermont Events: July 6-14, 2026
Dead of Summer Music Festival in Manchester, July 9-12, 2026: Dance and jam to your favorite tunes in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Vermont.
Dead of Summer features two full days of incredible live music, food and craft beer vendors, family-friendly activities, and camping in Manchester, Vermont.
This year’s stellar line-up includes God Street Wine, Pink Talking Fish, Leftover Salmon, and more than a dozen additional bands that will keep you dancing till the wee hours.
Waterbury Arts Fest, July 10-11, 2026: This signature summertime event is held each July and proudly hosted by Revitalizing Waterbury. Festivities start with a free Friday night block party, and on Saturday, thousands of art enthusiasts, visitors, and families descend on Waterbury to browse the works of more than 100 artists, eat delightful festival fare, and listen to live music.
Jeezum Crow Festival at Jay Peak, July 10-11, 2026: This is the 11th Jeezum Crow Festival, celebrating two days of music at the Stateside Amphitheater with an outstanding lineup of great bands, including Yonder Mountain String Band, the Disco Biscuits, Railroad Earth, and more. Camping is not permitted, but lodging packages are available.
Do Good Fest in Montpelier, July 11, 2026: Four fantastic bands, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a nonprofit village round out this year’s Do Good Fest, supporting Branches of Hope Cancer Patient Fund and the Howard Center.
Mad Marathon, Mad Half & Relays in the Mad River Valley, July 12, 2026: Runner’s World has named the Mad Marathon a ‘Bucket List Race’ many times over, and very few will argue that it’s one of the most gorgeous marathon routes in the country. Multiple races are offered for all levels of participants, including the full Mad Marathon, a Mad Half, relays, a 5K, and a 10K.
Travel on back roads with gorgeous views of the Green Mountains, past rolling farm fields, covered bridges, and historic barns. It’s a road race for the ages!
Vermont Events: July 15-19, 2026
47th Annual Middlebury Festival on the Green, July 12-18, 2026: A full week of festivities, including free nightly concerts, family-friendly noontime entertainment, and a street party on Saturday featuring the Vermont Jazz Ensemble. This incredible tribute to summertime in Vermont crosses multiple musical genres to celebrate community, culture, and the outdoors.
Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington, July 17-18, 2026: Beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 32nd annual Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington, with three tasting sessions showcasing the best beer coming out of Vermont and beyond, from old favorites to upcoming stars on the brewing scene.
Sip your favorite brews while enjoying spectacular views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Choose from a Friday evening tasting session or one of two sessions on Saturday. 21+, rain or shine.
Read Next: 6 Outstanding Breweries in Burlington, Vermont
Killington Uncorked, July 17-18, 2026: Hosted by the Killington Pico Area Association (KPAA), this annual event blends fine wines, craft spirits, refreshing nonalcoholic beverages, gourmet food, select artisan vendors, and stunning mountain views into an unforgettable weekend experience.
Vermont Events: July 20-26, 2026
Jerry Jam in Cabot, July 24-26, 2026: Lovers of jam bands and Deadheads of all ages will congregate in Concord for the annual Jerry Jam. This year’s Jerry Jam is getting back to basics, focusing on local music with only 900 tickets available.
Maple Roots Festival in Montpelier, July 25, 2026: This full-day festival at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks celebrates live music, great food and drink, and family-friendly fun. The 2026 Maple Roots lineup includes the Vermont Jazz Ensemble, Lara Cwass, Michael-Louis Smith, and more, along with food trucks and kids’ activities.
Cabot Arts and Music Festival, July 24-25, 2026: A multi-genre festival including 12 bands on four stages, contra dances, kids’ activities, food trucks, crafts vendors, and fantastic community arts projects.
The weekend kicks off Friday night with the Pointe Noir Cajun Band at 7 pm, followed by a full line-up of bands on Saturday, including two contra dances and more bands in the evening.
Cabot Arts is dedicated to presenting beautiful events and transformative arts experiences in Cabot and the surrounding communities.
Even more iconic events in Vermont: 26 Iconic Fairs and Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss!
July in Vermont wouldn’t be the same without these fantastic outdoor festivals to celebrate summer in style. Did we forget your favorite event? Send us an email, and we’ll check it out!
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The way you described everything—from lake days and farmers markets to outdoor concerts and fireworks—makes it sound like the perfect mix of chill and festive.
I especially appreciated the shoutout to the small-town 4th of July celebrations. There’s something about local parades and fireworks shows that just hits differently, and Vermont seems to have that authentic, community vibe down to a science.
Also, thank you for the tips on hiking trails and swimming spots! I’ve been craving a more nature-filled vacation that’s not just sitting on a beach somewhere, and Vermont in July sounds like the perfect balance of outdoorsy and cozy.
You’re very welcome! I appreciate your comment!