17 Exciting 2026 Events to Celebrate June in Vermont
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Is there anything as enchanting as early summer in Vermont? I think not.
In June, the world is full of promise. Gardens are planted, lawns are neatly tended, and locals and visitors are ready to spend every minute outside enjoying the sunshine.
June in Vermont is also the start of the outdoor festival season.
There are block parties, evening concerts on town greens, and music festivals of every persuasion. Celebrate summer in Vermont by checking out some of these spectacular June events.
Vermont Events: June 1 – 7, 2026
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Jun 3-7, 2026: This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the Discover Jazz Festival in Burlington, which features free shows all across town, from Church Street to the Waterfront.
The 2026 festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet. MacArthur Fellow, pianist, and interdisciplinary artist Jason Moran is at the helm as curator, and his vision for the festival is ambitious: jazz as a living American art form, rooted in Black creative tradition and open to all kinds of listeners.
Opening night features Savion Glover alongside Jason Moran and Chris Dave, and the festival closes out with the world premiere of A Nation Listens, a newly commissioned work featuring Chris Potter with special guest Julian Lage.
In between, free waterfront performances bring Mavis Staples, Tank & The Bangas, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Waterfront Park. There are late-night sets at Big Joe’s in Flynn Space, 44 school bands from 38 area schools performing throughout the city, and dozens of free shows woven into the festival.
Most of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is free, including the waterfront performances, the street stages, and the school showcases.
Ticketed performances take place at the Flynn Main Stage. Check the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival website for the full schedule and to grab tickets before they sell out.
Saint Johnsbury Pet Parade, June 6, 2026: Bring your leashed or crated pets, your best costume ideas, and your love for local community spirit to the 76th Saint Johnsbury Pet Parade. he fun kicks off with pet registration at 8:30 am, followed by parade line-up at 9:30, and the parade steps off at 10 sharp from the Fairbanks Museum. Be sure to register your pets ahead of time: this year’s theme is celebrities.
Vermont Events: June 8 – 14, 2026
Vermont Days, statewide, June 10 & 11, 2026: Vermont Days celebrates some of the most special places in Vermont with a whole weekend of free entry into Vermont State Parks and Vermont State Historic Sites.
Free fishing is also being offered on Saturday, when residents and non-residents can fish in Vermont’s rivers and streams without a license. There’s no better way to celebrate June in Vermont than with a day spent outside.
Vermont Events: June 15 – 21, 2026
Quechee Balloon Festival, June 19-21, 2026: The annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft & Music Festival is New England’s longest-running hot air balloon festival. Listen to live music and browse dozens of arts and crafts vendors as colorful balloons float over the valley. This is one of the most anticipated June events in Vermont!
Dog Mountain Founders Celebration Dog Party, St. Johnsbury, June 20, 2026: Bring your dog to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury to celebrate the founders of this special place, Stephen and Gwen Huneck. There will be live music, food trucks, a doggie scavenger hunt, contests, and, most importantly, a whole lot of dogs!
Vermont Events: June 22 – 28, 2026
Strawberry Festival in West Burke, VT, June 26, 2026: Get your annual shortcake fix, along with mouth-watering BBQ, pizza, live music, and dancing. This hometown festival is a great way to beat the summer heat and connect with your local friends and neighbors.
Vermont Renaissance Faire, Essex Junction, VT, June 27-28, 2026: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Vermont Renaissance Faire, a family-friendly festival of memorable merriment that includes Medieval-inspired artisans and craft vendors, mead and cider makers from around Vermont, and tasty food from local chefs.
You’ll see musicians, dancers, acrobats, historical demos, encampments, a joust, Vikings, fairies, knights, jesters, pirates, and even a unicorn! Wear your best Medieval garb and spend the weekend in another century.
Burlington Wine & Food Festival, June 27, 2026: This much-anticipated event showcases fine wines from around the globe and a carefully curated selection of Vermont-made spirits, all served side-by-side with samples from local food producers, including artisan cheeses, meats, chocolate, and more. This year’s festival takes place at HULA Lakeside in Burlington.
Jenny Brook Bluegrass Festival, Tunbridge, VT, June 24-28, 2026: Five jam-packed days of bluegrass with two stages, a barn dance, workshops, yoga, and 18 fantastic performances from some of the most talented musicians out there. Musicians are encouraged to bring an instrument for 24 hours of field picking. Camping and swimming are also available.
Not Quite Independence Day Parade in Waterbury, June 27, 2026: Not Quite Independence Day (NQID) is Waterbury’s signature summer celebration, hosted annually by the Waterbury Rotary Club. 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 is American Time Machine.
June is Pride Month in Vermont and Across the USA
Support and celebrate inclusion with the LGBTQ+ community across Vermont. Here are some Pride parades and events you won’t want to miss:
- May 29, 2026: Montpelier Pride Fest on the Statehouse lawn
- May 29-31, 2026: Essex Pride Festival
- June4-6, 2026: Pride Weekend in Woodstock
- June 6, 2026: Barre Pride Celebration
- June 7-14, 2026: St. Albans Pride in the Park
- June 20, 2026: Rutland County Pride Festival
- June 21, 2026: NEK Pride Fest in Downtown Newport
- June 27, 2026: Pride Parade and Block Party in Bennington
These fantastic Vermont events in June are perfect for lovers of community, music, and the outdoors.
Join Vermonters as we celebrate the too-short summer and the beauty of Vermont! Here are even more Vermont events you won’t want to miss throughout the year!
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