Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival 2025: Celebrate Labor Day in Plymouth Notch, VT
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Labor Day Weekend in Vermont is something to celebrate.
The summer heat is fading, and crisp air is giving autumn vibes that pull folks outdoors to soak it all in.
One of the best places to celebrate the long weekend is at the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival, which returns for its 20th year on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Held at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, the festival brings together folk and blues musicians from Vermont and beyond for two afternoons of live performances.
The Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival is free to attend, with donations encouraged to support the artists. Festivalgoers are also invited to bring non-perishable food items for the Vermont Food Bank.
Read Next: Vermont in August: 15 Fabulous Fairs and Festivals to Celebrate Late Summer
A Festival with History
The setting for the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival is one of Vermont’s most historic villages.
Plymouth Notch is the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, and the site where he took the presidential oath of office in 1923.
The village has been carefully preserved, with homes, barns, and community buildings that look much as they did during Coolidge’s lifetime. Pairing this historic backdrop with live folk and blues music creates a uniquely Vermont experience.
The 2025 Lineup
This year’s lineup includes nationally known artists and local favorites, offering a blend of traditional folk, innovative blues, and genre-bending performances.
Saturday, August 30
Jay Ottaway (2–3 pm)
Jay Ottaway is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has spent decades performing across Europe and the United States.
His songwriting blends folk, blues, and rock influences, and his music has appeared on German television, in documentary films, and on stages from Boston to Berlin.
Ottaway is also one of the co-founders of the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival, bringing his passion for the craft back to Vermont year after year. His most recent album, Next to You (2024), was named “CD of the Week” by Rockradio.de.
Phil Henry (3–4 pm)
Praised as a “top-tier singer-songwriter” by WFUV’s John Platt, Phil Henry is a true storyteller.
His music features rich lyrics and melodies that draw listeners into the lives of his characters. Henry has appeared at major festivals such as Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and SolarFest in Vermont, and he’s shared stages with folk greats like Richard Shindell and Vance Gilbert.
When he’s not performing, Henry teaches music in Vermont, where he was recognized as the Vermont Music Educators Association’s Music Educator of the Year in 2023.
The Milkhouse Heaters (4–5 pm)
This Bellows Falls–based duo, made up of Mike and Jan Sheehy, describes their style as Indie-Folk, and it’s not hard to hear why.
Their music blends the grit of rock with the harmonies of folk, producing a sound that is both raw and soulful. With influences ranging from Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons to Chrissie Hynde and Joey Ramone, the Milkhouse Heaters bring energy, humor, and heart to every performance.
Sunday, August 31
The Speckers (2–3 pm)
A family fiddle trio featuring John Specker and his daughters, the Speckers create a driving, energetic sound that honors old-time traditions while adding their own modern twist.
Ida Mae Specker, one of the trio, was named Vermont Rising Star at the 2024 New England Music Awards. Their performances combine syncopated rhythms, soulful vocals, and an irresistible energy that makes it nearly impossible to sit still.
Krishna Guthrie (3–4 pm)
Carrying on the legacy of one of America’s most famous musical families, Krishna Guthrie is the great-grandson of Woody Guthrie and grandson of Arlo Guthrie.
While he honors his family’s folk roots, Krishna blends in rock, blues, and modern influences to create a sound that is distinctly his own.
Based in Vermont, he has become a familiar name in local venues and festivals, carving his own space in the Guthrie family tree.
Hubby Jenkins (4–5 pm)
Closing out the festival on Sunday afternoon is Hubby Jenkins, a Grammy-nominated musician and former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Jenkins is a master of old-time American music, drawing on African American traditions that shaped blues, folk, and country. His solo performances showcase his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller, weaving together music and history in ways that both entertain and educate.
Plan Your Visit
The Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival takes place rain or shine at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch.
Concerts run from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but please bring cash for artist donations, as well as non-perishable food items to support the Vermont Food Bank.
This festival is the perfect way to spend Labor Day Weekend, surrounded by history, inspired by world-class musicians, and immersed in the community spirit that makes Vermont so special.
Things to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to the Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival, here are a few tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:
Parking
Free parking is available at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. Volunteers will be on hand to direct traffic, but spots near the village can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early.
Food and Drink
The Hangry Hogg food truck will be cooking up barbecue, burgers, and poutine for your dining pleasure, or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy during the concerts. The historic site has grassy areas perfect for spreading a blanket. Water is available, but packing your own snacks and drinks is recommended.
Nearby Camping and Lodging
- Coolidge State Park: Just a few minutes from the festival grounds, this park offers tent and lean-to sites, plus some of the best views in central Vermont.
- Camp Plymouth State Park: Located on Echo Lake, this campground has family-friendly sites and swimming opportunities.
- For those who prefer indoor comforts, nearby towns like Woodstock, Ludlow, and Killington offer inns, motels, and B&Bs.
What to Bring
- Lawn chairs or a picnic blanket for comfortable seating.
- Cash for artist donations (and to support the Vermont Food Bank with food contributions).
- A light sweater or jacket; afternoons may be warm, but evenings in Plymouth Notch can get cool.
- Sunscreen and a hat if you’re planning to sit in the sun.
Neary Attractions
Make the most of your Labor Day Weekend with a few nearby adventures:
- President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site: Beyond the concerts, explore the preserved village where President Calvin Coolidge grew up and took the presidential oath of office.
- Woodstock, Vermont: Just 20 minutes away, Woodstock is one of Vermont’s most charming small towns, with shops, restaurants, and the Billings Farm & Museum.
- Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow: A great spot for hiking, scenic chairlift rides, or just enjoying mountain views.
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